The UK Government has significantly increased its humanitarian aid to Jamaica and the Caribbean, allocating an additional £5 million in emergency funding, bringing the total to £7.5 million. This funding is aimed at supporting recovery efforts following the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. The aid package includes over 3,000 shelter kits and 1,500 solar-powered lanterns to assist those whose homes have been damaged and those without electricity. The UK is collaborating with the World Food Programme and the Red Cross to ensure that emergency relief reaches the most affected communities. UK humanitarian and technical experts have been deployed to the region to coordinate and deliver aid effectively. Emergency supplies were prepositioned in Antigua & Barbuda to facilitate rapid deployment. Part of the funding will match public donations up to £1 million to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) appeal for Jamaica. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized the UK’s commitment to providing essential supplies and supporting recovery efforts. Loyce Pace, IFRC Regional Director for the Americas, expressed gratitude for the UK’s support, highlighting its role in restoring homes, livelihoods, and preparing for future disasters. British High Commissioner to Jamaica, Alicia Herbert, noted the UK’s efforts to expand relief operations and support vulnerable communities. The UK is also coordinating with travel companies to restore flights for holidaymakers and British nationals, with a specialist Rapid Deployment Team providing consular assistance. The UK is working with international partners, including CDEMA and UN agencies, to ensure effective humanitarian assistance. Additionally, pre-agreed financial instruments have been established with Caribbean governments and multilateral banks to expedite recovery in Jamaica and Haiti.
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Lifespan Water production affected by Melissa
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Lifespan Company Limited, the renowned producer of Lifespan Spring Water, has announced revised production schedules in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which caused significant damage to several of its facilities. The company revealed that its primary plant is currently operating at reduced capacity due to power outages and limited communication channels. Similar challenges are being faced at its Montego Bay location, while the Kingston facility remains operational but with restricted communication capabilities.
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Wam partners with Visa, NPICTT
WamNow Technologies Ltd., a pioneering force in Trinidad and Tobago’s digital finance landscape, has unveiled groundbreaking partnerships with global payment giant Visa and the National Payment and Innovation Company of TT (NPICTT). These collaborations, announced at Wam’s official launch on October 16 at Worx Coworking Space in Port of Spain, are set to redefine the digital payment experience for citizens and businesses across the Caribbean nation.
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Digicel offers free calls to Jamaica
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact on Jamaica, Digicel (TT) Ltd has introduced a compassionate initiative to support affected communities. Effective from October 30 to November 3, all calls to Jamaica will be zero-rated, allowing customers to connect with loved ones without charge. This move aims to provide a vital communication lifeline during this challenging period. Digicel TT CEO Pieter Verkade emphasized the importance of staying connected, stating, ‘Communication is more than a service; it’s a lifeline that enables families to share comfort, critical information, and reassurance across borders.’ To ensure equitable access, a daily cap of sixty minutes has been implemented, balancing widespread availability with network quality. Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica’s southwestern coast on October 28, caused widespread destruction, leaving over 475,000 people without power and damaging infrastructure, homes, and public buildings. In response, the government has dispatched eight 40-foot-long containers filled with essential relief supplies. Civil society, private sector organizations, and NGOs have also mobilized comprehensive relief efforts to aid recovery. Digicel TT’s initiative underscores the critical role of connectivity in disaster response and recovery.
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Sewa TT partners with Supermarket Assoc for relief supplies for Jamaica
In the wake of the catastrophic Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica on October 28, 2025, non-governmental organization Sewa TT has joined forces with the Supermarket Association of TT to streamline disaster relief operations. The initiative aims to facilitate the swift collection and distribution of essential relief items to the hurricane-ravaged island. Sewa TT announced on its social media platforms on October 31 that individuals can contribute to the cause by visiting any of the participating supermarkets and donating $100 at checkout. This contribution will fund the assembly of essential relief buckets containing food staples, hygiene products, and other necessities for Jamaicans who have lost everything to the Category 5 storm. The partnership includes major supermarket chains such as Betterdeal, Low Cost, Massy Stores, and Tru Valu. Hurricane Melissa, which made landfall on Jamaica’s southwestern coast, has left a trail of destruction, claiming 19 lives, including a child, and leaving over 475,000 people without power. The storm also caused extensive damage to homes, buildings, and infrastructure. Following its impact on Jamaica, Melissa continued its path of destruction, affecting Cuba, the Bahamas, and Bermuda. The Jamaican government has already dispatched eight 40-foot-long containers filled with critical relief supplies to aid in the recovery efforts.
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NJC: National Junkanoo parades “remain on track”
The National Junkanoo Committee (NJC) has firmly dismissed concerns about the readiness of this year’s Boxing Day and New Year’s Day parades, emphasizing that preparations are progressing smoothly and the events remain on track. In a statement released on Friday, the NJC highlighted that Junkanoo participants from various organizations are actively engaged in designing costumes, crafting music, and preparing to showcase their creativity on Bay Street during the festive season. This announcement came in response to earlier reports from the Junkanoo Corporation New Providence (JCNP), which revealed that several prominent A groups, such as the Saxons Superstars, Roots, One Family, and the Valley Boys, would not participate in the government-organized parades. Instead, these groups plan to host independent community Junkanoo events. The Tribune had initially reported on the groups’ withdrawal, sparking speculation about the future of the national celebrations. However, the NJC clarified that it has not received any formal communication from major groups indicating their withdrawal. The committee also reassured the public that sponsors remain fully committed to the government-run parades and continue to support the NJC’s management of the events. The NJC reiterated its dedication to delivering a safe, fair, and transparent parade experience that celebrates the rhythm, unity, and artistic heritage of Bahamian culture. ‘Junkanoo belongs to the people,’ the committee stated, ‘and the NJC is committed to ensuring that the sounds of drums, horns, and cowbells fill Bay Street this Christmas on New Providence, as they have for generations.’
