The Bahamas is gearing up to assist Jamaica in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, as announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments, and Aviation Chester Cooper. Speaking at the New Providence Community Centre, which has been sheltering evacuees from the southern islands, Cooper emphasized that Bahamasair will play a pivotal role in the recovery efforts once conditions permit. ‘We will be offering some assistance to Jamaica, to be determined,’ Cooper stated. ‘No doubt Bahamasair will be involved in that effort as well.’ He highlighted that the national airline would resume flights to Jamaica to repatriate Bahamian students and support post-storm recovery, contingent on the reopening of airports and the state of Jamaica’s infrastructure. ‘Bahamasair will consider it on commercial terms, depending on the condition of the airport, the state of travel, and utilities,’ Cooper added, reaffirming the airline’s commitment to regional expansion. Cooper also lauded Bahamasair staff for their tireless efforts in evacuating residents from the southern Bahamas ahead of the hurricane. ‘If there was ever any doubt as to the value that Bahamasair brings to The Bahamas, we saw it over the last few days,’ he remarked. ‘They worked through the night, and they truly came through for the Bahamian people.’ Additionally, Cooper praised the Disaster Risk Management Authority (DRMA) and its partners for their coordination in relocating over 1,400 residents from Mayaguana, Inagua, Acklins, and Crooked Island to safety in New Providence. ‘This has been one of the largest evacuation exercises in the history of The Bahamas,’ he noted. DRMA managing director Aarone Sargent confirmed that evacuees would remain in New Providence until at least Sunday, with initial damage assessments in affected islands set to begin today. ‘We are now focused on finalizing our plans for response and recovery,’ Sargent said. Communication with those who remained on the islands has been limited due to pre-storm shutdowns of power and water, though Royal Bahamas Defence Force officers have been deployed to secure properties and assist residents.
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Optimum Jamaica helping families to stay connected across US and Jamaica
In a compassionate response to the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, Optimum Jamaica has announced a significant initiative to support the Jamaican community. From now until November 30, 2025, Optimum Phone and Optimum Mobile customers in the United States can make free calls and send texts to Jamaica. This effort aims to bridge the emotional and physical distance between families and friends during the island’s recovery process.
Leon Davis, Senior Director and Site General Manager, emphasized the company’s commitment to fostering connections beyond technology. ‘We recognize the emotional strain of being separated from loved ones in times of crisis,’ Davis stated. ‘Our goal is to bring families closer, even across vast distances, by removing communication barriers.’
This initiative is part of Optimum’s broader strategy to enhance community resilience and recovery. By providing free communication services, the company hopes to facilitate emotional support, updates, and reassurance among Jamaicans in the diaspora and their families back home.
Jevaughn Gordon, Communications Manager, highlighted the symbolic importance of the gesture. ‘Optimum stands with Jamaica during this challenging period. We believe that staying connected is a vital part of the healing process,’ Gordon remarked.
In addition to this public offering, Optimum has been actively supporting its internal workforce through welfare checks and communication assistance, ensuring that employees are also cared for during this time. The company’s efforts underscore its dedication to both technological and human connections in the face of adversity.
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Samaritan’s Purse prepares disaster relief for Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic impact on Jamaica, international Christian relief organization Samaritan’s Purse has mobilized its disaster response teams and essential supplies to assist the island nation. The hurricane, one of the most powerful in recorded history, struck Jamaica on Tuesday as a Category 5 storm with sustained winds reaching 185 miles per hour. Although it weakened to a Category 3 hurricane by the time it exited Jamaica’s northern coast and moved toward Cuba, the devastation left behind is immense.
Samaritan’s Purse has announced plans to airlift critical relief supplies from its headquarters in North Carolina to Jamaica. The aid package includes community water systems, shelter materials, solar lights, and medical equipment, all aimed at addressing the urgent needs of affected communities. Damion Tripp, the organization’s Medical Operations Manager, emphasized their preparedness in a recent Instagram post, stating, ‘We are loading a lot of tarp, non-food items to help the people of the area. We are also preparing supplies for our airlift programme. We ask that you pray for the people of Jamaica, their safety, health, and wellbeing.’
