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Haiti welcomes 5th contingent of Kenyan police to to help restore security

haiti police
Kenyan police officers and their counterparts from the MSS Haiti mission during an operational brie on May 21, 2025. Photo MSS Haiti

Haitian President pro tempore and Coordinator of the Transition Council, Laurent Saint-Cyr, on Monday welcomed the latest group of Kenyan police officers deployed to reinforce the Gang Repression Force (FRG), the multinational mission working to restore security in Haiti.

The fifth contingent, comprising 230 specialised Kenyan police officers, arrived at Toussaint Louverture International Airport, accompanied by Kenya’s Deputy National Security Advisor Joseph Boinett and Principal Deputy Inspector General James Kamau.

They were greeted by senior Haitian and international officials, including FRG Commander Godfrey Otunge, Commander of the Armed Forces of Haiti Lieutenant General Derby Guerrier, Acting Director General of the Haitian National Police (PNH) Vladimir Paraison, members of the High Command, and diplomats such as Canadian Ambassador André François Giroux, French Ambassador Antoine Michon, and Kenyan Consul General Noor Gabow.

Part of larger UN-approved security force

The FRG—approved by the UN Security Council in September—aims to build a 5,500-member multinational force made up of police and military personnel. Its mandate includes dismantling armed groups, securing humanitarian corridors, and strengthening Haiti’s policing capacity through intelligence-led operations and coordinated arrests.

The new Kenyan contingent arrived as 100 Kenyan officers completed their mission and departed Haiti. President Saint-Cyr thanked the outgoing personnel for their service and pledged ongoing collaboration between Haitian authorities, the Armed Forces of Haiti, and the PNH.

Commander Otunge said the force has incorporated lessons learned from earlier deployments to improve effectiveness. Boinett delivered greetings from Kenyan President William Ruto, reaffirming Kenya’s commitment to supporting Haiti during the transition. “Kenya will stand with the Haitian people to guarantee peace and stability during this transitional phase,” he said.

Regional support continues

The newly arrived Kenyan officers join counterparts from Guatemala, El Salvador, The Bahamas, and Jamaica, reflecting broad regional participation in the mission.

Their deployment comes at a critical moment. Haiti’s security crisis has deepened since early 2024, when armed groups forced then–prime minister Ariel Henry to resign. The United Nations estimates that armed groups now control a majority of Port-au-Prince, contributing to severe instability nationwide.

The multinational security mission—originally approved in 2023 to support Haitian police—has struggled to secure sufficient funding and equipment. The force currently has about 1,000 personnel, far short of the 2,500 initially expected.

In late September, the UN Security Council approved plans to develop a more robust anti-gang force in response to escalating violence.

Haiti remains under a transitional government. The country has not held elections in nine years, but legislative and presidential elections have now been scheduled for summer 2026 as authorities work toward rebuilding state institutions and restoring democratic governance.

Haiti sets August 2026 date for first general elections in nearly a decade

Jacques Desrosiers haiti
Jacques Desrosiers

Haiti’s transitional authorities last week released a long-awaited electoral timetable, announcing that the crisis-stricken nation plans to hold its first general elections since 2016 next summer. The announcement marks a major step toward restoring democratic governance, though officials cautioned that worsening gang violence could still threaten the process.

According to the decree issued by the Provisional Electoral Council, general elections are due to be held in Haiti in two rounds on August 30 and December 6, 2026. The presidency, all seats in the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies, and local and municipal offices will be contested. The President of Haiti is elected using the two-round system, with a second round held if no candidate wins a majority of the vote in the first round.

Jacques Desrosiers, president of Haiti’s Provisional Electoral Council, stressed that the vote cannot proceed unless security conditions improve dramatically.

“The restoration of security is a prerequisite for holding the first round,” he said.

Haiti has endured years of political turmoil, compounded by rampant gang violence and institutional collapse. Conditions deteriorated sharply in early 2024, when armed groups forced the resignation of then–prime minister Ariel Henry, leaving large swaths of Port-au-Prince under gang control.

The country has not held elections since October 2016, and its last elected president, Jovenel Moïse, was assassinated in July 2021. Haiti is currently governed by an interim authority, the Transitional Presidential Council, whose mandate ends in February 2026.

Chairman of the Transitional Presidential Council Laurent Saint-Cyr welcomed the adoption of the decree, saying it “finally offers the Haitian people the opportunity to freely and responsibly choose those who should lead them.”

“By taking this decisive step, while we remain fully committed to restoring security, we reaffirm our commitment to putting Haiti back on the path to democratic legitimacy and stability,” he said in a post on X.

Gang violence continues to destabilize the country, with criminal groups carrying out killings, kidnappings, extortion and territorial takeovers. A United Nations report released in October estimated that more than 16,000 people have been killed by armed violence in Haiti since 2022.

In 2023, the UN authorized a multinational security mission to support Haitian police, but the deployment has been hampered by limited resources and mixed results on the ground. The UN Security Council voted in September to transform the mission into a more robust anti-gang force.

Despite the challenges, transitional authorities say the electoral calendar provides a roadmap for Haitians to return to the polls—something many see as critical to restoring stability and international confidence.

Guyana and United States sign Statement of Intent to expand military cooperation

Guyana and the United States have signed a Statement of Intent to deepen joint military cooperation, reaffirming their shared commitment to regional peace, sovereignty, and security in the Western Hemisphere.

The agreement was signed on Tuesday following a meeting between President Dr. Irfaan Ali and senior officials of the US Department of War — Patrick Weaver, Senior Advisor to the Secretary of War, and Joseph Humire, Acting Assistant Secretary of War for Western Hemisphere Affairs — at State House. US Ambassador to Guyana Nicole Theriot also attended the meeting.

According to the Office of the President, both countries reiterated their longstanding security partnership and agreed that the expanded cooperation would be undertaken with full respect for the sovereignty and laws of both countries.

President Ali explained that the Statement of Intent is part of a broader, evolving US security strategy known as “Southern Spear,” aimed at strengthening defence partnerships across the Western Hemisphere and increasing engagement with CARICOM nations.

He noted that the agreement signals greater collaboration between Washington and regional allies on security and defence matters. Asked whether the signing would result in US troops being stationed in Guyana or patrolling Guyanese borders, Ali said the document outlines ongoing cooperation rather than any new deployment.

“The US government is coming up with a strategy for the Western Hemisphere… so basically the countries and allies in the region are signalling their intention for more collaboration and cooperation,” he said.

President Ali said the Statement of Intent reinforces longstanding arrangements such as the Shiprider Agreement, which permits US security forces to pursue, intercept, and board drug trafficking vessels in Guyana’s waters.

He added that the new document opens the door for enhanced training, operational collaboration, and long-term security cooperation.

On the question of whether the Statement of Intent could lead to a full defence treaty, Ali said discussions are “evolving,” and further talks on expanded cooperation are expected in the coming months.

Regional crime and security concerns

The signing comes one day after President Ali reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to working with international partners to combat transnational crime and safeguard the region.

Speaking at a reception marking the opening of Grenada’s Honorary Consulate in Guyana, Ali highlighted ongoing security threats in Caribbean airspace and waterways.
“We stand strong and steadfast in every action that will allow those illegitimate actors to continue to tarnish the reputation of our region,” he said, stressing that regional security must be built through partnership to ensure safety for future generations.

Also present at Tuesday’s meeting were:

  • Hugh Todd, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

  • Captain Gerry Gouveia, National Security Adviser

  • Robert Persaud, Foreign Secretary

  • Brigadier Omar Khan, Chief of Defence Staff

The Office of the President said further updates on the strengthened cooperation framework will be provided as discussions advance.

