For over three decades, Charlotteville has been a haven for stray dogs, affectionately referred to as ‘pothongs’ or ‘shithongs.’ These dogs, though often collarless, are remarkably gentle and coexist peacefully with villagers and visitors alike. They are fed scraps and bones by locals and tourists, forming temporary bonds during vacations. However, behind this idyllic scene lies a harsher reality, vividly depicted in Elspeth Duncan’s short film, *Charlotteville Tails*. The film, born from a career fair where Duncan discussed the power of filmmaking, was shaped by local children and highlights the struggles of starving, injured, and neglected dogs. It also showcases the community’s efforts to care for these animals, including fundraising and medical treatment. Duncan, inspired by her adopted dog Venus, advocates for kindness to all creatures through her NGO, Venus Doggess of Love. She calls for a veterinary clinic in Charlotteville to address the challenges faced by both dogs and humans. The film, alongside *Venus and Magnet*, a poetic tribute to her dog’s friendship with a chick, has garnered awards and serves as a powerful educational tool, urging viewers to embrace compassion for animals. Both films are a testament to the resilience and adaptability of Charlotteville’s dogs, whose diverse breeds reflect Trinidad and Tobago’s multicultural heritage. Duncan’s work aims to foster awareness and empathy, encouraging communities to see dogs not as utilities but as kin deserving of care and respect.
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Decades of Hinkson’s sketches in first-of-a-kind exhibit at Nalis
In an unprecedented showcase, renowned Trinidadian artist Jackie Hinkson has opened his private creative journals to the public at the National Library (Nalis) in Port of Spain. The exhibition, running until November 22, features over 210 sketchpads containing approximately 9,000 drawings, offering a deeply personal glimpse into his six-decade artistic journey. This marks the first time Hinkson, 83, has publicly displayed this extensive body of work, which spans from the mid-to-late 1980s and includes raw, unpolished sketches never intended for exhibition. About 60 of these sketchpads, preserved by The University of the West Indies (UWI), are displayed in glass cases to protect their fragile ink and ballpoint works. Hinkson explained that these sketches were born from moments of spontaneity, often created in everyday settings like panyards or doctor’s offices, where he carried only a small notebook and pen. The interactive nature of the exhibition allows visitors to wear gloves and turn the pages, immersing themselves in the artist’s creative process. Hinkson emphasized the importance of preserving and sharing these works, which he sees as both art and history. He also reflected on his evolving themes, from capturing Trinidad’s disappearing vernacular architecture to exploring social change and human behavior. Despite his accolades, including the Chaconia Medal (Gold) and UNESCO recognition, Hinkson remains committed to the discipline of work and the lifelong pursuit of artistic growth. He hopes younger artists will find inspiration in his sketchpads, while leaving interpretation to their own perspectives. Even in the digital age, Hinkson defends the relevance of traditional sketchpads, asserting that the fundamental challenges of composition, line, and color remain unchanged, whether working manually or digitally.
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Patterson urges G20 leaders to prioritise climate justice
Former Jamaican Prime Minister PJ Patterson has urged global leaders at the G20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, to prioritize climate justice as they address the pressing challenges faced by the world’s poorest nations. Patterson’s appeal comes in the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact on Jamaica, which has left hundreds homeless, destroyed critical infrastructure, and severely affected key industries like tourism and agriculture. The Category 5 hurricane, which struck Jamaica’s southwestern coast on October 28, has been linked to 45 deaths and caused an estimated $8.8 billion in damages, equivalent to 41% of Jamaica’s GDP. The World Bank has labeled Melissa as the costliest hurricane in the country’s history.
