Mickela Panday, leader of the Patriotic Front (PF), has clarified her position regarding Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s handling of national security matters amidst escalating tensions between the US and Venezuela. In a Facebook post on November 1, Panday emphasized that she was not seeking the disclosure of classified national security information. Instead, her concerns centered on the Prime Minister’s awareness and leadership during a period of regional instability. Panday referenced a previous post on October 31, where she questioned whether Persad-Bissessar was informed about the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF) being placed on high alert. The Prime Minister had stated she was unaware of such orders and urged the public to remain calm. Panday argued that the head of the National Security Council (NSC) should be fully briefed on such critical developments. She expressed concern over potential communication breakdowns within the government, stressing that citizens deserve confidence in their leaders’ ability to manage crises effectively. Panday concluded by asserting that her inquiries were made on behalf of the public, reflecting a reasonable expectation for transparency and leadership.
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Police investigating alleged theft at Valencia High School over July/August vacation
Authorities are currently investigating a case of larceny at Valencia High School, where several valuable pieces of school equipment were reported missing following the institution’s reopening after the July/August vacation. The incident was officially reported by the school’s principal on October 30 at the Valencia police post. According to the police report, the school, situated on Oropouche Road, was secured on July 7 as staff and students embarked on their summer break. During this period, contractors authorized by the Ministry of Education were provided with keys to carry out maintenance and repair work. Some of these contractors subsequently subcontracted parts of the job. Upon the school’s reopening on September 8, staff members discovered that several items were missing and the premises were left in disarray. The stolen items include an OHAUS Balance Scoot Scientific scale valued at $4,500, a 20-foot, 10-amp extension cord worth $300, a Proctor Silex kettle priced at $300, three fans (one white, one orange, and one black) totaling $1,350, and six small knives valued at $600. The total estimated loss amounts to $7,050. The report emphasized that no one had been granted permission to remove these items. Police investigations into the matter are still ongoing.
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Concerned Muslims delivers 500 hampers to Jamaica
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact on Jamaica, the Concerned Muslims of Trinidad and Tobago (CMTT) have mobilized to provide urgent relief to affected communities. The Category 5 storm, which struck on October 28, left widespread destruction, displacing thousands and creating dire humanitarian needs. CMTT, in collaboration with international partners, has launched the Jamaica Disaster and Emergency Relief Project to address the crisis. Group PRO Imtiaz Mohammed and a colleague arrived in Jamaica on Friday, coordinating efforts to distribute 500 hampers filled with essential supplies. The hampers include rice, flour, sugar, baked beans, oil, pasta, canned mackerel, macaroni, soap, detergent, toilet paper, crackers, and bottled water. These items, purchased at a cost of approximately US$22,000, were sourced from wholesalers in Kingston. The distribution process began on Sunday, with plans to continue through Monday and Tuesday. Mohammed emphasized the challenges of operating in severely affected areas, particularly in St Elizabeth and western Jamaica, where civil unrest, robberies, and looting have been reported. CMTT has sought assistance from the Jamaica Defence Force to ensure safe delivery of aid. The organization has also partnered with Islamic Relief Worldwide, including its UK, US, and Canada offices, to expand its relief efforts over the next two to four weeks. CMTT has urged donors to monitor its social media channels for updates on the most urgently needed items.
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Ferncourt High begins clean-up after Hurricane Melissa
Ferncourt High School in St Ann, Jamaica, is in the midst of cleanup and restoration efforts following the destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa. Principal Sheldon Thomas, recently honored as the LASCO/Ministry of Education/Jamaica Teaching Council Principal of the Year for 2024–2025, has been overseeing the recovery process to ensure the school can return to normal operations promptly.
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PNP launches first hurricane relief mission to Westmoreland
KINGSTON, Jamaica – In a significant move to aid communities ravaged by Hurricane Melissa, the People’s National Party (PNP) initiated its first official hurricane relief mission in Westmoreland on Sunday. This effort is part of the Party’s broader islandwide recovery strategy aimed at addressing the widespread devastation caused by the storm. The mission, spearheaded by the PNP Youth Organisation (PNPYO), the Patriots, and the Women’s Movement, united Party representatives and independent volunteers in a collaborative drive to provide essential supplies and emotional support to the most affected families. PNP President and Opposition Leader Mark Golding expressed profound gratitude for the overwhelming support from both the private sector and individual Jamaicans. He highlighted that the initiative exemplifies the nation’s collective spirit and commitment to unity. “We are deeply moved by the compassion and generosity shown by Jamaicans everywhere,” Golding remarked. “This is what true nation-building looks like: people helping people, regardless of politics. The recovery ahead will be long, but we are committed to standing with our fellow Jamaicans every step of the way.” The PNP underscored that this mission marks the beginning of a series of coordinated relief efforts targeting other impacted parishes. The Party plans to collaborate closely with community leaders, government agencies, and private partners to ensure that aid reaches those most in need. “We are one Jamaica, and this moment calls for unity and action,” the Party’s statement concluded. “Together, we will rebuild stronger.”
