The Realtors Association of Jamaica (RAJ) has issued a heartfelt appeal to property owners across the nation, urging them to list their vacant homes, apartments, warehouses, and investment properties for both short and long-term rentals. This initiative aims to tackle the severe housing and storage shortages exacerbated by the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa. In a statement released on Monday, the RAJ emphasized that property owners are uniquely positioned to play a pivotal role in the country’s recovery efforts. RAJ President Gabrielle Gilpin-Hudson highlighted the importance of compassion and collaboration during this critical time. ‘This is a moment for compassion and partnership,’ she stated. ‘We encourage owners of vacant properties to put them to good use by listing them on the market to support relief efforts. This is our opportunity to make a tangible difference while ensuring investments serve a meaningful purpose.’ The RAJ has assured property owners of its members’ readiness to provide professional and efficient assistance in preparing, listing, and renting properties. Additionally, the association is committed to helping families and businesses identify suitable spaces for housing or storage. ‘Our realtors are trained to make the listing and rental process seamless and transparent for both owners and tenants,’ Gilpin-Hudson added. ‘Together, we can help families find stability and enable businesses to resume serving their communities.’
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Retired fireman found dead in Cumuto
The tragic discovery of 63-year-old Anslym Alonzo’s body has left his family and community in shock. Alonzo, a retired fireman and resident of Duranta Gardens, was last seen on October 31 in his workshop in Coalmine, Sangre Grande. Driving a burgundy Nissan Note, he failed to return home that evening, prompting his family to report him missing. After an extensive search, police located his body in a forested area along Little Coora Road, Cumuto, on November 3. His daughter identified the remains at the scene. Relatives, speaking to Newsday, expressed their bewilderment, stating they could not fathom any reason for him to be targeted. They refrained from speculation, awaiting further details from the ongoing investigation. ‘We have no idea what happened or why anyone would have wanted him dead,’ a family member said. The district medical officer has ordered an autopsy, with Alonzo’s body transferred to the Forensic Science Centre in St James on November 4. The case remains under investigation as authorities work to uncover the circumstances surrounding his untimely death.
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#MelissaAftermath: Grange announces launch of volunteer registry
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In response to the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, Olivia Grange, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport, has unveiled the National Registry of Volunteers. This innovative initiative aims to streamline and coordinate volunteer efforts to provide effective relief to affected communities. The registry is now live on the Support Jamaica portal, accessible at supportjamaica.gov.jm.
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Romain Virgo and Destra join Florida Jerk Fest lineup
The 23rd annual Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival, set to take place on November 9 at Miramar Regional Park in Miramar, has announced exciting additions to its main stage lineup. Reggae sensation Romain Virgo and soca star Destra will now headline the event, replacing Christopher Martin, who faced delays in renewing his US visa. Virgo, celebrated for hits like ‘Mi Caan Sleep,’ ‘Good Woman,’ and ‘Taking You Home,’ brings his global acclaim to the festival, while Destra’s infectious soca rhythms promise to energize the crowd.
Eddy Edwards, managing partner and CEO of the festival, expressed enthusiasm about the lineup changes. ‘We’re thrilled to welcome Romain Virgo, who has been delivering exceptional performances worldwide. Destra’s vibrant energy will further elevate the experience,’ he said. This year’s festival holds special significance as it aims to support Jamaica’s recovery from Hurricane Melissa. Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items, which will be sent to those in need through partnerships with SSMC Xpress International and Connex Air Cargo.
The event will also feature performances by dancehall artist Mr Vegas, The Original Wailers, and Code Red Band, among others. Running from 1:00 pm to 10:00 pm, the festival will showcase a diverse array of Caribbean cuisine, including jerk dishes, and host the popular Grace Patty Eating Contest. The cultural stage, themed ‘Poco Revival and Reggae,’ will feature performances by Carimer Theatre Company, Queen Maxine, and comedian Ricky Rowe, while the Publix Culinary Pavilion will host cooking demonstrations by renowned chefs like Kofi and Alden.
Edwards emphasized the festival’s commitment to creating a memorable experience for attendees, sponsors, and performers alike. ‘Food is the heart of the festival, and we’re proud to offer a variety of dishes to satisfy every palate,’ he added. With its blend of music, food, and culture, the Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival continues to be a highlight of the Caribbean cultural calendar.
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#MelissaAftermath: JPS restores power to 95% of Kingston, Portmore and St Thomas
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Public Service (JPS) Company has announced that it has surpassed its initial power restoration targets in several key parishes and cities following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. CEO Hugh Grant shared this update during a special media briefing on Monday, highlighting significant advancements in the recovery efforts.
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Man chopped to death during dispute over $1,000 in East Kingston
A violent altercation over a mere $1,000 culminated in a fatal machete attack in East Kingston on Sunday, leaving 36-year-old Donandrew Campbell dead. The incident occurred at Hippolyte Road, where Campbell, also known as ‘Don’, resided. Police have identified Derrick Shaw, alias ‘Fighter’, as a person of interest in the case, urging him to report to the Elletson Road CIB by 6 pm on Tuesday. According to reports, the deadly confrontation erupted around noon between Campbell and Shaw, who shared the same living premises. Authorities revealed that Shaw allegedly used a machete to inflict severe chop wounds on Campbell’s neck, left hand, and both wrists, with one hand reportedly severed. Campbell was rushed to Kingston Public Hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival. Investigations uncovered that the dispute originated from a $1,000 bill that fell from Shaw’s pocket, which Campbell claimed as his own. Further inquiries revealed that the two men had a long-standing feud spanning several years, adding a layer of complexity to the tragic incident.
