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  • Trinidad and Tobago queens shine in South Korea

    Trinidad and Tobago queens shine in South Korea

    Meguella Simon, a multifaceted talent from Trinidad and Tobago, has added another remarkable achievement to her illustrious career by securing the position of second runner-up at the 48th Mrs Woman of the Universe pageant held in South Korea on October 18, 2025. This prestigious event, which celebrates married, widowed, or single mothers aged 18-55, saw Simon break barriers as the first black woman to rank in the top five in the competition’s 48-year history. Alongside her pageant success, Simon was also crowned Mrs Superstar, a testament to her diverse talents and contributions to the arts, education, and community service. Simon, a teacher with two master’s degrees in education and Carnival studies, has previously made history as the first virtual Calypso Queen and has excelled as an actress, pannist, radio announcer, and model. She also served as the former president of the Lions Club of San Fernando. Reflecting on her journey, Simon described the experience as a transformative learning opportunity, emphasizing her commitment to using her platform to empower others. She expressed pride in representing Trinidad and Tobago and hinted at future participation in pageants, though her immediate focus is on preparing for Carnival 2026. This year’s event also featured two other Trinidadian delegates: Candace Picton-Friday, who earned the title of Mrs First Lady, and Aliana Seepersad, who won Best National Costume in the Miss Woman of the Universe category. Local director Alveada Meah praised the trio for their grace and excellence, highlighting their role in placing Trinidad and Tobago on the global stage. The pageant continues to inspire women worldwide, with applications now open for the next edition.

  • #EyeOnMelissa: JN Group offices likely to remain closed on Monday

    #EyeOnMelissa: JN Group offices likely to remain closed on Monday

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica National (JN) Group has issued a public advisory regarding the potential closure of its local offices on Monday, October 27, as Hurricane Melissa advances toward the island. The group emphasized that its emergency response systems are fully operational to ensure the safety of employees, customers, and assets during the severe weather event.

  • Taxi driver pinned in two-vehicle Mandeville crash extricated by firefighters

    Taxi driver pinned in two-vehicle Mandeville crash extricated by firefighters

    A serious traffic accident occurred on New Green Road in Mandeville, Jamaica, early Sunday morning, involving two Toyota Wish vehicles, one of which was a taxi. The incident prompted an emergency response from the Mandeville Fire Station, which received a distress call at 7:31 am. According to a senior official from the Jamaica Fire Brigade, one individual was trapped inside one of the vehicles and required specialized assistance to be extricated. Firefighters successfully rescued the person, who was subsequently transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. The exact cause of the collision remains under investigation, and authorities are urging drivers to exercise caution on the roads.

  • #EyeOnMelissa: Birnamwood district in Portland impassable

    #EyeOnMelissa: Birnamwood district in Portland impassable

    PORTLAND, Jamaica—Authorities have issued a public advisory following a landslide in the Birnamwood district of Portland, which has left a section of the area completely inaccessible. The incident, involving falling boulders and debris from the hills, has prompted the police to urge motorists to seek alternative routes to avoid the hazardous zone. While no injuries or casualties have been reported, the situation has raised concerns about safety and mobility in the affected region. The police have assured the public that further updates will be provided as the situation evolves. Residents and travelers are advised to exercise caution and stay informed about the latest developments.

  • #EyeOnMelissa: Evacuation order issued for Alligator Pond, says councillor

    #EyeOnMelissa: Evacuation order issued for Alligator Pond, says councillor

    MANCHESTER, Jamaica — As Hurricane Melissa intensifies into a Category 4 storm, local authorities in the Alligator Pond division are urging residents to evacuate to safer grounds. Councillor Omar Robinson, who oversees the area, reported that the coastal village is already experiencing rising sea levels, signaling the imminent threat of the hurricane. ‘The waves are climbing higher as I speak,’ Robinson stated during a telephone interview on Sunday. He confirmed that the Parish Disaster Manager, Keval Lewis, and local police have issued an evacuation order for the region. Robinson emphasized the urgency, noting that Hurricane Melissa is expected to make landfall near Alligator Pond, bringing potentially devastating impacts. The New Forest High School has been designated as a shelter, though it is nearing capacity. Robinson and his team are working to clear nearby swamps to mitigate flooding risks. He has implored residents and fisherfolk to move to higher ground, stressing the importance of safety. Many in the community are taking the storm seriously, with fisherfolk securing their boats and residents reinforcing their homes. One fisherman, in his 30s, shared that this is the first time he has prepared so thoroughly for a hurricane, highlighting the gravity of the situation. Hurricane Melissa has already claimed three lives in Haiti, where heavy rains and landslides have caused widespread destruction. As the storm continues its slow but deadly path through the Caribbean, Jamaica remains on high alert, hoping for the best while preparing for the worst.

