Authorities are currently probing a break-in at a political branch office located on Federation Road, where intruders forcibly entered the premises and absconded with several items. The incident is estimated to have occurred between 4 p.m. on Tuesday, 11 November 2025, and 8 a.m. on Wednesday, 12 November 2025. The office secretary confirmed that the building was securely locked the previous afternoon but was discovered breached upon the staff’s return the following morning. Preliminary reports indicate that the perpetrator(s) utilized a heavy tool to pry open an eastern door to gain access. Among the stolen items were a laptop, a composition book, and two AAA batteries, though the total value of the missing goods remains undetermined. Despite a thorough search of the vicinity, no suspects have been apprehended. Forensic experts have been summoned to examine the scene meticulously as the investigation continues.
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Haaland’s Norway thump sorry Italy to reach first World Cup since 1998
In a stunning display of football prowess, Norway clinched their first World Cup berth since 1998 with a commanding 4-1 victory over Italy at the rain-soaked San Siro on Sunday. The triumph sealed their spot in next summer’s finals, set to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Erling Haaland, the Manchester City striker hailed as a ‘goal machine,’ was the star of the match, scoring a decisive brace within seconds in the 78th and 79th minutes. His contributions were pivotal in Norway’s flawless qualifying campaign, which saw them amass a perfect 24 points from eight matches in Group I. Italy, despite an early lead from Pio Esposito, crumbled under Norway’s relentless pressure, with Antonio Nusa and Jorgen Strand Larsen adding to the scoreline. The defeat left Italy six points adrift of Norway, forcing them into the play-offs for a chance at World Cup qualification. Coach Gennaro Gattuso expressed concern over his team’s second-half collapse, while Norway’s Stale Solbakken remained cautiously optimistic about their prospects in the upcoming tournament. Haaland’s remarkable form, with 16 goals in qualifying, has positioned him as one of the players to watch in North America. Italy, meanwhile, continues to grapple with inconsistency, having missed the last two World Cups despite their 2021 European Championship triumph.
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Jamaican Jordanio James breaking barriers at UCI Cyclo-cross training camp in Switzerland
Jordanio James, a trailblazing Jamaican cyclist, is making waves at the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Cyclo-cross Training Camp in Aigle, Switzerland. As the only Jamaican and the sole black athlete among the 30 elite riders selected globally, James is carving out a unique space in the demanding world of cyclo-cross. The camp, hosted at the UCI headquarters from November 10 to 17, 2025, is renowned as one of the most prestigious technical development programs in international cycling.
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WATCH: St Elizabeth receives major infrastructure relief from developers
In a significant community development initiative, Ripton Group of Companies and Alcore Company have partnered to undertake a comprehensive reconstruction project in the Parottee community of St Elizabeth. The collaboration has mobilized over 70 skilled workers to address critical housing and infrastructure needs. The project includes rebuilding homes from the foundation, installing solar-powered street lights to enhance safety and visibility, and providing essential amenities such as mattresses, toilets, and wash areas for residents. Company executives have acknowledged the high demand for such assistance and reaffirmed their dedication to sustaining these efforts to improve living conditions in the area. This initiative marks a pivotal step toward fostering long-term community resilience and well-being.
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Chinese Benevolent Society donates hurricane relief supplies to Falmouth Hospital
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, the Falmouth Public General Hospital in Trelawny, Jamaica, received a much-needed lifeline on Friday, courtesy of the Chinese Benevolent Society (CBS). The organization donated a wide array of essential relief items, including toilet tissue, bottled water, food supplies, baby pampers, blankets, and other critical care products. The formal handover ceremony took place at the hospital, where Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton expressed profound gratitude on behalf of the hospital and the Ministry of Health and Wellness. Dr. Tufton, who was inspecting the Spanish-donated field hospital at the site, lauded the donation as a heartwarming act of compassion during a trying period for the Jamaican people. He emphasized the importance of such gestures in fostering a sense of global solidarity and humanity. Johnny Hung, representing the Chinese Benevolent Society, reiterated the organization’s commitment to aiding communities across Jamaica as they recover from the storm’s aftermath. This donation marks the third such contribution by the CBS to hospitals in the region, with plans to extend further assistance wherever possible. The initiative is part of a broader national relief effort, as public institutions grapple with the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Melissa, which has left parts of the island without power, disrupted infrastructure, and heightened the demand for emergency services. The Chinese Benevolent Society has a longstanding history of charitable work in Jamaica, and this latest contribution underscores its enduring dedication to supporting the island’s recovery and resilience.
