In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which wreaked havoc across Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago has stepped up its humanitarian efforts to assist those affected. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar personally oversaw the preparation and dispatch of the first shipment of relief supplies from the PLIPDECO Warehouse Complex at Point Lisas Industrial Estate. The aid, which includes essential items such as water, toiletries, canned food, pasta, and bread, is part of a broader initiative to support the Caribbean neighbor in its time of need.
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Hillview edge ‘Naps’ in Secondary School Chess Champs
In a thrilling conclusion to the National Secondary Schools’ Chess Championship, Hillview College emerged victorious over Naparima Boys’ College via a tiebreak. The championship, held on October 11 and 12 at Presentation College Chaguanas, showcased intense competition among 170 players from approximately 15 schools. The event was organized by the TT Chess Association and sponsored by Genesis Insurance Brokers and Benefits Consultants Ltd.
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Families seek next steps after reporting fishermen missing
The families of two Trinidad and Tobago fishermen, Chad Joseph and Rishi Samaroo, are anxiously awaiting official confirmation regarding their loved ones’ fate after they were believed to have been killed in a US military strike on October 12. The strike targeted an alleged drug-transporting vessel in international waters. Relatives filed missing person reports on November 1 and 2, following advice from Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander. Joseph’s family held a memorial, claiming Venezuelan sources confirmed his presence on the destroyed vessel. Samaroo’s sister, Sallycar Korasingh, appealed to the Prime Minister for assistance, expressing uncertainty about his whereabouts but desperation for answers. Both families faced challenges in filing reports, with police citing jurisdictional issues due to the incident occurring in international waters. Minister of Foreign and Caricom Affairs Sean Sobers stated there was no evidence linking the fishermen to the strike, emphasizing it occurred outside Trinidad and Tobago’s waters. Despite repeated attempts, neither Alexander nor Minister of Defence Wayne Sturge responded to inquiries from Newsday regarding updates or coordination with US authorities.
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TTDF staff sergeant appeals High Court ruling on denied promotion
A legal dispute involving a Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF) staff sergeant has escalated to the Court of Appeal, following a 2023 High Court ruling that dismissed his challenge against the Chief of Defence Staff’s (CDS) decision to block his promotion. Staff Sergeant Russell Reyes contends that Justice Nadia Kangaloo erred in her judgment, arguing that the CDS overstepped legal boundaries by rejecting a recommendation for his promotion to Warrant Officer Class II. Reyes maintains that the disciplinary infraction cited against him was a “spent” conviction and should not have influenced the decision, as it was no longer part of his service record under military law. He also highlighted an unreasonable delay in addressing the disciplinary matter, which further complicated his case. Reyes first challenged the CDS’s decision in 2022, filing a judicial review application with a certificate of urgency, as he was nearing his mandatory retirement date of January 25, 2023. Had he succeeded, he would have remained in the Defence Force until 2026. However, Justice Kangaloo ruled in October 2023 that Reyes was still under probation when his disciplinary reprimand expired, rendering him ineligible for promotion. She also affirmed that the CDS acted within his authority to deny the promotion in the operational interest of the TTDF. In his appeal, Reyes argued that the judge miscalculated key dates and misinterpreted the CDS’s authority under the Defence Act. He emphasized that his severe reprimand, imposed in March 2021, was “spent” by November 2021, months before his promotion recommendation in early 2022. Reyes is seeking to have the High Court’s ruling overturned, reinstatement to the rank of Warrant Officer Class II, or compensation for lost pay and benefits. His attorney, Arden Williams, argued that the CDS unlawfully intervened in the promotion process, which is an administrative function under the Defence Force Act. Williams also questioned whether the CDS was acting as the designated officer for the Defence Council, which oversees the TTDF’s command, administration, and discipline. The Appeal Court judges have requested additional submissions on the presumption of regularity regarding the CDS’s actions, with a ruling expected after further consideration.
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Shaggy, Chris Martin, Nigy Boy, Masicka line up for I Love Jamaica concerts
A star-studded lineup of international and Jamaican artists, including Shaggy, Masicka, Christopher Martin, and Nigy Boy, will headline the ‘I Love Jamaica’ 5-concert fundraising series. The virtual events, organized by Jamaica’s Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport, aim to support the nation’s recovery efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. The series kicks off on November 16 with a virtual telethon broadcast from the Creative Production and Training Centre (CPTC) studios in Jamaica, featuring performances by Christopher Martin, Masicka, and Nigy Boy. The telethon will run from 3:30 PM to 10:30 PM, with additional acts to be announced. The concert series will also span global cities, including two shows in London at Wembley Arena on November 13 and December 18, headlined by British rapper Dizzee Rascal and David Rodigan. South Florida will host a concert on December 18 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, with Shaggy as the main act, while another event will take place simultaneously at Miramar Regional Park. Further concerts are planned for New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, DC. Minister Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange emphasized that the initiative aims to boost national morale, inspire volunteerism, and raise funds for Jamaica’s long-term recovery. All proceeds will be directed toward the national recovery program.
