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JN Group companies likely to remain closed Monday amid Hurricane Melissa threat

JN Money

The JN Group has announced that its local offices are likely to remain closed on Monday, October 27, as Hurricane Melissa approaches Jamaica.

“Based on the trajectory of the storm, our local JN offices are likely to remain closed on Monday, October 27,” the company said, noting that its emergency response mechanisms remain fully activated to ensure the safety of employees, customers, and clients, as well as the security of its assets and facilities.

JN Bank’s online banking website and mobile app, JN Bank LIVE, will remain available for local and international banking services. The company advised that wire transfers processed today will be fully settled on Monday in overseas markets, urging customers to take advantage of this window.

The JN Member Care Centre and the Jamaica Automobile Association (JAA) will remain open to support members during the storm and can be reached via toll-free lines:

  • JN Member Care Centre: 888-991-4065

  • JAA: 888-CALL JAA (888-225-5522)

Additional JAA contact numbers include:

  • Digicel: 876-878-2886 | 876-389-8705 | 876-522-1522

  • Flow: 876-929-1200 | 888-225-5522 (toll-free)

The JN Group urged members and all Jamaicans to monitor trusted local media and follow guidance from authorities such as the Meteorological Service, the Office of the Prime Minister, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, government ministries, and municipal authorities.

As Melissa approaches, JN is advising the public to:

  • Plan ahead: Withdraw essential cash and complete urgent transactions or shopping before conditions worsen.

  • Limit travel: Avoid unnecessary travel and plan routes carefully to avoid flooded areas.

  • Follow official guidance: Heed evacuation orders and safety directives from authorities.

  • Have an evacuation plan: Know evacuation routes and communicate plans with family members.

  • Secure important documents: Keep passports, birth certificates, property titles, and other documents in sealed, retrievable bags.

The JN Group concluded with a message of resilience: “The JN Group believes Jamaica will get through this event and recover successfully.”

Life coaching for women: Overcoming challenges in career and personal life

In today’s demanding world, women are constantly balancing multiple responsibilities, managing careers, nurturing families, and pursuing personal goals. Despite their resilience, many women encounter moments of self-doubt, burnout, or confusion about their direction in life. This is where life coaching for women emerges as a life-changing solution, helping women overcome professional and personal challenges through clarity, empowerment, and actionable strategies.

Understanding Life Coaching for Women

Life coaching for women is a specialized approach tailored to the unique experiences, pressures, and aspirations women face. It goes beyond generic self-help methods to offer practical, personalized guidance that aligns with a woman’s goals, values, and lifestyle. Whether it’s navigating a career transition, regaining confidence, or achieving a healthier work-life balance, women’s life coaching provides structured support and accountability to help them thrive.

A woman’s life coach works as a catalyst for transformation, not by offering direct advice, but by guiding clients to uncover their strengths and make empowered choices. The goal is to enable women to take charge of their journey and design a life that reflects their true potential and purpose.

Common Challenges Women Face in Career and Personal Life

Women often encounter layered challenges that stem from societal expectations, workplace dynamics, and personal beliefs. These challenges may include:

  1. Work-Life Imbalance:
    Managing professional responsibilities while caring for family can lead to exhaustion and guilt. Many women struggle to prioritize self-care or pursue passions beyond their daily duties.
  2. Career Stagnation or Transition:
    Whether rejoining the workforce after a break or striving for advancement in a competitive environment, women may feel uncertain about their capabilities or direction.
  3. Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome:
    Even accomplished professionals often question their worth, comparing themselves to others or feeling undeserving of success.
  4. Lack of Boundaries:
    Difficulty saying “no” at work or in personal relationships can result in stress and resentment.
  5. Societal Pressure and Expectations:
    From cultural norms to family roles, many women feel compelled to fit into predefined molds, which can suppress individuality and ambition.

Life coaching for women provides the structure, motivation, and mindset tools needed to confront these challenges effectively and create lasting positive change.

How Life Coaching Helps Women Overcome Challenges

  1. Building Confidence and Self-Belief:
    A life coach helps women recognize their strengths, celebrate their achievements, and replace limiting beliefs with empowering ones. Through consistent reflection and feedback, clients learn to view themselves as capable leaders in their own lives.
  2. Setting Clear, Achievable Goals:
    Many women have dreams that remain unrealized due to a lack of clarity. A coach helps transform vague ambitions into actionable goals by creating a structured roadmap to success.
  3. Enhancing Work-Life Harmony:
    Rather than striving for a perfect balance, life coaching encourages harmony, aligning personal values with professional goals. Time management, prioritization, and mindfulness practices play a crucial role in achieving this.
  4. Developing Assertiveness and Communication Skills:
    Effective communication is essential for setting boundaries and expressing needs. Life coaching empowers women to speak up confidently in the workplace and at home without fear of judgment.
  5. Encouraging Career Growth and Leadership:
    Coaches help clients identify career opportunities, prepare for promotions, or transition into new fields. With support, women learn how to negotiate salaries, handle workplace bias, and embrace leadership roles.
  6. Fostering Resilience and Emotional Intelligence:
    Life coaching equips women with tools to handle setbacks gracefully. By strengthening emotional intelligence, they can navigate personal or professional challenges with calmness and clarity.

The Connection Between Coaching and Personal Empowerment

Empowerment is at the heart of every coaching journey. When women begin to trust their instincts and take ownership of their choices, they unlock immense personal power. Coaching provides a safe, nonjudgmental space where women can explore their ambitions freely and redefine success on their terms.

Through reflective exercises, journaling, and guided visualization, women gain awareness of patterns that hold them back and replace them with positive habits. This renewed sense of purpose often spills over into all areas of life, from stronger relationships to enhanced career satisfaction.

The Importance of Choosing a Certified Life Coach

When embarking on a coaching journey, it’s crucial to choose a qualified coach who understands the nuances of women’s challenges and goals. Opting for a coach with a life coach certification online ensures credibility and expertise. Certified coaches are trained to use proven techniques, maintain ethical standards, and provide structured guidance that leads to measurable results.

With the growing popularity of life coach certification online, women can also explore opportunities to become certified coaches themselves. This allows them to not only transform their own lives but also help others overcome challenges with empathy and insight.

How to Get the Most Out of Life Coaching

  1. Define Your Goals Clearly: Before beginning, reflect on what you truly want – clarity, confidence, success, or balance.
  2. Stay Committed to the Process: Transformation takes time. Consistency and honesty during sessions accelerate progress.
  3. Be Open to Self-Reflection: Growth begins with introspection. Embrace feedback and stay open to change.
  4. Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize and appreciate every milestone achieved along the journey.
  5. Maintain Momentum:Apply the lessons learned from coaching to everyday decisions for long-lasting results.

Why Women Should Consider Life Coaching Now

As more women rise to leadership roles, start businesses, and redefine traditional boundaries, Life Coaching for Women has become a crucial tool for sustaining success and well-being. Coaching not only builds personal confidence but also contributes to greater gender equality by empowering women to pursue their dreams unapologetically.

Whether you’re feeling stuck in your career, struggling with self-worth, or seeking a clearer direction, a certified life coach can provide the structure and motivation needed to move forward with purpose.

