ST ELIZABETH, Jamaica — Attorney Thomas Levene has issued an urgent plea for the relocation of 65 prisoners currently detained at the Black River Police Station, following the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa. The hurricane has left the station’s lower section completely flooded, creating inhumane conditions for both detainees and police personnel. Levene highlighted the dire situation, stating that the prisoners lack access to basic necessities such as food and clean water. He emphasized that the crisis extends beyond the police station, with the entire Black River community facing severe distress. Residents are grappling with flooding, water shortages, and a lack of shelter, prompting Levene to call for a potential evacuation of the area. The attorney urged authorities to act swiftly to relocate the prisoners and provide emergency relief to affected residents, stressing the need for immediate intervention to address the escalating humanitarian crisis.
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Jah Cure gets more years behind bars after appeal by prosecutors
Renowned reggae artist Jah Cure, whose real name is Siccature Alcock, has been handed a significantly extended prison sentence by the Amsterdam Court of Appeal. The court sentenced him to eight years and four months in prison for the 2021 stabbing of Dutch concert promoter Nicardo ‘Papa’ Blake. The incident occurred following a business dispute over payment for a performance in Amsterdam. Jah Cure allegedly waited for Blake at Dam Square and stabbed him in the stomach in broad daylight. The court found that the act was premeditated, based on voice messages sent by Jah Cure to a friend, in which he expressed his intent to stab Blake. Initially, Jah Cure was acquitted of attempted murder but convicted of attempted manslaughter in March 2022, receiving a six-year sentence. However, Dutch prosecutors appealed the acquittal, leading to the recent ruling. Jah Cure has been in pre-trial detention since 2022, awaiting the outcome of the appeal. His lawyer has also appealed the attempted manslaughter conviction, maintaining that the act was not premeditated.
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#MelissaAftermath: ZJ Romzii, other entertainment players spearhead ‘Rhythm + Relief’ in aid of Melissa victims
Romario ‘ZJ Romzii’ Clarke, alongside a coalition of entertainment industry figures, is leading the ‘Rhythm + Relief’ initiative to support residents in southwest Jamaica devastated by Hurricane Melissa. The Category 5 hurricane, which struck on Tuesday, has left a trail of destruction across parishes such as St Elizabeth, Hanover, Westmoreland, and St James, displacing numerous residents and severely damaging critical infrastructure, including hospitals. The death toll has risen to 19.
On Friday, October 31, ZJ Romzii and his team will gather essential supplies, including hygiene products, personal care items, and emergency utilities, at the Devon House Courtyard in St Andrew from 12:00 pm to 12:00 am. The initiative has garnered support from prominent DJs like DJ Mac, DJ Insaneo, Cyclone, and 1 Jav, as well as small business owners and promoters such as Sheyenne Leslie, Jamaul Hall, Timothy South, and Nachel Kirkland.
ZJ Romzii emphasized that the initiative has no fixed donation target, aiming instead to maximize assistance for affected communities. Priority areas include Black River, Treasure Beach, Savanna-la-Mar, and Montego Bay. He highlighted the importance of leveraging the entertainment industry’s influence and resources to aid those in need, stating, ‘It’s a human thing to do. If we are in a position to offer assistance, we should jump at the chance.’
The DJ also called on the broader community to unite in this time of crisis, urging, ‘We are one country, one tribe, one community. Now is the time to act and support our fellow brothers and sisters.’ The ‘Rhythm + Relief’ initiative underscores the power of collective action in addressing the aftermath of natural disasters.
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Seecheran: CDAP drugs being reviewed
The Ministry of Health is currently reassessing the medications provided under the Chronic Disease Assistance Programme (CDAP), according to Dr. Rishad Seecheran, Minister in the Ministry of Health. This announcement came in response to a query from Independent Senator Dr. Desiree Murray during a Senate session on October 29. Dr. Seecheran highlighted that the CDAP drug list was recently updated on October 1, now including treatments for glaucoma such as Timolol Maleate 0.5 percent, Pilocarpine two percent, and Pilocarpine four percent. The CDAP technical committee, established by Health Minister Dr. Lackram Bodoe on June 5, is tasked with ensuring the medications are both cost-effective and aligned with clinical guidelines. The committee employs a methodology based on World Health Organisation (WHO) standards and National Disease Burden Profiles to review all identified disease states. Dr. Seecheran also mentioned that future consultations with the Ophthalmological Society are planned to further modernize the drug list while considering cost-effectiveness. In the same session, Labour Minister Leroy Baptiste assured that the government is committed to improving job accessibility for people with disabilities, stating that all positions are open to them.
