KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican government is advancing plans to establish a One Road Authority, a centralized regulatory body aimed at overseeing the management of the nation’s extensive road network. This initiative seeks to address persistent challenges related to road maintenance, accountability, and development by creating a unified framework for all roads across the country. Robert Morgan, Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development, announced the initiative during the Incorporated Masterbuilders Association of Jamaica (IMAJ) seminar held in Kingston on November 25. Morgan emphasized that the authority will ensure consistent standards for all roads, regardless of their location or ownership. Jamaica currently has approximately 27,000 kilometers of roads managed by various entities, including the National Works Agency, the Rural Agricultural Development Authority, and municipal corporations. However, some roads fall outside these jurisdictions, complicating repair efforts. The proposed authority aims to streamline planning and maintenance, ensuring uniform standards for farm roads, municipal roads, and main highways. Morgan clarified that the initiative is not intended to disempower existing authorities but to prioritize citizens’ needs by ensuring timely and efficient road repairs. The government plans to consult with key stakeholders, including the Masterbuilders Association and municipal corporations, to develop a comprehensive framework for the authority.
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Campbell’s responds to employee’s ‘absurd’ claim it uses 3D-printed chicken
Campbell’s, the renowned food corporation, has vehemently refuted allegations made by a senior executive, Martin Bally, who claimed the company’s soups contain “3D-printed” chicken and are primarily consumed by “poor people.” Bally, the Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer, has been placed on temporary leave pending an internal investigation following a lawsuit filed by an employee, Robert Garza. Garza alleges that Bally made racist remarks and disparaged Campbell’s products during a profanity-laden tirade, which was secretly recorded and later shared with a Michigan-based media outlet. In the audio, Bally reportedly criticized Campbell’s “highly processed foods” as inferior and unsuitable for consumption, while also making derogatory comments about Indian employees. Campbell’s has firmly denied the claims, stating that their chicken is sourced from federally-approved suppliers and meets stringent quality standards. The company emphasized that it does not use lab-grown or bioengineered meat in its products, calling the allegations “absurd” and reaffirming its commitment to quality. The scandal has cast a shadow over the iconic brand, known globally for its canned soups, which have even been immortalized in Andy Warhol’s famous artwork.
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$17 million cataract machine donated to Bustamante Hospital for Children
In a significant stride for paediatric healthcare, Jamaica’s Bustamante Hospital for Children received a state-of-the-art phacoemulsification machine valued at $17 million on Wednesday. This transformative donation, funded by the net proceeds of the More Than This Concert held on Emancipation Day, August 1, aims to combat childhood cataracts, a leading cause of preventable blindness among Jamaican children. The concert, headlined by renowned gospel artist CeCe Winans and featuring Jamaica’s top gospel performers, drew over 15,000 attendees at King’s House, making it one of the year’s most impactful faith-based events.
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CDB president urges greater collaboration between Africa and the Caribbean
In a compelling address at the African Investment Forum (AIF) Market Days, Daniel Best, President of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), emphasized the shared challenges and opportunities between Africa and the Caribbean. Speaking under the theme, “Bridging the Gap: Mobilising Private Capital to Unlock Africa’s Full Potential,” Best highlighted the critical need for partnership, discipline, and ambition to unlock large-scale capital and foster enduring development. Both regions face narrow fiscal space, climate vulnerability, and infrastructure gaps, which Best argued could be transformed into investable opportunities through innovative collaboration. He stressed that capital is a means to an end, with infrastructure only contributing to development when it enhances societal dynamism, inclusivity, and resilience. Best underscored the catalytic role of development finance institutions (DFIs) in shaping investment ecosystems, citing examples such as Dominica’s geothermal energy project and the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF). He advocated for blended finance and public-private partnerships (PPPs) as essential tools to attract private capital and accelerate sectors vital for long-term competitiveness. Best called for deeper Africa-Caribbean collaboration in project preparation, PPP structuring, and climate resilience investment, noting that platforms like the AIF provide unparalleled opportunities to align stakeholders and scale proven models. The forum, which brought together leading international voices, focused on accelerating investment in critical sectors such as energy, transport, and healthcare. Discussions highlighted the transformative role of DFIs in de-risking projects, structuring investment products, and building confidence for private investors, reaffirming that collaboration and disciplined design are key to bridging the financing gap and delivering sustainable growth for both regions.