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Althea and Donna’s Uptown Top Ranking hits gold in the UK
Nearly five decades after their iconic song ‘Uptown Top Ranking’ took the music world by storm, Althea and Donna, the Jamaican reggae duo, reveal they have yet to receive any royalty payments. Released in 1977 and produced by Joe Gibbs, the track became a global sensation, topping the UK pop charts in early 1978 and achieving gold certification in 2005 for sales and streaming equivalent to over 400,000 units. Despite its enduring popularity, the duo claims they have never been financially compensated for their work. Currently, they are engaged in litigation, represented by the same legal team that handled Max Romeo’s estate. Althea shared their struggles, recalling how their initial lawyers were allegedly bought out by the record company, leaving them in a ‘losing battle.’ Donna echoed her sentiments, emphasizing their decision to move on with their lives despite the lack of financial gain. The recent gold certification has brought a sense of pride to the now 60-something artists, who expressed surprise and joy at the song’s lasting impact. Althea described the track as ‘almost a phenomenon,’ while Donna reflected on the honor of being part of such a cultural milestone. Recorded at Gibbs’ studio in St. Andrew, the song was born from a casual beach outing with friends, with Jacob Miller predicting its success. The duo’s unexpected rise to fame included performances on BBC’s ‘Top of the Pops’ and chart-topping success across Europe. While their children take pride in their legacy, Althea and Donna admit they would approach the music industry differently if given another chance, emphasizing the importance of proper contracts and business knowledge. Today, Althea resides in Atlanta, and Donna lives in Florida, reflecting on a career marked by both triumph and unresolved challenges.
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TOUGH, BUT RIGHT CALL
The Vitality Netball Roses Horizon Series, a high-profile international netball competition between England and Jamaica, has faced a significant setback with the cancellation of its Jamaican leg due to the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa. The decision, though disappointing, was deemed necessary to prioritize the recovery efforts of the affected communities. The hurricane, which struck Jamaica on October 28, disrupted extensive planning and sponsor engagements, prompting stakeholders to focus on relief initiatives.
Karen Baugh, President of Netball Jamaica (NJ), expressed her regret over the cancellation but emphasized the importance of supporting hurricane recovery. ‘We were working very hard on putting on a great show, but we must come back stronger next year,’ Baugh stated. The series, designed to provide consistent, high-intensity competition for both teams, will now proceed with only the England leg, scheduled for December 13 and 14 at London’s Copper Box Arena.
In a show of solidarity, England Netball announced that £1 from every ticket sold for the London matches will be donated to World Central Kitchen (WCK), NJ’s charity partner, which is providing meals to Jamaican families affected by the hurricane. Fans are also encouraged to make optional donations at checkout.
Eboni Usoro-Brown, President of England Netball, highlighted the deep-rooted relationship between the two nations, stating, ‘The Sunshine Girls are more than opponents; they have shaped some of the most defining moments in our sport.’ She expressed pride in England Netball’s support for Jamaica during this challenging time and pledged to ensure the Sunshine Girls feel respected and supported in London.
The Jamaican team, already facing selection challenges due to the unavailability of key players, remains determined to perform at their best. ‘We are going out there to give it our best shot,’ Baugh affirmed, despite the absence of regular captain Jhaniele Fowler-Reid and other prominent players.
The cancellation underscores the broader impact of natural disasters on sports and community life, while the collaborative response highlights the resilience and unity within the netball community.
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Fire station for a home
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm that wreaked havoc across western Jamaica, approximately 15 firefighters found themselves without homes, turning their fire stations into temporary shelters. Jamaica Fire Brigade Commissioner Stewart Beckford revealed that 193 firefighters were impacted by the disaster, with 25 experiencing total destruction of their homes and 168 facing significant damage. Many of these first responders were still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Beryl when Melissa struck, compounding their struggles.
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From Yemen’s conflict zone to ‘harrowing’ Jamaica
Georg Gassauer, a seasoned responder with Doctors Without Borders (MSF), has witnessed the horrors of conflict zones in Yemen, but nothing prepared him for the devastation he encountered in Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa. Arriving days after the initial MSF team was deployed to St James and neighboring parishes, Gassauer was struck by the sheer scale of destruction. Hillsides were stripped bare, trees stood leafless, and communities were left picking up the pieces of their shattered lives. ‘It’s quite a harrowing view,’ Gassauer remarked, shaking his head. ‘We’ve worked in natural disasters before, but nothing like this.’
Since November 1, MSF has been working closely with Jamaica’s Ministry of Health and Wellness to restore access to clinical facilities, deliver potable water, test groundwater, and supply health centers with essential materials. One of their most significant contributions has been the restoration of the roof at Cornwall Regional Hospital, which had lost over 80% of its ceiling to the hurricane’s fierce winds. ‘This is quite unusual for us to be a funding partner,’ Gassauer noted. ‘Usually, we’re an implementing partner, but here we had to take a different role.’
