KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica Reach to Recovery (JR2R) has made the decision to postpone the 25th anniversary of the Pink Run, originally set for this Sunday, in response to the ongoing hurricane watch affecting the island. The event has been rescheduled to Saturday, November 15, 2025, and will be held at Emancipation Park in New Kingston. This move underscores JR2R’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants, volunteers, and attendees. Additional information regarding the rescheduled event will be released in the coming weeks via JR2R’s official website and social media channels. Sandra Samuels, President of JR2R, emphasized the organization’s dedication to safety, stating, ‘The safety of everyone is our top priority. We deeply appreciate the understanding, flexibility, and unwavering enthusiasm of our participants, sponsors, and supporters. We eagerly anticipate uniting everyone on November 15 to run in solidarity, hope, and support for those impacted by breast cancer.’
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#EyeOnMelissa: Digicel urges customers to report acts of vandalism during Melissa
KINGSTON, Jamaica — As Tropical Storm Melissa approaches, Digicel Jamaica is urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or acts of vandalism that could disrupt network services. Stephen Murad, CEO of Digicel Jamaica, emphasized the company’s preparedness while calling for community cooperation to safeguard connectivity during the storm.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Pregnant women urged to prepare as storm nears
KINGSTON, Jamaica — As Tropical Storm Melissa advances across the Caribbean Sea, the Ministry of Health and Wellness has issued a critical advisory urging expectant mothers to take immediate precautions. The ministry emphasized the heightened risks for pregnant women, especially those in their final trimester or with high-risk conditions such as hypertension, sickle cell disease, or diabetes. In a statement released on Friday, the ministry reassured the public that all maternity wards and hospitals across the island remain fully operational and prepared to assist pregnant women during the storm. Pregnant mothers are advised to stay informed through official updates from the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM). The ministry outlined several safety measures, including consulting healthcare providers for guidance, preparing essential items such as maternity records and hospital bags, keeping phones charged and important contacts accessible, staying indoors away from windows, and ensuring access to clean water, non-perishable food, and medications. Additionally, pregnant women residing in low-lying or coastal areas are urged to relocate to safer shelters promptly. The ministry also warned against walking or driving through floodwaters and advised avoiding flooded areas altogether.
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Piarco man charged under SoE challenges police powers
A significant legal battle has emerged in Trinidad and Tobago as Denesh Maharaj, a Piarco resident, challenges the legality of his detention under the 2025 state of emergency regulations. Maharaj, who faces charges of firearm and ammunition possession, as well as marijuana trafficking, was detained by police and later subjected to a preventative detention order. His legal team, comprising Keron Ramkhalawan, Anwar Hosein, and Shalini Sankar, contends that his detention was unlawful and violated his constitutional rights to liberty and due process under Sections 4(a), 4(b), and 5(2)(h) of the Constitution. Maharaj seeks declarations that the order authorizing his extended detention was illegal, along with damages and costs. The case raises critical questions about the police’s authority to extend detention periods under emergency regulations, particularly beyond the 48-hour limit without proper oversight. Maharaj’s attorneys argue that his initial arrest was conducted under common law, not emergency powers, and that the subsequent use of emergency regulations to prolong his detention was unjustified. At a recent hearing, Justice Seepersad expressed concern over the absence of state representation and emphasized the need for proper attendance at future proceedings. The case has been adjourned to January 14, 2026, while a related constitutional challenge regarding the police’s power to extend detention periods remains pending a ruling from the Privy Council on the legality of the 2011 state of emergency regulations.
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PAHO urges Caribbean to ensure the region remains polio-free
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) marked World Polio Day on Friday, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and action to preserve the Americas’ polio-free status. The region has not recorded a case of wild poliovirus in over three decades, a milestone achieved through widespread vaccination efforts. However, PAHO warns that declining immunization rates pose a significant threat to this hard-earned achievement.
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Howai: Central Bank not main supplier of forex to commercial banks
Central Bank Governor Larry Howai has addressed widespread misconceptions about the institution’s role in Trinidad and Tobago’s foreign exchange (forex) market. Speaking at the TT Stock Exchange’s Capital Markets and Investor Conference in Port of Spain on October 24, Howai emphasized that the Central Bank accounts for just over 20% of forex entering the financial system, with the remaining 80% sourced from private entities and individuals. He clarified that while the bank intervenes to stabilize supply, the majority of forex distributed through commercial banks originates from private channels. Howai stressed the need for long-term solutions to broaden the country’s capacity to earn forex, rather than relying on central bank interventions. He highlighted the importance of boosting exports, both traditional and non-traditional, such as those from the creative sector. Howai, a former finance minister, also discussed the challenges of managing interest rates, inflation, and forex outflows, noting that policy tools like the repo rate and reserve requirements often yield mixed results. He pointed out the narrowing interest rate differential between US and TT Treasury bills, which could influence local investment behavior. Howai underscored the critical relationship between the Central Bank and the Ministry of Finance in managing liquidity and inflationary pressures, advocating for continued public engagement to refine forex distribution mechanisms.