Empower Your Journey with Symbiosis Coaching

Empowerment begins with self-awareness, and transformation begins with action. If you’re ready to overcome challenges, unlock your true potential, and build a balanced, fulfilling life, consider starting your coaching journey with brands like Symbiosis Coaching. Their programs help women gain the clarity, skills, and confidence to achieve both professional success and personal happiness.

Life coaching for women isn’t just about achieving goals; it’s about rewriting your story, embracing your strengths, and building a future where you feel truly empowered. Every woman deserves to feel confident, valued, and unstoppable. With the right guidance, that future is entirely within reach.

 

 

Strengthening online transaction security: 5 effective strategies for businesses

In today’s digital economy, transaction security is no longer just an IT issue—it’s a core business priority. Whether your company handles hundreds or millions of transactions daily, the risks associated with cyber threats, data breaches, and financial fraud continue to grow more sophisticated.

Every online payment represents both opportunity and vulnerability. Ensuring those transactions are handled safely builds trust with customers, partners, and investors—and safeguards your reputation.

Here are five practical strategies that every organization should adopt to protect its online payments and maintain compliance in an evolving threat landscape.

Strengthen Authentication Protocols with Secure Password Management

Weak or repeated passwords remain one of the easiest attack points for cybercriminals. Businesses must establish organization-wide password policies that mandate complexity, expiration cycles, and secure management tools.

Enterprise-grade password managers like 1Password Business or LastPass Enterprise can generate, encrypt, and share credentials securely across teams. This eliminates risky password reuse and prevents unauthorized access to financial platforms and customer databases.

Encouraging employees to adopt stronger password habits reduces the attack surface significantly. In regulated industries, enforcing password hygiene also supports ISO 27001 and PCI DSS compliance.

Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Across All Systems

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) adds an essential extra layer of protection. Even if login credentials are compromised, MFA ensures that a secondary verification—such as a mobile code or biometric scan—is required to access sensitive systems.

For finance teams, e-commerce platforms, and payment gateways, MFA is no longer optional. Providers like Microsoft Azure, Google Workspace, and Okta integrate MFA seamlessly with existing infrastructure, enhancing overall corporate resilience.

Partner Only with Verified and Secure Payment Providers

When handling payments online, the partners you choose determine your security posture. Always work with certified payment processors that meet international security standards and provide end-to-end encryption.

Companies such as Paysafe have built global reputations on robust encryption, tokenization, and fraud prevention frameworks that protect both merchants and their customers. Using a PCI-compliant payment gateway ensures your organization adheres to best practices while maintaining the trust of clients and regulators.

Before integration, verify that your payment partner offers features such as:

  • 3-D Secure 2.0 or higher
  • AI-based fraud monitoring
  • Real-time transaction tracking
  • Compliance with PSD2, PCI DSS, and GDPR

These measures safeguard every transaction from initiation to settlement.

Keep Systems and Security Tools Updated Continuously

Cyber attackers often exploit outdated systems and unpatched software. Maintaining an effective patch management strategy is critical for business continuity.

Regularly update browsers, operating systems, and financial management tools. Implement automated vulnerability scans to identify and address potential weaknesses early. Invest in trusted antivirus and endpoint security solutions that protect both in-office and remote devices.

Proactive updates aren’t just IT hygiene—they’re financial risk management. They close exploitable gaps before cybercriminals can use them to infiltrate your payment network.

Monitor Accounts and Transactions Proactively

Even with the best security stack, ongoing vigilance is essential. Establish real-time monitoring for all corporate accounts and digital payment systems.

Modern accounting and treasury tools—like QuickBooks Online Advanced or NetSuite—offer integrated fraud detection, automated alerts, and audit trails for financial transparency.

Set up threshold-based notifications to flag suspicious activity instantly. Early detection can mean the difference between a minor inconvenience and a major financial or reputational loss.

Conclusion

Digital transaction security is not just about avoiding breaches—it’s about protecting trust, brand equity, and compliance integrity. Businesses that take a proactive stance with strong authentication, verified payment partners, continuous updates, and monitoring will not only reduce risk but also strengthen long-term customer confidence.

In a digital marketplace defined by speed and innovation, security is now a competitive advantage. The organizations that invest in robust payment protection today will be the ones leading securely into tomorrow’s economy.

 

Can constipation really cause back pain? Explained

Many people experience constipation at least once during their lives. Though the symptoms of this condition are most frequently confined to the gastrointestinal tract, many patients claim to have back pain and constipation at the same time. This issue affects people across the country, from those in urban centers to smaller communities, making it a widespread concern.

This raises an important question: can constipation cause back pain? In this article, we will discuss the link between these two conditions and provide some insight into why that may be and what can be done. Understanding this connection can help you identify the root cause of your discomfort and take appropriate action.

Understanding Constipation

Constipation is defined as the infrequent or difficult passage of stools. Symptoms include pain, fullness, discomfort, and bloating. Constipation can be caused by several reasons, such as a low-fiber diet, lack of exercise, and not staying hydrated enough. Stress and some medications can be other contributing factors. Identifying these triggers can aid in the prevention and management of constipation.

The Link Between Constipation and Back Pain

Constipation does not always cause back pain. Yet, there are numerous ways constipation can trigger discomfort in the back. For one thing, when stool builds up in the colon, it can push on nearby organs and tissues. This pressure may result in lower back pain. Moreover, passing hard stools causes stress on back muscles when you strain during bowel movements, which can also cause soreness or discomfort.

Pressure on the Nerves

Another explanation has to do with the nervous system. The colon and the spine share nerve connections. Constipation might cause referred pain in the back if it impacts these nerves. This is pain that does not originate from the back itself but is perceived there as a result of overlapping nerve pathways. The interconnection between these systems reveals the complexity of body communication.

Muscle Tension and Strain

The effort of straining to pass stool can cause tension in the abdominal muscles as well. This pressure can be transferred to the back, especially if a person adjusts his or her position to be more comfortable. Eventually, this strain can result in back discomfort. By becoming aware of this connection, someone may address constipation at the beginning stages, eliminating additional physical distress.

Seeking Medical Advice

If someone has ongoing back pain with constipation, they should seek medical advice. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, constipation affects millions of Americans and can lead to various complications if left untreated. A healthcare professional can assess symptoms, determine a diagnosis, and help rule out other causes of back pain. Recommendations may include dietary adjustments, exercise, or medications to relieve constipation. Treating the underlying cause can resolve constipation as well as any back pain that may accompany it.

Lifestyle Changes for Relief

Healthy lifestyle habits can be useful for the management of constipation and back pain. Consume more fiber-rich foods for regular bowel movements, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. It is equally important to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Walking, swimming, and other forms of exercise stimulate digestion and can strengthen back muscles.

Mindful Eating and Relaxation Techniques

Mindful eating means listening to your body, noticing when you are hungry, and eating at a slow pace. This practice helps prevent overeating and promotes better digestion, which in turn prevents constipation. Adding relaxation practices like yoga or meditation to your routine can relieve stress, a major cause of most digestive ailments. Engaging in such practices can enhance your overall health and reduce the intensity of constipation and back pain.

Over-the-Counter Solutions

At some point, you might need additional help from over-the-counter products to ease constipation. While a laxative can provide short-term relief, it should be used judiciously. Follow directions, and if there are any questions about the use of these products, speak with a healthcare provider. This will help avoid possible side effects and provide better long-term health outcomes.

