Satnerine Tomlin, a resident of Whitehouse in Westmoreland, Jamaica, is grappling with an overwhelming crisis just weeks before the birth of her fourth child. Her home was obliterated by Hurricane Melissa, leaving her and her three children homeless. Tomlin, who is due to deliver on November 22, lost all her possessions, including clothing, her children’s belongings, and essential items prepared for her unborn baby. ‘Everything is gone. The house is completely destroyed. I have nothing left,’ Tomlin lamented in an interview with Observer Online. Currently, she and her children are temporarily sheltered in a relative’s home, but the situation remains dire. Tomlin has appealed for urgent assistance, whether in the form of food, clothing, or help to rebuild her home. She managed to salvage only her baby’s documents, birth papers, and identification. The community of Whitehouse has been severely impacted, with many residents sharing similar stories of loss and devastation. Shanakay Campbell, another local resident, expressed her struggles in finding diapers for her one-year-old and highlighted the widespread damage to homes and infrastructure. The hurricane’s aftermath has left roofs torn off, wooden structures flattened, and power lines scattered across roads. Tomlin recounted the traumatic experience of enduring the storm, describing how she and her children were forced to seek refuge in a bathroom as the hurricane tore through their home. ‘We are traumatized, but God is with us,’ she said. The community now faces the daunting task of rebuilding their lives amidst the wreckage.
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US government shutdown ties record for longest in history
The United States government shutdown has now entered its 35th day, matching the record set during Donald Trump’s first presidency. As the impasse continues, the Trump administration has issued stark warnings about potential chaos at airports, particularly during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. The shutdown, which began after Congress failed to approve funding beyond September 30, is on track to become the longest in U.S. history, with no immediate resolution in sight. Approximately 1.4 million federal workers, including air traffic controllers and park wardens, are either furloughed or working without pay. The Transportation Secretary, Sean Duffy, cautioned that the shutdown could lead to mass flight delays, cancellations, and even the closure of certain airspace sections due to staffing shortages. The Thanksgiving holiday, which typically sees a surge in air travel, is expected to exacerbate these issues. Meanwhile, the political standoff remains centered on health care spending, with Democrats demanding an extension of expiring insurance subsidies and Republicans refusing to address the issue until the government reopens. Despite some signs of bipartisan efforts to find a compromise, both sides remain entrenched in their positions. President Trump has remained steadfast, refusing to negotiate and even threatening mass layoffs of federal workers. The shutdown has also jeopardized critical welfare programs, including food assistance for millions of Americans, though the administration has pledged to comply with court orders to continue partial payments.
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Attorney David Cash sues police, AG over Freeport arrest
Attorney David P Cash has initiated a Supreme Court claim against the Commissioner of Police and the Attorney General, alleging unlawful arrest, assault, and constitutional rights violations during an incident in Freeport last year. The claim, filed last week, details accusations against officers at the Central Police Station in Grand Bahama, where Mr Cash was reportedly detained for 12 hours, assaulted, and charged with disorderly behavior and obscene language. These charges were dismissed in July 2023 by Magistrate Laquay Laing, who ruled that Mr Cash’s actions were merely those of an attorney passionately defending his client’s rights.
According to court documents, Mr Cash asserts that he was denied access to his client, Mermaid ‘Mervie’ Knowles, who was in custody at the time. He claims he was grabbed by the collar by a sergeant, dragged to the front desk, and placed in an unsanitary, overheated cell with limited access to restroom facilities and legal counsel. Mr Cash described the experience as humiliating and traumatic, causing post-traumatic stress and damage to his professional reputation, exacerbated by national media coverage of his arrest and prosecution.
In his filing, Mr Cash is seeking $11,390 in special damages to cover expenses such as airfare, car rental, accommodation, and legal representation related to the incident. Additionally, he is pursuing general, aggravated, exemplary, and vindicatory damages for alleged breaches of his constitutional rights under Articles 17, 19, 20, and 25 of the Constitution. The defendants, the Commissioner of Police and the Attorney General, are being sued in their official capacities under the Crown Proceedings Act.
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74-year-old security guard dies after hit-and-run in St Ann
A tragic incident unfolded on Development Road in Ocho Rios, St Ann, on Monday, November 3, resulting in the death of a 74-year-old security guard. Rohan Murray, a resident of Charlestown, St Mary, succumbed to injuries sustained in a suspected hit-and-run accident. According to reports from the Ocho Rios Police, the incident occurred around 8:00 pm when Murray was struck by a motor vehicle while attempting to cross the road. The driver of the vehicle failed to stop, leaving Murray critically injured. He was rushed to the hospital but tragically passed away during treatment. The police have issued an urgent appeal for the driver to surrender at the nearest police station. Additionally, they are seeking assistance from the public, urging anyone with relevant information to contact 876-974-2523, the police emergency number 119, or their local police station.