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Guadeloupe to host historic Special Olympics 3×3 unified basketball
The Caribbean is abuzz with excitement as Guadeloupe gears up to host the region’s inaugural Special Olympics 3×3 unified basketball tournament from November 13 to 16. Supported by Special Olympics Caribbean, Special Olympics International, and key partners such as the Lions Club International Foundation, Aruna Oswal Trust, and the Government of Guadeloupe, the event will provide a platform for athletes with intellectual disabilities to demonstrate their talents.
This unified tournament is designed to foster social inclusion by pairing individuals with and without intellectual disabilities in competitive sports, thereby raising awareness and encouraging societal change. Another milestone for Guadeloupe, a French-speaking island in the eastern Caribbean, will be the hosting of the symbolic Law Enforcement Torch Run, which will officially inaugurate the event.
Guy Vala, National Director of Special Olympics Guadeloupe, expressed his pride in the meticulous planning that has brought the event to life. ‘After countless anxious moments and sleepless nights, the fruits of our labor are finally taking shape, promising a remarkable gathering,’ he said. He also highlighted the dedication of his young, dynamic, and motivated organizing committee, who worked tirelessly to create an event that unites enthusiasts, families, and supporters of their shared values.
The tournament will feature unified delegations from Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Jamaica, St Kitts & Nevis, St Maarten, and Trinidad & Tobago, with Guadeloupe fielding two teams. Lorna Bell, Executive Director of Special Olympics Caribbean, commended Guadeloupe for hosting the event and praised the overwhelming support from partners. She emphasized the significance of inclusion, stating that the event transcends language and cultural barriers, uniting the Caribbean through sport, compassion, and shared purpose.
Bell added, ‘Each delegation will showcase athletes and unified partners playing side by side, proving that sport is a universal language that knows no boundaries.’
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Opposition leader urges greater funding for hurricane relief
Opposition Leader Mark Golding has urged the Jamaican government to allocate at least $50 million to each Member of Parliament (MP) to facilitate clean-up and relief efforts in their constituencies following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. This proposal, if implemented, would require a total government expenditure of $3.15 billion. Golding made the recommendation during a press conference at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition in St Andrew on Monday, emphasizing the urgent need for increased funding to address the widespread damage caused by the hurricane.
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Homeless, hungry and trapped
In a heartfelt and emotional plea, Nekeisha Burchell, Member of Parliament for St James Southern and a representative of the Opposition People’s National Party, called for immediate relief assistance for her constituents devastated by Hurricane Melissa. Speaking at a press conference held at the party’s Old Hope Road Headquarters, Burchell highlighted the dire situation faced by the majority of her constituents, who are homeless, hungry, and trapped in their communities amidst the carcasses of their livestock.
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Nation unites
In response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaican Government has initiated a comprehensive recovery plan, including the establishment of a National Registry of Volunteers and a series of international fundraising concerts. The initiative aims to raise an initial US$1 million to support relief efforts and rebuild affected communities. Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport Olivia Grange announced these measures during a special media briefing at Jamaica House, emphasizing the importance of unity and collective action in overcoming the crisis. The National Registry of Volunteers, accessible via the Support Jamaica portal (supportjamaica.gov.jm), provides a streamlined platform for individuals to offer their skills and time in areas such as food distribution, medical support, and clean-up activities. Grange urged Jamaicans at home and abroad to participate, highlighting the need for a coordinated and efficient response. Additionally, former Prime Ministers PJ Patterson and Bruce Golding, along with former Political Ombudsman Bishop Herro Blair, have been enlisted to assist in the recovery efforts. Blair will coordinate the involvement of religious and faith-based organizations, which have historically played a crucial role in times of crisis. To further bolster resources, the Government has partnered with the entertainment industry to organize the ‘I Love Jamaica’ concert series, featuring performances by leading Jamaican artists in venues across Jamaica, the United States, and the United Kingdom. The series will kick off with a virtual concert and telethon on November 16, followed by events in London, Miami, and other cities. Grange also revealed that the Caribbean Premier League and former cricketer Chris Gayle will contribute to the fundraising campaign. The Reggae Boyz vs Curacao FIFA World Cup qualifier on November 18 will serve as another platform for donations, with the Jamaica Football Federation and Red Cross Jamaica coordinating the effort. Grange expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from various sectors, reiterating that Jamaica will emerge stronger from this unprecedented disaster.
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KING’S GOALS
Jamaican footballer Richard King, a key defender for the national team known as the Reggae Boyz, is determined to bring pride and joy to his homeland after the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. King, who plays for Scottish Premiership club St Mirren, recently made headlines with a stellar performance in the Scottish League Cup semi-final. His 86th-minute goal secured a 4-1 victory over Motherwell, propelling St Mirren to a final showdown against Celtic next month. This marks a significant milestone in King’s career as he eyes his first major club title.