Brazil’s former president Jair Bolsonaro was taken into custody on Saturday after the Supreme Court determined he posed a significant flight risk. Bolsonaro, who is under house arrest while appealing a 27-year prison sentence for his role in a foiled coup attempt, allegedly tried to disable his ankle monitor to escape. The court revealed that Bolsonaro used a soldering iron on the device, which he claimed was out of “curiosity.” Despite the damage, the monitor remained functional. Supreme Court judge Alexandre de Moraes ordered the detention as a preventive measure, citing concerns over a planned vigil organized by Bolsonaro’s son, Flavio, which could create chaos and facilitate an escape. Bolsonaro, who governed Brazil from 2019 to 2022, has been confined to an upscale condominium in Brasilia since August. Moraes also highlighted the proximity of Bolsonaro’s residence to the US embassy, raising fears he might seek asylum. Bolsonaro, a former army captain and ally of ex-US President Donald Trump, has faced widespread criticism for his handling of the Amazon deforestation and the COVID-19 pandemic. His conviction in September accused him of leading a criminal organization to maintain authoritarian power. The case has left Brazil’s conservative electorate without a clear leader ahead of the 2026 presidential elections, where leftist Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva plans to run for a fourth term. Bolsonaro’s legal team has vowed to appeal the detention, citing his alleged frail health due to a 2018 stabbing incident. Meanwhile, reactions to his imprisonment have been polarized, with supporters decrying it as political persecution and opponents celebrating his downfall.
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Classique Group pledges $20 million in Hurricane Melissa relief
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant humanitarian gesture, the Classique Group, along with its subsidiaries SBR Weekend, Classique Auto Sales/Rentals, and Ecosense Project Management, has pledged $20 million to aid rural Jamaica in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. The devastating storm left communities submerged, families displaced, and infrastructure in ruins, prompting immediate action from the conglomerate.
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Asafa Powell spends his birthday delivering homes to hurricane victims
KINGSTON, Jamaica — On Sunday, November 23, retired sprint legend Asafa Powell transformed his birthday into a humanitarian effort, delivering homes to families devastated by Hurricane Melissa last month. Powell shared his experience on Instagram, stating, ‘Amazing way to spend my birthday! Delivering homes to families affected by the hurricane, who might not get to celebrate holidays like this. It was truly special seeing their smiles and tears of joy.’ He also expressed gratitude to donors who contributed through a GoFundMe campaign. Earlier this month, Powell and his wife, Alyshia, distributed groceries and toiletries to hurricane victims in Georges Valley, St Elizabeth, with support from U.S. Olympian Noah Lyles and his Lyles Brothers Sports Foundation, along with his fiancée, track athlete Junelle Bromfield. Powell’s efforts highlight his commitment to giving back to communities in need.
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Venezuelans held in Erin with 112 bottles of alcohol
In a significant crackdown on illegal activities, the South Western Division of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) conducted a successful Operation HELIOS over the weekend. The operation, which took place in the Erin district, led to the detention of eleven suspected Venezuelans, including one minor, and the seizure of substantial quantities of contraband. The exercise, carried out between 8 am on November 22 and 8 am the following day, involved collaboration between Task Force officers, the Erin police, the Canine Unit, and the Defence Force. Acting on intelligence, the officers targeted the Erin Beach Facility, where they discovered the group hiding in a bushy area. Subsequent searches along the shoreline uncovered 112 bottles of alcohol and various amounts of sausage and cheese. The Immigration Division has been notified, and investigations are currently underway. The operation was authorized by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Operations Suzette Martin, led by Senior Superintendent Thompson, and coordinated by Assistant Superintendents Corrie and Forbes.