Despite the challenges posed by damaged infrastructure, Gassauer remains optimistic about Jamaica’s recovery. He praised the resilience and solidarity of the Jamaican people, particularly the community’s efforts to support one another. ‘One of the things that I found very encouraging was just the solidarity that is shown from Jamaicans,’ he said. ‘I don’t think anybody from the team was really expecting that Jamaica and its health services would be bouncing back as fast as they did.’
Gassauer’s experience in Jamaica has been a stark reminder of the power of nature and the strength of human spirit. While the road to recovery is long, the unwavering determination of the Jamaican people offers a beacon of hope in the face of adversity.
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HOMELESS HEROES
Hurricane Melissa has left a trail of destruction in its wake, particularly impacting the lives of Jamaica’s firefighters. The catastrophic storm rendered 25 firefighters homeless and caused substantial damage to the residences of nearly 170 others. These brave individuals, whose roles often require them to risk their lives to protect others and safeguard property, now face immense personal challenges. The devastation has forced 15 of these national heroes to take refuge in the very fire stations where they serve, highlighting the severity of their plight. In response, Jamaica Fire Brigade Commissioner Stewart Beckford has issued an urgent appeal for assistance from corporate Jamaica. Beckford emphasized the critical need for support to help these firefighters rebuild their lives and continue their vital work in the community. The tragedy underscores the vulnerability of those who dedicate their lives to public service, even as they confront the dual burdens of professional duty and personal loss.
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Fire alarm!
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, Jamaican firefighters have been inundated with emergency calls, primarily addressing structural and electrical fires. Fire Chief Stewart Beckford revealed that the hardest-hit parishes—Westmoreland, St Elizabeth, St James, Trelawny, and Hanover—are grappling with widespread debris, dry mountain ranges, and downed utility poles, which have become significant fire hazards. Between October 28, when the Category 5 storm struck, and November 19, the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) responded to 143 fire-related incidents, including 58 structural fires and 34 electrical or utility pole fires. Additionally, 25 landfill fires, 17 bush fires, and nine vehicle fires were reported. Tragically, seven deaths due to carbon monoxide poisoning from generators were also recorded. Beckford emphasized that many structural fires originated in Westmoreland and rural communities, where residents rely on candles for light due to prolonged power outages. He urged caution when using candles, advising against placing them near flammable materials and recommending the use of water-filled containers to prevent accidental fires. The fire chief also highlighted the dangers of burning debris, a common practice post-hurricane, and called for safer disposal methods. Bush fires, exacerbated by dry conditions, have further strained firefighting resources, with some areas remaining inaccessible due to flooding and landslides. Beckford expressed regret over the carbon monoxide-related deaths, reiterating the importance of placing generators at a safe distance from homes and ensuring proper ventilation. He appealed to Jamaicans to prioritize safety and avoid practices that could lead to further disasters.
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A Journey HOME
Jamaican-born photographer, model, and creative director Tameisha Edwards recently returned to her birthplace in St Ann, Jamaica, to create a deeply personal photography series titled ‘Home’. The project, which explores themes of family, roots, and identity, captures the essence of what home truly means through intimate portraits and candid moments. Edwards, whose work spans documentary, portraiture, fashion, and visual storytelling, focuses on the connections that shape our lives. ‘The Home project is my exploration of what home really is: The people we love, the family that shapes us, the spaces where memories linger, and the special moments that make life feel connected,’ Edwards explains. Her photographs celebrate the bonds between people, the love we share, and the sense of belonging that makes a home truly feel like home. Edwards’ journey into photography began three years ago, initially using her iPhone to teach herself composition and framing. Her first major project was capturing behind-the-scenes photos for Omah Lay’s New Wave magazine feature, which ignited her passion for storytelling through images. Now based between London and Bristol, Edwards has gained recognition for her work, which has been featured in PhotoVogue and various exhibitions. She has also made a name for herself in modelling, working with brands like Avon Cosmetics, Nike, and Juicy Couture. Looking ahead, Edwards aims to expand her creative work into styling and jewellery design while continuing to mentor young Caribbean creatives. Her trip to Jamaica was a healing experience, allowing her to reconnect with her heritage and see her home with fresh eyes. Her images, vibrant and intimate, are a testament to the lived experiences of Jamaicans.