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‘Skinny Man’ charged with Brasso murders, woundings
A 34-year-old laborer from Brasso Village in Central Trinidad, Clevon ‘Skinny Man’ Alexander, has been formally charged with multiple serious offenses, including the murders of two fellow villagers. The charges stem from a violent shooting incident on October 15 that left two others injured. The tragic event occurred in an unfinished wooden structure along Caparo Brasso Valley Road, where gunmen opened fire, striking all four individuals inside. Christopher ‘Ricky’ Joseph, 20, died at the scene, while Darius Shadrack, a 16-year-old student from Tabaquite Secondary School, succumbed to his injuries two days later at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Centre in Mt Hope. Alexander is also accused of wounding Joseph’s brother, Colly Joseph, 23, and Jerryl Ganness, 15, as well as illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. The investigation, led by Supt Persad, ASP Maharaj, and Sgt Bridgemohan from the Homicide Bureau of Investigation, Region Three, culminated in charges being filed after consultation with acting Director of Public Prosecutions, Sabrina Dougdeen-Jaglal, on October 23. Authorities allege that Alexander acted in concert with others during the commission of these crimes. The case remains under active investigation.
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Morvant man freed of charge of unlawful sex with girl, 15
In a landmark verdict, Levon Julien, a 35-year-old man who spent 14 years awaiting trial, was acquitted of two counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor. The jury delivered an eight-to-one not-guilty verdict on October 18 at the O’Meara Judicial Centre in Arima, presided over by Justice Kathy Ann Waterman-Latchoo. The charges stemmed from allegations that Julien engaged in sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl at two locations in December 2011 and January 2012. The prosecution, led by state counsel Shervone Noriega and Samantha Marajh, claimed the incidents occurred at a neighbor’s home and later at Julien’s residence in Las Alturas, Morvant. However, the neighbor was never called as a witness. Julien’s defense attorneys, Jerry Boyer and Robert Doodnath, challenged the alleged victim’s credibility during cross-examination, prompting her to admit that the December 2011 incident never occurred. Additionally, the investigating officer acknowledged that her probe was ‘less than thorough.’ After more than three hours of deliberation, the jury cleared Julien of both charges. Justice Waterman-Latchoo ordered his immediate release, ending a 14-year ordeal that left Julien struggling to find employment and living under public suspicion. Julien expressed relief, stating that the verdict restores his freedom and reputation.
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Task force chair feels ‘vindicated’ after audit
Susan Larson, the former chair of the Minnis administration’s National Food Distribution Task Force, has expressed profound relief following the Auditor General’s report, which found no evidence of misuse of public funds. The report, presented to Parliament on Wednesday, confirmed that all funds were properly allocated and accounted for, effectively vindicating Larson and her team. The audit also praised the initiative for successfully delivering food to vulnerable families during the COVID-19 pandemic. Larson, however, condemned her “wrongful arrest” during the government’s investigation, describing the experience as traumatic and damaging to the country’s NGO community. She recounted how four plainclothes officers arrived at her home without identification, claiming to be from a special investigative unit and arresting her for fraud. “I was shocked, shaken, disillusioned, and deeply disheartened,” she said, emphasizing that such actions should never have occurred. Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis had previously accused NGOs of mismanaging funds, citing poor record-keeping and suggesting the program was not solely focused on addressing food insecurity. Former Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis called for Davis to apologize for what he termed baseless attacks on the program’s integrity. Minnis, who was also questioned during the investigation, expressed full confidence in Larson, describing her as the ideal leader for the initiative. Larson highlighted the lasting harm caused by the government’s accusations, noting that some NGOs have since disbanded or lost interest in national partnerships due to shaken donor confidence. The Auditor General’s report did note a $4,500 vehicle purchased with government funds was not declared to the task force but was known to the Ministry of Finance. Larson clarified that the government allowed the vehicle’s use but continues to withhold items bought through private donations.
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Soaring rents fuelling surge in need for shelter in New Providence
A dramatic escalation in rental prices has triggered a significant increase in the demand for emergency shelter assistance in New Providence, according to Social Services officials. Chief Social Worker Deborah Smith, who manages shelter operations, highlighted that many families are being displaced due to sudden and substantial rent hikes, often amounting to hundreds of dollars within weeks. Smith noted that tenants are struggling to cope with these abrupt increases, leading to a surge in requests for emergency housing. Housing Minister Keith Bell has also raised concerns, citing reports of rent increases exceeding $500. He revealed that draft legislation is being finalized to better balance the rights of landlords and tenants before the end of the current term. Currently, there are 123 shelter spaces available, but demand far exceeds supply. Smith explained that shelter occupancy is in constant flux, with new cases being logged continuously. Social Services Minister Myles Laroda announced plans to rent two additional facilities to address the growing number of displaced residents. The issue gained widespread attention after Ameca Ford McKenzie, a mother of two autistic sons, shared her experience of being forced to sleep in her car due to unpaid rent. She later received assistance from the Coalition of Independents and other supporters. While shelter stays are typically limited to two weeks, extensions are often granted for vulnerable individuals, including pregnant women and Family Island residents in Nassau for medical treatment. However, some residents refuse to leave after their time expires, as seen in the recent dispute at Poinciana Inn, which is now under judicial review. Smith emphasized that officials work with residents to develop exit plans, but the weakening of family support networks has exacerbated the crisis. ‘Many people are homeless, but they won’t come forward until you encounter them and hear their stories,’ she said.