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Sinner caps eventful year with ATP Finals triumph over great rival Alcaraz
In a thrilling conclusion to a tumultuous season, Jannik Sinner emerged victorious at the ATP Finals in Turin, Italy, defeating Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets, 7-6 (7/4), 7-5. The Italian tennis star captivated the home crowd, securing his second consecutive ATP Finals title and capping off a remarkable year that included triumphs at the Australian Open and Wimbledon. Sinner’s victory was particularly poignant, given his three-month ban earlier in the season due to accidental contamination with a banned substance, a situation that the World Anti-Doping Agency acknowledged was unintentional. The 24-year-old has now won 31 consecutive matches on indoor hard courts, a streak that began after his loss to Novak Djokovic in the 2023 championship match. Sinner’s performance was a testament to his resilience and skill, as he navigated a challenging season to end on a high note. Alcaraz, despite a stellar season with eight tournament wins and six Grand Slam titles, was unable to overcome Sinner’s dominance in the final. The match was a showcase of high-level tennis, with both players delivering powerful serves and intense rallies. Sinner’s victory was sealed when Alcaraz sent a backhand wide on the first championship point, prompting an emotional celebration with his family and the roaring crowd.
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Portugal qualify for 2026 World Cup by thrashing Armenia
In a stunning display of football prowess, Portugal secured their place in the 2026 World Cup finals with a resounding 9-1 victory over Armenia in Porto on Sunday. Despite the absence of suspended star Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese team delivered a commanding performance, led by hat-tricks from Bruno Fernandes and Joao Neves. The match marked Portugal’s third attempt to clinch qualification after a draw in Hungary and a surprising defeat in Ireland earlier in the week. Renato Veiga opened the scoring in the seventh minute, followed by goals from Goncalo Ramos, Francisco Conceicao, and a series of strikes from Fernandes and Neves. Armenia briefly equalized through Eduard Spertsyan, but Portugal quickly regained control, building an unassailable lead. Fernandes, who played a pivotal role throughout the match, netted his 28th goal for Portugal, cementing his place as the country’s sixth-highest goalscorer. Neves, scoring his first goals for the national team, expressed his joy while emphasizing the team’s collective effort. Juventus forward Conceicao sealed the historic win with a stoppage-time goal. Manager Roberto Martinez praised his team’s response after the Ireland defeat, while Ronaldo, who could miss the start of the tournament due to suspension, celebrated the qualification on social media. In other Group F action, Ireland secured a dramatic 3-2 win over Hungary, with Troy Parrott scoring a hat-trick to advance to the play-offs.
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US military says aircraft carrier now in Caribbean
In a significant military maneuver, the United States has deployed its most advanced aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, to the Caribbean Sea as part of an intensified anti-narcotics campaign. This deployment, announced by the US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) on Sunday, is part of President Donald Trump’s broader directive to dismantle transnational criminal organizations and combat narco-terrorism. The move is likely to escalate tensions with Venezuela, whose government views the military buildup as a direct threat. The USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, accompanied by two guided-missile destroyers and other support vessels, joins several warships already stationed in the region under ‘Operation Southern Spear.’
In a related development, US forces conducted a strike in the eastern Pacific on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of three suspected drug traffickers. Since the inception of the anti-trafficking initiative in September, US military operations have reportedly killed at least 83 individuals accused of drug smuggling in international waters. However, the US has not provided detailed evidence to substantiate claims that those targeted were indeed traffickers, leading experts to criticize the operations as extrajudicial killings.
The deployment comes amid heightened speculation about potential US military intervention in Venezuela, where President Nicolas Maduro faces strong opposition from Washington. The US does not recognize Maduro as Venezuela’s legitimate leader and has offered a $50 million bounty for his capture on charges of leading a drug cartel. President Trump has hinted at decisive action regarding Venezuela, stating on Friday that he had ‘sort of’ made up his mind on the issue, though he declined to elaborate. Meanwhile, the US military has also increased its presence in Trinidad and Tobago, conducting joint training exercises with local forces, which Maduro has condemned as ‘irresponsible.’