Conclusion

Constipation and back pain may seem completely unrelated to each other, but they may be connected in unexpected ways. Realizing the link between these conditions can help with proper management. Constipation can be alleviated, along with the back pain associated with it, by maintaining healthy habits, seeking medical advice when needed, and paying attention to your body’s signals. If you prioritize your digestive health and your overall well-being, you can live a much more comfortable and enjoyable lifestyle.

Stranded in Jamaica, Trinidad students press their gov’t for action ahead of Hurricane Melissa

University of the West Indies UWI Mona

Trinidad and Tobago nationals studying in Jamaica are calling on their government to urgently provide assistance, saying they remain stranded without support while other Caribbean countries have already begun evacuating students ahead of Hurricane Melissa’s impact.

In a statement issued Saturday by the Trinidad & Tobago Student Association at The University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona campus, students said that about 300 Trinidadians are still in Jamaica “without intervention,” despite public reports claiming help has already been provided.


“It is misleading and concerning for the public to be informed that Trinidad and Tobago students in Jamaica have been fully assisted when this has not been our lived experience,” the group said.

The students pointed out that governments in Barbados, Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda,  The Bahamas, and St. Kitts and Nevis have already moved to evacuate their nationals studying in Jamaica, arranging flights and emergency coordination. Trinidad and Tobago students, they said, have only received “general advisories” or been instructed to make personal travel plans on flights that have since become unavailable.

“Given the significant Trinbagonian student population at The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, it is therefore disheartening that the guidance we have received thus far has been limited to general advisories, or suggestions to make personal travel arrangements on flights that have since become unavailable,” the statement said.

Many have been forced to fund their own return arrangements, which the group said presents “severe financial challenges.”

They urged the government to step in with “prompt, meaningful action” to ensure the safe evacuation of its citizens. The students added that they are hopeful accurate reporting of the situation will lead to urgent support “with the compassion it deserves.”

All airports in Jamaica will be closed by Sunday ahead of the hurricane’s landfall.

Jamaica ramps up tourism response as Hurricane Melissa approaches

Pictured: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett (C), in discussion on the preparation of the sector for the passage of Tropical Storm Melissa with senior tourism executives (L–R): David Dobson, Chief Technical Director, Ministry of Tourism; Donovan White, Director of Tourism; Jennifer Griffith, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism; Hon. Tova Hamilton, State Minister in the Ministry of Tourism; Dr. Carey Wallace, Executive Director, Tourism Enhancement Fund; and Wade Mars, Executive Director, Tourism Product Development Company, as well as stakeholders from the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association who joined online.

Jamaica’s tourism sector is fully mobilized ahead of Hurricane Melissa, with authorities working to ensure the orderly departure of visitors and continued safety of industry workers as the storm moves closer.

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett said the government, the Ministry of Tourism and the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) have been coordinating nonstop with local and international partners as the system nears the island.

“I wish to assure our international partners, the trade, and the global press that the government and the Ministry of Tourism, in close collaboration with the Jamaica Tourist Board and our industry partners, has been fully mobilized to safeguard the wellbeing of our visitors and tourism workers,” Bartlett said in a statement Saturday.

Over the past day, tourism officials have been in continuous dialogue with airlines, the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), and accommodation providers to support structured departures before airports suspend operations.

The Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston will close at 9 p.m. on Saturday, while the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay will close at noon on Sunday.

Earlier Saturday, the Ministry met with key tourism stakeholders to assess readiness, with another briefing scheduled for Sunday as the situation evolves.

“We have also maintained close contact with all our major airline partners, many of whom have facilitated additional flights and deployed larger aircraft to support the evacuation of their passengers,” Bartlett said. “This coordinated effort underscores the strong partnerships that continue to define Jamaica’s tourism sector.”

If conditions worsen, the government and JHTA have plans prepared to activate emergency shelters for visitors who must remain on the island during the storm.

The Tourism Emergency Operations Centre (TEOC) is now fully activated and staffed around the clock. The unit is serving as the industry’s central command for communication, information sharing and incident response.

The TEOC will coordinate seamlessly with the National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC), Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, its Destination Managers for each resort area and other key agencies, to ensure the safety of visitors and locals and overall sector continuity.

“Jamaica has long been recognized for its resilience and preparedness, and this situation once again demonstrates our collective commitment to the safety of our visitors and the strength of our tourism industry,” Bartlett added.

Officials say monitoring and coordination will continue uninterrupted until the storm passes and normal operations resume.

Update: Sangster International Airport in Jamaica to close midday on Sunday

SIA Jamaica
Sangster International Airport.

Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, St. James, will close at midday on Sunday as Hurricane Melissa edges closer to Jamaica, threatening heavy rain, strong winds, and flooding across the island.

The Airports Authority of Jamaica (AAJ) announced the update Saturday afternoon, explaining that in coordination with the Meteorological Service of Jamaica and airport operators, Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston will now close at 9 p.m. Saturday. The new time is one hour later than previously communicated.

The AAJ also confirmed that Ian Fleming International Airport in St. Mary will shut down at 7 p.m., the same schedule that applies to all domestic aerodromes.

Transport Minister Daryl Vaz, speaking earlier Saturday at Jamaica House, said the final scheduled flight into Norman Manley is expected to arrive at 8 p.m. “All flights will be accommodated today at both Norman Manley and Sangster International Airport,” he said. “So, my recommendation for those of you who want to get back to Jamaica or to get out of Jamaica is to try and change your arrangements to get out today.”

He added that discussions are underway between the tourism ministry, airport operators, and airlines to help facilitate departing visitors ahead of the storm.

Meteorologists warn that the slow-moving system could bring days of intense rainfall, triggering flash flooding and landslides in low-lying and mountainous areas.

Singer Barbee assaulted at Shatta Wale’s concert in Ghana

Barbee

International recording artist Barbee, known for her hit collaborations with Beenie Man and Junior Kelly, has come forward with shocking allegations that she was allegedly assaulted and sexually abused while attending a concert celebrating Ghanaian dancehall star Shatta Wale’s birthday in Ghana.

In a tearful video posted to social media, the singer, who is of Jamaican and Nigerian descent, described the traumatic incident, saying she was beaten, groped, and robbed while attending what she thought would be a night of “good vibes and unity.”

“I left this event with a black eye, lump on my face,” Barbee said in the video. “People were trying to grab my hair off, touching my boobs, touching my booty, touching my private area. I was being molested. I have never been so humiliated in my life.”

 

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The singer, who is in Ghana promoting her new single Start Over, said she attended the event with friends, including a friend from Ghana, when chaos erupted inside the crowd. According to her account, the group was reportedly surrounded by attackers who assaulted her.

“They took away the man’s two phones and $800. They took away (my friend’s) two phones. They took away my passport,” she explained. “I held on to my bag and they gave me a black eye. They were beating me.”

Barbee said the experience left her traumatized and questioning her safety.

Barbee after the assault

“I went to the Shatta Wale Festival to have a good time,” she continued. “Dancehall is supposed to be about good vibes. Indian, Chinese, any type of people can come and enjoy themselves.”

The artist, who was born in the USA, said the incident felt like a betrayal of the cultural and musical unity she has promoted.

“I’ve been having such a great time in Ghana,” she shared. “But we have to protect our women. Dancehall is supposed to be about unity. What happened was not that.”

Barbee also expressed disappointment that no one from the event or its organizers came forward to help or address the situation after the assault.

