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  • Romario Shepherd bags hat-trick as Windies sweep Bangladesh 3-0 in T20 series

    Romario Shepherd bags hat-trick as Windies sweep Bangladesh 3-0 in T20 series

    In a thrilling conclusion to their T20 series, the West Indies secured a resounding five-wicket victory over Bangladesh in Chattogram on October 31, completing a clean sweep of the three-match series. Middle-order batsmen Ackeem Auguste and stand-in captain Roston Chase were the architects of this triumph, delivering a match-defining 91-run partnership that steered the visitors to a commanding total of 152/5 in just 16.5 overs, successfully chasing Bangladesh’s 151 all out. Auguste’s explosive 50 off 25 balls, including five sixes and a boundary, complemented Chase’s equally impressive 50 off 29 deliveries, which featured five fours and a six. Despite early setbacks, the duo’s heroics turned the tide in favor of the Windies. Bangladesh, opting to bat first after winning the toss, relied heavily on opener Tanzid Hasan’s brilliant 89, but the hosts struggled to build substantial partnerships. The West Indies bowlers, led by Romario Shepherd’s hat-trick (3/36), Khary Pierre’s economical 2/23, and Jason Holder’s 2/32, dismantled the Bangladeshi batting lineup. Shepherd’s hat-trick, achieved across two overs, was a highlight, though he remained unaware of the feat until informed by his teammates. Amir Jangoo, replacing captain Shai Hope, contributed a solid 34, while Rovman Powell and Gudakesh Motie ensured the Windies crossed the finish line with ease. This victory underscores the West Indies’ dominance in the series and their ability to perform under pressure.

  • ‘Stop overlooking residents in Abaco’

    ‘Stop overlooking residents in Abaco’

    The political discourse in North Abaco remains heavily influenced by ongoing infrastructure challenges and public dissatisfaction, as newly ratified Free National Movement (FNM) candidate Terrece Bootle-Laing steps into the electoral race. Bootle-Laing, a long-time resident of Abaco, has vowed to amplify the voices of constituents who feel neglected by current leadership. She has highlighted critical issues such as deteriorating roads, the stalled reconstruction of Treasure Cay International Airport and Cooperstown Clinic, and unmaintained verges—problems that have persisted since Hurricane Dorian devastated the island in 2019. Bootle-Laing emphasized that residents often feel their concerns are only addressed after significant public outcry, with many believing their voices are inadequately represented in Parliament. The incumbent, Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) MP Kirk Cornish, has announced his intention to seek renomination despite a controversial tenure. Cornish was acquitted of rape and assault charges in 2024 and faced backlash in 2023 for self-proclaiming the title ‘Prime Minister of Abaco,’ for which he later apologized. During her campaign, Bootle-Laing has engaged with residents who have raised issues ranging from the proliferation of shanty towns and inadequate street lighting to sea wall erosion in the cays. If elected, she plans to prioritize infrastructure repair and youth empowerment initiatives.

  • ‘There is no food, we sleep in fear’:  Mothers worry in storm-hit Black River

    ‘There is no food, we sleep in fear’: Mothers worry in storm-hit Black River

    In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, the town of Black River in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, has been left in a state of devastation. Mothers in the area are now grappling with dire conditions as they desperately seek food, water, and essential supplies for their children. When Observer Online visited the town on Thursday, the scene was one of utter destruction—buildings reduced to rubble, and thick mud blanketing the once-bustling main roads.

    Residents, including Jheanile Richards and Sashoya Wynter, were seen sitting quietly amidst the ruins, clutching bags filled with whatever belongings they could salvage. Richards, cradling her one-month-old baby, recounted her five-hour search for diapers and food. ‘It’s rough, man, rough. Hunger is killing us. We’ll have to make do with the little we have,’ she said, her baby crying in the background.

    Wynter, who lost her home during the hurricane, is now sheltering in an unfinished building with her two children. ‘There’s no food, nothing! What about those who have nothing at all and those who won’t share?’ she lamented. Both mothers emphasized that their most pressing need, aside from food, is water. ‘We don’t have any water at all. I don’t even know how I’m going to bathe,’ Wynter said, looking down at her dirt-stained clothes.

