KINGSTON, Jamaica — In anticipation of Tropical Storm Melissa, Jamaican courts shut down early at 3:00 pm on Wednesday, October 22. The Court Administration Division (CAD) announced the decision in a public statement, emphasizing the need for staff to prepare both personally and professionally for the impending weather event. The CAD also confirmed that all court matters scheduled for Thursday, October 23, would be postponed and rescheduled, with parties notified accordingly. Similarly, cases set for Friday, October 24, will be reassigned to new dates, and stakeholders will be informed promptly. The CAD plans to issue an update at 7:00 pm on Wednesday to provide further guidance as the situation develops.
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Grande Riviere centre now solar powered
The Grande Riviere Visitor Centre, a cornerstone of the eco-tourism village in Trinidad and Tobago, has achieved a significant milestone in sustainability. Known for its chocolate factory, guided tours, and turtle hatchery, the centre has transitioned into a self-sustaining hub powered by renewable energy. This transformation was made possible through the Extraordinary Projects Impacting Communities (EPIC) grant programme, which provided $150,000 in funding for the installation of a Mango Power solar system. Completed in July, the system has drastically reduced the centre’s electricity costs, which previously averaged $4,000 per bill. Len Peters, president of the Grande Riviere Tourism Development Organisation (GRTDO), highlighted the initiative’s transformative impact on the remote north coast village. ‘We can now better withstand power outages and reduce the costs and disruptions that come with blackouts,’ Peters stated. ‘The future of our community-driven sustainable projects has been given a boost with the installation of the Mango Power solar system.’ The project, titled ‘Solar Solutions for Tomorrow,’ was one of ten EPIC initiatives funded in 2024 by the Digicel Foundation and Shell TT, reflecting their joint commitment to clean energy and community resilience. Cindyann Currency, head of operations at Digicel Foundation, praised the initiative for its forward-thinking approach. ‘This ‘up-river project’ tackles key challenges in a sustainable, climate-friendly way, empowering residents to continue shaping their community into the change they want to see,’ she said. Since its launch in 2016, the EPIC programme has funded 160 projects nationwide, totaling an $8.8 million investment in community empowerment. Shell TT, which became a co-funding partner in 2023, recently extended its support for another three years with a $1.9 million investment, reaffirming its dedication to environmental sustainability across Trinidad and Tobago.
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Principle says Grammys should do more for Jamaican music
KINGSTON, Jamaica—The Grammy Awards’ best reggae album category has long been a topic of heated debate on social media, with fans and artists alike voicing their opinions on nominations and winners. Recording artist Principle has now joined the conversation, advocating for the inclusion of additional categories that specifically highlight Jamaican music.
In an interview with Observer Online, Principle emphasized the need for fairness and recognition in the nomination process. ‘There’s always controversy about who should win or shouldn’t have won. I hope that one day, principle will prevail, and the most deserving projects will be acknowledged,’ he stated.
Principle also proposed expanding the reggae music categories to include awards such as ‘Best New Reggae Artiste’ and a separate ‘Best Dancehall Album’ category. ‘Some people have been calling for a distinction between dancehall and reggae. It’s time to recognize the diversity within our music,’ he added.
The artist, whose real name is Germaine Bernard, recently released his latest single, ‘Jamaica Nice,’ on October 13. Produced by Bertram Burgher of King Shiloh Sound and written by Nicholas Sylvester, the song aims to showcase Jamaica’s cultural richness to the world. ‘We’re working hard to promote this track, and a music video is currently in production,’ Principle shared.
Earlier this year, Principle gained significant attention with his song ‘Visa,’ which he considers his breakthrough. ‘That song opened many doors for me, including media interviews and performance opportunities,’ he reflected. Originally known as Chucky Wonder, Principle hails from Constitution Hill in Red Hills and continues to make strides in the reggae and dancehall scenes.
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Uplift mourns death of sister
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Recording artist Uplift is grappling with profound grief following the unexpected death of his sister, Judy Austin, last month. Judy, who had been a pillar of support and inspiration in his musical career, passed away after falling ill at work. Her sudden demise has left Uplift and his family in shock, as she was believed to be in excellent health.
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Assembly of Southern Lawyers president’s office firebombed – again
In a disturbing escalation of violence, the law office of Saira Lakhan, President of the Assembly of Southern Lawyers (ASL), was firebombed for the second time in less than a month. The latest attack occurred in the early hours of October 22 at the Magnus Law Office on Lewis Street, San Fernando. The perpetrator breached the perimeter fence, placing Molotov cocktails at the front door and near an external electrical panel. Although the flames extinguished on their own, the incident left parts of the antique door and wooden flooring damaged. Lakhan, a seasoned attorney with 15 years of practice, expressed deep concern for her safety and that of her staff, all of whom are women. She revealed that she feels constantly watched and fears a potential daytime attack if the situation remains unchecked. Despite the trauma, Lakhan remains resolute, vowing to continue her legal work and rely on the justice system for protection. Fellow attorneys Prakash Ramadhar and Gobin Harrypersad, who were present at the scene, condemned the attacks as a grave threat to the rule of law. Ramadhar emphasized the severity of arson under Trinidad and Tobago law, which carries a potential life sentence, and called for swift justice to deter future crimes. Harrypersad warned that those orchestrating the attacks would not escape accountability, even if they employed others to carry out their plans. San Fernando police are actively investigating the incidents, but no arrests have been made yet.
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Dowlath: School book grant under review
Education Minister Dr. Michael Dowlath has announced that the school supplies and book grant is currently under review, responding to inquiries from his predecessor, St. Ann’s East MP Dr. Nyan Gadsby-Dolly, during the Standing Finance Committee meeting on October 21. The draft estimates for the 2026 budget reveal no allocation for this grant, contrasting sharply with the $20 million spent in 2024. Although last year’s budget (fiscal 2025) initially omitted this item, $20 million was eventually allocated in the revised estimates. Gadsby-Dolly sought clarity on the apparent omission for fiscal 2026, questioning whether the mid-term review would determine the grant’s continuation or the amount allocated. Dowlath reiterated that the grant remains under review, prompting Gadsby-Dolly to press for a definitive answer. Speaker Jagdeo Singh intervened, emphasizing that the minister had provided a clear response. Gadsby-Dolly expressed concern, interpreting the minister’s statement as uncertainty. The discussion also highlighted significant shortfalls in the Infrastructure Development Fund (IDF) for school repairs and upgrades. Despite allocations of $50 million for primary school improvements this year, only $1.5 million was spent last year. Dowlath acknowledged $34 million in arrears, promising funding through the mid-year review or alternative financing. Similar issues were noted for secondary schools, with $46 million in arrears and minimal spending from previous allocations. Gadsby-Dolly questioned whether the IDF was consistently underfunded, to which Dowlath did not directly respond. The committee ultimately approved the ministry’s total budget allocation of $5.266 billion.
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New Chief Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh
In a significant development for Trinidad and Tobago’s judiciary, Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh has been officially appointed as the new Chief Justice. The ceremony took place on October 22 at the Office of the President, where acting President Wade Mark presented Boodoosingh with his instrument of appointment. This appointment follows the retirement of former Chief Justice Ivor Archie, who served in the role for 17 years. Boodoosingh, a seasoned legal professional, brings a wealth of experience to the position. He was first appointed as a Justice of Appeal in 2020 and has a distinguished career spanning over three decades. His journey began in 1992 when he was admitted to practice as an attorney, after which he worked as an advocate at JD Sellier and Company. He later joined the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, where he served for seven years at various jurisdictional levels. In 2001, Boodoosingh transitioned to academia, becoming a lecturer at the Hugh Wooding Law School. There, he directed the trial advocacy programme and taught ethics, while also establishing the Human Rights Law Clinic. Beyond his academic contributions, Boodoosingh has conducted extensive training programmes for legal professionals, law enforcement personnel, and educators. He holds a Master of Laws degree specializing in International Dispute Resolution from the University of London and is certified in adult education, advocacy, and judicial training by prestigious institutions. Additionally, he is the author of four books, including a textbook on trial advocacy, and continues to tutor at the UWI Law Faculty. His expertise in settlement conferencing and mediation further underscores his qualifications for the role of Chief Justice.
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Man being questioned after pregnant mom found dead
Authorities are currently interrogating a man linked to the tragic death of a woman whose body was discovered in a densely vegetated area near Munnings Road on Wednesday morning. Sources close to the investigation revealed to The Tribune that the victim is Lauren Saunders, a 28-year-old mother of two who was seven months pregnant. Saunders had been reported missing since Sunday. While the police have yet to formally confirm the identity of the deceased, they are actively questioning a suspect in connection with the case. The partially decomposed body was found by officers from the Criminal Investigation Department shortly after 8 a.m., following a tip-off. Authorities have stated that the victim’s identity will be officially confirmed once her next of kin have been notified. Additionally, an autopsy will be performed to ascertain the exact cause of death. The case has sparked widespread concern in the community, with many calling for swift justice.
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Jamaica Customs secures court resolution supporting modernisation and efficiency in trade
KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) has achieved a significant legal milestone with the resolution of court proceedings before Chief Justice Bryan Sykes, affirming the ongoing implementation of the Customs Contactless Clearance Process (CCCP). The previously imposed injunction against the agency has been fully lifted, enabling the JCA to proceed with its modernization agenda.
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Schools urged to prepare to go online
KINGSTON, Jamaica—In anticipation of Tropical Storm Melissa’s potential impact this weekend, Education Minister Dana Morris Dixon has called on schools across the nation to prepare for a transition to online learning. Speaking at a special press briefing on Wednesday, Morris Dixon emphasized the dual role of schools as educational institutions and emergency shelters. She revealed that 798 of Jamaica’s 881 designated national shelters are schools, highlighting their critical function during natural disasters.