“It could have been a teachable moment,” she said. “But instead, we were just pushed aside — like we were a sideshow. We have to do better.”

Donnaray Roc, CEO & Diaspora Engagement Consultant, told Caribbean National Weekly that she spoke with Barbie after the incident.

“I am deeply concerned,” Donnaray shared. “She’s been experiencing severe trauma and anxiety attacks, and while we were speaking on the phone, she began losing consciousness repeatedly,” she added.

“She’s now in the hospital, and the doctors have confirmed that she has suffered a minor brain injury. It’s heartbreaking to witness her in this condition. We’re all hoping and praying for her fast recovery and that something can be done speedily. Please keep her lifted in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time,” Donnaray said.

A global star with Caribbean roots

Barbee rose to prominence in the 2000s with a string of reggae and dancehall hits, including “Missing You” with Junior Kelly and “Give It Up” with Beenie Man, which won “Best Reggae Music Video” in Jamaica. That same video was later featured in the Hollywood film House Arrest, boosting her international profile.

After a break from the music industry, Barbee returned to the music space in 2022, teaming with American rapper Trina on ‘Come See Bout Me.’

Authorities in Ghana have not yet issued an official response about the incident.

 

Guyana’s Justice Roxane George to remain acting Chancellor as Cummings-Edwards retires early

Chief Justice Roxane George
Chief Justice Roxane George

Justice Roxane George will remain acting Chancellor of Guyana’s Judiciary after President Dr. Irfaan Ali confirmed on Friday that Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards is proceeding on early retirement. Cummings-Edwards, who has served as acting Chancellor since 2017, had returned from annual leave in October, sparking uncertainty about the top judicial posts.

Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards
Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards

President Ali said Cummings-Edwards requested pre-retirement leave effective Monday, October 27, which he approved. He thanked her for her decades of service, noting her distinguished legal career that began in 1988 as State Counsel, followed by appointments to the High Court in 2000, the Court of Appeal in 2008, and acting Chief Justice and Chancellor roles.

Acting appointments continue

With her departure, acting Chief Justice Roxane George will continue performing the duties of Chancellor, while High Court Judge Navindra Singh will continue acting as Chief Justice. Justice Singh was also sworn in Friday as a member of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) for a three-year term.

The JSC, reconstituted last year after a six-year hiatus, oversees appointments, promotions and disciplinary matters within the judiciary.

Despite the latest updates, concerns persist over the absence of confirmed office holders in Guyana’s two highest judicial positions. Under Article 127(1) of the Constitution, appointments to both roles require agreement between the President and Opposition Leader. That requirement has fueled more than two decades of political stalemate, spanning five presidential administrations.

It has been reported that Dr. Ali recently wrote to Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton seeking his agreement on substantive appointments for Justices George and Singh, though confirmation of this was not immediately obtained.

Regional and domestic pressure mounting

Calls to resolve the impasse have grown louder. Caribbean Court of Justice President Winston Anderson last week stressed the importance of permanent appointments, saying the offices “ought to be occupied by persons who are confirmed.”

Guyana’s last substantive Chancellor was Justice Desiree Bernard, who left the post in 2005 to join the CCJ. Since then, successive officeholders, including Justices Carl Singh and Cummings-Edwards, have served only in an acting capacity. The post of Chief Justice has similarly lacked a confirmed appointee since 2005.

Local lawyers, civil society groups, and international partners have repeatedly raised concerns that the prolonged acting leadership risks undermining confidence in judicial independence. Canada recently urged Guyana to examine the constitutional provisions that hinder permanent appointments, during a United Nations human rights review in Geneva.

The issue is expected to feature in Guyana’s upcoming constitutional reform process. Earlier this year, the Bar Association again described the status quo as “untenable,” noting that a stable judiciary requires certainty at the top.

Despite the continued uncertainty, President Ali insists that achieving consensus on substantive appointments remains a priority.

Jamaica’s Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston to close Saturday

NMIA Jamaica Norman Manley International Airport
Norman Manley International Airport.

Update: Sangster International Airport in Jamaica to close midday on Sunday

Transport Minister Daryl Vaz has announced that Kingston’s Norman Manley International Airport will close late Saturday as Jamaica braces for the arrival of Tropical Storm Melissa.

The final scheduled flight into the capital is expected at 8 p.m., though Vaz stressed that delays will be accommodated before the airport suspends operations.

A decision on the closure of Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay will follow a 2 p.m. meeting later today.

“All flights will be accommodated today at both Norman Manley and Sangster International Airport,” Vaz said during a special press briefing at Jamaica House. “My recommendation for those of you who want to get back to Jamaica or to get out of Jamaica is to try and change your arrangements to get out today.”

Vaz also revealed that he has signed an order to allow toll booths to open closer to when the storm’s impacts are felt. The order is awaiting only a date stamp and could take effect as early as Monday.

“Right now, the build is not bad, and we are monitoring it. I suspect probably closer to Monday … that is when the necessity would arise,” he said.

Once the storm passes, toll roads will be opened to emergency services and residents who need to check on loved ones or property.

The Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) is also on standby to support any evacuation efforts if needed, Vaz added.

Overseas line crews arrive as Jamaica prepares for TS Melissa

line crew Jamaica

Fifty-nine linesmen from the United States and Canada arrived in Jamaica on Friday, boosting the Jamaica Public Service Company’s (JPS) ability to restore electricity should Tropical Storm Melissa make landfall and damage the power grid.

Their addition brings the total number of available specialists to roughly 650, including experts from Jamaica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and North America. All are trained to construct, maintain, and repair high-voltage electrical and telecom lines and will be deployed to affected areas once the storm passes, with Melissa expected to strengthen into a hurricane.

Most of the latest arrivals are employed by Sovereign Line Group in the United States. According to JPS, the workers are enthusiastic about contributing to the island’s storm response and understand the urgency of arriving ahead of any potential shutdown of airports or travel disruptions.

Many expressed that they were visiting Jamaica for the first time and were eager to assist residents in getting electricity restored quickly, even while hoping that damage remains minimal.

JPS executives say the deployment forms part of advance planning that began at the start of the Atlantic hurricane season. The strategy was influenced by delays experienced during Hurricane Beryl last year, when additional crews only arrived after the storm had passed.

The company’s operations team emphasized that having crews already on the island will help them move into affected communities as soon as conditions allow and speed up restoration efforts. Earlier this week, technicians from St. Vincent also arrived to support the operation.

Line workers play an essential role in disaster recovery, often operating in dangerous conditions to repair poles, transmission lines, and critical equipment needed to restore electricity to homes and businesses.

JPS says the crews are positioned and ready for rapid deployment once Melissa clears the region.

Tropical Storm Melissa to become major hurricane near Jamaica

Tropical Storm Melissa Jamaica

Deadly flooding and landslides in Haiti and the Dominican Republic have marked Tropical Storm Melissa’s slow crawl through the northern Caribbean, and now the strengthening system is headed toward Jamaica, with days of torrential rain, dangerous winds, and life-threatening storm surge.

Jamaica is expected to bear the brunt of the storm’s triple threat, with a potential landfall late Monday or early Tuesday.

A hurricane warning is in effect for Jamaica, with strong winds expected to reach the island tonight. Southern Haiti remains under a hurricane watch.