    The unfinished building where Wynter and others are staying offers little comfort. ‘We’re sleeping on wet plywood. It’s hard, and we’re constantly worried about someone breaking in,’ she shared. Despite the hardships, the group of eight people staying there remains hopeful, relying on their faith for strength. ‘We sleep with fear, but we also sleep with God. Right now, God is all we have,’ Wynter said.

  • #MelissaAftermath: JMDA, MAJ issue urgent appeal for volunteer doctors at Black River Hospital

    #MelissaAftermath: JMDA, MAJ issue urgent appeal for volunteer doctors at Black River Hospital

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, the Jamaica Medical Doctors Association (JMDA) and the Medical Association of Jamaica (MAJ), in partnership with the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), have issued an urgent appeal for volunteer medical personnel to support the overwhelmed Black River Hospital in St Elizabeth. The hospital has been grappling with severe challenges since the hurricane struck, leaving its staff exhausted and roads impassable.

  • Trelawny man dead, another hospitalised; toxic fumes suspected

    Trelawny man dead, another hospitalised; toxic fumes suspected

    In a heartbreaking incident in Trelawny, Jamaica, one man has lost his life, and another is fighting for survival after inhaling toxic fumes from a standby generator. The deceased, identified as 40-year-old Gayon Dunbar, resided in Carey Park, Trelawny. The tragic event unfolded on Wednesday night when Dunbar and his companion were sleeping inside a furniture shop on 85 Market Street, Falmouth. Unbeknownst to them, the generator was operating within the confined space, leading to the fatal exposure. Early Thursday morning, a concerned friend discovered the two men in distress and rushed them to the Falmouth Public General Hospital. Dunbar was pronounced dead upon arrival, while his friend remains in critical condition. The community is in shock, mourning the loss of Dunbar, described as a quiet and hardworking individual who was a baker by profession and a devoted father of five. His sister, Cordia Moulton, expressed her grief, stating she is unable to break the news to their mother, who is currently a patient at the same hospital. Residents of 85 Market Street, also known as ‘Ghetto,’ are devastated, remembering Dunbar as a kind and helpful neighbor. The incident has left the community grappling with the sudden loss and the dangers of improper generator usage.

  • Flow raises breast cancer awareness, helps victims

    Flow raises breast cancer awareness, helps victims

    Flow Trinidad has demonstrated its commitment to Breast Cancer Awareness Month through two impactful initiatives: donating care packages to the TT Palliative Care Society and participating in the annual Scotiabank Women Against Breast Cancer 5K Walk. These efforts aim to support breast cancer patients, educate the public, and emphasize the critical importance of early detection. The company’s team members contributed hundreds of care packages filled with essential items such as skincare products, personal care supplies, and medical consumables for patients at the Caura Palliative Care Unit. Simone Martin-Sulgan, Vice President and General Manager of Flow Trinidad, highlighted the company’s dedication to community support, stating, ‘We believe in supporting our community not just with words, but with action. By providing care packages and participating in the 5K, we hope to uplift those battling breast cancer and help raise awareness to encourage early screening that can save lives.’ On October 25, over 100 Flow employees joined thousands of participants, including survivors and advocates, in the Scotiabank Women Against Breast Cancer 5K. Breast Cancer Awareness Month, observed globally every October, focuses on promoting screenings and reducing the disease’s risk, which affects 2.3 million women worldwide. Flow Trinidad expressed pride in contributing to this vital cause and reaffirmed its commitment to making a meaningful difference annually.

  • Republic Bank empowers SMEs to ‘think global’

    Republic Bank empowers SMEs to ‘think global’

    Republic Bank, in partnership with the Caribbean Association of Banks (CAB), successfully hosted its third annual SME Workshop and Marketplace on October 28 at the Hyatt Regency in Port of Spain, Trinidad. The event, themed ‘Expanding from Local to Global: Turning Sustainability into an Export Differentiator,’ aimed to equip small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from the manufacturing and agricultural sectors with actionable strategies to enhance their operations, embrace sustainability, and prepare for global export opportunities.

    Richard Sammy, Vice President of Republic Bank, emphasized the bank’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurs beyond financial services. ‘Our entrepreneurs challenge us to listen, understand their realities, and provide more than just credit facilities. We are dedicated to offering resources, training, and tools that empower SMEs to thrive. At Republic Bank, we see it as our responsibility to be true partners in their growth,’ he stated.

