The streets of San Fernando came alive with vibrant energy on November 22 as over 15 bands participated in the J’Ouvert celebrations, marking a highlight of the borough’s City Month activities. Revelers danced, doused each other with powder, and frolicked in foam as they moved along Coffee Street to Cipero Street, creating a festive atmosphere that captivated the city. The event was heavily policed to ensure safety, with officers managing the enthusiastic crowds. Among the attendees was Patsy Calliste, wife of the late calypsonian Leroy ‘Black Stalin’ Calliste, who, along with her grandson Keevan Calliste, enjoyed the colorful festivities. Newsday photographer Innis Francis captured the essence of the celebration, documenting moments of national pride, friendship, and pure joy. From a man in a wheelchair enjoying the dance moves of young women to a group reveling with the band South Is Bess, the event showcased the unifying power of music and culture. The celebration also saw Councillor Niagum Joseph joining the Bigbad Ballerz band, adding to the communal spirit. The J’Ouvert festivities not only highlighted San Fernando’s cultural richness but also reinforced the city’s reputation as a hub of lively and inclusive celebrations.
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EMA seeks public’s views on proposed Rocky Point hotel
The development of a new 200-bed luxury hotel on Tobago’s scenic southwest coast has advanced significantly, with the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) initiating a public consultation phase on November 21. The EMA has invited public feedback on the Certificate of Environmental Clearance application for the proposed Marriott Hotel at Rocky Point, Mt Irvine. This marks a pivotal step in the project’s journey toward realization. John Aboud, Chairman of Superior Hotels, the company spearheading the initiative, confirmed that the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has been completed and submitted following an extensive and costly study. The process included three public consultations in Tobago, ensuring local voices were heard. The EMA has set a deadline of December 12 for written objections, with the EIA available for review at various public venues. Aboud emphasized that the project has been meticulously planned to address environmental and conservation concerns, including preserving the historic fort at the site. He highlighted that the hotel aims to enhance the area’s appeal as a tourist destination while respecting its natural and cultural heritage. Despite concerns raised by environmentalists and conservationists, Aboud assured that the project aligns with their goals of preserving the site’s value. Activists have yet to comment publicly, opting to review the EMA application first.
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Cariah hat-trick caps off Red Force win over Jamaica Scorpions
In a thrilling display of cricketing prowess, Trinidad and Tobago Red Force secured a commanding 75-run victory against Jamaica Scorpions in the CG United Regional Super50 Cup. The match, held at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba on November 21, was marked by a sensational late-order hat-trick from leg-spinner Yannic Cariah, earning him the Man of the Match accolade.
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Promoters aim for US$1m goal with all-star Jamaica Strong relief concert lineup
The Jamaica Strong benefit concert, scheduled for Friday, December 12, at the UBS Arena in New York, is set to bring together a star-studded lineup to raise $1 million for hurricane relief efforts in Jamaica. Organized under the ‘I Love Jamaica Concert Series’ in collaboration with the Government of Jamaica, the event aims to provide critical support to families and communities affected by Hurricane Melissa. Headliners include Shaggy, Sean Paul, KES, Inner Circle, Ky-Mani Marley, Tessanne Chin, Aidonia, Chronic Law, TOK, Gramps Morgan, Richie Stephens, Mikey Spice, Marcia Griffiths, I-Octane, and gospel singer Kevin Downwell. Kacy Rankine, CEO of Roadblock Radio, emphasized the unity of the diaspora, stating, ‘This is New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania… the whole USA coming together. We’re going to send something big to Jamaica.’ George Crooks, CEO of Jammins Entertainment, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the urgency of the crisis and the diaspora’s commitment to supporting their homeland. Net proceeds from the concert will be transparently distributed to approved beneficiaries, including the nation’s official hurricane relief fund and other registered charities. Tickets are now available on Ticketmaster.
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Gunmen seize 315 in latest Nigerian mass school kidnapping
In a shocking escalation of insecurity, Nigeria has witnessed one of its largest mass kidnappings, with over 300 students and teachers abducted in a series of coordinated attacks. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) confirmed the latest incident, which occurred early Friday at St Mary’s co-education school in Niger state. This follows a separate abduction earlier in the week in Kebbi state, where 25 girls were taken from a secondary school. Initially, CAN reported 227 victims, but after verification, the number rose to 303 students and 12 teachers, nearly half of St Mary’s student population. The Nigerian government has yet to comment on the crisis, while Niger state governor Mohammed Umar Bago announced the closure of all schools in the state as a precautionary measure. Nearby states and the national education ministry have also ordered school closures. President Bola Tinubu has canceled international engagements, including the G20 summit in Johannesburg, to address the situation. The abductions have reignited fears of insecurity in Nigeria, a nation still haunted by the 2014 Chibok kidnapping, where nearly 300 girls were taken by Boko Haram. Citizens like Stella Shaibu, a nurse who collected her daughter from a government school near Abuja, expressed frustration over the government’s inability to ensure safety. She questioned how such large-scale abductions could occur repeatedly and voiced support for international intervention to address the crisis.