Kerryann Ifill appointed as Barbados’ First Human Rights Commissioner

Kerryann Ifill
Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley congratulating Barbados’ first Human Rights Commissioner, the Most Honourable Kerryann Ifill, while Attorney General Dale Marshall, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), Timothy Maynard (right), and Administrative Officer in the OAG (left), Pamela Agard, look on.

Former President of the Senate, the Most Honourable Kerryann Ifill, has been appointed as Barbados’ first Human Rights Commissioner, with her appointment—approved by Cabinet—taking effect on December 1, 2025.

On Tuesday, Ifill met briefly with Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley and Attorney General Dale Marshall at Parliament, ahead of International Human Rights Day. Their discussions focused on establishing the new Office and its responsibilities across traditional and emerging human rights concerns.

In a press release, Prime Minister Mottley emphasised that the Office would operate independently and could play a key role in strengthening national protections. She noted that while the Employment Rights Act provides safeguards in the workplace, gaps remain in other areas of public life.

“The Office of the HRC would be independent,” the Prime Minister stated, adding that she has invited the Commissioner to consider potential legislation that would protect citizens from discrimination outside of employment.

Attorney General Marshall underscored the importance of Barbados formalising the role. “Notwithstanding Barbados’ good record as far as human rights are concerned, it is now the gold standard for countries to establish an Office of Commissioner for Human Rights,” he said. He highlighted that such an Office promotes awareness, monitors complaints, supports compliance, and develops policies aligned with human rights standards.

Ifill said she was honoured by the appointment and stressed the personal and national significance of the work. She noted that the Commission will provide independent oversight and public education on human rights.

“When it is fully in place, the Human Rights Commission of Barbados will serve as an independent body dedicated to promoting, protecting, and upholding human rights across the nation,” she said. The Commission will investigate complaints, implement educational campaigns, monitor treaty compliance, and support behaviour change communication.

She added that the coming months will focus on laying the institutional groundwork, including reviewing regional and international human rights models and offering recommendations on a legislative framework.

Ifill, who holds an MBA in Management, served as President of the Senate from 2012 to 2018. She received the Order of Freedom of Barbados in 2023, the Silver Crown of Merit in 2018, and the Anthony N. Sabga Award for Caribbean Excellence in 2024. Her leadership roles span multiple regional and local organisations, including the Caribbean Council for the Blind, the Barbados Council for the Disabled, the Commonwealth Disabled People’s Forum, and the recent Constitutional Reform Commission.

Human Rights Day is observed globally on December 10, marking the 1948 proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The Office of the Human Rights Commissioner falls under the Office of the Attorney General and is temporarily located at Baobab Towers, Warrens, St. Michael.

St. Vincent airport restores normal operations after runway repairs

St. Vincent airport

Argyle International Airport (AIA) in St. Vincent and the Grenadines has confirmed ongoing runway maintenance and technical assessments following a series of flight disruptions over the weekend, assuring passengers and airline partners that safety remains its top priority.

The issue surfaced on Saturday evening when an American Airlines flight to Miami was cancelled due to reported runway damage. A Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) was issued restricting aircraft weighing more than 225,000 lbs from landing. As a result, Virgin Atlantic postponed its scheduled Sunday flight, as its Airbus aircraft—typically weighing over 500,000 lbs—could not operate under the temporary limits.

In an official statement issued Monday, AIA emphasized that it routinely monitors and maintains all critical airside infrastructure, including runways, taxiways, and aprons, in line with international aviation safety standards. The airport noted that its engineering, operations, and safety teams, supported by regional and international technical partners, have been conducting scheduled technical assessments and preventative and corrective maintenance activities.

“As part of our commitment to safety, we took a precautionary measure to temporarily limit aircraft operating weights on Sunday, December 7, 2025, to facilitate necessary repair works,” AIA said. The airport confirmed that normal runway operations were fully restored by Monday, December 8, 2025.

AIA also addressed rumours circulating on social media claiming that the airport’s status had been downgraded. The management dismissed these claims, reiterating that air traffic operations continue as normal and that all appropriate safety measures are in place to support uninterrupted flight operations.

Virgin Atlantic’s next scheduled service to St. Vincent and the Grenadines is set for Wednesday.

AIA said it will continue to provide updates “as appropriate” while ongoing assessments and maintenance activities proceed.

Bahamas proposes visa-free travel treaty With United States

Bahamas passports

The Bahamas Government is proposing that the United States consider a formal visa-free travel treaty between the two countries, citing intensified US immigration enforcement and recent comments by US President Donald Trump about banning migration from “third world countries.”

Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell told Parliament that visa-free access has long been a desire of Bahamian citizens and that the issue has taken on greater urgency as Washington increases pressure on illegal migrants.

“Bahamians have always wanted to travel freely to the United States,” Mitchell said. He noted that in previous discussions with US officials—and in private talks with the prime minister—he had suggested a formal treaty to guarantee visa-free entry for Bahamian nationals.

Mitchell argued that lawful movement should be facilitated, especially in an era of climate change when climate-related emergencies could drive cross-border displacement. “If 400,000 of us moved to the states, it wouldn’t make a difference in terms of impact on the population,” he said. “But the fact is that you have to behave lawfully, and this ought to be lawful entry into another country.”

Bahamians may currently travel to the United States without a visa only when entering directly from The Bahamas and with a clean police record. A visa is required if entering from any third country.

Mitchell’s comments came during debate on the Smuggling of Migrants Bill, 2025, which he said is necessary to bring Bahamian law in line with international standards.

“You can’t go into another man’s country unlawfully, and neither can a government, The Bahamas Government, be seen to be condoning the unlawful entry of people into another country,” he said.

The proposal for a visa-free treaty has not yet been formally presented to the United States, and the US Government has not publicly responded to the suggestion.

Jamaican gov’t approves US$150M loan to JPS to speed up power restoration

JPS

Jamaica’s Energy Minister Daryl Vaz says the Government has formally approved the US$150 million (J$24 billion) loan to the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS), clearing the way for additional overseas line workers and equipment to support restoration efforts in hurricane-hit western Jamaica.

“After long negotiations, I can state that the US$150M loan for the accelerated restoration of electricity to Western Jamaica has been signed off on,” Vaz announced Monday in a post on X.

The agreement—signed last Friday—will allow 300 more overseas line workers to arrive in Jamaica within weeks. It also authorises an extension of service for the 170 linesmen already on island, whose deployment was initially set to end this week.

Vaz said details of the loan’s terms and conditions will be outlined by Finance Minister Fayval Williams in a statement to the House of Representatives this afternoon.

Monday’s update finalises the Cabinet-approved loan arrangement first revealed in late November, when the Government agreed to lend JPS US$150 million to help fund nationwide electricity restoration following the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Melissa.

JPS has projected total restoration costs at US$350 million, leaving a US$200 million shortfall at the time the loan was announced. Vaz previously indicated that part of the gap would be reduced through a drawdown from the Electricity Disaster Fund, with US$50 million pending approval from the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR).

Members of the parliamentary Opposition have raised concerns about the financing package.

Opposition Spokesman on Finance Julian Robinson has pressed Vaz to disclose where JPS intends to source the remainder of its funding.

Opposition Spokesman on Energy Phillip Paulwell has also questioned the decision to advance the loan without an agreed interest rate and has queried the valuation of JPS’ assets.

