As the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season approaches its official conclusion, the Meteorological Service of Jamaica (Met Service) has issued a reminder that the island remains at risk of severe weather events. Although the likelihood of a Category 5 storm like Hurricane Melissa diminishes, the potential for rapid intensification of weaker storms persists. Rohan Brown, manager of weather services at the Met Service, emphasized that even less intense systems could bring heavy rainfall, flash floods, or landslides, causing significant damage. Historically, the peak hurricane activity occurs between August and October, but late-season storms, such as Tropical Storm Odette in December 2003, have occurred. Brown highlighted that warm sea surface temperatures, low wind shear, and an ENSO-neutral climate—conditions that favor storm development—are still present. The El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) typically suppresses hurricane activity during strong El Niño phases, but its neutral state this year increases the risk of storms. Brown urged Jamaicans to remain alert, monitor weather advisories, and maintain preparedness until the season officially ends on November 30. He also called for community efforts to clear gullies and strengthen resilience, particularly in the wake of Hurricane Melissa, which caused widespread devastation in October 2025. The Category 5 storm, with winds reaching 295 kilometers per hour, resulted in 45 deaths and left many without essential services. Brown’s warnings also recalled the rare formation of Hurricane Alex in January 2016, underscoring the unpredictability of hurricane activity.
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The fight continues
The Jamaican Government is locked in a persistent struggle with the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) to obtain accurate and detailed information regarding the restoration of electricity following Hurricane Melissa. During a meeting of the Public Administration and Appropriations Committee at Gordon House on Wednesday, Permanent Secretary Carol Palmer of the Ministry of Transport, Telecommunications and Energy expressed frustration over JPS’s failure to provide parish-level and community-level updates. Palmer emphasized that broad percentage figures offered by JPS are insufficient and misleading, as they do not reflect the lived experiences of many Jamaicans still without power. MPs echoed these concerns, with St James Southern MP Nekeisha Burchell highlighting discrepancies in JPS’s claims of 79% restoration in her parish, noting that rural areas remain entirely without electricity. Palmer revealed that the Government has escalated the matter to the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) to ensure greater accountability. Additionally, the strained relationship between JPS and the Government, exacerbated by the impending renegotiation of JPS’s all-island licence, has further complicated recovery efforts. MPs also criticized the lack of structured communication from JPS, leaving them unable to address constituents’ urgent inquiries. Palmer assured the committee that the ministry is working to improve coordination and transparency, with the OUR tasked with verifying JPS’s cost estimates and supporting the Government’s push for clearer information.
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WHERE FROM HERE?
The Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) is on the hunt for a new senior men’s head coach following Steve McClaren’s resignation after the team’s failure to secure automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. McClaren stepped down moments after Jamaica’s disappointing 0-0 draw with Curacao at the National Stadium on Tuesday night, a result that dashed their hopes of direct qualification. Instead, Jamaica must now navigate the inter-confederation play-offs in March 2026 to keep their World Cup dreams alive.
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Search warrants by JPs
In a contentious move, the Senate has passed legislation on November 15, reinstating the power of Justices of the Peace (JPs) to issue search warrants. This decision marks a reversal of a two-year-old policy that had stripped JPs of this authority. Historically, JPs held this power from 1917 until 2023, but its removal was seen as a necessary reform. The recent legislative action has sparked significant debate, with critics labeling it a regressive step in the evolution of the criminal justice system. While the government has been praised for codifying Justice Carol Gobin’s ruling on station bail, the restoration of JP search warrant powers has drawn widespread criticism. Attorney General John Jeremie defended the bill, citing its urgency and the police’s preference for JP assistance. However, concerns remain about the lack of stringent regulations and training for JPs, with one currently facing legal charges. The bill, which still requires House approval, has been criticized for potentially expanding police authority and undermining property and privacy rights. Critics argue that JPs, often rubber-stamping warrants without proper oversight, lack the judicial rigor necessary for such decisions. Instead of reinstating JP powers, the recommendation is to assign more judges to handle emergency applications, ensuring a more robust and accountable judicial process.
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Movember: Unmasking the silence for men
In a powerful call to action, Dr. Margaret Nakhid-Chatoor, a psychologist and educator, addresses the silent struggles of men in Trinidad and Tobago and beyond. For generations, men have been conditioned to ‘man up,’ to shoulder familial responsibilities, and to mask their vulnerabilities. This societal expectation, while intended to foster resilience, has instead perpetuated a culture of silence, leaving many men to grapple with mental health issues alone.