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Melissa death toll remains at 19, figure expected to change, says Gov’t
KINGSTON, Jamaica – The death toll from Hurricane Melissa has officially reached 19, but authorities warn that the number is likely to rise as recovery operations persist across the island. Information Minister Dr. Dana Morris Dixon shared the update during a press briefing on Friday, emphasizing the government’s ongoing efforts to locate and recover missing individuals. ‘When the number changes, I will inform you,’ Morris Dixon stated. ‘These are Jamaicans, and it is heartbreaking to know they have lost their lives. Every single life lost is a profound tragedy. While these numbers are distressing, we are doing everything possible to retrieve the bodies and support the affected families.’ According to the minister, eight bodies have been recovered in St. Elizabeth, nine in Westmoreland, and two in St. James. Reports suggest that five additional bodies may still be in Westmoreland, with search and rescue operations continuing in the region. Teams from the Jamaica Defence Force and other emergency responders are tirelessly working in flood-affected and landslide-prone areas across the western parishes. Morris Dixon extended her condolences to the bereaved families and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to aiding the impacted communities.
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Schools, businesses close early amid Defence Force alert
In response to heightened military activity and escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela, several schools across Trinidad urged parents to collect their children early on October 31. An internal memo revealed that the Defence Force had been placed on high alert, with all military personnel required to report to their bases by 6 pm. Even officers on pre-retirement, sick leave, or vacation were instructed to remain on standby at home, awaiting further orders. This development follows reports from The Miami Herald and Wall Street Journal suggesting an imminent attack on Venezuelan military installations, though US President Donald Trump denied these claims. At La Horquetta South Government Primary, tensions flared as a frustrated parent clashed with a security guard over early dismissal procedures. Similarly, a denominational primary school in Curepe advised parents to pick up their children by 2 pm, an hour earlier than usual. Businesses in Port of Spain also took precautionary measures, with a software development company and a prominent law firm sending staff home by mid-afternoon. While no panic was reported, the situation was taken seriously by the public.
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Guardian Holdings records $237m in profit
Guardian Holdings Ltd has demonstrated sustained growth in its third quarter, posting a profit of $237 million attributable to equity shareholders for the period ending September 30. This marks a significant 20% increase, or $40 million, compared to the $197 million reported in the same period last year. The company’s consolidated financial statements attribute this growth to the expansion of its core insurance operations across English-speaking Caribbean nations, the Dutch Caribbean, and the Netherlands. Chairman Robert Almeida emphasized the group’s commitment to sustainable, long-term value creation, supported by operational efficiencies, disciplined cost management, and favorable market conditions. Key achievements during the quarter included a robust performance ratio, a substantial rise in earnings per share from $2.58 to $5.52, and a 28% increase in return on equity. Additionally, Guardian Holdings successfully refinanced its $1.02 billion bond by issuing a $1.05 billion secured multi-tranche bond. On October 3, credit rating agency CariCRIS reaffirmed the group’s ratings of CariAA- on the regional scale and jmAAA on the Jamaican national scale, maintaining a stable outlook. Almeida also highlighted the group’s strong capitalization and regulatory compliance. Insurance revenue for the quarter grew by $109 million, reaching $1,588 million, while other operating expenses increased by $37 million to $244 million. The board proposed a third quarterly dividend of 23 cents per share, bringing the year-to-date total to 66 cents per share, a 43-cent increase over the previous year. For the nine months ending September 30, the group reported a profit of $1,281 million, a 114% increase from the prior year, driven largely by the sale of Thoma Exploitatie BV in January. Excluding discontinued operations, the group’s profit from continuing operations stood at $630 million, a 7% increase over the previous year. Almeida noted that the core insurance operations remain robust, with insurance service results outperforming the prior year by $207 million or 34%.
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Sturge declines to confirm whether Defence Force on high alert
In a tense exchange during the House of Representatives’ Urgent Questions segment on October 31, Minister of Defence Wayne Sturge refused to confirm whether Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force personnel had been ordered to return to their bases. The question was posed by Opposition Chief Whip Marvin Gonzales, who sought clarity on the matter ahead of the debate on extending the state of emergency. Sturge cited Standing Order 27 (g), which allows ministers to withhold information if its disclosure is deemed contrary to the public interest. Despite the minister’s evasive response, an internal message revealed that all military personnel were instructed to report to their respective bases by 6 pm on October 31. The directive also extended to officers on pre-retirement leave, sick leave, or vacation, who were ordered to remain on standby and prepare for potential confinement. The message emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, ‘This is not a drill.’ The developments have raised questions about the government’s preparedness and the implications of the ongoing state of emergency.