The 7:00 a.m. update from the U.S. National Hurricane Center shows a projected path that may take it across three major parishes:

  • Landfall possible near Clarendon
  • Moving inland through St Catherine
  • Exiting the island near St Mary

Melissa has barely moved in recent days, tracking slowly westward at roughly 70 mph wind strength as of Saturday morning. That sluggish pace has worsened conditions across the region, soaking communities in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. At least three people have died in Haiti, including two killed in a landslide, according to the Haitian Civil Protection Agency. One death has also been reported in the Dominican Republic, where officials say more than 1,000 people are displaced.

The storm is forecast to rapidly strengthen into a Category 4 hurricane by Sunday afternoon, with meteorologists warning that a Category 5 landfall in Jamaica cannot be ruled out. If that occurs, Melissa could become the strongest hurricane on record to strike the island.

Rainfall totals of up to 25 inches are expected across parts of Jamaica and southwest Haiti through Tuesday, with the Tiburon Peninsula facing possible peaks of 35 inches. Eastern Cuba could see as much as 8 inches as the storm moves closer midweek. The U.S. National Hurricane Center warns that communities could be cut off by extensive damage to roads and buildings.

Jamaica’s nearly 3 million residents are being urged to prepare for widespread destruction from both severe flooding and hurricane-force winds, which are likely by Sunday or Monday.

Hospitals have activated full emergency measures and stopped elective procedures to free up beds, Health Minister Christopher Tufton said. Airports remain open for now, but Transport Minister Daryl Vaz warned they are expected to shut down within 24 hours of a hurricane warning being issued.

“You have been given enough notice that [Melissa] is coming and that it could be disastrous, so take all measures to protect yourself,” Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness told residents Friday.

Eastern Cuba, the southern Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands are expected to face worsening impacts early next week. While the United States mainland is not likely to see direct effects, rough surf and rip currents are expected along the East Coast.

Melissa is the latest storm to undergo explosive intensification in what scientists say is an increasingly common trend in a warming climate.

Death toll rises to 4 as Tropical Storm Melissa drenches Northern Caribbean

Tropical Storm Melissa

Tropical Storm Melissa is edging closer to hurricane strength and has already left a deadly path across the northern Caribbean, with at least four fatalities reported. Three deaths occurred in Haiti and another in the Dominican Republic, where another person remains missing.

Forecasters warn that the slow-moving system poses a major flood threat as it dumps astonishing amounts of rain. Parts of southwest Haiti could see up to 35 inches (89 centimeters), raising fears of life-threatening flooding and landslides. Jamaica, along with southern Haiti and the Dominican Republic, is bracing for up to 25 inches (64 centimeters) through Monday.

“If those rains were to occur, you’re talking about catastrophic flooding potential,” said Jamie Rhome, deputy director at the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC).

As of Saturday, Melissa was churning about 160 miles (260 kilometers) southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph (110 kph). The storm was crawling west-northwest at just 1 mph (3 kph), and forecasters said rapid intensification is expected within the next 24 hours.

Melissa is forecast to reach hurricane status soon and could become a major hurricane by Sunday, possibly hitting Category 4 strength early Monday.

Emergency officials in Haiti reported the fatal incidents along with five injuries from a collapsed wall. Rising rivers have already destroyed a bridge in Sainte-Suzanne, and flooding continues to worsen.

A hurricane warning remains in effect for Jamaica, while Haiti’s southwestern peninsula is under a hurricane watch. The storm’s center is expected to move near or over Jamaica early next week before heading toward eastern Cuba by Wednesday, where up to a foot of rain could fall.

Authorities in Jamaica say the country’s airports will shut down within 24 hours of a hurricane warning being issued. More than 650 shelters are active, and warehouses are stocked with emergency supplies.

“I urge Jamaicans to take this weather threat seriously,” cautioned Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness. “Take all measures to protect yourself.”

In the Dominican Republic, nearly 200 homes have been damaged and water systems disrupted, leaving more than half a million residents without running water. Downed trees, landslides, and flooded roads have isolated more than two dozen communities.

Melissa is the 13th named storm of the busy 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, which runs through November. U.S. forecasters had already predicted an above-normal season with 13 to 18 named storms expected.

Hurricane Warning issued for Jamaica as Tropical Storm Melissa set to intensify

Jamaica Tropical Storm Melissa
Photo: ABC News

The Meteorological Service of Jamaica has issued a Hurricane Warning for the island as Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to rapidly strengthen in the coming days.

At 7:00 p.m. Friday, the storm’s center was located near latitude 16.2°N and longitude 74.6°W, approximately 254 kilometres southeast of Morant Point and 310 kilometres southeast of Kingston. Moving slowly north at 4 km/h (2 mph), Melissa is expected to shift westward over the weekend, then turn north and northeast by midweek.

The storm currently carries maximum sustained winds near 100 km/h (65 mph), with higher gusts. Forecasters predict Melissa will become a hurricane by Saturday and a major hurricane by Monday. Tropical storm force winds already extend up to 220 kilometres from the storm’s center.

In an interview with Nationwide News on Friday evening, Principal Director of the Met Service, Evan Thompson, said the storm is expected to intensify and will possibly be a Category 4 or Category 5 hurricane upon making landfall in Jamaica, if it continues on the projected path.

“The latest projection is that it would move across the island, moving from the south coast to the north coast, as a major hurricane. And this would happen sometime Tuesday,” he said. “We are seeing that there is the possibility of not only roofs being lifted, but significant structures being demolished,” he said. “We would be battered.”

Jamaica is expected to experience heavy rainfall, with totals of 300 to 400 millimetres (12 to 16 inches) forecast over the weekend. Rainfall will begin in the eastern parishes and spread westward throughout the week. Residents are advised that locally higher amounts are possible.

Strong, gusty winds are expected to affect eastern parishes later Friday evening, spreading across the island through the weekend. Hurricane-force winds could begin as early as Sunday. Marine conditions will deteriorate, and small craft operators—including fishers from the cays and banks—are urged to remain in safe harbor until conditions improve and all warnings are lifted.

A Hurricane Warning signals that dangerous effects—including high water, exceptionally high waves, and winds exceeding 119 km/h (64 knots)—are expected in Jamaica within 36 hours or less.

Airport precautions

Earlier Thursday, before the Hurricane Warning was issued, Minister of Energy, Telecommunications and Transportation Daryl Vaz said Jamaica’s two international airports — Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay and Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston — could shut down within 24 hours of a Hurricane Warning being declared. Speaking at a special briefing on storm preparedness at Jamaica House, Vaz outlined safety measures already in place at both airports.

“At Sangster International Airport, MBJ Airports Limited has implemented pre-hurricane measures, including drainage and tree clearing, testing of generators with a 36-hour fuel reserve, and positioning of emergency supplies,” Vaz said. “At Norman Manley International Airport, PACKAL has directed stakeholders to secure assets and complete drain cleaning, structural checks, and power system tests.”

Vaz emphasized that closures would only occur once the Meteorological Service issues a Hurricane Warning, and that the airports may not close at the same time, depending on the storm’s path. Any closures are expected between Friday evening and Saturday, with reopenings expedited once safety is confirmed.

Trinidad PM defends US military visit amid Opposition and public criticism

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

Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has publicly addressed concerns raised by the Opposition People’s National Movement (PNM) and members of the public over the presence of U.S. military forces in the Caribbean.

