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  • St Elizabeth will rise again, says Green

    St Elizabeth will rise again, says Green

    South West St Elizabeth Member of Parliament Floyd Green has delivered a resolute message of recovery following Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic impact on Jamaica’s primary agricultural region. The Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, drawing strength from personal adversity, acknowledged the parish’s profoundly challenging circumstances after enduring two major hurricanes within consecutive years.

    In an exclusive interview with Observer Online during Sunday’s Food, Rum and Reggae Benefit concert at Ranny Williams Entertainment Complex, Green described the hurricane aftermath as ‘heartbreaking’ and ‘traumatic’ for constituents who lost livelihoods within hours. ‘When you consider how much people lost and how diligently they’ve worked, especially in this region of Jamaica, and witnessing everything vanish in less than a day becomes profoundly devastating,’ he reflected.

    The benefit concert, originally scheduled for November 7-9 in St Elizabeth, was strategically repurposed to support reconstruction initiatives following hurricane-related postponement. Event organizers confirmed that partial proceeds will specifically target rejuvenation of the agricultural sector, which had been progressively recovering from 2024’s Hurricane Beryl before Melissa’s devastating arrival.

    Green revealed his own personal stakes in the disaster, noting that his residence in Black River suffered complete destruction. Despite this dual burden of public representation and personal loss, the minister emphasized his unwavering commitment to leadership responsibilities. ‘As their elected representative and community leader, I recognized the imperative to demonstrate steadfast leadership. Setting aside personal concerns to serve the maximum number of affected individuals became my immediate priority,’ he stated.

    The parliamentarian invoked theological perspective to contextualize the challenges, referencing the adage about divine assignment of difficult battles to strongest soldiers. While expressing preference for alternative outcomes, Green affirmed his philosophical approach: ‘We certainly wouldn’t choose to endure this again, particularly so shortly after Beryl. However, we maintain our resilience and continue advancing forward despite adversities.’

    He highlighted the crucial reinforcement from family, friends, and support networks providing essential encouragement and guidance. Green concluded with determined optimism: ‘Each day begins with gratitude and renewed dedication to progress. While no simple solutions exist, our collective perseverance ensures St Elizabeth’s agricultural sector will ultimately emerge stronger.’

  • 920 THA workers to get Xmas back pay

    920 THA workers to get Xmas back pay

    In a significant development for Tobago’s public sector workforce, 920 permanent employees of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) are set to receive their long-awaited back payments between December 18-23. The confirmation comes from THA Secretary of Finance and the Economy Petal-Ann Roberts, who verified the payment timeline through official communications on December 11.

    The financial settlement follows a landmark memorandum of agreement signed on December 2 between the Public Services Association (PSA) and the Chief Personnel Officer. The comprehensive agreement includes a 10% wage increase, consolidation of Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) for the periods 2014-2016 and 2017-2019, and substantial back pay totaling $3.8 billion Trinidad and Tobago dollars.

    Hayden Duke, PSA’s Tobago region industrial relations officer, expressed profound relief at the resolution, noting that permanent civil servants would definitely receive their entitled payments. “I am ecstatic,” Duke told Newsday, reflecting on the four-year struggle during which employees worked with 2013 salary scales in 2026.

    The breakthrough concludes a decade-long negotiation period that saw workers initially offered a “utterly disrespectful” 4% increase by the previous administration. PSA President Felisha Thomas celebrated the achievement in a December 10 circular, stating: “Your sacrifice has not been in vain. Today, we are proud to announce that your resilience has delivered meaningful results.”

    The new salary structure will take effect in January 2026, with allowances retroactive to January 1, 2014. The settlement delivers on campaign promises made by current Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who had committed to the 10% wage increase during the UNC’s election campaign following the PSA’s rejection of the previous government’s offer.

