The highly anticipated sale of Trincity Mall has been officially terminated following a series of legal and criminal complications. The government is set to approve a proposal from the consortium of buyers to refund their deposit and associated costs, marking the end of a contentious transaction. The deal, valued at $505 million, was halted in October due to a High Court injunction and an ongoing criminal investigation into the sale of CL Financial (CLF) assets. The consortium, led by prominent businessmen John Aboud and Anthony Rahael, expressed their intent to withdraw from the agreement, citing concerns over the legality and validity of the sale. In a letter dated October 15, attorney Melissa Inglefield, representing the buyers, outlined the reasons for the withdrawal, including reputational risks and operational disruptions. The government, as CLF’s principal creditor, intervened through the Attorney General, seeking to halt the sale amid allegations of irregularities. The injunction was granted just hours before the deal was set to be finalized, raising questions about the transparency of the liquidation process. The liquidators, Grant Thornton, had approved the sale in April, but the transaction faced mounting scrutiny from stakeholders, including CLF shareholders and creditors. The fallout from the failed sale underscores the complexities of liquidating high-value assets and the challenges of maintaining trust in such transactions.
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UPDATE: Pregnant mom found dead
The search for Lauren Saunders, a seven-months-pregnant mother of two, ended in tragedy on October 22, 2025, when her body was reportedly discovered with gunshot wounds near Munnings Drive, off Gladstone Road. Saunders had vanished after leaving work early on Sunday to meet someone and never returned home. Her abandoned jeep was later found off Coral Harbour Road with a flat tire, her purse, and shoes inside. Family members, fearing the worst, believe she had gone to meet the man thought to be the father of her unborn child, who is believed to be married. Saunders’ sister, Charmaine Edgecombe, described her as a ‘sweetheart’ who was in high spirits before her disappearance. The family grew alarmed when Saunders failed to attend a function at Atlantis and could not be reached by phone. After checking every hospital ward, they filed a police report. Another sister retraced Saunders’ usual route to work and discovered the abandoned jeep. Police expanded their search along tracks off Gladstone Road, combing thick bushes near Coral Harbour Road. Relatives expressed frustration over the slow response and lack of updates from authorities. Saunders’ seven and nine-year-old children are heartbroken, and their grandfather is struggling to cope. Edgecombe admitted she is also finding it difficult to focus and move on. The disappearance comes four years after the death of Saunders’ mother, and she had not yet held a baby shower or chosen a name for her unborn son. Police have not confirmed reports that the father of Saunders’ unborn child has been questioned.
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Apple, Google face tougher UK regulation of mobile platforms
The United Kingdom’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announced on Wednesday that Apple and Google will face enhanced regulatory oversight for their mobile platforms. This decision, following a nine-month investigation, designates the two tech giants as holding ‘strategic market status’ (SMS), enabling the CMA to enforce stricter rules aimed at fostering competition and innovation. The move mirrors the European Union’s Digital Markets Act, which imposes significant financial penalties for non-compliance. The CMA highlighted that Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android dominate the UK mobile market, with nearly all devices pre-installed with one of these operating systems. Their app stores and browsers also hold leading positions, potentially stifling competition. Under the SMS designation, the CMA can mandate changes to how these platforms operate, offering consumers greater choice. Both companies criticized the decision, with Google labeling it ‘disappointing, disproportionate, and unwarranted,’ while Apple warned it could lead to weaker privacy, delayed updates, and a fragmented user experience. The CMA’s announcement follows Google’s recent SMS designation for its dominance in online search, with ongoing consultations on specific rules. Google has also cautioned that unfavorable regulations could hinder new product launches in the UK, despite its recent £5 billion ($6.7 billion) investment in the country’s AI sector. Both companies employ thousands in the UK, with Google employing over 7,000 and Apple nearly 8,000.
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Chas E Ramson Ltd partners with Project STAR to support community transformation
KINGSTON, Jamaica – In a significant move to bolster social cohesion and opportunity in underserved Jamaican communities, Chas E Ramson Limited has announced a two-year, $4 million partnership with Project STAR (Social Transformation and Renewal). This national initiative aims to empower local residents to lead their own transformation, fostering safety and development in marginalized areas.
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UN chief calls for ‘fight’ against climate disinformation
In a powerful address at the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) in Geneva, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the urgent need to combat climate disinformation and defend scientific integrity. His remarks come ahead of the pivotal COP30 summit in Brazil and follow controversial statements by former US President Donald Trump, who dismissed climate change as a ‘hoax’ and criticized renewable energy technologies. Guterres underscored the critical role of ‘clear-eyed’ climate science in understanding the existential threat posed by global warming, urging nations to reject misinformation, online harassment, and greenwashing. He highlighted the surge in renewable energy investments, noting that nearly all new power capacity in 2024 came from renewables, which he described as the ‘cheapest, fastest, and smartest’ solution to climate change. Guterres also stressed the importance of early warning systems for extreme weather events, particularly for vulnerable nations, as the planet faces unprecedented environmental challenges. With COP30 set to take place in Belem, Brazil, from November 10-21, Guterres called for bold national climate action plans aligned with the goal of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
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Recruitment drive gives hope for young people
A national recruitment drive launched over the weekend has drawn tens of thousands of hopeful applicants vying for approximately 20,000 public sector jobs. The initiative, which began on October 19, saw over 30,000 online applications within the first 24 hours, signaling a strong demand for sustainable employment opportunities. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar hailed the response as a testament to the nation’s readiness to work, grow, and build a better future. She emphasized that the drive aims to empower families, strengthen communities, and drive progress across the country. Among the applicants was Curtly Nedd, 31, who, despite having submitted applications online, visited the recruitment fair at the National Cycling Centre in Couva to meet recruiters in person. Nedd, who has only experienced short-term contract work, expressed hope for a more permanent position that could advance his career. Similarly, Krista-Leigh Dass, a recent law school graduate, viewed the drive as a chance to secure her first full-time job after months of unsuccessful applications. While some applicants expressed concerns about the prevalence of contract positions, many acknowledged the initiative as a valuable opportunity for young people to gain experience and build their resumes. The Greater San Fernando Area Chamber of Commerce president, Kiran Singh, praised the drive for addressing unemployment and filling long-standing vacancies in the public sector. A second phase of the drive, expected to include private sector vacancies, is anticipated, though details remain undisclosed. Business leaders have called for clarity on incentives and operational frameworks to ensure the initiative’s success. The latest unemployment statistics, standing at 3.8% as of June 2025, may shift following the termination of two government employment programs, which left an estimated 10,000 workers jobless. Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo stated that these programs were discontinued to prevent state funds from reaching criminals and would be replaced by full-time employment opportunities.
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Guyana mulls ankle monitoring to combat domestic violence
The government of Guyana is actively exploring innovative measures, including the use of ankle monitoring systems, to enhance its efforts in combating domestic violence. Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond emphasized the importance of these strategies in ensuring greater safety, accountability, and support for victims. The proposed ankle monitoring bracelets would enable authorities to track offenders’ movements in real time, issuing automated alerts if they approach restricted areas or come near victims. This proactive approach aims to prevent further harm and ensure swift intervention. Walrond highlighted the government’s commitment to creating a secure environment, stating, ‘We have a mandate from the people to deliver a safe and secure country. People want to feel secure and have a standard of living where they can walk down the street with their children without worry.’ The Safe City Initiative, which employs facial recognition, vehicle tracking, and license plate recognition, has already improved response times in investigations and contributed to community safety. Additionally, an alert app functioning as a panic button is being developed to further empower citizens. Despite these advancements, Walrond stressed the need to build trust between the public and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to ensure transparency and accountability at every stage. ‘People want to feel that there is a police force they can trust, that cares, and that will respond to them,’ she added.
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JN helps participants cultivate good credit habits
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Rose Miller, a financial education consultant with the JN Foundation, has underscored the critical importance of cultivating good credit habits as a pathway to financial freedom. Her remarks were delivered during the recent Smarter Credit Workshop, hosted by the JN Financial Academy at The Jamaica National Group’s Corporate Offices in New Kingston. The event was also live-streamed on the JN Foundation’s YouTube channel, attracting widespread attention.
The workshop, themed “Cultivating Good Credit Habits,” focused on the pivotal role of responsible credit management in achieving long-term financial stability and unlocking superior financial opportunities. Attendees were provided with actionable insights on understanding, building, and maintaining robust credit scores.
Miller highlighted five compelling reasons why Jamaicans should prioritize good credit. These include easier access to loans such as mortgages, credit cards, and lines of credit, as well as securing lower interest rates, which can save individuals significant sums over time. She also noted that employers may review credit scores during hiring processes, making it an essential aspect of personal and professional life.
“Strong credit offers peace of mind,” Miller emphasized. “By managing credit wisely, individuals can avoid late fees, high interest rates, and the stress of debt, which can even impact overall health. Good credit habits instill confidence and control over one’s financial future.”
She further explained that maintaining good credit is a cornerstone of wealth building, though she cautioned that wealth accumulation is a gradual process requiring time, consistency, and discipline. “Beware of anyone promising quick riches,” she warned. “True financial success is built steadily.”
Miller outlined several strategies for improving and maintaining a strong credit score, which she described as the “driver of creditworthiness.” Key factors include payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, credit mix, and recent credit applications. She advised participants to pay bills on time, keep credit utilization between 30% and 40%, maintain old accounts, diversify credit types, and limit credit inquiries.
“Financial discipline begins with sound planning,” she stressed. “Whether at the household or national level, everything starts with a budget. Managing finances effectively is the foundation of success.”
The workshop drew over 300 attendees, many of whom praised its practical and educational value. Jay Beckford, a student at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, described the session as highly informative. “I gained valuable insights into financial literacy and the importance of maintaining a good credit score,” he said. Similarly, Kedifa Campbell-Boothe, a collections agent at the Jamaica Public Service Company, found the workshop engaging and useful. “It was practical, relatable, and educational,” she shared.
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MOCA agent testifies in Ruel Reid and co trial
The fraud trial involving former Jamaican Education Minister Ruel Reid, ex-Caribbean Maritime University (CMU) President Fritz Pinnock, and three co-accused took a significant turn on Tuesday as detailed testimony regarding invoices worth hundreds of thousands of dollars was presented in court. The invoices, addressed to CMU, bore the name of Devon McQueen, Reid’s former driver, and were marked ‘For the provision of student needs.’ The amounts ranged from $30,000 to $330,000, dated between January and April 2018. The prosecution called two additional witnesses: a representative from the Office of the Registrar General and a chief special agent from the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA). The MOCA agent testified about her interactions with McQueen, who has since passed away, and her role in collecting his statement. The defense objected to her testimony, arguing it was based on hearsay and inadmissible evidence. Presiding Judge Sanchia Burrell overruled the objection, allowing the testimony to proceed. The trial, which alleges a $25 million fraud scheme involving government funds from the Ministry of Education and CMU between 2016 and 2019, will resume on Wednesday. Defense attorney Hugh Wildman is expected to present cases supporting his objection, with the prosecution responding before the judge makes a final ruling.
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Grand show marks Sizzla’s 30-year milestone
In a night brimming with nostalgia and reverence, thousands gathered at Sabina Park to honor Sizzla’s three-decade-long musical journey. The ‘Rise to the Occasion’ tribute show, held on Sunday, was a masterclass in celebration, showcasing the enduring impact of one of Jamaica’s most iconic entertainers. The event, meticulously organized and flawlessly executed, saw Sizzla take the stage around 10:00 pm, setting the tone for an unforgettable evening.