Nearly 500 passionate Curacao football fans are set to arrive in Kingston on Tuesday to support their national team, the ‘Blue Wave,’ in a crucial World Cup qualifier against Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz. The match, scheduled at the National Stadium, will determine which team advances to the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States. According to Observer Online, two charter flights have been arranged to transport fans, with each passenger paying approximately US$1,000 for the journey. This highlights the immense enthusiasm surrounding the game. Curacao currently leads the qualification group with 11 points, just one point ahead of Jamaica. A draw would be sufficient for Curacao to secure their place in the World Cup, potentially making them the smallest nation ever to qualify. The ‘Blue Wave’ previously defeated the Reggae Boyz 2-0 in their last encounter in Curacao, adding further intrigue to this high-stakes rematch.
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St James Parish Court resumes operation
The St James Parish Court in Jamaica has officially resumed its full operations as of Monday, November 17, 2025, after significant disruptions caused by Hurricane Melissa. The announcement was made by the Judiciary of Jamaica in a public statement on the same day. The court is currently addressing Gun Court and Circuit Court matters while continuing efforts to stabilize infrastructure and ensure a safe environment for both staff and court users. The Judiciary emphasized its commitment to restoring full operations swiftly and expressed gratitude to staff, stakeholders, and the public for their patience and understanding during the recovery period.
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Infant formula recall after botulism outbreak
The Ministry of Health (MoH) has issued a critical advisory to parents regarding an international recall of ByHeart Whole Nutrition baby formula, which has been linked to multiple cases of infant botulism. While the product is not officially listed for sale in Trinidad and Tobago, the ministry is urging caution as consumers may have purchased it online. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the contaminated formula has caused severe health issues in infants. Symptoms of infant botulism include poor feeding, loss of head control, difficulty swallowing, and decreased facial expression. Parents are advised to seek immediate medical attention if their child exhibits any of these symptoms after consuming the formula. The ministry emphasized that symptoms may take several weeks to manifest, urging continued vigilance. Additionally, the public is advised to discontinue use of the product, consult a physician if adverse effects are observed, and return the product to the point of purchase where possible. For further information, individuals can contact the Chemistry Food and Drug Division at (868) 217-4664 Ext. 13121.
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‘We lost everything’
A devastating fire swept through Arawak Cay’s renowned food strip yesterday, leaving a trail of destruction and heartbreak in its wake. The blaze, which erupted at Goldie’s Conch House around 8 a.m., rapidly consumed at least six wooden stalls and severely damaged two others. Thick smoke engulfed the area as firefighters battled the flames, while onlookers, including patrons and vendors, watched in disbelief. Despite efforts to contain the fire, the structures were reduced to ashes, leaving their owners to grapple with the loss of their livelihoods during what should have been their busiest Christmas season. Tragically, none of the destroyed properties were insured, as they were deemed ‘uninsurable.’
Among the businesses lost were Goldie’s, On the Edge, South of Florida, Brother Eddie’s Kitchen, Rake N Scrape, and the Red Snapper. Teshell Mackey, owner of On the Edge, arrived to find her two-and-a-half-year-old restaurant in ruins. “It’s hard to come here this morning to actually see that,” she said, reflecting on the years of hard work that had gone up in flames. Rodney Russell, president of the Arawak Cay Conch, Fish, Vegetable and Food Vendors Association, estimated his losses at $300,000, with total damages across the strip ranging from $150,000 to $1.5 million.
Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis visited the scene, offering comfort to distraught vendors and pledging government support for cleanup and rebuilding efforts. He emphasized the need to upgrade the site and expressed hope that businesses could reopen within 60 days. Agriculture and Marine Resources Minister Jomo Campbell announced plans for temporary facilities and financial assistance, acknowledging the lack of insurance among many vendors. Meanwhile, political figures Sebas Bastian and Travis Robinson called for infrastructure improvements and updated building codes to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Fire Services Superintendent Quincey McGregor reported that one officer suffered first-degree burns during the response, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation. Despite outdated equipment, firefighters were praised for their persistence. As the community begins to rebuild, the fire serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by small businesses and the urgent need for systemic improvements.
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Curaçao Football Federation donates gear to Jamaican children affected by Melissa
KINGSTON, Jamaica—In a heartfelt gesture of solidarity, the Curaçao Football Federation has stepped forward to support Jamaican children affected by the devastation of Hurricane Melissa. The federation is donating essential football equipment, including balls, shirts, and cones, to young residents in the storm-battered western region of the island.