Movember, an initiative that began in Australia in 2003, serves as a catalyst for change. What started as a playful act of growing moustaches in November has evolved into a global movement aimed at transforming men’s health. The moustache is more than a symbol; it’s a conversation starter, a way to break the silence surrounding prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention. When someone asks, ‘Why the moustache?’, it opens the door to discussions about health, struggles, and the weight of unspoken pain.
In Trinidad and Tobago, the pressure to remain stoic in the face of unemployment, relationship breakdowns, and loneliness has driven many men to the brink of despair. Rising male suicide rates underscore the urgent need for open dialogue. One young man shared his harrowing experience with anxiety and depression, describing it as a ‘demon inside his head.’ His story is not unique; it reflects the silent battles countless men face daily.
Dr. Nakhid-Chatoor emphasizes that true strength lies not in enduring suffering in silence but in the courage to seek help. ‘Strength is about how much courage it takes to let go of the mask you put on and say, ‘I need help,’’ she writes. Acknowledging pain and vulnerability is not a sign of weakness but an act of bravery. Informal, peer-led spaces, such as gatherings with friends, can be more effective than clinical settings in fostering connection and support.
The message is clear: no one should fight their battles alone. Movember serves as a reminder that every life matters, every voice deserves to be heard, and every pain deserves acknowledgment. Reaching out to men means meeting them where they are—whether in social settings, on the field, or in faith spaces—and reframing mental health as a source of strength and resilience. Simple practices like deep breathing, meditation, and grounding exercises can help manage anxiety and stress, making mental fitness a more acceptable concept.
Dr. Nakhid-Chatoor concludes with a heartfelt plea: ‘The mask of silence has cost too many lives. It’s time to unmask. Take care.’
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Address Nutrien fallout more robustly
The recent closure of Nutrien’s operations in Trinidad has sent shockwaves through the local economy, leaving at least 600 workers unemployed. The global chemicals producer had been a cornerstone of the Point Lisas industrial estate for nearly 30 years, serving as a significant foreign exchange generator. The shutdown, while disheartening, has revealed a complex web of consequences and opportunities. Gerald Ramdeen, Chairman of the National Gas Company (NGC), highlighted a silver lining during a November 17 interview, noting that other producers at Point Lisas are benefiting from the redistribution of resources. ‘Almost all plants on the estate are exceeding their daily contractual quantities due to this redistribution,’ he stated. However, Ramdeen’s optimism is tempered by the challenges he faces, such as securing alternative carbon dioxide supplies for the food and beverage industry. Companies like Proman have stepped in to fill the gap, but the long-term implications remain uncertain. The fallout stems from a contentious $500 million invoice issued by an NGC subsidiary for port and pier fees, a move that has been criticized for its lack of transparency and prior warning. This abrupt action has raised concerns about the government’s approach to managing longstanding business relationships. Energy Minister Roodal Moonilal’s earlier statements about revitalizing strategic partnerships with Nutrien contrast sharply with Ramdeen’s current stance, highlighting a lack of cohesion among officials. Moving forward, a clearer roadmap for Point Lisas post-Nutrien is essential to restore confidence and ensure economic stability.
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CSO: Inflation down in October
The Central Statistical Office (CSO) has revealed that the inflation rate for October 2025, measured by the percentage change in the all items index compared to October 2024, stood at 0.4%. This marks a decline from the previous period, September 2025, which recorded a 0.2% inflation rate compared to September 2024. The all items index for October 2025 was 124.9, reflecting a 0.4% decrease from September 2025. Notably, the food and non-alcoholic beverages index saw a marginal drop of 0.1%, from 152.4 in September to 152.2 in October. Price reductions in key items such as Irish potatoes, pumpkin, pimentos, hot peppers, table margarine, eddoes, onions, tomatoes, ochroes, and fresh steak contributed to this decline. However, price hikes in cucumber, chive, frozen whole chickens, mixed fresh seasoning, fresh whole chickens, bodi, mayonnaise, full-cream powdered milk, celery, and fresh king fish partially offset these reductions. Further analysis showed decreases in clothing and footwear (0.1%), home ownership (0.1%), transport (2%), and recreation and culture (1.9%). Conversely, prices rose for tobacco (0.3%), household equipment and routine house maintenance (0.2%), hotels, cafés, and restaurants (0.6%), and miscellaneous goods and services (0.4%). These mixed trends highlight the complex dynamics influencing the inflation rate.
