The state has committed to releasing additional documents in multiple lawsuits filed by police officers challenging the 2023 corporal promotion exercise. This decision follows earlier disclosures in June, where individual merit list scores from the promotion process were made public. The lawsuits arose from a contentious promotion round in September 2023, which saw 861 constables promoted to corporal out of 2,342 candidates. The process was halted due to complaints about a ‘glitch’ in the Order of Merit List (OML), prompting internal audits and legal actions. In February, courts granted the constables permission to pursue a judicial review, emphasizing the need for transparency to ensure fairness and public trust in the police promotion system. The officers argue that withholding scores fosters suspicion of favoritism and undermines morale. Over 100 officers have filed similar claims, with a decision expected in January 2026. Acting ASP Gideon Dickson, president of the Police Service Social and Welfare Association, highlighted the officers’ frustration and demotivation in a February 2024 letter to then-Commissioner Erla Harewood-Christopher. Internal affidavits revealed data discrepancies between audit results and consultant reports, leading to a revised OML in January 2024. Deputy Commissioner Junior Benjamin defended the refusal to release scores under the Freedom of Information Act’s exemption provision. The officers’ attorneys, Keron Ramkhalwhan, Shalini Sankar, and Annesia Gunnes, are seeking full disclosure of individual scores and related documents from the Promotion Advisory Board.
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Portland cookshop feels the pinch of Melissa
PORTLAND, Jamaica — While the northeastern parish of Portland escaped the most severe impacts of Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica over a week ago, local businesses are still grappling with the aftermath. Ricardo ‘Ric Boss’ Oharo, a chef at a local cookshop, shared his struggles with Observer Online during a visit by the news team on Friday. Oharo noted that business has slowed significantly since the hurricane, as many residents have been unable to work due to storm-related disruptions affecting their employers. This has led to reduced spending in the community. Additionally, Oharo highlighted the rising operational costs, particularly the increased price of fuel needed to power the shop’s generator. Despite these challenges, he emphasized that his establishment remains affordable for customers. Hurricane Melissa, which made landfall on October 28 as a Category 5 storm with winds reaching 185 mph, caused widespread devastation across Jamaica, resulting in over 30 fatalities and leaving nearly 80% of Jamaica Public Service (JPS) customers without power. Many areas in Portland remain in darkness. Oharo expressed gratitude that Portland was spared major damage this time, recalling the severe impact of Hurricane Beryl in July last year. ‘We give God thanks still,’ he said. ‘Everything is intact, giving thanks!’
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Homeless Williamsville family grateful for public support, seeks materials to rebuild
A family of ten from Williamsville, left homeless after a devastating fire destroyed their two-storey home on Pooran Street on November 4, is expressing profound gratitude for the outpouring of public support. Elaine Mohammed, the 53-year-old matriarch and a cancer survivor, shared her heartfelt appreciation for the community’s generosity in an interview with Newsday on November 7. The family has already received essential grocery items and clothing from kind-hearted individuals. ‘I am grateful to all the people who reached out to us. Even if it is only one brick, we would be thankful, because if 100 people give one brick, that’s 100 bricks,’ Mohammed said. Despite the challenges, the family remains hopeful of rebuilding their home. Mohammed, who is unable to work due to her age and health condition, emphasized her reliance on faith and community support. Her husband, Kamaludin, is set to retire next month at the age of 60. The family, including their young grandchildren, is currently staying in a cramped room at the back of the damaged house. The fire, which broke out on the first floor while the family was on the ground floor, left them with nothing. Mohammed, overwhelmed by the incident, experienced a spike in her blood sugar and blood pressure, requiring emergency medical attention. ‘I was stressed. I had to be taken to the hospital because of my sugar and blood pressure,’ she recalled. Despite her health scare, Mohammed discharged herself to be with her family. The prompt response of the Mon Repos Fire Station contained the flames, but the family lost everything. Local officials, including Princes Town MP Aniya Ali and councillor Vincent Raghoo, visited the family to offer support. Those willing to assist can contact the family at 355-4449.