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UTC lends support to UWI first gen students
First-generation students at the University of the West Indies (UWI), St Augustine campus, have received a significant boost in their academic and social development, thanks to a $50,000 donation from the Unit Trust Corporation (UTC). The contribution is specifically aimed at supporting first-generation students and participants in the Successful Transition and Academic Readiness (STAR) mentorship programme, which assists first-year students in adapting to university life and laying the groundwork for long-term success. UWI deputy principal Professor Derek Chadee and manager of financial advisory services Kristy Mannette-Smith accepted the donation on behalf of the campus. Chadee emphasized the importance of the partnership, stating that UTC’s support is an investment in student success and empowerment. He expressed gratitude for UTC’s generosity and praised their shared vision of fostering student growth. The donation includes $45,000 in renewable scholarships over the next three years and a $5,000 one-time bursary. UTC’s chief financial officer, Kerri Maharaj, highlighted that the STAR programme aligns with the corporation’s core values of providing individuals with the tools and guidance needed to build their own legacies. By supporting first-generation students, UTC aims to equip them with the confidence and knowledge to excel in university and become future leaders. Maharaj described the contribution as an investment in the nation’s future, emphasizing its role in cultivating the next generation of thought leaders, innovators, and professionals who will drive Trinidad and Tobago’s economic growth. Mannette-Smith added that the donation will provide life-changing resources for financially challenged students, enabling them to pursue their dreams and overcome obstacles. She noted that such contributions not only fund tuition but also transform lives and open doors to brighter futures, expressing deep gratitude for the partnership with UTC.
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Senator: Alcohol, beverage sectors pivotal to Trinidad and Tobago
Independent Senator Francis Lewis has raised concerns over the projected $1 billion in revenue from increased excise duties on rum, beer, and tobacco products, as outlined by Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo. Speaking during a Senate debate on October 29, Lewis challenged the assumption that consumption of these products would remain unaffected by price changes, a concept known as price inelasticity. He cited a historical example from the ‘beer wars,’ where a 33% price drop led to a 45% surge in sales, arguing that the market is more elastic than policymakers assume. Lewis, who has consulted for local alcohol manufacturers, warned against rapid tax hikes, emphasizing the potential harm to businesses still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. He highlighted the sector’s significance, noting it employs approximately 100,000 people, with small bars and rum shops heavily reliant on alcohol sales. Lewis also expressed concerns about the lack of consultation with industry stakeholders, suggesting that sudden tax increases could create uncertainty and hurt revenue. Despite his objections, the Senate approved the government’s proposals to raise excise rates on alcohol and tobacco products.
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Energy minister hails St Andrew’s solar project as model for sustainability
St Andrew’s School has marked a significant milestone in its commitment to sustainability by unveiling a state-of-the-art solar power array. The project, celebrated during a commissioning ceremony, was lauded by Minister of Energy and Transport JoBeth Coleby-Davis as a pioneering example of renewable energy adoption and youth leadership.
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TT response to hurricane-ravaged Jamaica: State, NGOs mobilise relief drive
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation in Jamaica on October 28, Trinidad and Tobago has launched a robust humanitarian response. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar spearheaded the initiative, overseeing the first shipment of relief supplies from the Plipdeco Warehouse Complex at Point Lisas Industrial Estate. The Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government announced a national collection drive, running from October 30 to November 4, with all 14 municipal corporations serving as official drop-off points. An inter-ministerial committee, led by Local Government Minister Khadijah Ameen, has been established to coordinate efforts, ensuring swift and effective mobilization of resources. The public is encouraged to contribute to the TT National Disaster Relief Fund via First Citizens Bank or by donating essential supplies. The private sector has also rallied, with major business chambers, including the Energy Chamber and TT Manufacturers’ Association, opening a joint relief fund. Plipdeco Port has been designated as the logistics hub for containerized donations. Additionally, Sewa TT, in collaboration with Sewa USA, is deploying mobile water systems and emergency food stations to bypass logistical challenges and deliver aid directly to affected areas. Massy Stores has partnered with Sewa TT, allowing customers to donate towards essential relief buckets. The Caribbean Public Health Agency (Carpha) has activated its disaster-response system, providing medical supplies and public health support to Jamaica. This collective effort underscores the Caribbean’s unity and commitment to rebuilding stronger, healthier communities.
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Nearly 50 dead after Hurricane Melissa thrashes Caribbean
Hurricane Melissa, one of the most powerful storms ever recorded, has wreaked havoc across the Caribbean, claiming nearly 50 lives and leaving a path of devastation in its wake. The storm, which has now moved away from Bermuda, is expected to transition into an extratropical cyclone as it heads toward the northeastern United States and eastern Canada, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). The NHC warned of heavy rain and gusty winds in Newfoundland, while flooding is expected to persist in Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. A study by Imperial College London revealed that human-caused climate change made Hurricane Melissa four times more likely. In Jamaica, the death toll has risen to 19, with significant damage to infrastructure and communication networks. Haiti reported 30 fatalities, with over 1,000 homes flooded and 16,000 people in shelters. Cuba, already grappling with its worst economic crisis in decades, faced widespread destruction, including collapsed homes, downed power lines, and severed communications. Over 735,000 people were evacuated in Cuba’s eastern provinces. The United States has deployed disaster response teams to the region, while the UK announced £2.5 million in emergency funding and evacuation flights for British nationals. UN officials described the devastation as unprecedented, emphasizing the urgent need for global climate action.
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#MelissaAftermath: Chef José Andrés joins World Central Kitchen relief efforts in Jamaica
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Esteemed Spanish-American chef and humanitarian José Andrés touched down in Jamaica on Thursday to bolster World Central Kitchen’s (WCK) disaster relief initiatives in the wake of Hurricane Melissa. Andrés, the founder of the global non-profit organization renowned for delivering meals in crisis-stricken areas, announced his arrival via a post on X.