  • Motion to remove deputy mayor of Savanna-la-Mar denied

    Motion to remove deputy mayor of Savanna-la-Mar denied

    A monthly assembly of the Westmoreland Municipal Corporation (WMC) in Jamaica was thrust into procedural turmoil as Councillor Lidden Lewis of the Frome Division initiated an unexpected motion to remove Deputy Mayor Devon Thomas from his appointed role. The proceedings, which unfolded during the Thursday meeting, highlighted significant internal friction within the municipal leadership.

    Councillor Lewis presented a formal notice of motion, contending that Deputy Mayor Thomas, who represents the Savanna-la-Mar North Division, had demonstrated a persistent failure in ensuring accountability and transparency within the corporation. “There has been a conspicuous lack of accountability and transparency at the Westmoreland Municipal Corporation,” Lewis asserted. “The deputy mayor has neglected his duty to drive meaningful change and provide adequate support to WMC operations.”

    The motion, seconded by Julian Chang of the Savanna-la-Mar Division, was abruptly halted by Mayor Danree Delancy. The mayor ruled the notice inadmissible due to procedural improprieties, specifically its submission outside the mandated timeframe required for such motions.

    Following several minutes of deliberation regarding the motion’s legality, Lewis voluntarily withdrew his proposal but indicated his intention to reintroduce it in January. He further requested an explanation from WMC Chief Executive Officer Andre Griffiths regarding why the notice was included in the December meeting agenda if it was destined for rejection. This request was denied.

    In a related development, a secondary motion was introduced—and subsequently seconded by Councillor Warren Lyttleton of the Grange Hill Division—proposing that parochial funding allocations for councillors be distributed as a percentage-based model rather than a fixed sum. The outcome of this proposal remains pending future discussion.

    Lewis ultimately conceded that a new notice would need to be submitted to the CEO at least eight days prior to the next meeting, in full compliance with established procedural guidelines.

  • Grand Slam Track files for bankruptcy

    Grand Slam Track files for bankruptcy

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The emerging track and field circuit, Grand Slam Track (GST), founded by Olympic medalist Michael Johnson, has formally initiated bankruptcy proceedings. The league announced this significant development through an official statement released on its Instagram platform this Thursday, citing the abrupt withdrawal of a key financial commitment earlier this year as the primary catalyst.

    In its communiqué, the league reflected on its ambitious mission to establish a premier professional platform worthy of the sport’s elite athletes. The inaugural season was hailed for delivering a series of memorable competitions, featuring groundbreaking athletic performances, unexpected outcomes, and highly anticipated rivalries. However, these sporting successes were overshadowed by persistent structural challenges.

    ‘While our first season successfully created a backdrop for unforgettable races and record-breaking moments,’ the statement read, ‘it simultaneously revealed that the league required a more durable financial and operational foundation to truly fulfill its long-term mission.’

    Following the sudden loss of its pledged investment, GST leadership embarked on an intensive campaign to secure alternative funding sources. The objective was to meet existing financial obligations and ensure the league’s continuity. After exhausting all potential avenues, the organization concluded that a court-supervised reorganization process represents the most viable strategy to safeguard its community and overarching objectives.

    This bankruptcy filing is positioned not as an endpoint, but as a strategic restructuring. GST emphasized that this legal process will facilitate the resolution of outstanding liabilities, potentially attracting new investors and strategic partners. The ultimate goal remains achieving sustainable growth and long-term stability for the innovative track league.

  • Equality for All Foundation unveils ‘Queer Agenda’ in Jamaica

    Equality for All Foundation unveils ‘Queer Agenda’ in Jamaica

    Jamaica’s Equality for All Foundation (EFAF) unveiled a comprehensive revision of its national Queer Agenda on Tuesday, presenting an evolved advocacy framework aimed at enhancing legal protections and social inclusion for LGBTQ+ citizens. Executive Director Glenroy Murray addressed diplomats, UN officials, civil society representatives, and media members at the launch event, emphasizing the document’s role in articulating concrete policy expectations from the government and broader society.