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A migrant exodus
The ongoing Venezuelan crisis continues to cast a shadow over the Caribbean, with Trinidad and Tobago’s migrant policies drawing significant criticism. Under Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s administration, the nation has adopted a ‘TT First’ doctrine, which has led to the dismantling of previous initiatives aimed at assisting Venezuelan migrants. This approach has resulted in the removal of supervision orders for refugees and asylum seekers, with government officials openly discussing ‘mass deportations’ and equating migrants with violent criminals. The administration’s stance was previewed at the UN General Assembly, where Persad-Bissessar argued that illegal immigration poses a threat to small nations like Trinidad and Tobago, leading to long-term disorder, poverty, and cultural antagonism. However, critics argue that the government’s narrative is xenophobic and lacks evidence, as police statistics show that Venezuelans arrested for criminal offenses are minimal compared to the number of legal refugees and asylum seekers. The policy risks damaging the economy, as Venezuelan migrants have been willing to take on jobs that locals often avoid, and threatens social cohesiveness by severing cultural ties with Venezuela. As the world watches, the administration’s actions raise questions about the nation’s commitment to its own history of migration and the pursuit of dreams.
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Father of slain Adriel Moxey dies of cancer, and a ‘broken heart’
Roberto Rolle, the father of Adriel Moxey, a 12-year-old girl who was tragically murdered in November 2024, has passed away after a brief battle with stomach cancer. Rolle, 45, was laid to rest in Grand Bahama over the weekend. A close friend, Wendy Fox, who delivered a tribute at his funeral, believes that Rolle’s death was not solely due to cancer but also the profound heartbreak he endured following his daughter’s brutal killing. Fox stated, ‘He died from a broken heart. He just wanted his daughter.’ Adriel, a seventh-grade student, was sexually assaulted and killed on November 18, 2024. Her body was discovered two days later near Faith Avenue, leading to the arrest of 35-year-old Chris Ferguson in connection with her death. Rolle, who had raised Adriel from infancy, expressed deep regret in previous interviews, feeling he had failed to protect her. ‘I did everything for that little girl, even if she wasn’t my child, she was my child,’ he had said. Fox revealed that Rolle lived with constant sorrow and regret, often lamenting his inability to secure custody and provide a safer environment for Adriel. His death has left his family, including his surviving son, devastated.
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Iram, COI denies claims he split from party
Central Grand Bahama MP Iram Lewis has firmly refuted allegations of his resignation from the Coalition of Independents (COI), labeling the claims as baseless. In a joint statement, the COI also dismissed the rumors, emphasizing the unity and strength of their team. The statement highlighted that the coalition remains intact and continues to work towards fostering unity and purpose across the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Lewis, who resigned from the Free National Movement (FNM) in April after anticipating he would not be renominated, has maintained that his decision was driven by a vision to build a better Bahamas rather than political survival. Marjorie Darville, a long-time member of the Central Grand Bahama association, revealed that the FNM had been cautioned about the potential risks of renominating Lewis, with several members advocating for his replacement. Despite the controversy, Lewis expressed hope that even his critics would eventually support his broader vision for the nation.
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US Embassy donates hurricane relief supplies to Bahamas Red Cross
The United States Embassy in Nassau has extended a helping hand to the Bahamas by donating over $30,000 worth of hurricane relief supplies to the Bahamas Red Cross. This contribution aims to assist communities ravaged by Hurricane Melissa. The donation includes essential items such as hygiene kits, bedding, and other non-food necessities, underscoring the US’s unwavering commitment to aiding The Bahamas during times of crisis. US Chargé d’Affaires Kimberly Furnish, who recently visited the affected islands, expressed her deep concern for the residents facing a difficult recovery process. She emphasized that the US stands in solidarity with the Bahamian people and highlighted the enduring partnership between the US Embassy and the Red Cross. ‘The Red Cross exemplifies the spirit of Bahamians helping Bahamians, with the US playing a supportive role,’ Mrs. Furnish remarked. She ceremoniously handed over the supplies to Red Cross President Edison Sumner, who expressed gratitude for the timely assistance. Mr. Sumner noted that early assessments reveal significant damage across central and southeastern islands, and the Red Cross is preparing to distribute supplies to the most affected areas. He also issued a national appeal for further support, extending aid to Jamaica and other storm-impacted nations. Jerusa Ali, Director General at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, commended the US Embassy for their continued support and collaboration.
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Unicomer Group donates $75 million for Hurricane Melissa relief efforts
KINGSTON, Jamaica – In a significant move to aid recovery efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, the Unicomer Group, which operates prominent retail brands such as Courts in Jamaica, has announced a $75 million contribution. This substantial financial commitment will be directed towards both government-led and community-based recovery initiatives, as well as providing direct assistance to employees affected by the storm.
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Uber, Jamaican Red Cross, and International Medical Corps to support Melissa relief efforts
KINGSTON, Jamaica—In a significant humanitarian initiative, Uber, the global transportation giant, has teamed up with the Jamaican Red Cross and the International Medical Corps to bolster emergency response and relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. The collaboration aims to address critical mobility needs and ensure swift aid delivery to affected communities.