Vaz has maintained that taxpayers are safeguarded. He said that if JPS is unable to repay the loan by 2027, the Government could recover the funds through asset acquisition or by converting the loan into preferential shares.

Loan separate from ongoing licence talks

The minister also clarified that the loan arrangement is unrelated to ongoing negotiations regarding JPS’ licence, which expires in July 2027.

He previously told the House that JPS had requested a 15-year licence extension to help secure credit for hurricane recovery, but warned that an automatic renewal under the existing terms would breach prior commitments to introduce “fundamental changes” to future licences.

According to Vaz, the loan will run for five years, with the interest rate still to be negotiated. He said it was necessary to avoid restoration delays that JPS warned could stretch into mid-2026 without additional financing.

JPS reports that approximately 574,000 customers (82%) have had power restored. About 126,000 customers (18%) remained without electricity as of Sunday.

S Hotel to build 60 homes for residents displaced by Hurricane Melissa

S Hotel Jamaica — one of the country’s most celebrated, award-winning boutique resorts — has rolled out a major humanitarian initiative to support recovery efforts in western Jamaica following the devastation of Hurricane Melissa. The hotel has committed more than $21 million to construct 60 one-bedroom homes for families who lost everything, with the goal of getting as many units occupied as possible before Christmas.

The project, called “S for Shelters,” is being led by the Montego Bay property as part of its broader mission to contribute meaningfully to national rebuilding. Known for its luxury offerings, world-class spa, and repeated recognition on international “Best Hotels” lists, S Hotel is now leveraging its brand strength, resources, and staff expertise to deliver rapid relief on the ground.

Hotel manager and brand ambassador Andres Cope said the initiative grew out of emotional messages the hotel received from loyal guests, many of whom were concerned about the storm’s impact.

“This initiative is very important to us… We really want to ensure that Jamaicans, especially with Christmas fast approaching, have a roof over their heads,” Cope said.

Construction of the homes — each a sturdy 10×12 unit built from lumber — is taking place at an impressive pace. Workmen were completing two structures in the hotel’s car park on Tuesday as part of an assembly-line approach that allows teams to build two to three houses per day.

So far, three houses have been delivered: two in Hartford, Westmoreland, and one in Black River, St. Elizabeth. Additional units are already underway. Recipients are identified through reports from S Hotel employees who live in affected communities and personally know families in urgent need, including vulnerable individuals who lost their homes entirely.

S Hotel Projects Manager Tardo Nelson said the units are durable and expected to last a decade or more with proper care.

“We forecast that they can last about 10 years or more… This one is also a much stronger and sturdy house than most of the regular board houses that you normally see around the place,” Nelson said, noting that the hotel’s projects team has become highly efficient, able to complete two houses within 24 hours.

The initiative also reflects the hotel’s broader corporate ethos. As a Jamaican-owned, internationally lauded property, S Hotel has consistently positioned itself as more than a luxury resort — prioritizing cultural preservation, community partnerships, and authentic engagement with Jamaica’s social landscape. “S for Shelters” builds on this foundation, demonstrating what strong private-sector leadership can look like in times of national crisis.

As the holiday season approaches, the S Hotel team says it remains committed to delivering as many homes as possible, ensuring that families across western Jamaica can begin rebuilding with dignity and security.

Local leaders in Miami bring holiday cheer to Kinloch Park Elementary with toy giveaway

Miami-Dade County School Board Member Danny Espino, District 5, joined City of Miami Commissioner Ralph Rosado, District 4, and Miami-Dade County Commissioner Natalie Milian Orbis, District 6, on Tuesday to spread holiday cheer at Kinloch Park Elementary School, ensuring every student felt included in the season’s celebrations.

In a show of community partnership and support for families, the three officials personally purchased toys for every student from Prekindergarten (Pre-K) through 5th Grade. Students lined the halls as gifts were delivered classroom by classroom, creating moments of excitement throughout the school.

Younger students also received an added treat. Children in Pre-K through 1st Grade enjoyed an interactive holiday show featuring music, storytelling, and festive entertainment—turning the day into a full celebration of fun and community spirit.

“Today was all about bringing joy to our students,” said School Board Member Danny Espino. “Seeing their smiles is a reminder of why our work matters. I’m grateful to our community partners who step up every day to support our schools.”

The event highlighted the commitment of local leaders to uplifting students, strengthening community ties, and supporting meaningful experiences for children during the holiday season.

PAHO urges Americas to close vaccination gaps as whooping cough cases surge

whooping cough

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is urging countries across the Americas to urgently strengthen routine immunization as whooping cough continues to surge region-wide, according to a new epidemiological update released Monday.

The respiratory disease, officially known as pertussis, has risen sharply worldwide. Global cases climbed to 977,000 in 2024, nearly six times the 167,407 recorded in 2023. The Western Pacific reported the majority of infections (591,193), followed by Europe (296,543).

A similar rise is unfolding in the Americas. After reaching a historic low of 3,284 cases in 2022, regional infections jumped to 11,202 in 2023 and climbed again to 66,184 in 2024. Between January and November 2025, ten countries included in PAHO’s analysis reported additional increases. Full regional totals for 2025 will be published next year.

“Whooping cough is a vaccine-preventable disease, but its resurgence highlights gaps in immunization and epidemiological surveillance,” said Dr. Daniel Salas, Executive Manager of PAHO’s Special Program on Integrated Immunization. “It is urgent that countries ensure high and consistent vaccination coverage, especially among children under five, to protect the most vulnerable and prevent outbreaks,” he added.

Vaccination setbacks and high-risk groups

PAHO noted that immunization coverage in the Americas fell to its lowest point in 20 years during the COVID-19 pandemic—87% for the first DTP dose (DTP1) and 81% for the third dose (DTP3). Coverage improved in 2024 to 89% and 87%, respectively, but significant disparities persist between and within countries.

The organization recommends all countries reach at least 95% coverage with the full three-dose DTP series in children under one year old and ensure booster doses through childhood and adolescence. But in 2024, only 21 countries met the 95% benchmark for DTP1; ten fell between 90–94%, another ten between 80–89%, and four reported coverage below 80%.

Children under 12 months remain the most vulnerable, representing 30–40% of cases in Argentina, Brazil, and Colombia. Outbreaks have also emerged in rural and Indigenous communities where vaccination rates are lower.

PAHO’s recommendations for countries

PAHO is calling on governments to:

  • Strengthen epidemiological surveillance and laboratory confirmation of cases.

  • Ensure vaccination coverage above 95% in children and provide boosters for pregnant women and healthcare workers, especially maternity staff and infant caregivers.

  • Implement respiratory isolation for suspected or confirmed cases and provide timely antibiotic treatment.

  • Promote early diagnosis and public awareness among health workers and communities.

“Timely and complete vaccination, together with robust surveillance, is the most effective strategy to prevent whooping cough, a disease that can cause severe illness, complications, or even death, especially in unvaccinated children under one year,” Dr. Salas emphasized.

Lavern Deer inspires next generation at PenTab Academy’s Honor Society induction

The National Elementary Honor Society (NEHS) chapter at PenTab Academy in Miami Gardens celebrated academic excellence and service last Wednesday as 17 students were formally inducted during the school’s sixth annual ceremony. Surrounded by family, faculty, and community leaders, the new inductees were recognized for their commitment to scholarship, leadership, character, and service, values at the heart of the NEHS tradition.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Lavern Deer, CEO and founder of the Female Development World Organization (FDWO) and candidate for City of Miami Gardens District 2. Dr. Deer’s message struck a powerful chord with students and parents alike, emphasizing the discipline, curiosity, and responsibility required to excel. Drawing on her own journey as a scholar, nonprofit founder, and public servant, she reminded the inductees that “education opens every door”—a theme echoed throughout her remarks.