    The updated agenda reflects both measurable progress and persistent challenges since the original 2018 publication. Murray noted the intentional reclamation of the term ‘queer agenda’—historically weaponized against the community—as a positive assertion of policy priorities. Significant achievements highlighted include expanded mental health services, curriculum reforms at the University of the West Indies, training programs for over 150 social-service providers through EU partnerships, and sensitization initiatives with the Jamaica Constabulary Force supported by British diplomacy.

    Despite these advancements, Murray underscored alarming ongoing issues: 33% homelessness rates within the LGBTQ+ community, widespread discrimination, and insufficient legal safeguards. The document serves as a strategic roadmap across multiple pillars including security and justice, healthcare, education, housing, and family protections. Distributed copies outlined specific recommendations for creating a more inclusive Jamaica, with participation from international partners including Belgium and the United Kingdom, alongside local organizations like TransWave Jamaica and Jamaica Aids Support for Life.

    Murray concluded that while societal openness has gradually improved, formal recognition of the community’s contributions throughout Jamaica’s 63-year history remains inadequate, necessitating renewed commitment to structural change.

  • UDC to expand New Year’s Eve fireworks display to western Jamaica to uplift spirits

    UDC to expand New Year’s Eve fireworks display to western Jamaica to uplift spirits

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant expansion of its traditional year-end celebrations, Jamaica’s Urban Development Corporation (UDC) has announced it will extend its New Year’s Eve fireworks display across five parishes. This strategic decision aims to bolster morale and foster unity among communities in western Jamaica still recovering from Hurricane Melissa’s recent impact.

    The state-owned corporation revealed through an official statement on Thursday that alongside established fireworks viewings in downtown Kingston, Ocho Rios, and Montego Bay’s Harmony Beach Park, two additional locations—Black River in St. Elizabeth and Long Bay Beach in Negril—will host the celebratory displays. This represents a deliberate effort to bring accessible festive experiences to more Jamaican families during the ongoing recovery period.

    UDC officials emphasized that while this year’s celebrations will adopt a more restrained approach compared to previous years, the organization recognizes the profound importance of creating spaces for collective joy, reflection, and community bonding. The initiative specifically aims to provide a sense of normalcy and shared optimism as the nation looks toward 2026.

    ‘Each designated location will feature complimentary public viewing areas for the official UDC midnight countdown ceremony followed by fireworks displays,’ the corporation confirmed. These gatherings are designed to facilitate moments of shared anticipation and national unity, allowing communities to collectively celebrate resilience and hope for the future. The expanded program demonstrates the government’s commitment to psychological recovery through community engagement, acknowledging that emotional healing remains crucial alongside physical reconstruction efforts in hurricane-affected regions.

  • Putin reaffirms support for Venezuela’s Maduro over US tensions

    Putin reaffirms support for Venezuela’s Maduro over US tensions

    MOSCOW—In a significant display of geopolitical alignment, Russian President Vladimir Putin has reinforced his nation’s strategic partnership with Venezuela during a high-level telephone discussion with President Nicolás Maduro. The Kremlin confirmed Thursday’s diplomatic exchange emphasized Moscow’s unwavering support for Caracas amid mounting international pressures.

    The conversation follows a dramatic escalation in regional tensions after United States military forces executed a high-seas interception of a Venezuelan-flagged oil tanker. US special operations personnel conducted a helicopter-borne boarding operation, seizing the vessel in what Washington characterizes as anti-narcotics enforcement.

    This latest incident represents merely one facet of the complex confrontation between the Maduro administration and Western powers. The Venezuelan leader has consistently rejected allegations from US authorities that his government participates in narcotics trafficking, countering that these accusations serve as pretext for intervention motivated by Venezuela’s substantial petroleum reserves.