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‘It was a disaster’: Westmoreland residents struggle with Melissa’s aftermath
The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa’s destructive path through western Jamaica has left the residents of Westmoreland grappling with profound devastation. The storm, which struck last Tuesday, has reduced homes to rubble, wiped out livestock, and left many communities, such as McAlpine, in dire straits. Families have endured days without adequate meals, and the scarcity of essential supplies in nearby Whitehouse has exacerbated the crisis. In the face of these overwhelming challenges, the community has banded together, relying on mutual support and resilience to navigate this harrowing period. The full extent of the damage and the ongoing struggles of the affected population can be seen in the accompanying video.
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Trump: Maduro’s days are numbered
Amid ongoing US military operations in the Southern Caribbean, President Donald Trump has suggested that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s tenure may be nearing its end. During an interview with CBS’s 60 Minutes host Norah O’Donnell at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida, Trump addressed a range of topics, including Venezuela, the Israel-Palestine conflict, and nuclear tests. When questioned about the possibility of war with Venezuela, Trump responded ambiguously, stating, ‘I doubt it. I don’t think so,’ but added that Venezuela has treated the US ‘very badly,’ particularly regarding drug trafficking and the alleged release of prisoners and mental health patients into the US. The US military buildup in the region, which began in late August, includes a guided missile destroyer, attack helicopters, stealth fighter jets, and a nuclear submarine, with the USS Gerald Ford aircraft carrier en route. Officially, the operations aim to combat narco-terrorism, with at least nine air strikes reportedly killing 60 people on vessels accused of smuggling drugs. However, Trump hinted that the campaign also addresses broader issues, including Venezuela’s actions toward the US. When asked if Maduro’s days were numbered, Trump affirmed, ‘I would say, yeah. I think so, yeah.’ Despite speculation about potential land strikes, Trump refused to disclose details, emphasizing he wouldn’t discuss military plans with reporters. Recent reports of a planned strike on Venezuelan military targets were denied by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Trump. Meanwhile, the TT Defence Force was placed on high alert, causing public unease, though officials described it as a drill. The presence of the USS Gravely in Trinidad and Tobago’s waters sparked protests and condemnation from Venezuela, with the TT government defending the visit as part of long-standing security and humanitarian collaboration.
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NCC set to launch Carnival 2026 on November 7
The National Carnival Commission (NCC) is set to officially inaugurate Carnival 2026 this Friday, marking a vibrant celebration of culture and tradition. The event will take place between Chacon and Abercrombie Streets along the Brian Lara Promenade, running from 9 am to 6 pm. Attendees can look forward to a rich array of activities, including traditional character displays, interactive exhibitions, workshops, dedicated kids’ zones, and a special performance by the 2025 Panorama champion, Republic Bank Exodus. The day will culminate in a concert showcasing some of the biggest names in calypso and soca music. Minister of Culture and Community Development Michelle Benjamin and NCC chairman Peter Kanhai are scheduled to deliver speeches at the event. This official launch follows a soft launch held on August 15 at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA), where Benjamin revealed a groundbreaking collaboration between her ministry and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). The partnership aims to conduct a comprehensive study of Carnival 2026, focusing on its economic impact and its role in generating revenue for Trinidad and Tobago.
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NCRHA denies ‘chronic nurse shortage’ at Mt Hope hospital
The North Central Regional Health Authority (NCRHA) has attributed the recent staffing crisis at the Eric Williams Medical Science Complex (EWMSC) in Mt Hope to ‘unexpected absenteeism.’ This admission comes in response to allegations made by the TT Registered Nurses Association (TTRNA) on November 2, which highlighted a ‘severe staff shortage’ at the facility. The TTRNA described the issue as ‘chronic,’ exacerbated by management’s reduction of the extra duty pool and a hiring freeze that redirects all new hires through the central government campaign. The association warned nurses against working alone and emphasized the need for at least three registered nurses (RNs) per ward, with two being the absolute minimum for safe care. In a media release, the NCRHA dismissed the TTRNA’s claims as ‘reckless, inaccurate, and misleading,’ but conceded that four wards operated with only one RN on November 1 due to absenteeism. The authority maintained that all other wards had a ‘satisfactory’ nurse-to-patient ratio, though it did not specify the exact figures. The TTRNA countered, stating that the NCRHA’s admission of nurses working alone undermines patient safety, particularly with ratios as high as one nurse to 24 patients. International standards, however, suggest a ratio of one nurse to four or five patients as acceptable, with 1:8 being the safe minimum. Studies from the US National Library of Medicine indicate that low/middle-income countries (LMICs) often face even worse ratios, with one nurse caring for over 25 patients. The NCRHA defended its practices, asserting that patient care and safety remain uncompromised and that recruitment efforts are ongoing, with 345 vacancies advertised for enrolled nursing assistants. Despite these efforts, only 34 qualified candidates have been appointed. The authority expressed its commitment to engaging with stakeholders to strengthen the national health system. Calls to NCRHA chairman Dr. Tim Gopeesingh and TTRNA president Idi Stuart went unanswered, with Stuart visiting EWMSC to assess staffing levels firsthand.