    The workshop featured interactive presentations and success stories from industry leaders, including Rachel Renie-Gonzales, founder and CEO of d’Market Movers; Tisha Marajh, Group Sustainability Officer at Republic Bank; Fedell Solomon, co-founder of Nabdell Enterprise Ltd; and export specialists from Global TT and the Caribbean Export Development Agency (CEDA). Attendees were encouraged to integrate sustainability practices into their business models to gain a competitive edge in global markets.

    Republic Bank’s initiative underscores its dedication to fostering innovation, sustainability, and economic resilience within the region’s MSME sector. Through tailored financing, capacity-building programs, and strategic collaborations, the bank continues to champion entrepreneurship and sustainable development across the Caribbean.

  • 1 dead, 1 wounded in La Horquetta shooting

    1 dead, 1 wounded in La Horquetta shooting

    A tragic incident unfolded in La Horquetta on the evening of October 30, resulting in one fatality and another individual sustaining injuries. The shooting took place at approximately 10 pm on Bernard Primus Crescent, where the two victims were reportedly engaged in casual socializing, commonly referred to as ‘liming.’ An unidentified assailant approached the men and opened fire, striking both. Emergency services transported the injured to a nearby hospital, where 38-year-old Jamal Austin was pronounced dead. The second victim remains hospitalized but is reported to be in stable condition. Authorities from the Homicide Bureau of Investigations, Region Two, have taken charge of the case, with ongoing efforts to uncover the circumstances surrounding the attack and identify the perpetrator. The community has been left in shock as investigations continue.

  • Nelson Street, Carenage Govt win football league titles

    Nelson Street, Carenage Govt win football league titles

    The Port of Spain and Environs Primary School Football League concluded on October 28 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium training field in Mucurapo, with Nelson Street Boys’ RC School and Carenage Girls’ Government Primary School emerging as champions in their respective categories. Nelson Street Boys’ RC School secured two titles, winning both the boys’ Under-15 division and the boys’ 11-and-Under category. In the Under-15 final against Belmont Government Primary School, Nelson Street faced an early setback as Belmont took the lead in the eighth minute. However, Shuquan Noel equalized in the 23rd minute, followed by Tafari Charles giving Nelson Street the lead in the 27th minute. Belmont leveled the score in the 40th minute, but Noel’s decisive goal in the 52nd minute sealed the victory for Nelson Street. In the 11-and-Under final, Nelson Street dominated with a 2-0 win over the International School of Port of Spain, thanks to goals from Jovanni Johnson and Tafari Charles. Meanwhile, Carenage Girls’ Government Primary School claimed the girls’ Under-15 title after defeating St Agnes Anglican Primary School in the final. The awards ceremony was graced by former national footballer Radanfah Abu Bakr, who serves as the director of sponsorship and community outreach for Sports and Games Ltd. Abu Bakr praised the young athletes, emphasizing the company’s dedication to fostering youth development through sports. The event was made even more special with Sports and Games sponsoring the prizes, celebrating the remarkable talent on display.

  • Toll collection for May Pen to Williamsfield highway set to start December

    Toll collection for May Pen to Williamsfield highway set to start December

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – TransJamaican Highway Limited has officially announced that toll collection on the newly completed Phase 1C segment of the PJ Patterson Highway, stretching from May Pen to Williamsfield, will commence on December 1, 2025. This date signifies the definitive start of revenue-generating operations on this critical road extension. The timeline follows the formalization of a Concession Agreement between TransJam Highway Operators Limited (THO), a wholly-owned subsidiary of TransJamaican Highway Limited, and the National Road Operating and Constructing Company (NROCC) on October 23, 2025. The agreement grants THO the authority to operate, maintain, and collect tolls on the new section for a concession period lasting until June 1, 2038, ensuring operational control for approximately twelve and a half years. This segment represents a significant easterly expansion of the East-West leg of Highway 2000, officially named the PJ Patterson Highway. It is anticipated to greatly improve connectivity for motorists traveling to and from central Jamaican parishes, including Manchester. TransJamaican Highway Limited, through its subsidiaries, currently manages major toll corridors in Jamaica, such as the original Highway 2000 and the East-West segment from Kingston to May Pen. Stakeholders are now awaiting further details on toll rates and ancillary arrangements ahead of the December 2025 start date.