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WATCH: ‘I see darkness and then light’
ST JAMES, Jamaica – Delroy Dove, a tour guide from Johns Hall in St James, narrowly escaped death during the devastating Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm that claimed two of his homes. Despite losing everything, Dove expresses gratitude for surviving the harrowing ordeal. One of the homes, a wooden three-bedroom structure, collapsed with Dove inside, leaving him with injuries to his head, back, and hand. Recounting the traumatic event, Dove described how the 185 mph winds shifted the house from its foundation, causing it to tumble downhill with him trapped inside. ‘I saw complete darkness and then light,’ he said, visibly shaken. Another caretaker, Devral, witnessed the house being lifted into the air but was unaware Dove was inside. The wooden house, which served as Dove’s temporary residence at Johns Hall Adventure Tours, was completely destroyed, along with all his belongings. Dove, now homeless after his permanent residence in Spring Mount was also destroyed, is living in an unfinished section of the property with minimal shelter. He is appealing for assistance to rebuild his life and secure a new home.
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Fyzabad family relocated amid hydrocarbon leak
Heritage Petroleum Co Ltd has taken swift action to address a hydrocarbon leak at a private residence in Massahood, Fyzabad, relocating a family as a precautionary measure. The incident, which occurred on November 7, prompted the company to dispatch its emergency response team to assess and manage the situation. Investigations by the company’s Incident Management Team (IMT) revealed a minor leak along a 12-inch trunk pipeline, partially located beneath an unauthorized, occupied structure. The pipeline has since been secured with plugs and clamps. In a statement, Heritage Petroleum emphasized that the family was relocated to a suitable and convenient alternate accommodation while cleanup and restoration efforts are underway. The IMT remains on-site, conducting air quality monitoring and additional assessments to ensure safety. Representatives from the company’s community relations team and the Fyzabad MP’s office visited the site to oversee the response. The Environmental Management Authority and the Ministry of Energy were also informed of the incident, with Heritage Petroleum committed to providing ongoing updates as necessary.
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Vybz Kartel, Jesse Royal, Lila Ike, Kezamdi and Mortimer to battle for reggae Grammy
The 68th Grammy Awards have unveiled their nominations, with Jamaican artists dominating the Best Reggae Album category. Vybz Kartel, Jesse Royal, Lila Ike, Keznamdi, and Mortimer have all earned nods for their exceptional contributions to the genre. Jesse Royal’s ‘No Place Like Home’ marks his second Grammy nomination, while Vybz Kartel’s ‘Heart & Soul’ also secures his second recognition. Mortimer and Lila Ike are celebrating their first-ever Grammy nominations, with Mortimer’s ‘From Within’ and Lila Ike’s ‘Treasure Self Love’ project gaining widespread acclaim. Keznamdi’s ‘Blood & Fyah’ rounds out the impressive list of nominees. Interestingly, four of the five nominated albums were accurately predicted in a recent edition of the Jamaica Observer. The prestigious awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on February 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
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Kendrick Lamar leads Grammy nominations with nine
The Recording Academy unveiled the nominations for the 2026 Grammy Awards on Friday, with Kendrick Lamar emerging as the frontrunner with an impressive nine nominations. This comes on the heels of his triumphant sweep at the previous ceremony, where he clinched five awards. Lamar is set to compete in major categories, including Album, Record, and Song of the Year, at the 68th Grammys, scheduled for February 1 in Los Angeles.