  • US warship arrives in Trinidad and Tobago

    US warship arrives in Trinidad and Tobago

    The USS Gravely, a prominent US naval warship, arrived at the Port of Port of Spain in Trinidad and Tobago on October 26 for a five-day joint training exercise with the TT Defence Force. The vessel, escorted by two tug boats and Coast Guard vessels, docked at approximately 9:30 AM. The exercise, which includes members of the 22nd US Marine Expeditionary Unit, is set to conclude on October 30. This visit occurs against a backdrop of escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela. The US has recently intensified its military operations in regional waters, claiming to have destroyed 11 vessels and killed 49 alleged drug traffickers. President Donald Trump has labeled these traffickers as ‘narco terrorists’ and authorized covert military operations in Venezuela, with potential land-based attacks on drug-related targets. Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, has expressed strong support for the US Navy’s presence in the region, praising their efforts to combat drug trafficking. She emphasized that the region is ‘not a zone of peace’ and advocated for the violent elimination of drug traffickers.

  • A shiver of ASMR

    A shiver of ASMR

    Long before Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) became a global phenomenon, many individuals, including myself, found solace in the subtle sounds of everyday activities. The gentle tap of a wooden spoon against a ceramic bowl, a sound rarely heard in real kitchens, became a personal favorite. This auditory fascination, amplified by microphones and sound stages, laid the groundwork for what would later be recognized as ASMR.

  • Fewer dancing queens

    Fewer dancing queens

    A recent report by The Times highlighted a peculiar trend in Britain: many individuals, particularly the youth, rely on alcohol to muster the courage to dance. This phenomenon, however, is not unique to Britain but appears to be a global trend. Historically, dancing has been a universal expression of joy and cultural identity, yet modern societal changes seem to have altered this dynamic.

  • J’Ouvert action shakes up Scarborough

    J’Ouvert action shakes up Scarborough

    The streets of Scarborough, Tobago, came alive on October 25 as thousands of revelers and spectators gathered for the fourth staging of the island’s J’Ouvert celebrations. The event, described by Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro as ‘pure niceness,’ showcased the vibrant culture and hospitality of Tobago. The parade route, spanning from the Shaw Park Complex along the Claude Noel Highway, Wilson Street, and Calypso Rose Boulevard, provided ample space for participants to ‘play mas’ and immerse themselves in the festivities. Despite regional tensions, including US Navy operations in the Caribbean and narco-trafficking concerns, the atmosphere remained carefree and celebratory. The Fog Angels’ Wild Wild West band stood out as the largest and most colorful, with over 6,000 masqueraders and a fleet of music and support trucks. Guevarro praised the efforts of ACP Oswain Subero and Snr Supt Earl Elie, along with officers from Trinidad, for ensuring an ‘incident-free’ event. Zorisha Hackett, Secretary of the Division of Education, Research and Technology, expressed her elation at the success of the parade, which marked a significant milestone in Tobago’s carnival history. She emphasized the need for collaboration between Trinidad and Tobago bands while preserving Tobago’s unique identity. Kern Cowan, CEO of the Tobago Festivals Commission, highlighted the smooth execution of the event and plans to expand the parade route in future years. The festivities continued with Pan and Powder later in the day, culminating in the grand parade of the bands on October 26.

  • Melissa expected to hit Bahamas by midweek

    Melissa expected to hit Bahamas by midweek

    Hurricane Melissa has escalated into a formidable Category Four storm, posing a significant threat to the southern Bahamas by midweek. As of 8am yesterday, the storm was positioned approximately 130 miles southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, boasting maximum sustained winds nearing 100mph. According to the latest projections from Tribune First Alert Weather and Tomorrow.io, Melissa has experienced ‘extreme rapid intensification,’ surging by 50 knots within the past 24 hours. Forecasters anticipate the storm will escalate to Category Five strength by Monday, with landfall expected in Jamaica late Monday or early Tuesday.

    Following its passage over Jamaica, Melissa is predicted to traverse southeastern Cuba on Tuesday night and advance through the southern Bahamas by Wednesday as a major hurricane. The most vulnerable islands include Inagua, Mayaguana, Acklins, Crooked Island, Cat Island, and San Salvador, where hurricane-force winds and substantial storm surges are anticipated. Heavy rainfall, ranging from three to ten inches, is expected from Exuma to Inagua, heightening the risk of flooding and flash floods in low-lying areas. Wind speeds could peak at 75mph or higher in the southern islands by early Wednesday, gradually subsiding by Thursday.

    While the most severe weather is expected to remain southward, Nassau and the northwest Bahamas may still encounter sporadic showers and breezy conditions, with wind gusts up to 25mph through Thursday. Authorities are urging residents in the southern and southeastern islands to stay informed and prepare for potential hurricane conditions starting late Tuesday. Melissa is forecast to accelerate northeastward later in the week as it interacts with a trough moving off the southeastern United States.