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Padarath defends PM: She meant cuffing Imbert ‘politically’
In a heated parliamentary session on November 21, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar of Trinidad and Tobago found herself at the center of a political storm. The incident, involving Diego Martin North/East MP Colm Imbert, has sparked a robust defense from the United National Congress (UNC) leadership and its women’s league. Barry Padarath, Leader of Government Business and Public Utilities Minister, firmly stated that Persad-Bissessar has no need to apologize for her remarks, emphasizing that the UNC will not tolerate intimidation from any quarter. Padarath described the exchange as a response to what he termed ‘political molestation’ by Imbert, asserting that the Prime Minister stood up for herself and others who have faced similar denigration from the People’s National Movement (PNM). He highlighted a history of ‘disgusting and vile attacks’ by the PNM, questioning the silence of civil society during such incidents. The UNC Women’s League echoed Padarath’s sentiments, praising Persad-Bissessar for her strength and composure under provocation. They criticized the PNM Women’s League for demanding an apology, labeling it a misogynistic double standard. The league argued that the video evidence clearly showed Imbert’s behavior as the root of the conflict, characterizing it as ‘male intimidation’ rather than parliamentary debate. The incident unfolded during a debate on the virtual assets bill, where Persad-Bissessar and Imbert clashed over procedural matters. Imbert’s pointed remarks led to Persad-Bissessar’s sharp retort, ‘Because I will cuff you down,’ which has since become a focal point of the controversy. Padarath reiterated that the UNC will not apologize for defending itself, signaling a shift in the political dynamics of Trinidad and Tobago.
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US embassy: Follow the rules, don’t jeopardise your visa
The US Embassy in Port of Spain has issued a stern warning to visa holders in Trinidad and Tobago, emphasizing the importance of adhering to US laws to avoid severe consequences. In a social media post on November 23, Mike Mitchell, the visa chief at the US Embassy, cautioned that violating US laws could lead to visa revocation, deportation, and ineligibility for future visas. Mitchell stressed that a US visa is a privilege, not a right, and urged visa holders to follow the rules to safeguard their travel privileges. This warning follows the recent revocation of Gary Aboud’s US visa, a prominent environmental activist and corporate secretary of Fishermen and Friends of the Sea. Aboud speculated that his visa cancellation was linked to his criticism of US missile strikes on suspected drug boats in the Southern Caribbean and Pacific. These strikes, which have resulted in over 80 deaths, have been criticized by Aboud and international groups, including the United Nations, as illegal. Aboud, who was arrested in 2013 during a protest, received notification of his visa cancellation on November 21, citing ‘new information’ as the basis for the decision. He questioned whether the Trinidad and Tobago government influenced the decision, given Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s strong support for the US war on drug cartels. Persad-Bissessar denied any involvement, labeling Aboud’s comments as reckless.
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Culture Minister: Carnival venues at Queen’s Park Savannah, Chaguaramas
The Trinidad and Tobago government has announced alternative venues for Carnival 2026 events following a sweeping ban on fetes at major public sporting facilities. Minister of Culture and Community Development Michelle Benjamin revealed during a House of Representatives session on November 21 that the Queen’s Park Savannah (QPS) and facilities in Chaguaramas have been designated as primary alternatives. This decision comes after Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar extended a ban on Carnival-related events at key venues, including the Hasely Crawford Stadium and the Jean Pierre Complex, sparking concerns from industry stakeholders. The ban, initially imposed on the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, has been criticized by promoters who warn it could devastate the multi-billion-dollar Carnival and entertainment industry, a critical driver of tourism and foreign exchange. Benjamin assured that her ministry, in collaboration with the National Carnival Commission (NCC), is committed to supporting stakeholders and ensuring a successful Carnival. However, tensions flared during the parliamentary session as Diego Martin West MP Hans Des Vignes pressed for clarity on stakeholder consultations, only to be cut off by Speaker Jagdeo Singh for violating procedural rules. Laventille West MP Kareem Marcelle also questioned the minister on additional venues, to which Benjamin reiterated the QPS and Chaguaramas as key locations. The TT Promoters Association (TTPA) has urged the government to reconsider the ban, warning it could deliver a ‘death knell’ to the already vulnerable sector. Despite a scheduled meeting between the TTPA and Benjamin on November 21, no confirmation of its occurrence was provided, leaving industry concerns unresolved.