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Tribunal rejects claims of delay in reviewing SoE detentions
The State of Emergency Review Tribunal has firmly rebutted public criticism regarding its handling of Preventive Detention Order (PDO) reviews, labeling recent media reports as ‘misinformed’ and inconsistent with the legal procedures it is mandated to follow. In a statement issued on November 7, the tribunal addressed concerns raised by attorneys representing detainees under the state of emergency, who alleged delays or withholding of decisions on their clients’ detention. The tribunal expressed disappointment, particularly given that such claims originated from legal professionals expected to base their statements on factual and legal grounds. It emphasized that, under paragraph 8(1) of the Schedule to the Emergency Powers Regulations 2025, its role is strictly limited to reviewing detention upon request and submitting reports to the Minister of Homeland Security, not directly to attorneys or detainees. The tribunal clarified that its recommendations on whether detention should continue are exclusively provided to the minister, who is then responsible for sharing the relevant portions of the report with the detainee. The tribunal highlighted that it has already completed and forwarded reports on multiple cases, with submissions made on September 12, 19, 28, and October 6, 9, and 22. Additionally, a decision on a preliminary application in another matter was sent to the detainee’s attorney on November 1. These actions, the tribunal asserted, demonstrate its adherence to the Emergency Powers Regulations, countering claims of inefficiency or procedural lapses. The tribunal’s response comes amid escalating national debate over the prolonged detention of individuals under the state of emergency, with attorneys and rights advocates criticizing the review process for lacking transparency and violating fair hearing principles. The government, however, maintains that these measures are lawful and essential for public safety. Earlier this week, former national security minister and several defense attorneys urged the government to release individuals detained for months without charges, condemning the situation as a severe infringement of constitutional rights. Attorney Subhas Panday criticized the tribunal’s independence, arguing that its appointment by the Attorney General compromises its impartiality. Detainees have also reported dire conditions at the Arouca facility, including overcrowding, poor ventilation, and inadequate medical care. Attorneys Sanjiv Boodhu and Darren Mitchell, representing several detainees, claimed the review process has stalled, with their clients awaiting decisions months after appearing before the tribunal. They argued that the tribunal’s failure to provide reports directly to lawyers undermines natural justice. The tribunal was appointed by former Chief Justice Ivor Archie on July 21, in accordance with Section 11 of the Constitution and Paragraph 5(1) of the Emergency Powers Regulations, 2025. Attorney David Alexander serves as chairman, with retired Army Major Arden Williams and attorney Shivangelie Ramoutar as members. President Christine Kangaloo declared the state of emergency on July 18, and it was extended for a second three-month period on October 31.
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BNU chief expresses concerns over retention as 50 nurses have left over last four months
The Bahamas is grappling with a significant exodus of nurses from its public healthcare system, with approximately 50 nurses departing over the past three to four months. Muriel Lightbourn, president of the Bahamas Nurses Union (BNU), revealed this alarming trend as the union intensifies its push for enhanced benefits and improved retention strategies. While specific details of the new industrial agreement remain undisclosed, Lightbourn expressed optimism that the government will address the union’s demands. She emphasized that nurses are not only leaving for opportunities abroad but also transitioning to other professions that offer better prospects for personal and professional growth. ‘We cannot afford to lose more workers,’ she stated. The previous industrial agreement, signed in 2022 and expired in October, included salary increments, additional insurance benefits, and retention bonuses exceeding $3,000, depending on specific criteria. Entry-level salaries began at $26,000 annually, with potential increases up to $30,000. However, Lightbourn highlighted persistent delays in promotions and confirmations within the public healthcare system, citing the acting director of nursing, who has remained unconfirmed for over nine months, as a glaring example. She described the situation as ‘distasteful’ and ‘a slap in the face,’ questioning the prolonged delays in appointing key positions. Additionally, approximately 24 nurses are still awaiting confirmation and appointment, further exacerbating the challenges faced by the healthcare sector.
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Nurse suspended for speaking out on PMH
A veteran nurse with 44 years of service, known only as ‘Sister Pearl,’ has been suspended for ten days after publicly highlighting severe issues at Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) in a video. The nurse, a senior critical care professional, revealed problems such as leaking roofs, supply shortages, and rodent infestations, which she claims have worsened over time. Following the video’s release, she was subjected to restrictive measures, including being barred from traveling, entering the hospital except for medical care, and surrendering her ID band. She likened the treatment to being monitored with an ‘anklet bracelet,’ expressing feelings of being criminalized. The Public Hospital Authority (PHA) stated that the video violated its social media policies, prompting an investigation. However, the suspension has drawn widespread criticism, including from Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Michael Darville, who vowed to ensure fair treatment for the nurse. In an interview, ‘Sister Pearl’ criticized the PHA’s handling of her case, emphasizing the exhaustion and overwhelm among A&E nurses. She asserted that her video aimed to draw attention to longstanding issues rather than embarrass anyone. The PHA defended its actions, citing its social media policy’s emphasis on professionalism and confidentiality. Meanwhile, Bahamas Nurses Union president Muriel Lightbourn acknowledged the technical breach of the union’s contract but noted the nurse remains on paid leave. Former Health Minister Dr. Duane Sands condemned the suspension as an attempt to intimidate and silence a competent worker, highlighting the ongoing shortage of critical care workers and resource constraints at PMH.