A ceremony rooted in values and community

Chapter leader Lia Wilson, Principal Dr. Barbara Sharpe, Pastor Omar Williams, Associate Pastor Chris Wilson, and the full Executive Committee took part in the official pinning of students and the presentation of certificates. The ceremony highlighted not only academic achievement but also the school’s longstanding culture of character-building and community engagement.

PenTab Academy’s NEHS chapter has distinguished itself through active participation in the City of Miami Gardens’ Adopt-a-Road program. The school maintains a dedicated section of NW 7th Avenue in honor of the late Bishop S. Robert Stewart, demonstrating an institutional commitment to civic pride and environmental stewardship through its partnership with the Keep Miami Gardens Beautiful initiative.

Dr. Deer’s message: Four pillars for life

In her keynote speech, Dr. Deer walked students through the four pillars of the National Elementary Honor Society, Scholarship, Responsibility, Leadership, and Service, connecting each one to real experiences from her own career and community work.

  • Scholarship, she told students, is fueled by curiosity and a love of learning, not just high grades. She spoke about her pursuit of higher education, including her bachelor’s and MBA degrees, and how learning propelled her into national service and recognition.
  • Responsibility, she emphasized, is doing the right thing “even when no one is watching,” whether in school, at home, or in public life.
  • Leadership, she said, is not about titles but about listening, inspiring others, and leading with integrity, skills she developed while serving in government and in nonprofit leadership.
  • Service, the final pillar, reflects the heart of her mission. “Helping others without expecting anything in return,” she noted, is how communities are strengthened and futures are transformed.

Her address challenged students to remain disciplined, compassionate, and confident in their abilities as future leaders.

A school anchored in faith and excellence

PenTab Academy, a PreK-8 Christian private school located at the northeast corner of NW 7th Avenue and Miami Gardens Drive, has served families in Miami Gardens for more than two decades. As a ministry of Pentecostal Tabernacle International, the school blends faith-based education with rigorous academic standards. The Honor Society induction is one of its most anticipated annual events, an evening that celebrates both achievement and potential.

Looking ahead

As the ceremony concluded, proud parents embraced their children, teachers beamed, and Dr. Deer left students with one final message: “Today you are being honored for what you have achieved, but the world is waiting for what you will become.”
It was a fitting close to an evening dedicated not just to achievement, but to the promise of tomorrow.

South Florida ignites its World Cup countdown with seven Premier 2026 Fixtures

FIFA World Cup Host Committee Miami
FIFA World Cup Host Committee Miami

Miami’s march toward the historic FIFA World Cup 2026 reached full stride this week as FIFA released the complete tournament match schedule following the Final Draw.

The publication on FIFA.com signals far more than a logistical update, it officially ignites the countdown to the world’s most-watched sporting event, now expanded to an unprecedented 104 matches across 16 Host Cities in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

The 2026 edition promises not only scale, but also a tailored experience: minimized travel for teams and supporters, thoughtful rest intervals between fixtures, and carefully selected kick-off times aimed at maximizing spectator comfort and global broadcasting reach.

And Miami is preparing to be one of the tournament’s most sought-after stops.

Seven matches, one global stage

Miami Stadium will host seven FIFA World Cup 2026 fixtures, including four Group Stage clashes featuring marquee names such as Brazil, Portugal, Uruguay, Colombia, Scotland, Saudi Arabia, and Cabo Verde.

These are the matches South Florida will welcome:

·         Match 13 – Mon, 15 June 2026 | 18:00 ET | KSA vs URU (Group H)

·         Match 37 – Sun, 21 June 2026 | 18:00 ET | URU vs CPV (Group H)

·         Match 49 – Wed, 24 June 2026 | 18:00 ET | SCO vs BRA (Group C)

·         Match 71 – Sat, 27 June 2026 | 19:30 ET | COL vs POR (Group K)

·         Match 86 – Fri, 3 July 2026 | 18:00 ET | Round of 32

·         Match 99 – Sat, 11 July 2026 | 17:00 ET | Quarter-Final

·         Match 103 – Sat, 18 July 2026 | 17:00 ET | Bronze Final

These contests place Miami at the heart of the global spectacle, an intersection where elite football, international culture, and world-class hospitality will converge.

A city poised for a historic welcome

Local organizers are embracing the moment with pride and purpose.
“Miami is ready to welcome the world,” affirmed Alina Hudak, President & CEO of the FIFA World Cup 26 Miami Host Committee. “Our city represents the very essence of global fútbol culture, and hosting these FIFA World Cup 2026 matches will be a celebration of our diversity, passion, and world-class hospitality. This will be a moment our community remembers for generations.”

Her words capture the community’s sentiment: Miami is not merely hosting games; it is curating a once-in-a-lifetime cultural event.

Ticket access and fan opportunities

FIFA has made the full 104-match schedule available on FIFA.com, opening the door for global supporters to finalize travel plans and secure stadium access.

The next ticketing window—the Random Selection Draw—opens 11 December and runs through 13 January 2026 at FIFA.com/tickets. Importantly, the timing of a fan’s entry within that period does not influence chances of success.
Successful or partially successful applicants will receive email notifications and automatic payment processing in February.

This marks the third phase of ticket sales, with nearly two million tickets already claimed.

Fans looking for guaranteed access can also turn to official hospitality packages, available now through On Location at FIFA.com/hospitality. These packages include match tickets and premium amenities for supporters seeking an elevated World Cup experience.

Anticipation builds across South Florida

With its match slate confirmed, Miami moves into the next phase of preparation as anticipation surges. The city is preparing for a summer of powerful sporting drama, cultural exchange, and global celebration, an international spotlight that promises to define the region’s sporting legacy for generations.

Broward Schools propose closing 7 campuses as enrollment declines

Dr. Howard Hepburn, Superintendent of Broward County Schools
Dr. Howard Hepburn, Superintendent of Broward County Schools

Broward County Public Schools is preparing for major financial and structural changes as student enrollment continues to fall, prompting district leaders to propose school closures, implement a hiring freeze and halt out-of-county travel.

The district has lost thousands of students this school year alone, part of a years-long decline. In 2021, Broward Schools enrolled nearly 208,000 students. This year, that number has dropped to 188,000, and by 2030, enrollment is projected to fall by another 25,000.

Superintendent Dr. Howard Hepburn unveiled a list of schools recommended for closure or consolidation on Monday under the district’s Redefining Our Schools initiative. The announcement came after a public meeting where parents were able to weigh in on the proposed changes.

The schools under consideration include:

  • North Fork Elementary School, Fort Lauderdale

  • Palm Cove Elementary School, Pembroke Pines

  • Panther Run Elementary School, Pembroke Pines

  • Sunshine Elementary School, Miramar

  • Bair Middle School, Sunrise

  • Plantation Middle School, Plantation

  • Seagull Alternative High School, Fort Lauderdale

Glades Middle School in Miramar and Walter C. Young Middle School in Pembroke Pines had previously been under review but were ultimately removed from the list.

District officials say the financial strain has reached a critical point.

“We are short this year $94 million, which means between January and June of this year we’ve got to constrict considerably,” said School Board Member Allen Zeman.

Board members confirmed that the district has instituted a hiring freeze and a moratorium on travel.

