KAMPALA, Uganda — The election of Zohran Mamdani as New York City’s first Muslim mayor has sparked a mix of pride, inspiration, and introspection among Ugandans. Mamdani, a 34-year-old leftist politician of Ugandan-Indian descent, made history on Tuesday by becoming the youngest mayor of the United States’ largest city in over a century. Born in Uganda and raised in the U.S. since the age of seven, his victory has resonated deeply in his birth country, particularly at Makerere University in Kampala, where his father once served as a senior academic.
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Private sector groups urge swift, coordinated action from Gov’t in hurricane recovery effort
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prominent private sector organizations in Jamaica have jointly addressed Prime Minister Andrew Holness, voicing their concerns over the sluggish pace of recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. In a letter dated November 2, the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ), the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA), and the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC) emphasized the urgent need for coordinated action to address the escalating humanitarian crisis. While commending the efforts of government agencies, first responders, and volunteers, the groups stressed that the current response is insufficient to meet the growing needs of affected citizens. They highlighted the critical importance of time, stating that lives depend on swift and efficient intervention. The organizations called for a streamlined national response with transparent roles, centralized coordination, and robust accountability mechanisms. To address the crisis, they proposed several key recommendations: 1. Immediate Humanitarian Intervention: Establishing centralized safe zones across the island to provide shelter, food, water, medical care, and sanitation for displaced individuals, particularly vulnerable groups like the elderly, women, and children. 2. Coordinated National Relief Command: Creating a National Relief and Reconstruction Command, led by a designated individual with the authority to mobilize resources, direct agencies, and engage international disaster-relief experts. 3. State of Public Emergency (SOE): Declaring an SOE in the most severely impacted areas to enable emergency powers for road clearance, search and rescue, and supply distribution. 4. Oversight and Transparency: Forming an Oversight and Recovery Committee within seven days, comprising representatives from the government, opposition, private sector, and civil society to ensure transparency and collective leadership. The PSOJ, JMEA, and JCC reaffirmed their commitment to partnering with the government and national stakeholders to rebuild a stronger, safer, and more resilient Jamaica.
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Prince Harry says proud to be British despite new life in US
LONDON, United Kingdom—Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has issued a heartfelt plea for the public to remember and honor military veterans, emphasizing the enduring sacrifices they have made. Speaking ahead of Britain’s annual Remembrance Day commemorations, the 41-year-old royal, who served two tours in Afghanistan, expressed his unwavering pride in his British heritage despite now residing in California.
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NCU to resume classes on November 10 after Hurricane Melissa
MANCHESTER, Jamaica — Northern Caribbean University (NCU) has announced that classes will recommence on Monday, November 10, in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. The university, in a statement released on Tuesday, acknowledged the profound challenges faced by students grappling with the devastation wrought by the hurricane. To address these difficulties, NCU has implemented a series of supportive measures tailored to assist students who may be unable to return to campus due to disrupted access to essential services such as transportation and internet connectivity. Students encountering such obstacles are encouraged to promptly contact their respective faculty chairs, deans, or regional campus coordinators to explore alternative learning arrangements, including adaptable assessment options for the current semester. For those unable to engage with the university within this academic period, NCU has pledged to facilitate their reintegration in January 2026, ensuring they receive the necessary support to navigate their recovery journey. Additionally, course materials and content will be made available on the Moodle platform, allowing students to progress at their own pace. The university has also committed to flexibility in assignment submissions and other academic activities, underscoring its dedication to student welfare during this challenging time.
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Excelerate Energy mobilises over US$1 million to support Jamaica’s hurricane relief effort
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Excelerate Energy, in collaboration with Food For The Poor Jamaica, Project C.U.R.E., World Central Kitchen, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), and the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW), has mobilized over US$1 million in critical aid to support recovery efforts in Jamaica following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. This coordinated initiative aims to restore essential services, rebuild infrastructure, and provide immediate assistance to the most affected communities.
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WATCH: Lime Tree Ground residents stage fiery protest over power outage
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, residents of Lime Tree Ground in St Catherine, Jamaica, took to the streets in a fiery protest over the prolonged lack of electricity. Over a week since the Category 5 storm ravaged the island, the community remains in darkness, while neighboring areas have seen their power restored. Frustrated locals blocked a roadway with debris and set it ablaze, voicing their anger and desperation. One resident expressed their frustration, stating, ‘They came yesterday promising to fix the light post, but nothing happened. Now they’re saying it could take three months before we get power.’ Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica last Tuesday with winds of 185 mph and torrential rains, claimed over 30 lives and left nearly 80% of Jamaica Public Service (JPS) customers without electricity. The JPS reported significant damage to its transmission and distribution networks. Despite progress in restoring power to areas like Kingston, St Andrew, St Thomas, Portmore, and parts of St Catherine, JPS CEO Hugh Grant acknowledged that several areas, including Spanish Town, Guys Hill, Bog Walk, and Central Village, remain without power. The company is working around the clock to restore electricity within the next two weeks.