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Liverpool stunned by Forest, Newcastle damage Man City title push
Liverpool’s tumultuous season reached a new nadir as they suffered a humiliating 3-0 defeat at home to Nottingham Forest on Saturday, marking their eighth loss in the last 11 matches across all competitions. The Reds’ defensive frailties were exposed early when Murillo capitalized on a poorly defended corner in the 33rd minute, igniting Forest’s dominance. Liverpool’s frustrations were compounded by a controversial goal, as Dan Ndoye appeared to obstruct goalkeeper Alisson Becker, a decision that echoed a similar incident in their previous loss to Manchester City.
Forest doubled their lead just after halftime through Nicolo Savona, who finished neatly from Neco Williams’ assist. The hosts’ misery was complete in the 78th minute when Morgan Gibbs-White tapped in a rebound after Omari Hutchinson’s initial effort was saved. This defeat marks the first time since 1965 that Liverpool have lost consecutive league games by a three-goal margin.
Manager Arne Slot admitted his team’s struggles, citing a lack of inspiration and energy, and acknowledged the emotional toll of Diogo Jota’s tragic death in July. Despite a summer spending spree exceeding £400 million, Liverpool languish in 11th place, eight points behind league leaders Arsenal. Alexander Isak, their marquee signing, was substituted in his fourth league start, having yet to score for the club. Slot took full responsibility for the team’s poor form, describing it as a ‘very bad spell.’
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US records second human bird flu death of year
A Washington state resident has become the first recorded human case of the rare H5N5 avian influenza strain, marking a significant development in global health monitoring. The individual, described as an older adult with pre-existing health conditions, succumbed to the virus after being hospitalized earlier this month. The Washington State Department of Health confirmed the diagnosis, which was subsequently verified by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Health officials emphasized that the risk to the general public remains low, as no other cases have been reported, and there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission. The patient reportedly kept a backyard flock of mixed domestic birds, which is believed to be the source of the infection.
This incident marks the second human fatality linked to avian influenza in the United States this year, following a death from the H5N1 strain in Louisiana in January. Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) has documented over 1,000 human cases of bird flu across 25 countries since 2003, encompassing all known strains of the virus. The CDC has recorded more than 70 human cases of bird flu in the US this year alone, highlighting the ongoing need for vigilance in monitoring zoonotic diseases.
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Senator reports Facebook death threats to cops
Dr Amery Browne, an opposition senator and vice-chairman of the People’s National Movement (PNM), has formally reported online death threats made against him and his family to the police. The incident, disclosed in a Facebook post on November 22, marks a troubling escalation in the political landscape of Trinidad and Tobago. Browne, who previously served as Minister of Foreign and Caricom Affairs under both the Patrick Manning and Dr Keith Rowley administrations, shared screenshots of the threatening comments posted on his Facebook wall. He emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, ‘I have been involved in active politics since 2007 and have never encountered anything like this.’ Browne assured the public that he is treating the matter with utmost seriousness, highlighting the need for accountability and security in the face of such threats.
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After Melissa, egg farmers put GCT removal back on table
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic impact on Jamaica’s poultry industry, egg farmers are intensifying their appeal for the removal of the General Consumption Tax (GCT) on eggs. The Jamaica Egg Farmers Association (JEFA) argues that this measure, combined with the proposed importation of table eggs, would alleviate the financial strain on consumers during the upcoming Christmas season. Cheryl McLeod, Senior Director at JEFA, emphasized the need for government support to ensure affordable egg prices and stabilize supply. The Category Five hurricane, with winds reaching 185 mph, caused extensive damage to coops and decimated chicken flocks, exacerbating production losses still lingering from Hurricane Beryl in 2022. McLeod highlighted the prolonged recovery period, noting that restoring egg production could take up to six months due to the trauma inflicted on surviving birds. Farmers like Ronald Ranger of RanGeorge Farm Enterprise shared harrowing accounts of structural damage and flock losses, with production dropping by a third post-storm. While JEFA plans to coordinate egg imports through partnerships with Jamaica Broilers and Caribbean Broilers, McLeod stressed the importance of integrating local farmers into the distribution process. The association aims to have the first batch of imported eggs arrive by December 1, but farmers are urging the government to expedite rebuilding efforts to restore production within three to four months.
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United States warns against flying over Venezuelan airspace
The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a critical security notice to airmen (NOTAM) regarding potential hazards in Venezuelan airspace. The alert, released late Friday, highlights increased global navigation satellite system (GNSS) interference and the commencement of military exercises in Venezuela starting September. While several airlines continued operations to and from Venezuela on Saturday, U.S. operators are now mandated to provide the FAA with a 72-hour advance notice before traversing Venezuelan airspace. This measure supplements an existing 2019 order that already prohibits U.S. airlines from flying to or from Venezuela. The NOTAM specifically addresses the MAIQUETIA (SVZM) flight information region (FIR), which encompasses all of Venezuela’s landmass and extends approximately 350 miles into the Caribbean Sea. Notably, flight information regions, such as MAIQUETIA FIR, are administrative divisions for air traffic control and do not align with national boundaries. The FAA’s advisory underscores growing concerns over aviation safety in the region amid heightened geopolitical tensions.