“If 10 teachers quit today, hopefully they won’t, I pray they won’t, I can’t go out tomorrow as a district to hire new teachers. That’s how bad our financial situation has become here within this district,” said Board Member Adam Cervera.

A letter sent to families on Monday outlined new restrictions, including a freeze on out-of-county travel and limits on overtime.

Zeman said the district’s challenge goes far beyond just the initial list of schools.

“We’re probably right now 50 or so schools too big and today we talked about nine or 10 schools. Over time, I’m sure we’re going to talk about more,” he said.

Some board members have pushed to add additional campuses to the closure list. Hepburn noted that selling or leasing properties could provide significant revenue.

“The taxable value for those buildings combined is $230 million,” he said. “To lease market rate for an elementary school is roughly $2 million annually. For a middle school, roughly $3.7 million annually.”

Hepburn emphasized that Broward is not the only large district grappling with shrinking enrollment.

“We can’t continue to kick that can down the road and hoping and praying, we need to take action,” he said. “And part of that action right now is not (to) hire new people that we ultimately are going have to release at the end of the year.”

The superintendent is expected to finalize his recommendations on Friday. The Broward County School Board will vote on the proposed closures and consolidations in January.

Broward Sheriff’s Office warns of new scam targeting families of recent arrestees

scamming

The Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) is alerting residents to what officials describe as “an emerging scam” in which criminals impersonate law enforcement officers and pressure victims into sending money electronically — a scheme authorities say mirrors similar fraud attempts seen across South Florida in recent months.

According to BSO, scammers have been calling family members of people who were recently arrested, posing as deputies, sergeants, or pre-trial specialists. The callers claim that immediate payment is needed to resolve an arrest or secure a release, and often demand money through Zelle, Cash App, Venmo, wire transfers, or gift cards.

“The Broward Sheriff’s Office is warning the public about an emerging scam involving individuals impersonating law enforcement personnel. The suspects are contacting family members of people recently arrested and are posing as deputies, sergeants or pretrial specialists,” the agency said in a statement.

BSO noted that the scheme plays on fear, urgency, and confusion following an arrest — a tactic consistent with other impersonation scams reported in Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, and other parts of the region, where callers have also pretended to be officers, court staff, or federal agents.

Deputies stressed that BSO will never request money over the phone or through any digital payment service. Officials urge residents to immediately hang up if someone claiming to be from BSO asks for payment, and to avoid sharing personal or financial information with unknown callers.

Authorities are also encouraging the public to warn relatives, caregivers, and individuals who may be more vulnerable to fraud about these types of scams.

Residents seeking to verify an arrest should contact the BSO Main Jail at (954) 831-5900 or visit www.sheriff.org.
Anyone who believes they have been targeted or victimized is urged to call the BSO non-emergency line at (954) 764-HELP (4357) to file a report.

Two Miami men sentenced in $28M scheme involving diverted HIV and cancer drugs

Four Jamaicans arrested in Alabama for alleged involvement in lottery scam

Two Miami men have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in two related schemes that funneled diverted and misbranded prescription drugs—including medications used to treat HIV and cancer—into pharmacies across the United States.

On Oct. 30, U.S. District Judge Darrin P. Gayles sentenced Boris Arencibia, 52, and Jose Armando Rivera Garcia, 45, to 57 months in prison, to be served concurrently with 43-month sentences they also received in a separate 2025 case. In total, prosecutors say the men trafficked about $28 million worth of diverted pharmaceuticals.

According to court documents, Arencibia and Rivera Garcia bought high-cost medications from illicit street sources, including patients who sold their prescriptions rather than taking them, and individuals who obtained prescriptions through fraud. The drugs—requiring strict temperature and storage controls to remain safe—were kept with no safeguards before being moved through the conspirators’ distribution network.

“Diverted drugs put patients’ lives at risk,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “These defendants pushed tainted and repackaged medications into pharmacies across the country, knowing full well the danger.”

Fake companies, falsified records and tainted bottles

Investigators say members of the conspiracy repackaged the drugs and falsified documentation to make them appear as though they came from legitimate manufacturers or wholesalers. The medications were then sold through sham pharmaceutical distribution companies to pharmacies nationwide. Some bottles purchased by unsuspecting patients contained incorrect medications, vitamins or even pebbles.

The first case, indicted in 2019, charged 20 defendants. All but one fugitive have now been sentenced to terms ranging from 30 months to 14 years. Arencibia was identified as a major supplier of diverted drugs, while Rivera Garcia operated LDD Distributors, a shell corporation that handled the fraudulent products before reselling them to another conspirator’s wholesale business. Both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering.

The second case, filed in 2025, accused the pair of running a wholesale company that marketed diverted drugs to pharmacies using falsified paperwork to hide the medicines’ true origins and mishandling. They pleaded guilty to trafficking in medical products with falsified documentation.

Federal authorities say the schemes endangered patients who rely on life-saving HIV and cancer medications and undermined the integrity of the U.S. pharmaceutical supply chain.

The cases were investigated by the FDA, HHS-OIG, the FBI and other federal partners.

Miami jury convicts North Miami Man in violent home invasion and kidnapping case

sentenced

A federal jury has convicted 37-year-old Alphonso Gainer of North Miami on kidnapping and multiple firearm charges stemming from a 2023 home invasion that prosecutors described as a near-fatal attack.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Gainer broke into the victim’s North Miami home around 6 a.m. on July 11, 2023, and opened fire, nearly killing the victim. A 911 call recorded during the incident captured Gainer firing three more rounds as the victim tried to take cover.

“This victim endured unimaginable fear and terror in his own home,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “Thanks to the courage of the victim and the swift work of law enforcement, justice was delivered. We will never relent in pursuing those who use guns to threaten, harm, or intimidate others.”

Officers responded within minutes, but Gainer escaped before they arrived. Hours later—after police had cleared the scene—Gainer returned, kidnapped the victim at gunpoint, and forced him into his rental vehicle. The victim managed to escape unharmed and photographed the license plate, allowing law enforcement to trace the vehicle back to Gainer.

Investigators later recovered a firearm from Gainer’s residence that matched shell casings found at the scene.

The jury found Gainer guilty of one count of kidnapping and three counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm or ammunition. He faces a maximum penalty of life in prison for the kidnapping charge and up to 15 years for each of the firearm counts. A federal judge will determine his sentence at a later date.

U.S. Attorney Reding A. Quiñones and ATF Miami Special Agent in Charge Jason Stankiewicz announced the verdict. The ATF Miami Field Office is leading the investigation with assistance from the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael C. Mikulic and Altanese P. Phenelus are prosecuting the case.

Eileen Higgins makes history as Miami’s first woman mayor

Eileen Higgins

Eileen Higgins scored a landmark victory Tuesday night in Miami’s mayoral runoff, defeating Republican Emilio González and becoming the first Democrat to lead the city since 1997. With 98% of precincts reporting, Higgins secured 59% of the vote to González’s 41%.

Higgins, 61, is also poised to become the first woman to serve as mayor of Miami. A former Miami-Dade County commissioner, she entered the race with long-standing name recognition and a résumé that includes international development work, Peace Corps leadership in Belize, and diplomatic service with the U.S. State Department.

The win gives her control of Florida’s second-largest city, a global tourism and finance hub often described as the “gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean.” On the campaign trail, Higgins emphasized affordable housing, city budgeting reforms, and unlocking public land for residential development.

Tuesday’s election capped a runoff triggered after neither Higgins nor González secured a majority in the Nov. 4 contest.