Her statement follows the recent announcement by the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs that the USS Gravely, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, will visit Port of Spain. The visit, scheduled from October 26 to 30, will include joint training exercises between the 22nd U.S. Marine Expeditionary Unit and the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF).

The USS Gravely is part of a larger U.S. military deployment in the region, alongside vessels such as the USS Jason Dunham and USS Sampson. These ships have been active since September 2 in counter-narcotics patrols, maritime surveillance, and escort missions. Each destroyer carries advanced radar and missile systems, including Tomahawk cruise missiles with a range exceeding 1,000 miles.

Since the deployment began, the United States has sent an estimated 10,000 troops to the Caribbean as part of its counter-drug trafficking efforts. U.S. authorities have designated Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua and others as Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs), and recent strikes on suspected drug vessels have reportedly resulted in more than 40 deaths, including a strike last Friday announced by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

In her statement, Persad-Bissessar defended her government’s cooperation with U.S. forces and criticized the PNM for what she described as misinformation aimed at political gain.

“This visit augurs well for our nation. It represents a continued partnership in strengthening our national security, enhancing operational readiness, and improving protective capabilities,” the Prime Minister said.

She also highlighted Trinidad and Tobago’s vulnerabilities to human, drug, and arms trafficking, noting that tens of thousands of illegal migrants have entered the country and more than 10,000 citizens have been murdered over the past two decades.

Persad-Bissessar accused the PNM of attempting to “create unnecessary hysteria and conspiracy theories” and alleged that the party has long-standing links to the local drug trade. “Clearly, the PNM’s daily disinformation campaign is aimed at derailing ongoing interdiction efforts to protect their drug mafia financiers,” she added.

The Prime Minister further pointed to longstanding defense agreements between Trinidad and Tobago and the United States, including the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), first signed in 2007 and renewed in 2013 and December 2024, as well as cooperative mechanisms like the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative Technical Assistance Field Team (CBSI-TAFT) and the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA).

“We need all the help we can get to protect our people. Trinidad and Tobago must always come first,” Persad-Bissessar said. “My government will continue to work with our international partners to strengthen our institutions and safeguard our nation.”

Argyle International Airport earns UK and EU cargo security certification

Argyle International Airport

The Argyle International Airport (AIA) in St. Vincent and the Grenadines has received RA3 certification, clearing the way for direct air cargo shipments to the United Kingdom and European Union.

The announcement, made on Thursday in collaboration with the British High Commission in Kingstown, marks a significant upgrade for the country’s export capabilities. RA3, which stands for Regulated Agent – Third Country, is a key designation required for airports outside the UK and EU to send cargo directly into those markets under aviation security regulations.

Resident British Commissioner Geoffrey Patton described the certification as a major step forward for local trade.

“This certification means that fresh produce, fresh flowers, agricultural produce can now be exported via air directly to the United Kingdom without having to go through a third-party country,” Patton said. He added that the move opens new pathways for business between St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the UK.

AIA Chief Executive Officer Josette Greaves said the airport has now met all required UK and EU aviation security standards for screening, handling, and transporting cargo to those regions. The approval allows approved airlines operating at AIA to ship cargo without additional security checks or transshipment on the way.

Greaves thanked independent validator Brian Abbott of World AVSEC, who has Vincentian heritage, for his role in achieving the milestone. She also urged airport employees, passengers, and all stakeholders to maintain strict security protocols to protect travelers and ensure continued compliance.

“The AIA conducts security screening not to inconvenience anyone, but to ensure we are able to accomplish milestones such as RA3 certification and, more importantly, that everyone remains safe,” she said.

The airport expects the certification to boost agricultural exports and strengthen SVG’s integration into international trade networks.

Former PM urges balanced approach to US radar request in Grenada

Grenadian Prime Minister Tillman Thomas

Former Grenadian Prime Minister Tillman Thomas says he believes the Dickon Mitchell administration will make the “right decision” as it considers a request from the United States to temporarily install a radar system at Maurice Bishop International Airport and deploy military assets on or near the island.

Thomas, who led a National Democratic Congress government from 2008 to 2013, said the region should remain a “zone of peace,” but the proposal deserves discussion rather than a flat rejection.

“I don’t think it should be an outright no; there might be some areas where they could compromise on something,” he said Friday, while noting he does not have “all the facts” surrounding the request. “The government in its wisdom will reach the right decision.”

His comments follow Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell’s acknowledgment earlier this week that the government is still reviewing the US proposal and awaiting technical assessments before determining a position. “Nothing much has changed… We are still doing so,” Mitchell said during his “DM with the PM” program, adding that he would address the nation once more information is available.

Public debate has intensified in recent days. On Thursday, protesters led by the Grenada Coalition Zone of Peace and Concerned Citizens marched through the streets, urging the government to reject the request. Former foreign affairs minister Peter David, now an independent MP, told the crowd the issue goes beyond political lines.

“We are here fighting to maintain peace… This is not a partisan issue, this is an issue of sovereignty and integrity for the people of Grenada,” he said.

Regional leaders have also expressed unease. A group of 10 former Caribbean heads of government, including Thomas, issued a joint statement warning that increased military activity in the region risks pulling the Caribbean into conflicts “not of our making.” The statement referenced the long-held principle of the Caribbean as a zone of peace, a concept endorsed by leaders since the signing of the Treaty of Chaguaramas in 1972.

The United States has pointed to counternarcotics efforts to justify heightened activity in the Caribbean Sea. Washington has confirmed operations in which vessels have been bombed, leaving only two survivors in recent months.

CARICOM leaders discussed the matter during a recent meeting, though Trinidad and Tobago did not endorse a unified position, according to the Guyana-based CARICOM Secretariat.

As the government continues to weigh the request, Thomas encouraged dialogue. “We should negotiate, if possible,” he said. “I really feel we should be a zone of peace in the region.”

IDB approves US$90 million loan to strengthen electricity service in The Bahamas

IDB
The Inter-American Development Bank Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has approved a US$90 million loan to help improve the reliability and efficiency of electricity service throughout The Bahamas.

The financing is the second operation under a Conditional Credit Line for Investment Projects (CCLIP) approved in 2020 to support broader energy sector reforms and the expansion of renewable energy in the country.

The IDB said the new investment will focus on boosting the efficiency of electricity metering, optimizing grid management, and strengthening the institutional capacity of the state-owned Bahamas Power and Light Company (BPL).

Approximately 352,000 residents across New Providence and the Family Islands are expected to benefit through the installation of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and modern smart meters at no cost to customers. The meters will include prepayment features that allow households to monitor and manage electricity consumption in real time, with an estimated 41,000 vulnerable customers set to gain the most from this improvement.

The project will also expand Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) technology in the Family Islands to improve monitoring and grid operations at both the distribution and transmission levels.

As part of the program, a Geographical Information System (GIS) will be developed to map existing electrical infrastructure, supporting faster outage detection and restoration, enhancing emergency response, and strengthening overall service quality. BPL will also receive support to upgrade data management systems, financial oversight, corporate governance, and long-term energy planning, while advancing capacity in IT and big data analytics.

The IDB said the program represents a key step in ongoing energy transformation efforts aimed at delivering more sustainable, efficient, and affordable electricity services to consumers.

The loan carries a 25-year amortization period, a 5.5-year grace period, and an interest rate based on the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR).