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Veteran JP says, JPs in dire need of proper training
Veteran Justice of the Peace (JP) Abrahim Ali has voiced significant concerns over the expanded judicial responsibilities being assigned to JPs without the necessary training, oversight, or modern systems in place. Ali, who also serves as the Public Relations Officer for the Justices of the Peace Association (JOPATT), highlighted these issues in an interview with Newsday on November 15, following the Senate’s passage of the Administration of Justice (Indictable Proceedings) (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (AJIPA). Once signed into law by the President, AJIPA will grant JPs broader powers, including the authority to issue search warrants and grant station bail for indictable offenses.
Ali emphasized that the JP system has long suffered from structural deficiencies, including a lack of standardized training, record-keeping, and consultation. He noted that JPs, historically appointed through political channels, have never received formal training despite being expected to perform critical judicial functions. While JOPATT has attempted to address these gaps through voluntary training programs, Ali stressed that such efforts cannot replace a mandatory national framework.
The AJIPA amendments aim to restore and expand powers historically held by JPs, which had been muddled by earlier legislation. Justice Carol Gobin clarified that Parliament had never explicitly revoked JPs’ authority to grant station bail. However, the proposed expansion of JP powers, particularly regarding search warrants, has sparked intense debate. Independent Senators Sophia Chote and Dr. Desiree Murray warned that without immediate reforms, JPs could be thrust into roles requiring legal expertise and accountability mechanisms that are currently absent. Chote described the search powers under Section 5 as ‘draconian,’ while Murray cautioned that the lack of qualifications and oversight could ‘dilute judicial oversight and risk the arbitrary exercise of power.’
Attorney General John Jeremie assured the Senate that data-seizure powers remain governed by the Data Protection Act and pledged to delay the implementation of search-warrant provisions until training and further reforms are addressed. He also committed to referring the broader issue of JP standards to the Law Review Committee. Ali supported this decision, noting that the concerns raised have long been recognized within the JP community. He emphasized that warrants must never be issued without proper procedures and guidelines, warning against ‘rubber-stamping’ by JPs.
Acting President of the Police Social and Welfare Association, ASP Ishmael Pitt, welcomed the restoration of JP warrant-issuing powers, particularly from a policing perspective. He highlighted the importance of having access to judicial officers in urgent situations but stressed that the system’s success depends on JP competence matching the gravity of their responsibilities. Ali, a JP for 35 years, reiterated that the JP system still lacks consistent engagement from the judiciary and the Office of the DPP, leaving JPs without adequate guidance as their duties expand.
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CJ Boodoosingh’s pledge: Sando Supreme Court will soon reopen
Chief Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh has reaffirmed his commitment to reopening the San Fernando Supreme Court, a landmark institution that has remained closed since 2020. Speaking at the Assembly of Southern Lawyers’ (ASL) annual Christmas dinner on November 15, Boodoosingh emphasized the judiciary’s dedication to restoring timely and accessible justice to the southern region. The event, held at the Pointe-a-Pierre Golf Club, also honored the Chief Justice, who shared a personal connection to the courthouse, recalling his early legal career within its walls. Boodoosingh pledged to collaborate with those overseeing public funds to expedite the reopening, describing it as both a facilities issue and a constitutional imperative. His remarks were met with resounding applause from attendees, including former Attorney General Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj and Criminal Bar Association head Israel Khan. ASL President Saira Lakhan praised the Chief Justice’s prioritization of the matter, expressing readiness to work alongside the judiciary to improve access to justice. The courthouse’s restoration, initially estimated at $12.8 million, has seen costs escalate to $22.1 million, with repairs stalled since July due to contractor termination. Udecott, the state agency overseeing the project, has indicated that reopening may not occur before late 2026, pending reconfirmation of the project scope and funding. Despite these challenges, Boodoosingh’s pledge has rekindled hope among southern communities, marking a significant step toward resolving years of frustration and uncertainty.