Runoff results across Miami-Dade

While Higgins dominated the marquee race, several local contests were also decided across Miami, Miami Beach and Hialeah.

Miami Commission – District 3:
Political newcomer Rolando Escalona defeated former Commissioner Frank Carollo with 53% of the vote. Carollo, who previously served eight years on the commission and is the brother of outgoing District 3 Commissioner Joe Carollo, had led in November but failed to clear 50%.

Miami Beach At-Large Commission Seat (Group 1):
Monica Matteo-Salinas won in a landslide, taking 71% of the vote over Monique Pardo Pope to fill the seat vacated by Commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez.

Hialeah Council Races:
In Group 3, Gelien Perez cruised to victory with 80% of the vote over Jessica Castillo.
In Group 4, William “Willy” Marrero won with 71%, defeating Javier Morejon.

Higgins’ path to the mayor’s office

Born in Dayton, Ohio and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Higgins earned a mechanical engineering degree from the University of New Mexico and an MBA from Cornell University. Before entering elected office, she worked across Latin America on transportation and infrastructure projects, later serving as Peace Corps Country Director in Belize and as a U.S. foreign service officer with economic and regional portfolios in Mexico and South Africa.

Higgins moved to Miami in the early 2000s and became active in community advocacy before entering politics. She was first elected to the Miami-Dade County Commission in 2018, winning re-election in 2022 and again in 2024 without opposition.

Her victory on Tuesday positions her as a central figure in shaping Miami’s growth, climate adaptation, and affordability challenges in the years ahead.

Trinidad gov’t introduces bill requiring mandatory permits for fireworks use

Trinidad Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar

Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar is urging Parliament to support sweeping new regulations on fireworks, calling the Summary Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2025, a long-awaited measure to protect citizens from years of harm caused by unregulated use.

Speaking on the legislation on Tuesday, the Prime Minister said the country has endured nearly a decade of trauma linked to indiscriminate fireworks—from terrified children and animals to fires, injuries, property damage and hospitalisations. She also referenced reports of an alleged death of a three-day-old infant.

Despite repeated warnings from medical professionals, teachers, T&TEC, the Environmental Management Authority (EMA), and advocacy groups, “no meaningful action was taken under the former administration,” she said.

Persad-Bissessar told Parliament that her Government moved within seven months of taking office to bring forward “comprehensive reforms rooted in science, expert review, and public demand.”

Key measures in the bill

The legislation proposes, among other things:

  • Mandatory permits for discharging fireworks except in limited holiday windows

  • Restricted zones around hospitals, airports, zoos, farms, animal shelters, Forest Reserves, and National Parks

  • Fixed-penalty tickets and increased enforcement powers for the police

  • Updated evidence rules allowing mobile recordings in prosecutions

  • Regulations governing safety, storage, operator accountability and traceability

The Prime Minister said these reforms are crucial ahead of Christmas, New Year’s, and Carnival—periods that historically see the highest misuse.

“The new framework aims to ensure that ‘nights of chaos become nights of calm,’ especially for babies, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and animals,” she said.

Persad-Bissessar underscored that the Law Reform Commission and Joint Select Committee found widespread evidence of injuries, respiratory complications, security risks—including fireworks being used in improvised explosive devices—noise levels exceeding 120 decibels, and persistent enforcement failures. Under previous laws, only five charges were laid in five years.

The Prime Minister also pointed to her years of advocacy while in Opposition and said the Bill delivers on commitments to regulate fireworks and protect vulnerable groups.

Since assuming office, she said the Government has already cancelled loud Independence Day fireworks, allowed only silent displays, adopted the LRC’s recommendations, and secured Cabinet approval for the Bill. The reforms have since received support from animal-welfare organisations, disability advocates and national safety groups.

“This Bill is grounded in humanity, dignity, and justice,” she said. “After years of pleas from our people, today we listen. Today we act. Promises made. Promises kept.”

The Government is calling on all MPs to back the legislation in the interest of national safety and community welfare.

Experts call for climate-resilient education reform in Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa

Professor Loraine Cook, education psychologist at the School of Education at The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, presenting part of the first keynote address at the JN Foundation and UWI School of Education Dudley Grant Early Childhood Resource Centre Colloquium at the UWI Regional Headquarters on November 27. The address was on the topic: Nurturing Well-Being and Building Resilience.

As Jamaica begins rebuilding after the emotional, economic and infrastructural damage caused by Hurricane Melissa, two education psychologists are warning that the country’s current school system is not equipped to help children navigate a future of increasingly severe climate-related disasters.

They are calling for an urgent redesign of the education system—beginning at the early childhood level—to build national resilience.

Speaking on the opening day of the JN Foundation and The University of the West Indies (UWI) School of Education Dudley Grant Early Childhood Resource Centre Colloquium, held November 27–28, specialists Professor Loraine Cook and Dr. Sharline Cole argued that Jamaica must rethink how it educates and protects children and their teachers both during emergencies and throughout the learning cycle.

They noted that with Jamaica remaining highly vulnerable to climate-driven events, children must be empowered as “agents of protection in disasters.” Both psychologists urged local authors to write textbooks and storybooks featuring disaster-management techniques, so students can learn about risk through familiar characters and culturally relevant storytelling.

“Present it so that children from as early as three can start understanding what vulnerabilities they will face in society,” Professor Cook said.

Building schools and systems that withstand disasters

Beyond curriculum changes, the psychologists emphasized the need to strengthen school infrastructure nationwide, as many facilities remain at risk during hurricanes. They also pushed for a more robust national remote-learning strategy using both online and offline tools to ensure education continues when schools are damaged or inaccessible.

Citing Belize as an example, Professor Cook said, “they utilise transistor radios to bring learning into the homes and I think that’s fantastic. It is so flexible, you don’t just rely on the internet.”

Lessons from Cuba: Teaching preparedness early

Dr. Cook also pointed to Cuba’s “culture of prevention” as a model Jamaica could adapt. In Cuba’s early childhood schools, disaster preparedness is integrated into the daily curriculum through age-appropriate drills, storytelling and themed games that teach children to identify risks and respond calmly to emergencies. Primary students, she added, are taught to observe and understand their natural environment as part of everyday learning.

“The goal is for children to become agents of change by applying and sharing what they learn both within their families and across their communities,” Professor Cook said.

Supporting emotional recovery

Beyond physical safety, the psychologists stressed the importance of helping children process trauma.

Dr Sharline Cole, education psychologist at the School of Education at The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, wrapping up the first keynote address at the JN Foundation and UWI School of Education Dudley Grant Early Childhood Resource Centre Colloquium at the UWI Regional Headquarters on November 27.

“Children have a say, and we should provide them with an opportunity to say what they feel and understand their emotions,” Dr. Cole said. “Let them share exactly what is happening to them because if they don’t, it’s going to create problems later on.”

They noted that teachers—who already possess some psychosocial competencies—often struggle with balancing curriculum delivery and managing students’ trauma after disasters. To address this, they proposed a national internship programme in which mental health trainees would support teachers in the classroom, providing socio-emotional assistance and helping stabilise learning environments.

Adaptive education system required

The psychologists further argued that the country needs a more adaptive, data-informed education system that can shift quickly during emergencies. They urged the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) to assess and report on how effectively the existing Guidelines for Child-Friendly Disaster Management and Response are being implemented.

“Despite having the guidelines, the Government faces challenges in implementing child protection in emergencies as a central focus of their operations,” Dr. Cole said, referencing a 2019 statement from the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA).