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‘More than two light post deep’
Nearly a month after Hurricane Melissa ravaged western Jamaica, the communities of Chigwell and Old Pen in Hanover remain submerged under relentless floodwaters. Roads, farmlands, and homes have been swallowed by the rising waters, forcing residents to rely on bamboo rafts to traverse what were once drivable pathways. The situation has transformed daily life into a struggle for survival, with no immediate relief in sight.
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Angostura looks to shake up New York
Angostura, the renowned producer of bitters and premium rums, has embarked on an ambitious campaign in New York City to bolster its global brand recognition. The initiative, which spans the month of November, features large-scale advertisements on billboards, digital kiosks, and hand-painted walls in high-traffic areas such as Williamsburg and Lower Manhattan. These locations were strategically chosen for their vibrant cocktail culture and accessibility to public transit and on-premises venues. This campaign follows Angostura’s August appearance in Times Square, where its products were showcased in a 15-second looped advertisement on one of the world’s most iconic advertising platforms. The current campaign, themed ‘Inspiring Cocktail Creativity,’ aims to elevate everyday drinks into crafted cocktails, emphasizing the versatility of Angostura bitters. The United States, Angostura’s largest international market, is a focal point of this expansion effort. Ian Forbes, Angostura’s acting CEO, highlighted the campaign’s significance, stating, ‘Our goal is to deepen visibility, strengthen consumer relevance, and showcase how Angostura bitters transform mixology.’ Leesha Alexander, Angostura’s commercial manager, emphasized the company’s global reach, noting its presence in over 170 markets, including Greece, the UK, and even remote locations like Easter Island. Forbes also underscored the symbiotic relationship between Angostura’s bitters and premium rums, with the former paving the way for the latter’s international success. ‘Our premium rums are in approximately 60 countries, and Angostura bitters have opened doors for them,’ he said. This campaign marks a pivotal step in Angostura’s strategy to solidify its position as a global leader in the spirits industry.
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US embassy denies external influence in visas
The US Embassy in Port of Spain has issued a definitive statement clarifying that no foreign government influences its visa approval, denial, or revocation processes. This announcement follows reports that Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Homeland Security, Roger Alexander, had requested the embassy to deny and revoke visas of citizens allegedly spreading defamatory and misleading narratives about joint security operations in the region. In a media release dated November 26, the embassy emphasized that visa decisions are solely made by the US government, based on individual merits and adherence to US laws. The statement underscored that visas are not revoked due to the exercise of free speech, a fundamental American value, but may be denied or revoked in cases involving criminal activity. The controversy gained traction after Gary Aboud, corporate secretary of Fishermen and Friends of the Sea, revealed on November 21 that his US visa had been revoked. Aboud speculated that his vocal opposition to US missile strikes in the Southern Caribbean and Pacific, which have reportedly killed over 80 alleged drug traffickers since September 2, led to the decision. He further accused the Trinidad and Tobago government of influencing the visa revocation. However, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has firmly denied any involvement by her administration in the matter.
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Israel Khan a shining exemplar
Israel Khan QC, a renowned Senior Counsel and esteemed tutor at the Hugh Wooding Law School (HWLS), has been awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) degree by the University of TT. This prestigious accolade recognizes his exceptional contributions to the legal profession, particularly in criminal law, rather than academic achievements alone. Khan, a graduate of the HWLS Class of 1979, has been a pivotal figure at the institution for 38 years, mentoring countless aspiring lawyers. In 2024, he was celebrated as one of the six distinguished Caribbean luminaries during HWLS’s 50th anniversary. Appointed Senior Counsel in 2000, Khan has demonstrated unparalleled brilliance, moral courage, and dedication to justice throughout his career. Ulric Skerritt, a junior counsel who collaborated with Khan for over 24 years, praised his integrity and unwavering commitment to fairness. Khan’s legacy continues to inspire young attorneys, and this honorary degree is a testament to his enduring impact on the legal field.
