标签： Jamaica

The Fathers’ Association of Trinidad and Tobago (TFATT) has demanded immediate legislative reforms following alarming data revealing that one in every three men tested over a five-year period was not the biological father of the child they believed to be theirs. TFATT President Rhondall Feeles disclosed that between January 2020 and September 2025, 440 paternity tests were conducted, with 143 men (approximately 33%) discovering they were not the biological fathers. Feeles emphasized the emotional and legal ramifications of such revelations, citing cases where men faced legal troubles over child maintenance for children they later discovered were not biologically theirs. One notable case involved Marlon Thompson, who paid TT$35,000 in maintenance for a child later proven not to be his through DNA testing. Despite the maintenance order being revoked, Thompson still faced legal consequences due to an unresolved warrant, which was eventually quashed by a High Court Judge two years later. Feeles also highlighted a 2019 case where a man learned during a custody hearing that the two children he had been supporting were not his. The magistrate dismissed the wife’s maintenance application, but the man was left emotionally devastated. TFATT is urging policymakers to revisit the 2018 Joint Select Committee (JSC) recommendations, which called for mandatory DNA testing before maintenance orders are issued. The association has written to Attorney General John Jeremie and Chief Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh, proposing legislation to criminalize paternity fraud, mandate DNA testing, and provide compensation and counseling for affected fathers and children. While Jeremie expressed interest, Feeles acknowledged that legislative changes would take time. The Chief Justice’s office has indicated that the matter is under consideration.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Significant progress has been made in restoring access to communities severely affected by Hurricane Melissa, according to Robert Morgan, Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development. Speaking at a media conference at Jamaica House on November 3, Morgan highlighted the successful creation of critical corridors to facilitate the delivery of relief supplies, particularly to the western parishes hardest hit by the hurricane.

Morgan detailed the establishment of a primary corridor stretching from the border of St Elizabeth to Savanna-la-Mar, as well as another from St James through St Ann and Trelawny to Savanna-la-Mar. Initially, these routes were single-lane, leading to severe traffic congestion due to the influx of vehicles carrying supplies and aid workers. To address this, the government expanded the corridors to two lanes, significantly improving traffic flow.

The minister also emphasized the importance of ensuring that heavy-duty vehicles, such as gas trucks and oil tankers, could navigate these routes. By November 2, several obstacles had been removed to allow these vehicles to traverse the area safely. Key routes now open include Ocho Rios to Port Antonio, Port Antonio to Morant Bay, Morant Bay to Kingston, and several others connecting major towns across the island.

Despite these advancements, challenges remain, particularly in areas affected by flooding, landslides, and fallen trees. The government is collaborating with the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) to address these issues, with daily meetings to coordinate the removal or relocation of JPS poles obstructing roadways. Over 100 contractors and equipment operators are working across the region, focusing on critical areas while also addressing challenges in parishes like Portland and St Thomas.

Morgan urged the public to avoid visiting impacted areas unless absolutely necessary, as their presence could hinder ongoing relief efforts. The government continues to prioritize the restoration of infrastructure to support recovery and aid distribution in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.

RABAT, Morocco – The Catholic Archbishop of Rabat, Cristobal Lopez Romero, has affirmed his full cooperation with both Moroccan and international authorities following allegations of sexual abuse involving a French priest in Casablanca. The accusations, first reported by Moroccan news outlet Enass, claim that Father Antoine Exelmans orchestrated a “system of sexual exploitation” targeting underage migrants and refugees over a span of at least four years.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which wreaked havoc in St Elizabeth, Jamaica, 71-year-old Wilhel Stone Williams shared her harrowing experience of survival and the unexpected comfort she found in her neighbor’s company. Describing the hurricane as “catastrophic,” Williams recounted the terrifying moments as the storm intensified, stripping trees of their leaves and tearing zinc sheets from her roof. Initially confident she would endure the storm alone, her composure shattered when the relentless wind began to batter her home. Panic set in as she realized the severity of the situation. Amid the chaos, Williams’ neighbor, Rosemarie Williams, whose own roof had been blown off, sought refuge in her home. “I was glad that time because that is when I get some company,” Williams said, expressing gratitude for the unexpected companionship. The storm left Williams’ home severely damaged, with leaks permeating every corner. Emotionally drained, she admitted to barely eating since the ordeal, surviving on little more than syrup. Her concern also extended to her pet goat, which she had left outside, unaware of the hurricane’s ferocity. “He’s so beautiful, and God don’t make anything happen to him,” she pleaded. Both women are now appealing for assistance to repair their homes and recover from the disaster. Those willing to help can contact Rosemarie Williams at 1 (876) 214-1501.

Australia is set to enforce one of the world’s most stringent social media bans targeting users under the age of 16, with popular platforms Reddit and Kick joining the list of restricted websites starting December 10. The announcement was made by Communications Minister Anika Wells on Wednesday, highlighting the government’s commitment to safeguarding children online. The new legislation will require platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to remove underage users or face hefty fines of up to AUD 49.5 million (USD 32 million). Wells emphasized that while technology has been used to target children, it should now be leveraged to protect them. The ban aims to ensure children can enjoy their childhood while giving parents peace of mind. However, experts have raised concerns about the law’s effectiveness, with some labeling it as symbolic. Platforms like Roblox, Discord, and WhatsApp remain unaffected for now, though streaming site Twitch is under review. The government has clarified that the list of banned platforms is not static and may evolve. eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant noted that while age restrictions are a powerful tool, they are not a quick fix. Social media companies have criticized the laws as vague and rushed, but the government has maintained that platforms must take reasonable steps to detect and deactivate underage accounts.

In response to the widespread damage caused by Hurricane Melissa, Western Parks and Markets (WPM), the regional division of the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA), has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to address the issue of downed trees in western Jamaica. Edward Muir, Regional Operations Manager for WPM, detailed the plan in an interview with Observer Online, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

Muir explained that WPM has leased a property near Retirement in Montego Bay, initially intended for constructing a garage for their fleet. However, given the current crisis, the site will temporarily serve as a storage location for tree cuttings. This decision aims to ensure that household waste can still be processed at the landfill without obstruction. The Retirement Disposal site, adjacent to the leased property, is currently overwhelmed and unable to accommodate additional waste, particularly tree debris.

‘At present, the disposal site is saturated, and we cannot allow tree cuttings to impede our operations,’ Muir stated. He assured that once the cleanup process is complete, the stored tree cuttings will be relocated to the disposal site for proper management.

The initiative coincides with a large-scale cleanup operation in Catherine Hall and Westgreen, areas of Montego Bay severely affected by flooding and mud accumulation. WPM remains committed to restoring normalcy as swiftly as possible, contingent on the progress of ongoing efforts.