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In a significant move to bolster disaster preparedness, over 47 disaster management professionals from the Caribbean and beyond have united to establish the region’s inaugural Shelter Technical Working Group. This initiative, launched during the peak of the Atlantic Hurricane Season, is spearheaded by the Caribbean Disaster and Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). The group aims to enhance emergency shelter operations, ensure equitable aid distribution, and foster safer, more inclusive disaster responses for affected populations. Tamara Lovell, a community resilience specialist at CDEMA, emphasized that the group marks the beginning of a dedicated shelter management community for the Caribbean, with plans to develop a core team to advance shelter management strategies. Since its launch, weekly meetings have cultivated a collaborative community poised to address urgent shelter needs. The working group has also introduced a WhatsApp community for real-time updates and peer support, alongside a dedicated website for resource sharing, technical guidance, and news dissemination. Upcoming sessions will focus on critical issues such as relief goods quality, gender-based violence, cash support, and sustainable shelter solutions. The group will also coordinate technical support, organize training, and mobilize relief supplies for rapid deployment during disasters. Key partners, including national disaster offices, local civil society, and NGOs, are actively participating. Emergency items like plastic sheets, toolkits, solar lamps, tents, generators, and hygiene materials have already been stockpiled at CDEMA’s Logistics Hub in Barbados by organizations such as IOM, ShelterBox, GSD, UNICEF, and the Red Cross. Jan-Willem Wegdam, IOM’s emergency coordinator for the Caribbean, urged collective action, stating, ‘Let’s shape this agenda together. Let’s make this a welcoming community where your ideas and energy drive impact—and where we enjoy working together toward a safer Caribbean.’ The working group is supported by IOM under the Resilient Caribbean Project, funded by the European Union and launched virtually earlier this month.

Authorities in Manchester have escalated their search efforts for 12-year-old Jayden Smith, a resident of the Whales district in Newport, who has been reported missing since Friday, September 26. Jayden, described as having a dark complexion, a slim build, and standing approximately 152 centimetres (5 feet) tall, was last seen at his home around 6:15 am on the day of his disappearance. He was reportedly wearing a khaki uniform and brown shoes at the time. The Alligator Pond Police have issued a high alert and are appealing to the public for any information that could lead to his safe return. Investigators are urging individuals with knowledge of Jayden’s whereabouts to contact the Alligator Pond Police at 876-224-3113, the police emergency number 119, or the nearest police station. The community has been mobilized to assist in the search, with hopes of locating the young boy swiftly and safely.

A devastating stampede at a political rally in Tamil Nadu, India, on Saturday resulted in the deaths of at least 36 people, including eight children and 16 women, according to the state’s Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. The incident occurred during a campaign event for actor-turned-politician Vijay, who was addressing the crowd when chaos erupted. Vijay expressed his profound grief, stating his ‘heart is shattered’ and offering condolences to the bereaved families. Reports suggest that the tragedy unfolded as a large section of the crowd surged towards the stage barricades in an attempt to get closer to the popular figure. In response, Stalin has ordered an investigation led by a retired judge and announced compensation of one million rupees ($11,000) for each victim’s family. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed his sorrow, extending his thoughts to the affected families. This incident highlights the recurring issue of deadly crowd surges at Indian mass events, often attributed to inadequate safety measures and poor crowd management. Similar tragedies have occurred recently, including a stampede at the Kumbh Mela religious fair earlier this year and a deadly crush during a Hindu religious gathering in Uttar Pradesh last year.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Authorities have formally charged 38-year-old Alcon Bartley from the Windsor district of Siloah, St. Elizabeth, with wounding with intent following a violent altercation in his community earlier this year. The incident, which occurred on February 23 around 2:00 pm, involved Bartley and another man engaging in a heated argument. During the confrontation, Bartley allegedly retrieved a firearm from his waistband and discharged multiple shots, striking the other individual. The victim sustained injuries and promptly reported the incident to law enforcement. Bartley was subsequently apprehended and subjected to an identification parade, where the injured party positively identified him as the perpetrator. After a thorough interrogation, investigators proceeded to charge Bartley with the offence. His court appearance is currently being scheduled as the legal process moves forward.

At the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly Debate, Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell delivered a compelling address on the transformative power of education. Mitchell emphasized that education is the ultimate equalizer, capable of turning innovation into inclusion and conflict into cooperation. He described education as a bridge from limitation to possibility, sharing his personal journey from a small village in Grenada to the global stage of the UN.

In a tragic incident in Inverness, Alexandria, Jamaica, a 26-year-old maintenance worker, Chanardo Wilmot from Mile End, Ocho Rios, has been formally charged with murder. The victim, identified as 34-year-old Chadroy Nash, a tiler from St Dacre, Alexandria, succumbed to multiple stab wounds sustained during an altercation on Wednesday evening. According to the Alexandria Police, the incident unfolded around 8:50 pm when Wilmot allegedly encountered Nash in the company of his girlfriend. A heated argument ensued between the two men, culminating in Wilmot reportedly using a knife to inflict fatal injuries on Nash. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Nash was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Following a thorough investigation, Wilmot was apprehended and formally charged on Friday, September 26. Authorities are currently finalizing the court date for the accused, who now faces serious legal consequences for the alleged crime.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has issued a statement to address what it terms as ‘misleading commentary’ regarding the implementation of body-worn cameras (BWCs) for its officers. The JCF reaffirmed its commitment to the nationwide deployment of BWCs, attributing delays to procurement complexities and budgetary limitations rather than any reluctance within the police force.

Three bright students from Melrose Primary and Junior High have been honored with scholarships by the Kiwanis Club of Barbican, aimed at alleviating the financial burden of textbooks and other school-related expenses for the 2025-2026 academic year. The recipients, Nia-Lea Williamson, Mahalia Powell, and DeAndre Spence, were celebrated during an awards ceremony held on August 19 at the Jamaica Employers’ Federation headquarters on Ruthven Road in St Andrew. The scholarships, part of the Norris Crooks Scholarship programme, are named in memory of the club’s late esteemed president, Norris Crooks. Each scholarship provides financial assistance of up to $30,000 to students preparing for the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examinations. The initiative underscores the club’s commitment to fostering educational opportunities and supporting young learners in their academic journeys.