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Hong Kong housing estate fire kills at least 36, 200-plus missing
A catastrophic fire erupted at Wang Fuk Court, a residential estate in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district, on Wednesday afternoon, marking the city’s most devastating blaze in decades. The inferno, which continued to rage into Thursday, claimed at least 36 lives and left over 200 individuals unaccounted for. The fire, which began on bamboo scaffolding surrounding several apartment blocks, rapidly spread due to strong winds and drifting debris, engulfing the densely populated estate. The estate, home to nearly 2,000 flats across eight towers, was undergoing maintenance at the time, complicating evacuation efforts. Hong Kong’s leader, John Lee, confirmed the death toll and expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. Twenty-nine individuals were hospitalized, with seven in critical condition. A firefighter, aged 37, was among the victims, succumbing to injuries sustained while battling the blaze. Witnesses described harrowing scenes of thick smoke, towering flames, and falling debris, with residents struggling to evacuate. Many elderly residents, unable to move swiftly, were particularly vulnerable. Chinese President Xi Jinping extended condolences to the victims and their families, urging authorities to minimize casualties and losses. Temporary shelters were established, and a casualty hotline was activated to assist affected residents. The fire, which has raised concerns about scaffolding safety, underscores the challenges of managing disasters in one of the world’s most densely populated cities.
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Appeal Court overturns ruling quashing dentist’s suspension
The Court of Appeal has overturned a High Court decision that had dismissed disciplinary findings and lifted the suspension of Dr. Dion Koonoolal, a dentist accused of violating the Dental Council’s advertising regulations. The case has been remitted to a newly constituted appeal tribunal for a full rehearing. Justices Charmaine Pemberton, Mira Dean-Armorer, and Carla Brown-Antoine ruled that Justice Carol Gobin, acting as the appeal tribunal, failed to conduct the case as a true rehearing, as mandated by Section 37 of the Dental Profession Act and Part 60.8 of the Civil Proceedings Rules (CPR).
Justice Pemberton, who authored the unanimous judgment, stated that this procedural lapse prevented the proper examination of evidence, including cross-examination, rendering the earlier decision “plainly wrong.” She emphasized that the appeal judge did not ensure all necessary evidence was presented, relying instead on statements from counsel and personal opinions. This approach, the court found, led to factual errors and an incorrect dismissal of the Dental Council’s statutory role as the profession’s primary regulator.
The Court of Appeal underscored the importance of appellate courts respecting the expertise of professional disciplinary bodies, particularly in specialized fields. It concluded that the High Court had undermined the role Parliament intended for the Dental Council in maintaining professional standards. While Dr. Koonoolal had challenged the fairness of the disciplinary process, the court declined to rule on these issues, noting they were not properly examined during the initial appeal.
The court also clarified that the regulatory framework explicitly prohibits unauthorized advertising by dentists, subject to specific exceptions. It rejected any interpretation suggesting ambiguity in the law, stating that the policy documents complement rather than contradict the legislative provisions. The court emphasized that debates about modernizing professional codes should not interfere with judicial obligations to base decisions on evidence and legal frameworks.
The appeal was allowed, the High Court’s decision was set aside, and the case was ordered to be reheard by a different tribunal. Dr. Koonoolal was also directed to pay the Dental Council’s legal costs. The Dental Council was represented by Ian Benjamin, SC, Anil Maraj, and Nicole de Verteuil-Milne, while Dr. Koonoolal was represented by Anand Ramlogal, SC, and Jared Jagroo.