“We need the data to guide our practice, to make the appropriate implementation or to make decisions,” she added. “If we don’t have that data, it’s difficult for us to make informed decisions, be able to plan and ensure we have a resilient society.”

The colloquium, held at the UWI Regional Headquarters under the theme Let’s shape tomorrow, together, brought together educators, policymakers and regional leaders to examine the state of early childhood education and chart the way forward.

GraceKennedy, Lasco Financial Services and Mayberry take top honors at JSE Best Practices Awards

JSE Best Practices Awards
GraceKennedy awarded winner of the Governor General's Award for the Main Market received by Mr. Frank James, Group CEO.

The Jamaica Stock Exchange’s 21st Best Practices Awards lit up The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on December 3, 2025, celebrating outstanding performance and leadership across the country’s capital markets.

The high-energy ceremony drew hundreds of executives from Main and Junior Market companies, as well as leading brokerage houses, for a night the JSE described as “electrifying and pulsating.”

GraceKennedy, Lasco Financial Services, and Mayberry Investments emerged as the evening’s top achievers. GraceKennedy Limited secured the prestigious Governor-General’s Award for Excellence, making it the overall winner in the Main Market category, while Lasco Financial Services Limited captured the same honor for the Junior Market.

Lasco Financial Services awarded winner of the Governor General Awards for the Junior Market.

Among member dealers, Mayberry Investments Limited received the Chairman’s Award as the top-performing stockbroker for the 2024 assessment period. In total, 43 awards were presented, including second- and third-place recognitions.

Mayberry Investments awarded winner of the Chairman’s Award, distinguishing the Company as the top performing stockbroker for the period 2024.

One of the event’s most emotional moments came when the audience rose in a voluntary tribute to the late Don Wehby, former Group CEO of GraceKennedy and former Government Senator. Wehby was posthumously awarded the inaugural “CEO of the Year,” created to honor an executive who demonstrates a deep commitment to best practices throughout their organization.

The CEO of the Year Award, awarded to the deceased Dr. Wehby, was received by his daughter.

Top performers across categories

GraceKennedy (GK) dominated several Main Market categories, earning awards for Best Annual Report, Corporate Disclosure and Investor Relations, and Corporate Governance, while placing second for Best Website. Lasco Financial Services Limited (LASF) also excelled, winning Best Annual Report and Best Website in the Junior Market, and placing second in Corporate Disclosure and Investor Relations.

Mayberry Investments Limited led among brokerages, taking first place for Expansion of Investors and Listed Companies, second for Revenue Generation and Market Activity, and third for Investor Relations within stockbrokerage.

Leaders commend Jamaica’s financial sector

Delivering greetings on behalf of Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen, Custos Rotulorum for Kingston, The Honourable Steadman Fuller praised the night’s honourees.

“This year’s nominees, including contenders for the JSE Best Practices Governor-General’s Award for Excellence, represent the highest standards of corporate discipline and innovation,” he said. “This ceremony, while celebrating your accolades, is a testament to your efforts in shaping the future of Jamaica’s financial landscape.”

JSE Group CEO Livingstone Morrison used his remarks to thank former Managing Director Dr. Marlene Street Forrest and former Best Practices Awards Committee Chairman Professor Neville Ying for more than two decades of leadership.

“The Best Practices Awards are perfectly aligned to the purpose of the Jamaica Stock Exchange Group, which is to operate efficient and viable markets that support the capital mobilisation and growth and wealth management objectives of stakeholders,” Morrison said. He also commended the nation for rallying after Hurricane Melissa and reiterated the JSE’s support for recovery efforts.

JSE Chairman Steven Whittingham echoed that sentiment, noting the difficult circumstances facing many communities.

“This year as we gather, instead of the usual festive atmosphere, there is a sense of somberness,” he said. “Real resilience means building back, not the same as before October 28th but adopting best practices… which are less vulnerable, better able to withstand the host of Category 5 events which are inevitable in individual and corporate lives.”

The evening also featured a stirring performance from gospel artiste Kevin Downswell, whose music added a reflective close to the ceremony.

Official funeral for reggae legend Jimmy Cliff set for December 17

Reggae Icon Jimmy Cliff Dead At 81

The official funeral for late reggae icon Jimmy Cliff will take place on Wednesday, December 17, at the National Indoor Sports Centre, beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange made the announcement in a media release on Tuesday, noting that Cliff — born James Chambers in 1944 — is being honored with an official funeral for “his immense contribution to Jamaican culture and entertainment.”

According to the release, the arrangements are being finalized by the Office of the Prime Minister in consultation with the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport and Cliff’s family.

Minister Grange said the service would “provide an opportunity for the country to bid farewell to an outstanding son of Jamaica; an icon.” She added that the ceremony will feature only spoken word, dance, and music, in keeping with Cliff’s wishes.

Jimmy Cliff passed away on November 24, 2025 at the age of 81. His wife announced that he died that morning from pneumonia after being hospitalized following a seizure.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness, in a statement following Cliff’s death, said the legendary musician’s work “lifted people through hard times, inspired generations, and helped to shape the global respect that Jamaica enjoys today.”

Widely regarded as one of Jamaica’s greatest musicians, Jimmy Cliff played a central role in popularizing reggae on the world stage. He was often described as rivaling Bob Marley in international prominence and influence within the genre.

Dr. Kishore Shallow is St. Vincent’s new Minister of Tourism and Maritime Affairs

Kishore Shallow
Kishore Shallow.

The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority (SVGTA) has formally welcomed Honourable Dr. Kishore Shallow as the new Minister of Tourism and Maritime Affairs, following the swearing-in of the Government’s new Cabinet on December 2, 2025.

In a statement, the Authority congratulated Dr. Shallow and expressed full confidence in his “dynamic leadership, strategic vision, and strong record of national and regional service.” His background in governance, innovation, and institution-building is expected to support continued growth and diversification across the tourism and maritime sectors.

Dr. Shallow also brings significant sports administration experience, having served on the Board of Directors of Cricket West Indies (CWI) and later as President of the regional organization. His leadership helped strengthen the sport across the Caribbean and expand the commercial profile of West Indies cricket—credentials the Authority says will bolster St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ ambitions in sports tourism.

SVGTA CEO Annette Mark welcomed the appointment, calling it an exciting moment for the sector.

“The Tourism Authority is honoured to welcome Dr. Shallow as our new Minister,” she said. “His proven leadership, modern outlook, and deep commitment to national transformation align perfectly with the direction in which our tourism product is headed. We look forward to working closely with him to further elevate our destination, strengthen our markets, and expand our maritime opportunities.”

The Authority also thanked the outgoing Minister and Ministry team for their partnership over the past years.

Dr. Shallow’s appointment comes at a critical time, as the 2025–2026 tourism cycle features major international events, new airlift partnerships under exploration, anticipated hotel developments, cultural festivals, and new product-development initiatives. The SVGTA says it is optimistic that his guidance will help advance a “robust, competitive, and inclusive tourism and maritime agenda” that benefits communities, boosts participation, and raises the destination’s global profile.

Broward County’s AARLCC hosts a two-day ‘Soulful Christmas’ event

Broward County’s AARLCC

Broward’s African American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC) is inviting residents to kick off the holiday season with Soulful Christmas, a vibrant weekend of music, art, storytelling, and cultural traditions designed to bring families together in the spirit of unity and joy.

Over two days, the event will transform AARLCC into a tropical winter wonderland, offering a free Soulful Christmas Concert on Friday evening and a Community Day of Celebration on Saturday afternoon. Organizers say the festive lineup honors the history and heritage of Fort Lauderdale’s historic Sistrunk community while creating a modern holiday tradition for all ages.