PAHO urges renewed action to keep the Americas polio-free

polio
©UNICEF Ethiopia/2013/Sewunet

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is marking World Polio Day on Friday with a call for the Americas, including the Caribbean, to step up efforts to maintain the region’s polio-free status.

PAHO noted that the region has now gone more than 30 years without a case of wild poliovirus and emphasized that strong vaccination coverage remains crucial to preventing the resurgence of a disease that once caused widespread fear among parents.

“A few decades ago, parents lived in fear for their children’s health, sudden fever, pain, muscle weakness, and sometimes permanent paralysis. That was polio, an incurable disease that could cause lifelong disability or even death,” said PAHO director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa. “Thanks to vaccines and a tremendous collective effort, it has now been 31 years since wild poliovirus last circulated in our region. This is an extraordinary public health achievement.”

Polio once affected thousands of children across the Americas until the early 1990s. Nearly 6,000 cases were reported in 1975, and the last case of wild poliovirus in the region was detected in Peru in 1991. The Americas became the first region globally to be certified polio-free in 1994.

However, PAHO is warning that slipping vaccination rates pose a risk. Last year, just 83 per cent of children in the Americas received their third dose of the polio vaccine, well short of the 95 per cent coverage recommended by the World Health Organization to ensure herd immunity.

The organization explained that poliomyelitis is a viral disease attacking the nervous system, primarily in children under age five. While most infections show no symptoms, one in 200 cases results in paralysis, and between five and 10 per cent of those affected may die due to respiratory paralysis.

Globally, polio cases have plummeted by over 99 per cent since 1988, when the disease caused an estimated 350,000 cases annually in more than 125 countries. Today, only two countries continue to have endemic circulation of wild poliovirus.

Still, PAHO cautioned that vulnerable gaps remain. Areas with low vaccination coverage are at risk of outbreaks caused by vaccine-derived polioviruses that can spread in under-immunized communities. Strong surveillance systems and the use of multiple vaccine types remain essential to support eradication efforts.

“Protecting, strengthening, and following immunisation programme recommendations is an act of love, solidarity, and shared responsibility among governments, health workers, communities, and each of us,” Dr. Barbosa said.

PAHO is calling on governments to allocate sufficient resources to national immunization programmes, health workers to continue combatting misinformation, and families to ensure children’s vaccinations are up to date.

“On World Polio Day, PAHO reaffirms its commitment to the global eradication of this disease and to protecting future generations from preventable health threats.”

St. Vincent police chief urges calm as election campaign intensifies

St. Vincent Police Commissioner Enville Williams

Police Commissioner Enville Williams is calling for restraint and unity as St. Vincent and the Grenadines heads into a heated election season, warning that political expression must never cross the line into intimidation or violence.

“At the same time, political expression is a right guaranteed to all; it must never be used as a weapon to harm or intimidate others,” Williams said in a statement, noting that general elections are likely to take place in November ahead of the February 2026 constitutional deadline.

“No election, no political contest, and no difference in opinion should ever lead us to raise a hand, a stone, or a voice in anger against our fellow Vincentian,” he added.

The ruling Unity Labor Party (ULP) led by Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves is pursuing a historic sixth consecutive term in office. The main opposition, the New Democratic Party (NDP), headed by Dr. Goodwin Friday, is hoping to break the ULP’s two-decade stronghold on power.

Williams said the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) is aware of concerns from the public about rising tensions during the campaign. He did not cite specific instances of political violence but assured that officers will “continue to monitor all reports of disorderly or disruptive behavior with diligence and fairness, ensuring that peace and public safety are maintained at every level.

“We remain committed to addressing any issues that arise with the utmost professionalism and impartiality,” he said.

The commissioner appealed to political supporters to respect one another despite differences. “Remember that the colors you wear, the symbols you wave, and the slogans you chant are all expressions of democratic choice. They should not divide us but demonstrate the strength of our democracy.”

Williams warned against a return to the “dark moments of our past, when political violence scarred our communities.

“Those days taught us valuable lessons. Lessons about the fragility of peace and the responsibility each of us carries to preserve it,” he said.

Reaffirming the neutrality of the police, Williams stated, “Our allegiance is to the Constitution and the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. We will not allow partisan politics to influence our actions, our professionalism, or our integrity. Our duty is to safeguard all, regardless of political affiliation, creed, or class.”

He encouraged Vincentians to “let love, not anger, guide your steps.

“Be your brother’s keeper. Let your words uplift, not inflame. Let us walk together through this election season with discipline, tolerance, and pride in our Vincentian identity,” he said.

Williams emphasized that peacekeeping is a shared responsibility. “But the preservation of peace is not the job of the police alone; it is the collective duty of every citizen. Together, let us prove once again that we are one people, under one flag, guided by the spirit of love and unity.”

US warship to arrive in Trinidad and Tobago for joint military exercises

Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force

The Trinidad and Tobago government says a United States warship is scheduled to arrive this weekend for a five-day visit that will include joint military training exercises with the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF).

The Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs said the USS Gravely, a guided-missile destroyer with members of the 22nd US Marine Expeditionary Unit on board, will dock in Port of Spain from October 26–30. The destroyer is equipped with advanced weapons systems, can operate helicopters, and has recently been deployed for counter-narcotics and maritime security operations in the Caribbean.

“The US military services’ presence in Trinidad and Tobago highlights the US commitment to regional security and cooperative efforts in the Caribbean.

“The visit strengthens US-Trinidad and Tobago military cooperation through expert exchanges focused on core infantry tactics, maintenance procedures and advanced medical capabilities, leveraging the TTDF’s facilities to enhance tactical proficiency and enhance mutual trust. These efforts strengthen interoperability, reinforce long-term defence cooperation and improve operational readiness among partner forces,” the ministry said in its statement.

The arrival of the vessel follows an advisory issued by the US Embassy in Port of Spain a week ago, warning American citizens to avoid visiting US government facilities in Trinidad and Tobago “due to a heightened state of alert” over the Divali holiday weekend.

Last weekend, the Guyana-based Caricom Secretariat said regional leaders met earlier this month to discuss ongoing security build-ups in parts of the Caribbean and their potential impact on member states. It noted that Trinidad and Tobago did not endorse the position that emerged from the meeting.

The Kamla Persad-Bissessar-led coalition government later reaffirmed its stance, stressing that United States military operations are “aimed at combating narco and human trafficking and other forms of transnational crime (and) are ultimately aimed at allowing the region to be a true ‘zone of peace’ where all citizens can in reality, live and work in a safe environment”.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has praised the Persad-Bissessar administration for being part of an “alliance” of Caribbean and Latin American countries.

Jamaica declares island a threatened area as Tropical Storm Melissa nears

Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has formally declared Jamaica a threatened area under the Disaster Risk Management Act, activating enhanced emergency powers as Tropical Storm Melissa continues its approach toward the island.

The declaration, issued Friday following technical advice from the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, allows authorities to swiftly deploy resources to safeguard lives, infrastructure, and critical services.

Under the expanded measures, the Government is also cracking down on price gouging. A Trade Order issued by the Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce prohibits retailers from increasing prices on essential goods, including food, water, medical supplies, and emergency equipment, for the duration of the alert. Any breach may result in fines of up to $1 million in Parish Court.

Holness reiterated the Government’s commitment to protecting citizens throughout the heightened alert period. He said all relevant agencies have been instructed to execute preparedness plans, including ensuring shelter readiness and the pre-positioning of supplies.

