KINGSTON, Jamaica—In a significant humanitarian effort, ISRATECH Jamaica, in partnership with the global non-profit Planet Water Foundation, has introduced six advanced AquaBlock emergency water filtration systems to aid communities devastated by Hurricane Melissa. These critical systems, capable of producing up to 57,600 gallons of potable water daily, were transported from Phoenix, Arizona, to Kingston, Jamaica, aboard a Boeing 737 humanitarian relief flight. This marks the largest single aid flight to Jamaica since the hurricane struck. The systems will be accessible to the public, addressing one of the most pressing needs in the recovery process. Benjamin Hodara, CEO of ISRATECH, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, ‘Each AquaBlock system embodies innovation and hope, designed for rapid deployment and long-term impact, supported by our technical expertise on the ground.’ The systems arrived at Norman Manley International Airport on Thursday, where they will be installed and maintained by a joint technical team from Planet Water Foundation and ISRATECH Jamaica, in coordination with local disaster response agencies. Mark Steele, founder and CEO of Planet Water Foundation, expressed his commitment to the cause, noting, ‘Each system can provide safe water for up to 6,000 people, and we are dedicated to delivering them swiftly to the most affected communities.’ This initiative is funded by Planet Water Foundation’s corporate partners, underscoring the collaborative effort to restore essential water infrastructure in high-impact areas identified by national disaster response teams.
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Ansa Merchant Bank profit rises 40%
ANSA Merchant Bank Ltd (AMBL) has announced a remarkable 40% increase in profit before tax for the nine months ending September 30, 2025, reaching $180.9 million, up from $129.4 million in the same period last year. Chairman A Norman Sabga hailed the results as a testament to the bank’s robust financial performance, with group assets growing by 2.98% and earnings per share rising to $1.78 from $1.39 in 2024. The bank’s diversified operations, including banking, insurance, and mutual funds, all contributed to this impressive growth. In the banking sector, pre-tax profit rose by 12.2% to $85.8 million, while the insurance segment saw a 45% increase to $129.4 million, driven by improved underwriting and higher investment income. The mutual funds business also performed well, generating $16.4 million in pre-tax profit, up from $15.5 million in 2024. Net operating income for the period stood at $456.4 million, compared to $415.9 million the previous year, with operating profit at $180.9 million after $275.5 million in expenses. Profit attributable to shareholders surged by 33% to $152.5 million after tax. Total assets grew to $10.22 billion, with shareholders’ equity increasing to $2.74 billion and total liabilities at $7.48 billion. The group also reported net cash from operating activities of $279.8 million and held $538.9 million in cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period. Sabga attributed the strong performance to steady growth in the loan portfolio, expansion of private-wealth management services, and improved premium income in insurance operations. He expressed confidence in the bank’s continued success and commitment to delivering value to shareholders and customers.
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US kill three more in Caribbean airstrike
In its ongoing campaign against narcoterrorism, the US military conducted another airstrike in the Caribbean on November 6, resulting in the deaths of three individuals. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced the operation on X, emphasizing the US’s commitment to combating drug trafficking. The strike targeted a vessel operated by a designated terrorist organization in international waters, with no US casualties reported. This marks the tenth such attack in the Caribbean since September, totaling approximately 44 fatalities. Among the victims were two Trinidad-born men, Chad Joseph and Rishi Samaroo, who were feared killed in an October 14 strike. Two survivors from an October 26 attack were repatriated to Colombia and Ecuador. The Trinidad and Tobago government, led by Kamla Persad-Bissessar, has supported these operations, citing the nation’s struggle with narcotics and firearm smuggling from Venezuela. Concurrently, a US Senate motion to block President Trump from attacking Venezuela failed, despite concerns that his actions in the Caribbean could escalate tensions. Trump has denied intentions of war with Venezuela but hinted at the potential downfall of President Nicolas Maduro.
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‘Only two new ankle bracelets successfully tampered with’
The Bahamas has witnessed a remarkable improvement in its electronic monitoring system for individuals on bail, with only two successful attempts at tampering reported under the Migrafill-managed system. National Security Minister Wayne Munroe highlighted this as a significant advancement in tightening bail supervision. This progress follows the government’s contentious decision in 2023 to terminate its contract with the previous provider and reinstate Migrafill Electronic Security, which had previously managed the program. The decision has coincided with a notable decline in murders involving individuals on bail, contributing to a broader reduction in the national murder rate. Minister Munroe emphasized the robustness of Migrafill’s technology, which provides immediate alerts to law enforcement when tampering is detected. He noted that the system also offers advanced features such as curfew reminders and the ability for individuals to report emergencies, ensuring a swift police response. The government’s decision to switch to Migrafill in March 2024 has proven effective, with murders involving individuals on bail dropping to 11 percent of total killings by the end of the year, a sharp decrease from 42 percent in November 2023. Munroe attributed this success to Migrafill’s advanced equipment and real-time communication capabilities, which have significantly enhanced the monitoring process.