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Trump open to talks with Venezuela’s Maduro
In a surprising development, US President Donald Trump hinted at possible discussions with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, despite the ongoing tensions between the two nations. Speaking to reporters on November 16, Trump stated, ‘Let’s see how that turns out. They would like to talk.’ This announcement came shortly after the US Department of State declared its intention to designate the Cartel de los Soles, allegedly led by Maduro and other high-ranking officials, as a terrorist organization. The US has also placed a $50 million bounty on Maduro’s arrest, accusing him of drug trafficking and other illicit activities. The aggressive US anti-narcotics campaign, including Operation Southern Spear led by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, has reportedly resulted in over 80 deaths, including two Trinidadians, and has further strained relations between Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago. Venezuela has accused Trinidad and Tobago of collaborating with the US, a claim vehemently denied by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who emphasized the longstanding partnership between the two nations.
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Antigua PM urges US to resolve differences with Venezuela using diplomacy
ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC)—Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne has called on the United States to address its ongoing tensions with Venezuela through diplomatic channels, emphasizing the Caribbean’s commitment to maintaining peace in the region. Browne’s appeal comes in response to recent remarks by US President Donald Trump, who hinted at decisive action regarding Venezuela following extensive briefings and a significant military presence in the Caribbean, including the deployment of the USS Gerald Forde, the US Navy’s largest aircraft carrier. In a statement posted on his Facebook page, Browne urged, “We encourage President Trump to resolve the differences between the US and Venezuela through diplomacy and dialogue. Let’s continue to preserve our hemisphere as a zone of peace.” This sentiment echoes the Caribbean Community (Caricom)’s recent declaration, which reaffirmed the region’s stance as a Zone of Peace, advocating for dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution. Caricom leaders, with the exception of Trinidad and Tobago, unanimously supported this principle during a meeting last month. Additionally, Caricom foreign ministers have previously expressed concerns to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, requesting assurances that any military action against Venezuela would not destabilize the region and would involve prior consultation. Meanwhile, the US has intensified its military presence in the Caribbean, deploying an amphibious squadron, a nuclear-powered attack submarine, and reconnaissance aircraft as part of efforts to combat drug cartels in Latin America. Venezuela has responded by mobilizing troops along its borders, citing perceived threats from the US.
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St Ann-based medical ganja farmer wants CLA’s help to boost production
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, licensed medical marijuana farmer Errol Whyte is grappling with significant losses, estimating damages in the millions of dollars. His one-acre ganja farm in Claremont, St Ann, was severely impacted by the storm. Despite the setback, Whyte, who has operated Mellow Bud Ganja Farms for five years, remains hopeful. He sees an opportunity for licensed ganja farmers in the northern and eastern regions of Jamaica to ramp up production and compensate for the losses suffered by their counterparts in the storm-ravaged southwestern areas. Whyte emphasizes the urgent need for the Cannabis Licensing Authority (CLA) and the government to provide relief and support to affected farmers. ‘This isn’t just about me or a few farmers; it’s about the entire industry,’ he stated. Whyte believes that with adequate support, northern and eastern farmers can meet the rising demand for medical marijuana. He calls for a more proactive approach from the CLA to ensure the industry’s sustainability, highlighting the role of farmers as entrepreneurs and job creators. ‘We are committed to this industry, and we need the CLA to be committed to us,’ he asserted.
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JDF Coast Guard recovers body of suspected drowning victim
KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) has confirmed the recovery of a man’s body from the Step River in St James, following a suspected drowning incident on Sunday, November 16. According to reports, the victim was attempting to cross the river when he was overwhelmed by strong currents and swept away. The JDF Coast Guard was promptly called in to assist with search and recovery operations. A specialized dive team from the Second District JDF Coast Guard was dispatched to the scene, where they conducted an underwater search and successfully retrieved the body. The remains were subsequently handed over to local authorities for further investigation. In a statement, the JDF Coast Guard expressed its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the deceased. They also issued a public reminder to exercise extreme caution around rivers, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall when water levels and currents can become dangerously unpredictable.
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PNP’s Vaz dismisses report that he is handing out relief supplies on political basis
SAVANNA LA MAR, Westmoreland — Dwayne Vaz, Member of Parliament (MP) for Westmoreland Central, has firmly refuted allegations of politically biased distribution of relief supplies in his constituency. The accusations were leveled by George Wright, the former MP from the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), who claimed that Vaz was selectively providing care packages only to supporters of the People’s National Party (PNP).