KINGSTON, Jamaica—A violent confrontation on the Nelson Mandela Highway in St Catherine on Wednesday culminated in the deaths of three men and the seizure of two firearms by law enforcement. The incident unfolded around 11:45 am when officers from the Counter Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigation Branch (C-TOC) identified a black Honda Fit suspected of involvement in multiple robberies. Upon signaling the vehicle to stop, the occupants allegedly refused to comply, prompting the police to intercept the car. A shootout ensued, during which the suspects opened fire on the officers. When the gunfire ceased, three men were found with fatal gunshot wounds and were rushed to Spanish Town Hospital, where they were pronounced dead. Authorities recovered a Taurus G2C 9mm pistol with a magazine containing five cartridges, as well as a Beretta 9mm pistol equipped with a magazine holding two cartridges. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Jamaican law enforcement in combating organized crime and gun violence.
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Promoters Association to meet Culture Ministry on Nov 21
The TT Promoters Association (TTPA) is set to engage in critical discussions with the Ministry of Culture and Community Development on November 21, addressing the recent prohibition of three major venues traditionally used for Carnival fetes and concerts. This meeting follows Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s announcement on November 18, which expanded the ban to include the Hasely Crawford Stadium and Jean Pierre Complex, alongside the previously restricted Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba. The ban, aimed at mitigating noise pollution, restricts event timings to between 12 noon and 10 pm, with exceptions only during the nine-day Carnival week. Carnival 2026 is scheduled for February 16 and 17. TTPA President Robert Thompson revealed that a membership meeting would precede the ministerial discussion on November 20, to consolidate the promoters’ perspectives. A public media release is anticipated post-meeting, with further updates to be provided by Newsday as the situation evolves.
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Pintard says ‘unexplained wealth’ among public officials a cause for concern
The Bahamas is facing mounting scrutiny over allegations of unexplained wealth among public officials and their relatives, with Free National Movement (FNM) leader Michael Pintard leading the charge for greater accountability. Pintard has expressed deep concern over the Public Disclosure Committee’s failure to produce a full compliance list for 2023, despite a legal mandate requiring Members of Parliament (MPs), senators, and senior civil servants to submit their financial declarations by March 1. The committee has attributed delays to accessibility and facility challenges, but critics dismiss these explanations as mere excuses. Pintard revealed that he has sought a comprehensive report from the committee but has only received partial information regarding senators, leaving parliamentarians’ disclosures unaccounted for. He emphasized that the alleged rise in unexplained personal enrichment among officials is a systemic issue that undermines governance and called for the establishment of an independent body to investigate the sources of their wealth. Pintard suggested that some individuals in office may be leveraging contracts to benefit themselves or their political parties. He also highlighted that the problem extends beyond elected politicians to include permanent secretaries, deputy permanent secretaries, and procurement committee members, warning that without intervention, corruption will persist. Currently, there are no effective consequences for officials who fail to disclose their wealth, as only the prime minister or the leader of the opposition can act on delinquent filings, potentially exposing offenders to fines or imprisonment. Governance advocates and the US Department of State have long criticized The Bahamas for its lack of transparency, urging reforms to address these issues. Pintard accused the government of showing insufficient urgency in tackling corruption, describing its efforts as laughable.
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Biomedical now accepts NHF cards for key cancer and diabetes tests at all locations
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant stride toward enhancing public health, Biomedical Caledonia Medical Laboratory Limited has broadened the accessibility of National Health Fund (NHF) card services across all its islandwide locations. This expansion enables patients to avail themselves of subsidized pap smears, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests, and HbA1c diabetes monitoring, crucial for early detection and management of chronic conditions. The initiative includes the recently inaugurated Holborn Road facility in Kingston, ensuring comprehensive coverage across the island. CEO Helen Christian emphasized the importance of this development, stating, ‘Affordable diagnostic testing can significantly impact early detection versus late-stage diagnosis. Early detection saves lives, and we are dedicated to making these essential services accessible to every community we serve.’ The expansion was made possible through collaboration with the NHF and Advanced Integrated Systems (AIS), which facilitated streamlined processing, provider number assignments, and staff training for efficient NHF claims handling. The NHF Card Programme plays a pivotal role in supporting Jamaicans with chronic illnesses by subsidizing medications, supplies, and diagnostic tests. Regular pap smears are vital for cervical cancer prevention, PSA tests aid in early prostate cancer detection, and HbA1c testing is essential for diabetes management—a prevalent chronic condition in Jamaica. With over 50 collection centers and ISO 15189 accreditation, Biomedical is well-equipped to improve healthcare access across diverse communities. Christian highlighted that this partnership with the NHF marks a significant step toward equitable access to diagnostic services, ensuring that ‘geography and finances never stand between Jamaicans and the healthcare they need.’
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Prison officer, 3 elderly relatives homeless after Tabaquite fire
A devastating fire on November 18 left a prison officer and three elderly women homeless after it destroyed their homes in Manuel Junction, Guaracara, Tabaquite. The fire, which broke out around 1:30 pm, consumed both the front wooden and concrete structure and the rear two-bedroom concrete house, sparing only the kitchen. Rishi Ramlal, 45, his mother Chandra Sammy, 74, and her sisters Sita Sammy, 67, and Tulsie Sammy, 76, lost all their belongings in the blaze. Sita, who lived in the rear structure, recounted smelling smoke and seeing curtains ablaze. Her sisters and Ramlal’s 13-year-old son, who was visiting, escaped unharmed. Despite the loss, the family expressed gratitude for their lives, with Sita stating, ‘The main thing is that we have life. We thank God for that.’ Neighbors attempted to control the fire by throwing water until firefighters from the Chaguanas Fire Station arrived to extinguish it. The Brasso Police Station officers, including Sgt Andrews, PC Mathura, and WPC Kennedy, were among the first responders. The family spent the night at a relative’s home and received a visit from local councillor Henry Awong. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and the family is seeking assistance to rebuild their lives.
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President tells diplomats: Co-operation better than conflict
President Christine Kangaloo of Trinidad and Tobago hosted the Annual Heads of Missions Dinner at the President’s House on November 5, 2023, welcoming 31 members of the diplomatic corps. The event, attended by both resident and non-resident heads of missions and their spouses, served as a platform for fostering camaraderie, cultural appreciation, and diplomatic goodwill. Among the distinguished guests were Venezuelan Ambassador Alvaro Enrique Sanchez Cordero, Foreign Affairs Minister Sean Sobers, Acting Permanent Secretary Randall Karim, and Chief of Protocol Andria Narinesingh. In her address, President Kangaloo commended the diplomats for their efforts in bridging divides, promoting consensus, and facilitating urgent relief efforts for citizens in Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba. She emphasized the importance of cooperation over conflict, dialogue over disputation, and respect over regret. Ambassador Cordero expressed the diplomatic community’s collective sorrow over the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica and other Caribbean islands. The evening concluded with a traditional toast by President Kangaloo, reaffirming Trinidad and Tobago’s dedication to fostering enduring and respectful international partnerships.
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WI lose by five wickets as Black Caps take 2-0 ODI series lead
In a thrilling rain-affected One Day International (ODI) match at McLean Park in Napier on November 19, New Zealand secured a five-wicket victory over the West Indies with just three balls to spare. This win gave the Black Caps an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, with the final fixture scheduled for November 21. Despite a masterful unbeaten century (109 not out) from West Indies captain Shai Hope, the visitors fell short as New Zealand’s batsmen chased down a revised target of 235 in 34 overs. Hope’s valiant effort, which included 13 fours and four sixes, guided the West Indies to a total of 247/9. However, New Zealand’s openers Devon Conway (90) and Rachin Ravindran (56) set a strong foundation with a 106-run partnership. Although the West Indies bowlers fought back, captain Mitchell Santner (34 not out) and wicketkeeper Tom Latham (39 not out) sealed the victory with aggressive batting in the final overs. Nathan Smith was the standout bowler for New Zealand, taking 4/42, while Kyle Jamieson contributed with 3/44.