This initiative is part of Samaritan’s Purse’s ongoing commitment to disaster relief in the Caribbean. The organization has previously provided aid in The Bahamas following Hurricane Dorian and in Haiti after major earthquakes, demonstrating its capacity to respond swiftly to crises in the region. As Jamaica begins its recovery process, the support from Samaritan’s Purse is expected to play a vital role in rebuilding and restoring normalcy for those affected by the storm.
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MYSTIC THAI for World Central Kitchen
As Hurricane Melissa approached Jamaica, Mystic Thai, a local restaurant, joined forces with the humanitarian organization World Central Kitchen (WCK) to prepare and distribute meals to homes, shelters, and community centers across the island. The collaboration began well before the storm’s landfall, ensuring that hot meals would be available immediately after the hurricane passed. By October 28, the teams had already delivered meals to four locations, including the National Arena, a day prior to the storm’s arrival. The final batch of meals was distributed early on Tuesday, October 28. WCK emphasized its coordination with local restaurant partners to guarantee meal availability post-hurricane. Mystic Thai’s team worked tirelessly, preparing comforting dishes like chicken curry with rice and salad, which were staged for delivery even as storm shutters were being installed. The restaurant’s directors expressed gratitude for the partnership, highlighting its role in serving vulnerable populations, particularly families in shelters and those displaced by the storm. The joint effort leveraged Mystic Thai’s kitchen and staff alongside WCK’s logistical expertise. As relief operations intensify, Mystic Thai and WCK will continue assessing food needs in affected communities, replenishing kitchens, and adapting meal distribution routes if roads or power are disrupted. This initiative reflects the broader spirit of community resilience in Jamaica, where local businesses and international organizations work together to ensure no one goes without a hot meal during recovery. The effort has garnered recognition, with chefs like James Beard award-winner Andrew Black and Roger Mooking expressing support. Those wishing to contribute to Jamaica’s recovery can do so via supportjamaica.gov.jm.
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Rethink before Trinidad and Tobago forced to go to the IMF
Since his inauguration in January, US President Donald Trump has stirred global economic uncertainty with his aggressive tariff policies. Trump’s administration believes these tariffs will generate revenue, reduce the US deficit, protect American industries, and safeguard national security by restricting imports of strategic materials. The goal is to encourage domestic production, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth, while addressing the $1.78 trillion deficit of the world’s largest economy.
In stark contrast, Trinidad and Tobago’s UNC government, which assumed office in May, inherited a $7 billion deficit from the previous PNM administration. Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo’s recent budget presentation revealed a markedly different approach. Despite low oil and gas production and reduced revenue, the government has not focused on cutting the deficit by reducing imports. Instead, it has encouraged the importation of foreign-used vehicles and reduced super gas prices by $1 per litre. Critics argue that this $500 million expenditure could have been better allocated to repairing the nation’s deteriorating road network, which would enhance productivity and reduce vehicle wear and tear.
While the US aims to bolster local industries, Trinidad and Tobago’s policies seem to undermine domestic competitiveness. The government has increased electricity and NIS costs for local industries, while imposing heavy taxes on the alcoholic beverage sector, one of the country’s most internationally competitive industries. This move risks business closures, layoffs, and reduced foreign exchange earnings. The recent closure of the Nutrien Pt Lisas facility further exacerbates future revenue concerns.
Observers lament the decline of Trinidad and Tobago’s once-thriving manufacturing sector and urge the government to reconsider its policies before resorting to IMF intervention. The contrasting economic strategies of the US and Trinidad and Tobago highlight the complexities of managing national economies in a globalized world.