    Russia and Venezuela have cultivated increasingly robust bilateral relations throughout recent years, cemented by Maduro’s official visit to Moscow earlier this year. During that summit, the two nations ratified a comprehensive partnership agreement and the Venezuelan president participated in Russia’s annual military parade, signaling deepening defense cooperation.

    According to official Kremlin readouts, President Putin explicitly expressed solidarity with the Venezuelan populace and endorsed Maduro’s sovereign policies against external pressure. The Russian leadership’s statement emphasized support for Venezuela’s right to protect national interests and maintain political autonomy.

    The geopolitical standoff has intensified with the Trump administration deploying naval assets within operational range of Venezuelan territory. Maritime surveillance data indicates at least 22 vessel engagements in the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean regions, resulting in numerous casualties according to regional reports.

  • First Citizens lifts profit to $990m as assets surpass $49b

    First Citizens lifts profit to $990m as assets surpass $49b

    First Citizens Group has demonstrated formidable financial resilience with an after-tax profit of $989.6 million for the fiscal year concluding September 30, 2025. The Trinidad-based financial institution revealed total assets soaring to $49.167 billion, marking another year of substantial growth and stability.

    Audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers, with engagement partner Sean Ramirez overseeing the process, the consolidated financial statements received an unmodified audit opinion on December 8, affirming their accuracy and compliance with accounting standards. The board officially approved these results on December 4.

    The group’s pre-tax profit climbed significantly to $1.365 billion, up from $1.270 billion in 2024. Revenue streams showed positive momentum with net interest income reaching $2.101 billion and fee and commission income growing to $552.9 million. Total net revenue expanded to $2.875 billion, bolstered by increased other income.

    Basic earnings per share stood at $3.93, calculated on a weighted average of 251.35 million ordinary shares. The balance sheet exhibited robust growth with total loans before allowances climbing to $24.198 billion. Net loans settled at $23.780 billion after accounting for a loan-loss allowance of $417.6 million.

    While non-performing loans experienced a slight increase to $776.6 million from $746.2 million the previous year, impairment expenses rose to $54.5 million from $13.7 million in 2024. Customer deposits, the group’s primary funding source, grew to $30.895 billion.

    Shareholders’ equity strengthened to $9.131 billion, supported by annual profits and a positive $149.8 million movement in other comprehensive income. This included an $86.6 million gain from re-measuring the group’s defined benefit plan and fair value gains on equity instruments.

    PwC highlighted the valuation of expected credit losses on credit-impaired demand loans as a key audit matter. These loans totaled $647 million with an expected credit loss allowance of $128 million, requiring significant judgment in collateral assessment and recovery estimation.

    Business segment performance varied: retail banking earned $447.1 million, corporate banking $635.4 million, treasury and investment banking $241.1 million, and trustee and asset management $38.3 million. Group functions contributed $1.179 billion, collectively generating $2.917 billion in pre-tax profit before consolidating to $989.6 million after tax.

    Operating costs remained substantial with administrative expenses at $854.9 million and other operating expenses at $634.3 million. Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets amounted to $102.1 million and $27.1 million respectively.

    Liquidity metrics remained solid with cash and bank balances at $2.130 billion and short-term investments totaling $2.695 billion. Net cash and cash equivalents stood at $1.959 billion after deducting amounts owed to other banks. Statutory deposits with the Central Bank were $2.268 billion.

    The group reported higher average interest rates on short-term deposits throughout the year. Equity method investments, including stakes in St Lucia Electricity Services Ltd, Term Finance Holdings Ltd and Infolink Services Ltd, totaled $285.2 million, generating $28.6 million in profit share.

    Dividend distributions reached $608.1 million during the year. Treasury share activities reduced recorded share capital from $458.6 million to $427.3 million, while retained earnings closed at $6.402 billion.

    PwC’s audit opinion confirmed that the financial statements ‘present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Group as at 30 September 2025,’ validating the institution’s strong capital position and operational excellence.