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Cycling clubs threaten legal action over ‘impromptu’ Pan Am trials
The Just Living Daily (JLD) Cycling Academy and Heatwave Cycling Club have jointly issued a pre-action protocol letter to the Trinidad and Tobago Cycling Federation (TTCF), demanding the cancellation of trials scheduled for January 17, 2026, for the Pan American Track Cycling Championships. Represented by attorney Dr. Emir Crowne, the clubs argue that the trials violate the federation’s own selection policy, which mandates that trials must be held no later than 12 weeks before an international event. The championships are set to take place from February 16 to 22 in Santiago, Chile, making November 24 the latest permissible date for trials. The TTCF, however, announced on November 10 that it would proceed with trials on January 17, a decision approved during an emergency council meeting on November 17. The clubs contend that this decision disrupts athletes’ training cycles, particularly for those based abroad, and lacks procedural fairness. They also criticized the federation for proposing a 4km individual pursuit test for rider Alexi Costa-Ramirez, calling it arbitrary and biased. The letter accuses the TTCF of negligence, breach of agreement, and abuse of power, threatening legal action if the trials are not canceled and selections made in accordance with policy. The federation has until 9 am on November 21 to respond, failing which the clubs will seek an emergency injunction from the High Court of Justice.
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Paria stays in diver’s workmen compensation claim
In a significant legal development, the High Court has dismissed an application by state-owned Paria Fuel Trading Co Ltd to be removed from a workmen’s compensation claim filed by the widow of one of the divers who tragically lost their lives in the 2022 Paria incident. The decision, handed down by High Court Master Wrenerson Lochan on November 18, underscores the ongoing legal complexities surrounding the case. Master Lochan ruled that the request by Land and Marine Contracting Services Ltd (LMCS) to include Paria as a party to the claim was justified, citing unresolved serious issues between the two entities. He further ordered Paria to cover LMCS’s legal costs related to the application.
The tragedy occurred in February 2022 when five LMCS divers were fatally sucked into a 30-inch underwater pipeline during maintenance work at Paria’s Pointe-a-Pierre facility. Only one diver, Christopher Boodram, survived. The victims included Fyzal Kurban, whose widow, Celisha Kurban, initiated the compensation claim. Represented by attorneys Prakash Ramadhar, Saira Lakhan, and Devi Ramnarine, Kurban’s estate is seeking justice for the loss.
Paria argued in its application that it had no direct control over the divers’ daily activities, emphasizing that LMCS exercised sole authority over its employees and the work environment. The company also claimed that the divers were performing tasks in violation of Paria’s work-permit system, leading to the fatal incident. Paria further asserted that LMCS’s insurance policies with TRINRE Insurance Co Ltd should indemnify it against liability, suggesting that the estate should have already received compensation under these policies.
However, LMCS managing director Kazim Ali, whose son Kazim Jr was among the victims, countered these claims. He argued that LMCS operated under Paria’s overarching control, including a ‘stop work’ authority that allowed Paria employees to halt operations at any time. Ali also highlighted that Paria staff monitored the divers via live-feed video on the day of the incident, enabling immediate intervention. He attributed the Delta-P event—a sudden and dangerous pressure change—to Paria’s mismanagement of line content removal, which he claimed was entirely under Paria’s control.
Ali accused Paria of negligence, alleging that the company failed to assign competent staff, misled LMCS about the remaining line content, and failed to communicate critical changes that created a hazardous environment. He also claimed that Paria prevented LMCS and volunteer rescuers from initiating a timely rescue, asserting that the tragedy could have been prevented. Ali maintained that any indemnity should flow to LMCS, not Paria, given the latter’s alleged negligence.
The case remains ongoing, with LMCS’s claim against TRINRE Insurance adjourned to 2026. Ali also noted that similar indemnity issues are being contested in two other High Court cases stemming from the same incident, suggesting that the court stay the indemnity issue in the workmen’s compensation claim until these matters are resolved.
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Rain spoils Red Force Super50 opener
The opening round of the CG United Super50 Cup faced significant disruptions due to heavy rainfall in north Trinidad on November 19, 2023. Two out of the three scheduled matches were abandoned without a result, leaving teams and fans disappointed. At the Sir Frank Worrell Memorial Grounds in St Augustine, the clash between TT Red Force and Barbados Royals was delayed multiple times due to a wet outfield. The match eventually commenced as a 20-over contest, but rain intervened again after just 5.1 overs, forcing a no-result. Similarly, at the Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain, Guyana Harpy Eagles posted a strong total of 287/6 against Jamaica Scorpions, but persistent rain prevented any further play. Cricket West Indies confirmed that all teams involved in the abandoned matches would receive two points, along with any bonus points earned. Meanwhile, at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, Leeward Islands Hurricanes set a formidable target of 324 against Windward Islands Volcanoes, with Kofi James scoring a century. The second round of matches is set to begin on November 21, with teams hoping for better weather conditions.