Generous sponsorship is provided by The Friends of the Broward County African American Research Library and Cultural Center, Wayne and Lucretia Weiner, Walmart, Liberal Black Firefighters Association, Kiwanis Club of Tamarac, Broward Center for the Performing Arts, United Way of Broward County, South Florida Hunger Coalition, and Starbucks (Plantation Towne Square).

Soulful Christmas Concert – Friday, Dec. 12

The free concert, presented by AARLCC and Hued Songs, is set for 7:00–8:30 p.m. in the library’s lobby and auditorium. Inspired by classic holiday shows like The Nutcracker and Swan Lake, the program blends live music, storytelling, and community voices to celebrate the cultural spirit of the season.

“Soulful Christmas is a time when our entire community comes together to celebrate the season as one big family,” said Aneatra King, Community Library Manager, Senior, Broward County Library – AARLCC. “Local organizations, businesses, and individuals unite with the African American Research Library and Cultural Center to ensure that every child leaves not only with a present but also with the presence of joy. The smiles throughout the building make this one of my favorite events of the year.”

The performance features Artistic Director Kunya Rowley and Musical Director King Friday, with appearances by Ja’Nia Harden, Erron Cooper, Brittany Graham, and Wilkie Ferguson III. Audiences can expect reimagined versions of “This Christmas,” “Someday at Christmas,” and other seasonal favorites.

“This performance fills me with joy every year – it’s become a celebration of hope, laughter, and incredible artistry,” said Rowley. “Just as The Nutcracker has become a holiday tradition, my hope is that Soulful Christmas will become the annual celebration our community eagerly anticipates each season.”

Soulful Christmas Community Day – Saturday, Dec. 13

Festivities continue from 1:30–5:30 p.m., with activities spread across multiple rooms throughout AARLCC. The afternoon opens with a live Soulful Christmas Concert by Hued Songs from 12:00–1:30 p.m., followed by hands-on workshops, performances, and cultural programs.

Highlights include:

  • Photos with Santa

  • Holiday storytelling and sing-alongs

  • Gift giveaways (while supplies last)

  • Snapology LEGO® ornament making

  • Delou Africa dance, drum, art, and folktales

  • Super Soul Steppers

  • Performances of “Gee Whiz, It’s Christmas!” and “Go Tell It on the Mountain”

  • Ugly Christmas sweater decorating

  • Broward Sheriff’s Office video game truck, therapy dog visit, and mounted unit

  • Holiday canvas art

  • STEM and engineering activities

  • Wags and Tales photos with therapy dogs Chewie & Lola

  • Face painting and crafts

AARLCC’s Soulful Christmas celebrates the resilience, creativity, and holiday traditions of the African American community, aiming to bridge generations through shared stories, music, and cultural expression. The event continues the library’s mission to uplift, educate, and unite Broward County families through the arts.

Both days are free and open to the public.

UWP Council rejects Allen Chastanet’s resignation following St. Lucia election defeat

Allen Chastanet

For the second time in four years, the United Workers Party’s (UWP) National Council has declined to accept a resignation from its political leader, Allen Chastanet, opting instead to keep him at the helm until the party’s next convention.

In a statement issued on December 8, the council—described as the UWP’s “highest decision-making body”—said it convened to assess “recent political developments,” including Chastanet’s most recent offer to step down. After what the release called thorough deliberation, members arrived at a “clear and unanimous decision” that the former prime minister should remain in place.

It is the second time the party has rejected Chastanet’s attempt to withdraw from leadership. His first resignation was tendered after the UWP’s defeat in the 2021 general election. The latest followed the party’s heavy loss in the December 1 vote, where the UWP won just one of the 17 contested seats — Chastanet’s own.

The statement, signed by Public Relations Officer Leonard “Spider” Montoute, stressed unity and continuity as the party moves into a rebuilding phase.

“The United Workers Party convened a meeting of the National Council, its highest decision-making body on Monday December 8th 2025 to discuss recent political developments, including the resignation submitted by the Party leader, Allen Chastanet,” the release stated.

“After thorough deliberation, the body reached a clear and unanimous decision not to accept the resignation at this time. Allen Chastanet will therefore continue to serve as party leader until the upcoming convention.

“The United Workers Party remains committed to serving the public interest, strengthening our organization and working constructively toward our shared goals.
We thank our members, supporters and the public for their continued trust.” – Leonard Spider Montoute, Public Relations Officer.

Chastanet, 65, was the sole UWP candidate to secure a seat in last Monday’s general election, which handed a resounding victory to the ruling St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP). Prime Minister Phillip J. Pierre’s SLP won 14 of 17 parliamentary seats, while independents Stephenson King and Richard Frederick—both former members of Pierre’s previous administration—retained their constituencies.

The council’s decision effectively places the party’s future direction in Chastanet’s hands as the UWP prepares for its next internal leadership contest.

Caribbean brands are leveling up their marketing with better visual tools

Caribbean businesses

Caribbean brands have really stepped up their online presence in recent years. Today, people often form an opinion about a business based on the first image they see, so strong visuals matter more than ever.

Because of this, many companies are putting more care into the photos they use on their websites, social pages, and ads. Some teams browse image libraries like DepositPhotos when they need fresh ideas or visuals that fit their brand style. It shows how much attention Caribbean businesses are giving to the visual side of marketing.

Many Caribbean businesses are starting to see that polished visuals really change the way customers see them. Sometimes all it takes is clearer photos or more vibrant colors to make a brand feel more trustworthy. A small restaurant can win over new customers by sharing well lit pictures of its dishes, and a boutique hotel can tell a better story with cozy, inviting photos of its space. These touches influence a customer’s impression before they even dive into the details.

This change is also heavily influenced by social media. Apps such as Instagram and TikTok are driven by visuals, so businesses cannot afford to use rushed or low quality images anymore. They need photos that stand out and feel relatable. Because of this, a lot of Caribbean brands are putting more thought into their content before hitting publish. They choose better settings, fix lighting, or tweak their photos so everything matches across their pages. These simple steps help them build a stronger, more memorable online presence.

As digital marketing becomes more competitive, companies are exploring tools that help them maintain this level of quality. In the middle of this shift, many businesses have discovered how helpful regional resources can be. Caribbean stock photography platform offers visuals that reflect local culture, landscapes, and people more accurately than generic photo collections. Having access to imagery that feels true to the region makes it easier for brands to stay authentic while still improving the quality of their marketing materials.

Another trend is the growing focus on storytelling through visuals. Businesses are moving past simple product shots and choosing images that show real life and real emotion. Scenes featuring people, culture, and community events connect strongly with Caribbean audiences. This region’s vibrant personality makes these visuals even more powerful. When brands use authentic images, they are not just sharing content. They are sharing who they are in a way customers can understand and appreciate.

Better visual tools give brands a chance to play around a bit. Some try out colors that remind people of the Caribbean—like the deep blues of the ocean or bright, sunny tropical shades. Others focus on editing in a way that makes their posts feel consistent without looking stiff. Little things like this make a brand feel more intentional and polished, and people notice. Whether someone is local or seeing it from far away, it just feels more professional and put-together.

With the digital world constantly changing, Caribbean brands are finding ways to keep up. Paying attention to high quality visuals and utilizing available tools gives them a clearer and stronger online presence. It allows them to show who they are, connect with their audience, and distinguish themselves in a crowded space.

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