  • Russia vows support for Venezuela’s sovereignty ‘struggle’

    Russia vows support for Venezuela’s sovereignty ‘struggle’

    In a significant display of diplomatic solidarity, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro convened an urgent telephone conversation on December 11th, directly responding to the US Navy’s interception of a Venezuelan oil tanker in Caribbean waters. The high-stakes dialogue occurred amidst escalating tensions between Caracas and Washington, with the Venezuelan government condemning the US operation as “an act of international piracy.”

    The comprehensive discussion reinforced the strategic alliance between Russia and Venezuela, with both leaders celebrating the recent signing of 19 bilateral agreements across multiple sectors through the High-Level Intergovernmental Commission. These agreements demonstrate the deepening comprehensive alliance between the nations, with preparations already underway for the next commission meeting scheduled in Caracas for 2026.

    President Putin explicitly reaffirmed his unwavering support for Maduro’s administration in its efforts to maintain political stability, economic development, and social protection for the Venezuelan people. The Russian leader pledged continued diplomatic backing for Venezuela’s sovereignty and commitment to international law throughout Latin America.

    The timing of this strategic communication carries particular significance, coming just weeks after Maduro’s unexpected revelation of a “respectful and cordial” telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump approximately ten days prior to December 3rd. Maduro had characterized that exchange as potentially opening doors for diplomatic dialogue between the historically adversarial nations.

    During the Putin-Maduro call, special emphasis was placed on enhancing air and maritime connectivity between the two countries, with both leaders acknowledging the importance of existing direct routes to Moscow and St. Petersburg for strengthening economic, tourism, and cultural exchanges.

    Maduro shared Venezuela’s economic progress projections, including the country’s anticipated regional leadership with 9% growth this year. President Putin received comprehensive updates on these developments and extended congratulations to the Bolivarian government for its economic achievements.

    The alliance, initially established over two decades ago under late President Hugo Chávez, continues to strengthen, with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to the Joint Development Plan towards 2030. President Putin emphasized that direct communication channels between the nations remain permanently open, ensuring continuous diplomatic coordination amid ongoing geopolitical challenges.

  • Roberts predicts TPP sweep in THA elections

    Roberts predicts TPP sweep in THA elections

    In a bold political forecast, Housing Minister Anil Roberts has projected a comprehensive electoral triumph for the Tobago People’s Party (TPP) in the forthcoming Tobago House of Assembly (THA) elections scheduled for January 12. The prediction emerged during Senate deliberations on the Finance Bill 2025 on December 9, where Roberts engaged in heated exchanges with Opposition senators.

    Roberts systematically dismantled claims by PNM senators that the United National Congress (UNC) government had performed poorly since its April 28 general election victory. The UNC secured 26 parliamentary seats compared to PNM’s 13, with the TPP capturing two seats—creating an unconventional seating arrangement where TPP legislators occupy government benches despite no formal coalition agreement.

    The minister employed sharp sarcasm when referencing PNM’s electoral prospects, stating: ‘I expect the people of Tobago on January 12 will bring the PNM back’—a remark met with knowing laughter from government benches. He contextualized his prediction by recalling the PNM’s devastating 14-1 defeat by the Progressive Democratic Patriots (PDP) in the 2021 THA elections, noting that most PDP representatives subsequently defected to form the TPP in August 2023.

    Roberts attributed the anticipated TPP landslide to public disillusionment with PNM’s governance approach, accusing them of prioritizing ‘friends, family and financiers’ over public welfare. He vehemently defended Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar against claims of ethnic bias, praising her inclusive cultural policies and broad popular support.

    The political theater intensified as Roberts addressed temporary Opposition Senator Mustapha Abdul-Hamid—returning to Parliament after a 15-year absence—declaring that even the symbolic resurrection of PNM founder Dr. Eric Williams would fail to revitalize the party. Government senators expressed vigorous approval through desk-thumping applause as Roberts concluded that the population would never permit another PNM administration.