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Judicial complaints procedure ‘regrettably’ not yet finalised, says Chief Justice
Chief Justice Ian Winder has acknowledged the failure to finalize the long-promised judicial complaints procedure in The Bahamas, nearly a year after committing to its completion. Speaking to The Tribune, Justice Winder admitted that progress has been hindered by the challenge of identifying committee members and other pressing judicial priorities. Despite the delay, he pledged to intensify efforts to collaborate with Bahamas Bar Association President Khalil Parker to establish the framework. He emphasized that complaints against judicial officers are currently handled by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, which regularly receives and investigates such grievances. However, the lack of a formalized procedure has drawn criticism from attorney Tavarrie Smith, who warned that the delay undermines public confidence in the judiciary. In a letter titled ‘The Urgent Need for a Judicial Complaints Procedure in The Bahamas,’ Smith highlighted the absence of updates or a published procedure since the December 2024 pledge to finalize the framework before the 2025 legal year. He argued that the delay raises serious concerns about accountability, transparency, and the administration of justice, particularly in light of high-profile controversies involving judges last year. Smith stressed that the proposed mechanism would enhance judicial independence by ensuring fair and transparent review of allegations. He described most judges as ‘unsung heroes’ but cautioned that a lack of accountability could erode public trust. The issue gained traction in late 2024 when Justice Winder and Parker announced plans to finalize a unified framework. Attorney General Ryan Pinder has also supported the initiative, emphasizing the need for clear conduct standards for judges. Critics argue that the current process lacks transparency and public redress mechanisms, with some viewing the Judicial and Legal Services Commission as a political body. Smith urged swift action, asserting that judicial accountability is essential to maintaining public trust and upholding the integrity of the legal system.
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Miss Bahamas joins in walk-out from a Miss Universe ceremony
The Miss Universe 2025 pre-pageant ceremony in Thailand took an unexpected turn this week when Maliqué Maranda Bowe, Miss Universe Bahamas, and several other contestants walked out in protest. The dramatic exit followed an incident where Thai businessman Nawat Itsaragrisil, the national director of Miss Universe Thailand, publicly insulted Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, during a live broadcast. Itsaragrisil reportedly called Bosch a ‘dumbhead’ after accusing her of insufficiently promoting Thailand on social media and missing a sponsor photoshoot. The confrontation escalated when Bosch defended herself, emphasizing the need for respect, only to be interrupted and escorted out by security. The incident sparked outrage among contestants, leading to a collective walkout despite warnings of potential disqualification. Anthony Smith, national director of the Miss Universe Bahamas Organisation, praised Bowe for her courage and grace, stating she remains focused on the upcoming finals. In response to the backlash, the Miss Universe Organisation imposed sanctions on Itsaragrisil, who later issued a public apology, citing personal pressure. The incident has since gone viral, with many applauding the contestants’ unity and condemning the perceived bullying behavior.
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US based-foundation to offer counseling to Jamaican educators on hurricane trauma
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In response to the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, the Pamella’s Sunrise Foundation, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information’s guidance counseling unit and the Jamaica Poets Nomadic College and School Tour, has redirected its efforts to provide psychotherapeutic and trauma-informed interventions for educators. Originally scheduled for December, the foundation’s ‘Make the Children Laugh’ event, aimed at alleviating emotional pain in children, has been postponed to prioritize hurricane recovery and restoration efforts.
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UCC begins roll out of relief supplies to students and staff impacted by Melissa
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC) has initiated its post-hurricane relief operations, commencing with the distribution of essential supplies to its Montego Bay campus in St. James. This effort, spearheaded by the UCC Foundation (UCCF), aims to support students and staff affected by Hurricane Melissa.
Professor Colin Gyles, President of UCC, emphasized the institution’s solidarity with those impacted by the disaster. ‘Our priority is to ensure the well-being of our students and staff as we work together to rebuild and recover,’ he stated. The relief packages, which include bottled water, non-perishable food, toiletries, sanitary products, and clothing, are part of a broader strategy to sustain student engagement and repair damaged infrastructure.
The UCCF has also announced plans to expand its relief missions to other regional campuses across Jamaica in the coming days. Gyles reiterated the university’s commitment to providing meaningful support during this challenging time, extending thoughts and prayers to all those affected.
Initial reports reveal that numerous staff and students have suffered significant losses, including damage to homes and personal belongings. The UCC’s relief efforts underscore its dedication to fostering resilience and recovery in the wake of the hurricane.
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Melissa triggers 100% payout of US$150 million World Bank catastrophe bond for Jamaica
KINGSTON, Jamaica—Following the widespread destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica is poised to receive a full payout of US$150 million under its catastrophe insurance coverage, facilitated by a World Bank-backed catastrophe bond issued in 2024. This financial support underscores the effectiveness of Jamaica’s disaster risk management strategy and the critical role of catastrophe bonds in mitigating the economic impact of natural disasters.
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ODPEM head pledges modern, efficient disaster-relief system
KINGSTON, Jamaica—Commander Alvin Gayle, the newly appointed Director General of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to bolster Jamaica’s disaster response capabilities. The initiative centers on the implementation of a cutting-edge logistics system designed to streamline the tracking, management, and distribution of relief supplies across the island, particularly as the nation continues its recovery from the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa.