In a heartbreaking turn of events, Alexia Trim, a 23-year-old Belmont native and exceptional law student, passed away on October 22 in Colombia, where she had been undergoing medical treatment. Just one day before she was set to graduate with first-class honours in Law from the University of the West Indies (UWI) St. Augustine campus, her life was tragically cut short. Trim had been battling Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM), a rare condition involving abnormal blood vessels that can lead to brain bleeding. Despite her health struggles, she remained a beacon of brilliance, humility, and determination throughout her academic journey. Her untimely death sent shockwaves through the Faculty of Law and her peers, who learned of her passing via a WhatsApp group chat on the eve of their graduation ceremony. During the ceremony, valedictorian Jehoshua Williams paid a poignant tribute, stating, “We remember our classmate, Alexia Trim, who should have crossed the stage with us today. Her absence is deeply felt, yet her spirit remains part of our journey.” Trim had been airlifted to Colombia for a surgical procedure related to her condition, but complications arose post-surgery, leading to her passing in intensive care. Tributes have poured in from friends, classmates, and lecturers, who admired her courage and academic excellence. Dr. Alicia Elias-Roberts, Dean of the Faculty of Law, described Trim as an exceptional student who faced every challenge with grace and determination. Dr. Safiya Ali, one of her lecturers, highlighted Trim’s remarkable achievements, including leading UWI’s team to second place in the XV Annual Caribbean Court of Justice International Law Moot Competition, where she was also named Best Oralist. Despite her physical discomfort, Trim continued to excel academically and inspire those around her. Her legacy has sparked calls for the university to memorialize her contributions, a proposal the faculty may consider after consulting her family. Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.
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Kamla: We don’t need Venezuelan gas
In the wake of Venezuela’s announcement to suspend all gas agreements with Trinidad and Tobago (TT), Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has firmly stated that TT does not rely on Venezuelan gas and never has. Speaking to Newsday via WhatsApp, she emphasized that TT’s economic growth strategy is diversified across both energy and non-energy sectors, ensuring resilience against external pressures. Persad-Bissessar criticized the previous administration for over-reliance on the Dragon gas project, asserting that her government has avoided such vulnerabilities. She maintained that TT remains committed to peaceful relations with Venezuela, dismissing claims of tensions between the two nations. This statement follows Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez’s televised declaration to sever energy ties, citing TT’s alleged complicity with U.S. military actions in the Caribbean. Earlier, Persad-Bissessar led a TT delegation to Washington, securing an OFAC license for the Dragon gas deal, and expressed readiness to lead negotiations in Venezuela if necessary. Attorney General John Jeremie confirmed the license was officially granted on October 8.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Power outages in parts of central Manchester, property damage in Grey Ground
As Hurricane Melissa’s outer bands sweep across southern Jamaica, significant disruptions have been reported in Central Manchester, particularly near Mandeville. Rhoda Moy Crawford, Member of Parliament for Manchester Central, highlighted the collapse of a cistern in the Grey Ground area, which necessitated the removal of a parked vehicle using a wrecker on Monday morning. The storm has left numerous communities without electricity, including the Knockpatrick Division, where areas such as Trowers, Newfield, Sunset, New Whales, Lucky Street, and Waltham are affected. Similarly, the Bellefield Division has seen power outages in Dayton, Providence, Content, Banana Ground, Nairpreston, Blue Mountain, Top Coffee Grove, and Bottom Coffee Grove. In the Mandeville Division, Greenvale Road, Confidence Avenue, Bloomfield, and Brumalia Road are also experiencing electricity disruptions. The Royal Flat Division, including Three Chains, has been similarly impacted. Authorities are working to assess the full extent of the damage and restore services as quickly as possible.
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Accident leaves children seeking medical attention
In a distressing incident on Monday, two children were rushed to a medical facility following a motor vehicle collision on Orange Street in Montego Bay, St James. The accident occurred shortly after midday when a Toyota Voxy and a Toyota Corolla collided while traveling along the roadway. The exact conditions of the children remain undisclosed at this time. Authorities were promptly notified, and law enforcement officers arrived at the scene to conduct necessary investigations. The vehicles involved were subsequently removed from the area to restore normal traffic flow. Further details regarding the cause of the accident and the extent of injuries sustained by the children are awaited as the investigation progresses.
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Furness Anchorage appoints two new directors
Furness Anchorage General Insurance Ltd has bolstered its leadership team with the appointment of Jo-Anne Julien and Roger Packer as non-executive directors. Executive Chairman William Ferreira emphasized that these additions are poised to enhance the company’s governance, strategic planning, and long-term growth. Julien, a founding partner at MG Daly and Associates and former chair of the Unit Trust Corporation, brings extensive experience in corporate governance and investment management. Packer, a former CEO of Tucker Energy, adds significant expertise from his roles on boards such as RBC Royal Bank TT and Yara Trinidad. Ferreira highlighted that these appointments align with the company’s commitment to prudent management and its 180-year legacy in the insurance industry. Established in 1979 as part of the government’s initiative to localize the sector, Furness Anchorage has grown into one of Trinidad and Tobago’s largest non-life insurers, with group assets nearing $500 million. Supported by global reinsurers through AON Reinsurance, the company remains focused on stability, customer trust, and growth in a competitive market.
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Fire officers hold teens after theft at fire station
In an early morning incident on October 27, fire officers at the Sangre Grande Fire Station in Port of Spain apprehended four teenagers suspected of stealing several items while the officers were asleep. The theft was discovered during a routine security check when a fire officer noticed missing items. Upon further inspection, colleagues confirmed that personal belongings were also stolen. Nearby witnesses reported seeing a group of teenagers loitering near the station and leaving the compound shortly before the theft was discovered. The fire officers immediately alerted the police and initiated a search for the suspects. The teenagers were located a short distance away and detained before being handed over to the police. Subsequent investigations led to the recovery of all stolen items. Keone Guy, president of the Fire Officers Association, highlighted the ongoing issue of inadequate security measures at some fire stations. He announced plans to engage with Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander, Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro, and acting Chief Fire Officer Andy Hutchinson to address and rectify these security vulnerabilities.
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Guyana Stock Exchange launches AI chatbot
The Guyana Stock Exchange (GSE) has introduced a groundbreaking AI Chatbot, marking a significant leap in financial market accessibility and education. Launched on October 13, this innovative tool is the result of a collaborative effort between the GSE and WizdomCRM Guyana Inc, supported by the Caricom Private Sector Organization (CPSO). The AI Chatbot is designed to provide real-time insights from company annual reports, market statistics, and historical data, making complex financial information more accessible to the public. GSE General Manager Sarojinie Rajaram emphasized that this initiative is not just a technological advancement but a step toward empowering Guyanese citizens to confidently engage with the financial market. Dr. Patrick Antoine, CEO and technical director of the CPSO secretariat, highlighted the chatbot’s role in fostering regional collaboration and investor confidence. WizdomCRM, which has already onboarded over 1,700 students on its AI Tutor Platform, aims to extend its reach by integrating the corporate enterprise AI Chatbot directly on the GSE website. TT Country Manager Charielle Plowden noted that the chatbot, powered by an advanced AI model trained on four years of public annual reports and historical data, offers real-time, data-backed insights in simple, relatable language.
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Trinidad and Tobago to gather hurricane-relief supplies for Jamaica
As Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, approaches Jamaica, the government of Trinidad and Tobago (TT) has announced a nationwide collection drive to gather essential relief supplies for its Caribbean neighbor. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar emphasized the urgent need for support, particularly for vulnerable communities expected to bear the brunt of the hurricane’s impact. In a statement issued on October 27, Persad-Bissessar expressed her “heartfelt solidarity” with Jamaica and called on TT citizens, businesses, and organizations to contribute to the relief efforts. She highlighted the importance of unity and compassion, urging the people of TT to keep Jamaica in their thoughts and prayers. The TT government is mobilizing resources, including manpower, technical assistance, emergency supplies, and foodstuffs, to aid in Jamaica’s recovery. The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM), the TT Defence Force (TTDF), and several ministries are collaborating to ensure a coordinated response. The Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs is also actively monitoring the situation and providing assistance to TT citizens in Jamaica. Hurricane Melissa was expected to make landfall by nightfall or early the next day, prompting Jamaica to remain on high alert. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness expressed confidence in his administration’s preparedness and thanked Caricom leaders for their prayers and support.
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#EyeOnMelissa: JUTC in emergency response mode, says Vaz
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In response to an impending hurricane, Transport Minister Daryl Vaz announced the suspension of all Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) bus services. The company has shifted into emergency response mode to facilitate the evacuation of residents from flood-prone areas. Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Vaz emphasized that regular bus operations will remain halted until conditions are deemed safe. JUTC teams are currently on standby in critical regions, including Rockford, Spanish Town, Portmore, and all five rural school bus zones, to assist with evacuations. Since Saturday, the company has successfully evacuated approximately 148 individuals, though Vaz noted that this figure falls significantly short of the anticipated need for a Category 5 hurricane. He urged residents in vulnerable areas to heed warnings from the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, predicting widespread flooding that will necessitate relocations. Vaz also highlighted the activation of the rural school bus system, which will transport residents to hurricane shelters. Despite challenges posed by muddy conditions, over 60 school buses across all parishes will be utilized to the fullest extent possible. Additionally, airports will remain closed until the hurricane passes, while toll booths have been opened to facilitate movement.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Fallen tree partially blocking Stanmore Manor, Red Hills Road intersection
KINGSTON, Jamaica — A significant traffic disruption has occurred at the intersection of Stanmore Manor and Red Hills Road in St Andrew, following the collapse of a large tree onto the roadway. The incident has forced authorities to reduce the affected area to single-lane traffic, causing delays and inconvenience for commuters. Local law enforcement has advised motorists to seek alternative routes to avoid congestion and ensure smoother travel. Officials are actively monitoring the situation and have promised to provide further updates as the cleanup and restoration efforts progress. Residents and drivers are encouraged to stay informed and exercise caution in the area until normal traffic flow is restored.