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FNM calls for removal of Golden Isles Returning Officer Neil Campbell
The Free National Movement (FNM) has formally requested the removal of Neil Campbell as Returning Officer for the Golden Isles constituency, citing concerns over his suitability and alleged conflicts of interest. In a letter addressed to Parliamentary Commissioner Harrison Thompson, FNM Leader Dr. Duane Sands emphasized the party’s ‘serious concerns’ about the integrity of the electoral process, particularly following challenges during and after advanced polling. The FNM contends that Mr. Campbell should have recused himself voluntarily, given his public admissions of personal ties to key political figures, including Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis and FNM Leader Michael Pintard. The party is urging his replacement with ‘a more suitable public officer’ to ensure the election’s fairness and credibility. Meanwhile, the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) has dismissed the FNM’s claims as ‘reckless,’ accusing the opposition of fabricating the confrontation during Monday’s advance poll. The PLP has expressed full support for the Parliamentary Commissioner and warned against undermining public trust in the electoral system. Mr. Campbell, for his part, has vehemently denied allegations of bias, asserting that his personal relationships have never influenced his professional duties. The dispute stems from a chaotic standoff on Monday, where FNM and Coalition of Independents supporters blocked the removal of ballot boxes, alleging breaches in transport protocols. Election officials maintain that the process was conducted lawfully, with all agents witnessing and approving the sealing of the boxes. The FNM has pledged to raise further concerns in upcoming meetings with election officials, underscoring the heightened political tensions surrounding the electoral process.
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JBG chief questions how auditors missed massive fraud as multiple checks failed to detect $46b irregularities
Executives at Jamaica Broilers Group (JBG) have expressed deep concerns over the failure of multiple audit teams to detect a significant, multi-year fraud within the company’s US operations. CEO Chris Levy highlighted the oversight failure as a critical issue requiring further investigation. The fraud, which involved concealing costs in biological assets and inventory accounts while understating vendor financing, led to a staggering $46 billion in financial adjustments. Despite three layers of auditors—including those from the US banking syndicate and JBG’s own auditors—issuing clean opinions on financial statements, the irregularities were ultimately uncovered by an internal whistleblower. Ian Parsard, Senior Vice President of Finance and Corporate Planning, expressed astonishment at the systemic failure, noting the coordinated efforts by leadership to evade detection. The company has since implemented sweeping reforms, including replacing its US accounting team, changing auditors, and introducing new controls with IBM’s assistance. The new auditors bring specific poultry industry expertise, enabling them to identify irregularities previously overlooked. This case raises broader questions about the effectiveness of audits in complex, multi-jurisdictional organizations and underscores the potential for determined management to bypass even robust financial oversight systems. For JBG, the fallout has been severe, necessitating a complete financial restructuring and eroding shareholder trust.
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New report shows violence against women is pervasive in the Americas
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a stark warning about the ongoing prevalence of violence against women and girls in the Americas, including the Caribbean. Ahead of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls on November 25, new estimates reveal that one in three women aged 15 and older in the region has endured physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. Intimate partner violence remains the most common form, affecting one in four women aged 15-49, while one in eight has suffered sexual violence from non-partners. Young women aged 15-19 face significant risks, with 21% experiencing partner violence before turning 20. Older women are also vulnerable, as 23% of those aged 65 and above report such abuse. Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), emphasized that violence is preventable and stressed the importance of high-quality data to address the issue effectively. Despite increased awareness and interventions, progress in reducing violence has been slow, and countries in the Americas are unlikely to meet Sustainable Development Goal 5.2, which aims to eliminate all forms of violence against women. Britta Baer, PAHO’s advisor on violence prevention, highlighted the underreporting of sexual violence due to stigma and shame, urging strengthened access to post-rape care. The WHO’s comprehensive study, analyzing data from 2000 to 2023 across 168 countries, underscores the urgent need for informed policy decisions. Violence against women has severe consequences, including physical injuries, mental health issues, and perpetuated cycles of abuse. PAHO is supporting countries through evidence-based strategies like the RESPECT framework, which focuses on empowering women, reducing poverty, and transforming gender norms. The health sector plays a critical role in early identification, clinical care, and connecting survivors to broader services. PAHO is also facilitating regional dialogue and capacity-building to scale up effective interventions. As part of the 16 Days of Activism 2025, PAHO will host a hybrid event on November 24 with UN Women and the World Bank to present new estimates and discuss proven interventions. Dr. Barbosa reiterated that violence against women remains a regional priority, calling for sustained investments and collective action to eliminate this pervasive issue.