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The new Chief Justice: A practitioner’s perspective
In a reflective commentary, Imran S Khan, a seasoned attorney with over 27 years of litigation experience in Trinidad and Tobago, offers a profound analysis of the qualities essential for an effective judicial officer. Khan, who has witnessed the evolution of the legal system amidst societal changes, emphasizes that a judge must embody the highest standards of integrity, humility, and practical legal expertise. He argues that a judge is not merely a role but a sacred duty to uphold justice without bias, impacting lives profoundly with every decision. Khan highlights the necessity for judges to possess real-life legal experience and a deep understanding of societal complexities. He commends Chief Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh for exemplifying these traits, noting his dignified and efficient approach to advancing justice. Khan extends his heartfelt congratulations to Boodoosingh on his appointment, expressing hope that his leadership will benefit the nation. The commentary concludes with the Latin maxim ‘Fiat justitia ruat caelum,’ underscoring the paramount importance of justice.
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Triniboi Joocie connects with youth, drops new Carnival tracks
UK-based soca artist, pannist, and educator Rodell ‘Triniboi Joocie’ Sorzano recently concluded a triumphant return to his homeland, Trinidad and Tobago, where he engaged with students, cultural groups, and fans while unveiling new music for the 2026 Carnival season. From October 19-21 in Trinidad and October 22-26 in Tobago, Joocie shared his inspiring journey from playing the steelpan in Arima to becoming a Notting Hill Carnival Ambassador, Voice UK semi-finalist, and celebrated soca artist in Europe. His mission was to inspire young people, emphasizing that discipline, creativity, and cultural pride can unlock global opportunities.
Joocie’s visit began at the University of Trinidad and Tobago’s music program at NAPA, where he spent over an hour discussing songwriting, marketing, artist branding, and stage presence with students. He described the session as ‘uplifting,’ praising the students’ curiosity and passion. Later, he visited Holy Cross College in Arima, where he first learned to play the pan. There, he engaged with the school’s steel orchestra, sharing heartfelt advice on focus, originality, and the cultural significance of pan and soca music.
In Tobago, Joocie continued his outreach at Scarborough Secondary School, performing during their Carnival Friday celebrations and reflecting on his life as an artist and educator. He encouraged students to believe in themselves and respect their craft, noting that music can take them anywhere. During his stay, he also appeared on local radio and television programs, premiering two new singles, ‘Investment’ and ‘Sick,’ which blend Caribbean soul with global sounds.
Joocie’s visit culminated in a performance at Army Fete Tobago, marking his first stage appearance there in years. He described the experience as ‘pure joy,’ reaffirming his commitment to promoting Trinidad and Tobago’s culture abroad. Now back in London, Joocie feels renewed and more determined than ever to share soca music with the world, viewing it as a vital part of Caribbean identity and pride.
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Embassy of Mexico celebrates life on the Day of the Dead
The Embassy of Mexico in Trinidad and Tobago transformed into a lively hub of culture and tradition on November 1, 2025, as it hosted the annual Day of the Dead celebration at its Hayes Street headquarters in St Clair. The event, rich in symbolism and heritage, featured marigold flowers, candles, and skulls, turning the memory of the departed into a joyous celebration of life and culture. Participants dressed as traditional Catrinas and Catrins added to the festive atmosphere, while dancer Nalini Akal, director of the N9 Dance Company, captivated the audience with a performance inspired by the spiritual essence of the occasion. The Day of the Dead, rooted in pre-Hispanic civilizations like the Mexica, Maya, and Purépecha, merged with Catholic traditions during the Spanish colonization, evolving into a unique cultural expression celebrated on November 1 and 2. Ambassador Víctor Hugo Morales emphasized the event’s significance as a symbol of identity, memory, and hope, dedicating the main altar to flood victims in Mexico and extending solidarity to neighboring Caribbean nations affected by natural disasters. The altar also honored cultural icons like poet Guadalupe ‘Pita’ Amor and wrestler Blue Demon. The celebration included a Calaveritas literary competition, a Mexican wrestling exhibition, and traditional dishes such as tacos de canasta and pan de muerto. Special guests included Senator Darrell Allahar and ambassadors from various countries, making the event a testament to the enduring vibrancy of Mexican culture, even far from home.
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Fatherhood’s DNA
The Fathers Association of Trinidad and Tobago (TFATT) has sparked a contentious debate by proposing mandatory paternity tests before the issuance of child maintenance orders. This call comes in the wake of a survey conducted by a judiciary-approved laboratory, which revealed that 33% of 440 paternity tests conducted between 2020 and 2025 indicated a different biological father than assumed. TFATT President Rhondall Feeles emphasized the potential prevalence of such cases, questioning the societal impact of this statistic. Between 2016 and 2021, the Family Court received 6,838 child maintenance applications, with 1,766 filings in the 2022/2023 term alone. Early identification of non-paternity cases could alleviate the court’s workload. However, critics argue that the survey’s findings may not be representative, as individuals with existing doubts are more likely to seek testing. The proposal raises concerns about the child’s best interests, with experts cautioning against imposing tests in uncontested cases. Behavioral therapist Wendell De Leon highlighted the emotional toll on men who discover, after years of parenting, that they are not the biological father. While TFATT’s suggestion of criminalizing ‘paternity fraud’ aims to deter deceit, it faces criticism for being overly punitive. Legal experts stress that DNA testing should remain discretionary, allowing courts to consider the emotional and social bonds between a child and their guardian, regardless of biological ties.