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TTMA CEO: ‘Looking beyond Caricom’
In a strategic move signaling a shift in economic priorities, Trinidad and Tobago (TT) Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has announced a “significant realignment” in the nation’s foreign partnerships. Speaking on October 29, Persad-Bissessar emphasized the need to strengthen ties and foster cooperation with countries outside the Caribbean region. This announcement comes amidst a backdrop of geopolitical tensions, including disagreements within Caricom over the region’s designation as a “zone of peace” and strained relations with Venezuela due to TT’s support for the United States’ military presence in the area. These developments have led to Venezuela suspending energy deals with TT and labeling Persad-Bissessar as “persona non grata.” While some view this pivot as a potential risk to TT’s economic stability, Dr. Mahindra Ramesh Ramdeen, CEO of the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers Association (TTMA), sees it as a positive step. Ramdeen highlighted that the Prime Minister’s statement does not imply a cessation of trade with Caricom but rather a call to diversify and expand into new markets. He noted that the Caricom market, while significant, is saturated, and TT’s manufacturing sector must look beyond regional borders to sustain growth. Ramdeen also pointed to the impact of climate change, such as Hurricane Melissa’s devastation in Jamaica, as a reminder of the need for risk mitigation through market diversification. Despite geopolitical challenges, Ramdeen assured that private sector trade would remain resilient, emphasizing the importance of innovation and expansion. TT’s business community has already begun exploring opportunities outside Caricom, with conglomerates like Ansa McAL, Agostini, and Massy making inroads into markets such as the United States, India, and Europe. These moves, coupled with increased exports of products like Angostura rum, underscore the potential for TT to carve out a stronger global presence. Ramdeen concluded that this strategic shift is a natural trajectory for growth, essential for fostering the next generation of successful TT businesses.
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Message from monster Melissa
As Hurricane Melissa, one of the most powerful Atlantic cyclones in history, battered Jamaica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and the Bahamas, it left behind a trail of devastation that underscores two critical issues: the escalating climate crisis and the indispensable role of Caribbean unity. The storm, with sustained winds exceeding 157 mph, caused significant damage, displacing thousands and claiming lives even before making landfall. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness reported severe impacts on infrastructure, including roads, hospitals, and properties, as the storm reached Category 5 intensity. In Haiti, floodwaters claimed 25 lives, including children, while Cuba evacuated 735,000 residents. The storm’s ferocity was fueled by unusually warm seawater, a direct consequence of climate change. UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that humanity has already surpassed the 1.5°C global heating target, with devastating consequences for ecosystems worldwide. Despite these warnings, global discourse remains mired in political divisions, with oil and gas interests influencing populist agendas. Even figures like Bill Gates have downplayed the urgency, suggesting humanity can adapt to climate change. Meanwhile, regional leaders like Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar of Trinidad and Tobago have undermined Caribbean unity, prioritizing national interests over collective action. Hurricane Melissa serves as a stark reminder that no nation is an island; the Caribbean must stand together to face the existential threat of climate change.
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In the heart of the rainforest
The Asa Wright Nature Centre, nestled in Trinidad’s Northern Range rainforest, stands as a timeless sanctuary for nature enthusiasts and researchers alike. Dr. Anjani Ganase, a marine scientist, reflects on her transformative experiences at the Centre, which played a pivotal role in shaping her career and deepening her connection to Trinidad’s natural heritage. Her journey began as an undergraduate volunteer for the Guppy Project, led by Dr. David Reznik, where she explored the Arima-Blanchisseuse Valley’s river ecosystems. Despite the challenges of fieldwork—mosquito bites, muddy trails, and Deet mishaps—the experience ignited her passion for environmental science. Later, as a volunteer for the Asa Wright Educational Programme, she contributed to drafting grant applications and leading educational outreach initiatives, fostering a deeper appreciation for the Centre’s ecological richness. The Centre’s vibrant biodiversity, from toucans and bellbirds to nocturnal wildlife like scorpions and porcupines, continues to captivate visitors. Dr. Ganase’s recent return to the Centre, now revitalized by Hadco Experiences, reaffirmed its enduring charm and significance. She hopes that locals and visitors, especially children from the Arima-Blanchisseuse Valley, will experience this tropical haven at least once in their lives.
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Fall of the influencer era
The global influencer industry is undergoing a seismic transformation, driven by the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), stricter government regulations, and growing public skepticism. What began as a marketing revolution rooted in authenticity and relatability is now being redefined by these powerful forces, compelling brands and creators to adapt or risk irrelevance.
For decades, traditional media like print, radio, and television dictated consumer behavior. The advent of search engines and social media disrupted this dynamic, shifting trust from corporate logos to human influencers. However, the influencer era is now giving way to a new paradigm: AI-driven, agentic shopping. Consumers are increasingly turning to intelligent assistants like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Amazon Rufus for personalized, data-driven recommendations, bypassing traditional influencer content.
AI’s impact is profound. ChatGPT, for instance, processes over one billion daily searches, a milestone it achieved nine years faster than Google. While Google still dominates with 14 billion daily searches, the trajectory suggests ChatGPT could match its scale by 2030. This shift represents one of the fastest behavioral changes in digital history, as consumers move from passive searching to engaging in intelligent, two-way dialogues with AI tools.
Simultaneously, governments worldwide are cracking down on misinformation. In China, influencers must now hold professional qualifications to discuss topics like finance, health, and education. The UAE mandates that paid influencers register, obtain permits, and adhere to advertising disclosure rules. These measures aim to restore trust and ensure transparency in the digital space.
Audiences, meanwhile, are experiencing influencer fatigue. Over-commercialization and performative authenticity have eroded trust, with many consumers feeling misled by influencers promoting products they don’t use. However, this doesn’t signal the end of content creation. The creator economy is thriving, with creators who prioritize expertise, transparency, and storytelling gaining real influence.
AI is now the bridge between the fading influencer era and the emerging creator economy, connecting consumers with trustworthy creators who deliver verified, personalized insights. For businesses and marketers, especially in the Caribbean, the challenge is not whether they can adapt but how quickly they can do so to remain relevant in this new age of authority.
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The cost of waiting
In an era marked by economic uncertainty, many individuals are grappling with the complexities of financial planning. Rising living costs, inflation, and significant government reforms, such as amendments to the National Insurance System (NIS), have led to widespread procrastination in making crucial financial decisions. However, delaying these decisions is not a viable strategy; it is a silent cost that undermines both financial security and peace of mind.
Procrastination in financial planning can have profound and lasting consequences. Here are four key areas where delay can be particularly detrimental:
1. **Health Cannot Be Bought Later**: Insurance products like life, health, and critical illness coverage are most effectively purchased when one is in good health. Insurability is directly tied to current health conditions. Delaying action can result in higher premiums or, in the worst-case scenario, render one uninsurable if a serious illness develops.
2. **Time Directly Affects Cost**: Age is a critical factor in determining insurance premiums. As individuals grow older, the cost of coverage increases significantly. For instance, a 33-year-old male might secure a $500,000 critical illness policy for approximately $288 monthly. By age 43, the same coverage could cost around $572 monthly—nearly double the initial amount.
3. **The Hidden Risk of Inaction**: Postponing financial planning leaves families vulnerable to life’s uncertainties. Without adequate coverage, a single unexpected event can jeopardize years of financial progress and savings. The emotional toll of losing a loved one is immeasurable, but the ensuing financial hardship can be equally devastating.
4. **Peace of Mind is Priceless**: Taking timely action to secure your family’s financial future provides invaluable peace of mind. It replaces worry with assurance, allowing life to be lived with greater ease, confidence, and purpose.
In conclusion, the cost of waiting far outweighs the cost of action. Every day of delay is a lost opportunity for growth, protection, and peace. The best time to start was yesterday; the second-best time is today.