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WATCH: Life spared but livelihood lost: Scott’s Cove flattened after Hurricane Melissa
Scott’s Cove Fish Park, a cherished cultural and culinary landmark on Jamaica’s south coast, now lies in ruins after being ravaged by Hurricane Melissa. The Category 5 storm, which struck on October 28, 2025, left a trail of destruction in its wake, reducing the once-thriving hub for escovitch fish, lobster, bammy, and conch soup to piles of debris. The area, located on the border of Westmoreland and St Elizabeth, was unrecognizable when visited by Observer Online just days after the disaster. Christopher, a long-time resident and stall operator at Scott’s Cove, shared his harrowing experience of losing everything—his livelihood, home, and possessions—to the hurricane. He described the terrifying moments when the storm surge tore through his house, leaving him frozen in fear. Despite the devastation, Christopher expressed gratitude for his survival, calling it an act of God. However, the road to recovery remains uncertain, as he and others face the daunting task of rebuilding with limited resources. Christopher emphasized the need for government assistance, acknowledging the overwhelming scale of the disaster.
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CAF approves US$647,000 to support Jamaica’s recovery efforts
The Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF) has allocated USD $670,000 in emergency grant funding to assist Jamaica in its recovery efforts following the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa. The Category 5 storm, which struck on October 29, caused significant loss of life and widespread destruction to infrastructure, services, and communities across the island nation. This financial aid aims to bolster the humanitarian and recovery initiatives already underway, complementing support from other regional and international partners. In a letter to Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, CAF’s executive president, Sergio Díaz-Granados, expressed solidarity with the government and people of Jamaica, emphasizing the institution’s commitment to addressing the immediate and long-term needs arising from the disaster. Díaz-Granados highlighted the immense humanitarian challenges faced by Jamaica and reaffirmed CAF’s readiness to channel resources effectively. Additionally, CAF facilitated bilateral assistance from El Salvador, including the airlift of 37 tonnes of humanitarian supplies and the deployment of over 300 emergency personnel to aid in response and recovery operations. Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo, chairman of CAF’s Board of Directors, praised the institution’s swift action and reiterated the Board’s full support for Jamaica’s recovery. CAF also commended the Jamaican government’s leadership in coordinating national response efforts and pledged to remain a steadfast partner throughout the nation’s reconstruction journey.
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The budget, rumours and crime
The government of Trinidad and Tobago is navigating a complex web of challenges, including opposition criticism of the 2025/2026 budget, a delicate balance between revenue and expenditure, ongoing public safety concerns, and strained relations within the Caribbean Community (Caricom). Adding to the pressure is the precarious geopolitical situation between the United States and Venezuela, which has placed the nation in a tense middle ground. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Foreign Affairs Minister Sean Sobers have urged citizens to remain calm amidst rumors of war, emphasizing that the country is not heading into conflict. The administration must strengthen its political strategies, public policies, and communication efforts to address these issues effectively, particularly in an environment rife with misinformation. The budget, crafted by lawyer-economist Davendranath Tancoo, aims to promote economic fairness through accountable fiscal policies. However, the opposition has questioned the government’s handling of the economy, pointing to a decline in real GDP growth from 3.7% in 2014 to 2.5% in 2024 and a significant increase in national debt. Employment has also dropped by 70,000 jobs over the same period. Despite these criticisms, the budget includes measures to create full-time, better-paid jobs, funded by $475 million from the Employment Fund and an additional $310 million for job creation. The government has also reduced the price of super gasoline by $1 per liter, a move welcomed by the public. Meanwhile, the closure of the CEPEP and URP programs, criticized for harboring criminal activity and inefficiency, has sparked debate. Tobago has retained these programs, drawing scrutiny from the opposition. The budget’s connection to crime is also evident, as economic slowdowns and widening inequality often exacerbate social tensions. Recent salary increases for politicians, contrasted with modest raises for labor unions, have fueled public resentment. On the geopolitical front, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar’s remarks labeling Caricom as an “unreliable partner” have stirred controversy, though she claims her comments were misinterpreted. Her support for the U.S. crackdown on drug trafficking and the docking of a U.S. warship in Port of Spain have further strained relations with Venezuela, which has labeled her persona non grata. Despite these tensions, recent developments suggest a shift toward diplomacy, with Venezuela calling for unity against potential U.S. aggression.
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WATCH: JDF helicopters deliver relief supplies to Belmont Academy
In a swift response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, two Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) helicopters touched down at Belmont Academy in Westmoreland on Sunday morning. The mission aimed to deliver essential relief supplies to communities grappling with the aftermath of the natural disaster. As the helicopters landed, local residents gathered to witness the operation, observing JDF soldiers meticulously unloading numerous bags of aid from the aircraft. This initiative is part of a broader, coordinated effort to provide urgent assistance to those impacted by the hurricane. The JDF’s timely intervention underscores the government’s commitment to supporting affected regions and ensuring the well-being of its citizens during times of crisis.
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Family of Las Cuevas fisherman supected killed in US strike report him ‘missing’
The family of Chad Joseph, a 26-year-old fisherman from Las Cuevas, Trinidad, has reported him missing to the police, suspecting he may have been one of two Trinidadians killed in a US military strike in the Caribbean in October. Joseph, a resident of Salvary Lane, St. Michael’s Village, has been missing since April 25. His relative filed the missing person report on November 1 at the Maracas Bay police station, stating that she last spoke to him on the morning of his disappearance when he mentioned going fishing. Joseph and Rishi Samaroo are believed to have been casualties of the October 14 strike, part of a US-led operation targeting narcotics trafficking. Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister Sean Sobers, during a post-Cabinet media briefing on October 30, emphasized that there is no evidence linking the men’s deaths to the military strike. He clarified that the operation occurred in international waters, beyond Trinidad and Tobago’s national jurisdiction and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Sobers also pledged to assist Samaroo’s relatives, who faced challenges filing a missing person report at the Barataria Police Station, by contacting the Minister of Homeland Security and the Commissioner of Police. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.