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78 per cent of schools reopen so far
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Senator Dana Morris Dixon, Minister of Education, Skills, Youth, and Information, announced that 78% of Jamaica’s schools, totaling 791 institutions, have reopened as of November 19, 2025, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. The minister highlighted the critical role of resuming normal routines for children in overcoming trauma during a Senate statement on Friday. She praised principals and board chairs for their efforts in restoring educational operations under challenging conditions. Morris Dixon also acknowledged the support of Opposition representative Damion Crawford in expediting the reopening process. Additionally, the government has allocated $325 million in clean-up grants to over 500 schools, with funds ranging from $300,000 to $1,000,000 based on the severity of hurricane damage. These grants will support debris removal, sanitation, and the restoration of utilities and essential amenities. The minister commended the collaborative efforts of school leaders, staff, students, and community volunteers in the clean-up process, emphasizing the pivotal role of schools in rebuilding community normalcy.
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Uganda men heartbroken as paternity tests soar
In the heart of eastern Uganda, Moses Kutoi, a respected clan leader of the Bagisu people, finds himself at the center of a cultural and familial storm. As paternity disputes surge across the country, Kutoi mediates sensitive family conflicts, often involving men questioning the resemblance of their children. For Kutoi, this issue is deeply taboo, rooted in ancestral wisdom, yet he feels compelled to intervene to prevent marriages from collapsing into violence. “Even I don’t resemble my father,” he recently told a skeptical man seeking his help. The rise of DNA testing, fueled by reports of well-known Ugandans discovering they are not the biological fathers of their children, has intensified these disputes. The Ministry of Internal Affairs reports a dramatic increase in voluntary DNA tests, with over 98% of results revealing non-paternity. Despite appeals from religious leaders like Anglican Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba, who urged tolerance and faith, the demand for DNA testing continues to grow. In Nabumali, where Kutoi serves as mayor, the high cost of testing—over $200—makes it inaccessible for many families. Kutoi, drawing on his own experience, emphasizes the importance of unity and tradition, reminding disputing couples that children are a blessing regardless of biological ties. As paternity disputes increasingly intertwine with property and divorce proceedings, faith leaders like Rev. Robert Wantsala and Pastor Andrew Mutengu are stepping in to counsel families and mediate conflicts. Yet, as DNA testing becomes more prevalent, the challenge remains to balance modern science with traditional values in a rapidly changing society.
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World Central Kitchen serves over one million meals in Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, World Central Kitchen (WCK) has delivered more than one million hot meals to residents in western Jamaica, offering crucial support to those impacted by the disaster. This milestone was announced by Montego Bay Mayor Richard Vernon during a press briefing following an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) meeting on November 20. Mayor Vernon highlighted the significant aid provided to St James and expressed gratitude for WCK’s ongoing efforts to assist vulnerable communities across the municipality. He praised the dedication of volunteers and donors, urging continued contributions to sustain the initiative, which serves a vital humanitarian purpose. WCK, founded by celebrity chef José Andrés in 2010, specializes in rapid food relief during emergencies, setting up kitchens and collaborating with local partners to deliver immediate assistance. Shifting focus, Mayor Vernon also addressed the reopening of Montego Bay’s tourism sector, a cornerstone of the city’s economy. He emphasized that tourism contributes 30% to Jamaica’s GDP and 25% of national employment, with Montego Bay relying on it for over half of its economic activity and jobs. Vernon detailed efforts to restore hotels safely, ensuring workers regain employment. He commended Sandals for retaining its staff and encouraged other hotels to follow suit. The mayor underscored the importance of reopening tourism facilities to maintain Montego Bay’s appeal to visitors and assured that recovery efforts would balance economic revitalization with addressing residents’ immediate needs.