“There will be zero tolerance for price gouging,” the Prime Minister said. “We are taking every precaution to ensure that preparedness measures are in place and that citizens are not subject to exploitation during this time.”

The public is urged to closely monitor updates from the Meteorological Service and ODPEM and to take all necessary safety precautions as the storm draws nearer.

TS Melissa is expected to become a Category 4 hurricane by Sunday as it lashes the Caribbean with heavy rain and destructive winds

Hurricane conditions are expected to first hit southern Haiti on Saturday and then reach Jamaica on Saturday night or Sunday morning.

It could potentially be the strongest hurricane to impact Jamaica in more than 35 years and could potentially be a multi-day major hurricane event Sunday through Tuesday as Melissa strengthens and moves extremely slowly near or south of the island.

On Friday evening, Tropical Storm Melissa continued to churn about 215 miles southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, moving at only 2mph. This extremely slow movement looks to be the trend for several more days, which gives it more opportunity to significantly intensify.

The current track shows Melissa becoming a hurricane on Saturday and a major hurricane on Sunday and then undergoing rapid strengthening through Monday, becoming a Category 4.

Grenadians protest proposed US radar installation and military presence

Grenada request US

Grenadians took to the streets on Thursday in a peaceful protest calling on the government to reject a request from the United States to temporarily install a radar at the Maurice Bishop International Airport (MBIA) and deploy US military assets on or near the island.

Independent legislator and former foreign affairs minister Peter David, addressing participants in the “Peace March,” organized by the Grenada Coalition Zone of Peace and Concerned Citizens, said, “We are here demanding that our region be maintained as a zone of peace.”

David told the crowd that their stance was not anti-American, stressing national and regional priorities. “We are not here to fight down anybody…we say Grenada first, the Caribbean first. We are here fighting to maintain peace. I have stated my position quite clearly. But we need you, the members of the community, the churches, the trade unions, the political organizations, all organizations, to come together on this issue.”

“This is not a partisan issue, this is an issue of sovereignty and integrity for the people of Grenada,” he added. “We all must be united on this.” David urged citizens to pressure their parliamentary representatives “and let them know where you stand…because it is when you bring that kind of pressure on them that they will stand up.”

He dismissed any suggestion that the matter reflects a bilateral dispute. “It is a particular trend in America with Grenada,” he said, noting that “seven million people demonstrated last week in the US. If seven million people demonstrated on the same issue in the US, what is a few thousand people in Grenada. We have a right to stand up for the issues that concern us.”

“So when you go back to your villages,…say we stand for something and we believe that peace is something worth fighting for, peace is something worth marching for, peace is something we all support,” he said, warning against complacency. “This is about nothing else, but maintaining our peace. We have experienced war before. We know what is war and we don’t want war on our territory.”

Suspended Roman Catholic priest Father Garrett Paul also spoke, telling the gathering that “there is nothing we should be doing this afternoon…but taking a firm stance.” He compared the situation to “a bully coming to your home and demanding that you leave,” urging the crowd “to put up a fight.”

“And that’s the situation we find ourselves in Grenada. An empire called the United States goes around with wars all over the world…but you know what Maurice Bishop used to say, a people united can never be defeated. We are going to unite, we are going to stand up against the mighty United States and give them a good cut tail and send them back to their home,” he said.

Some speakers argued that the US request is a precursor to Washington seeking to invade Venezuela and trigger regime change there.

Earlier this week, Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell said he welcomed the “raging” public debate, noting that his administration has not yet taken a decision. He said he would address the matter in due course.

“Nothing much has changed since the Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated that we were considering the request. We are still doing so. It is a technical matter and requires a lot of technical people to provide us with guidance on what it is we are being asked to accommodate,” Mitchell said Tuesday during his “DM with the PM” social media programme.

The U.S. government has increased its military presence off the coast of Venezuela, saying it is part of its strategy to combat drug trafficking to the United States. Washington has confirmed bombing several vessels and killing all but two people recently as part of the campaign.

Last weekend, the Guyana-based CARICOM Secretariat noted that regional leaders had earlier discussed the security build-up in the Caribbean and its potential impact on member states. The position from that meeting was not endorsed by the government of Trinidad and Tobago.

Injury setbacks force West Indies to turn to spinner Khary Pierre

Khary Pierre’s record-breaking spell powers Red Force to crushing victory
Khary Pierre produced a mesmerizing display of spin bowling, claiming a career-best eight wickets for just 27 runs

Left-arm spinner Khary Pierre has been called up to the West Indies T20 International squad, stepping in to reinforce the team’s bowling arsenal ahead of their three-match series against Bangladesh.

Pierre’s inclusion, announced by Cricket West Indies (CWI) on Thursday, comes as a strategic adjustment following injuries to promising pacers Shamar Joseph and Jediah Blades, both ruled out of the short-format series.

Injuries disrupt bowling plans

Joseph, who was expected to feature prominently in the series, experienced shoulder discomfort during the first training session prior to the opening ODI against Bangladesh last Saturday. Meanwhile, Blades sustained a stress fracture to his lower back, forcing his withdrawal and immediate return home for rehabilitation.

The dual setbacks prompted selectors to look toward the experienced Trinidadian spinner, whose recent outings in the two-match Test series in India and the just-concluded ODI series against Bangladesh demonstrated both form and consistency.

Pierre’s return adds balance

Pierre, a familiar presence in the regional setup, brings variety and control to the attack—qualities that have often served West Indies well in subcontinental conditions. His versatility in limited-overs cricket provides captain Shai Hope with additional options in the middle overs, particularly on slower surfaces.

CWI’s statement noted Pierre’s inclusion as part of a proactive effort to maintain “depth and balance in the squad” amid fitness challenges in the pace department.

The Full West Indies Squad: Shai Hope (Captain), Alick Athanaze, Ackeem Auguste, Roston Chase, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Amir Jangoo, Khary Pierre, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd, and Ramon Simmonds.

 

Bangladesh humiliate West Indies to clinch the ODI Series in style

West Indies

MIRPUR, Bangladesh – The West Indies’ batting frailties were once again brutally exposed, as Bangladesh romped to a 179-run victory in the third and deciding One-Day International (ODI) to claim the series 2–1 at the Shere Bangla National Stadium on Thursday.

On a surface where both sides had previously struggled for runs, Bangladesh’s openers Soumya Sarkar and Saif Hassan defied expectations with fluent half-centuries, propelling the hosts to an imposing 296 for eight after electing to bat. In reply, the West Indies folded meekly for 117 in just 30.1 overs, their top order undone by Bangladesh’s spinners in a collapse that sealed the Caribbean side’s fate long before the innings’ halfway mark.

Sarkar and Hassan set the stage

Bangladesh’s dominance began from the opening over, with Hassan dispatching left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein for consecutive boundaries to signal intent. Sarkar soon joined the assault, taking Roston Chase for a six and four, while Hassan launched one of his own over the ropes in the same over as the scoreboard raced to 60 without loss.

The pair maintained relentless pressure, combining clean hitting with measured stroke play to post a 176-run stand in 25 overs—the second-highest opening partnership in Bangladesh’s ODI history.

Sarkar reached his 14th ODI half-century off 48 balls, while Hassan marked his maiden fifty in just 44 deliveries with a six and four off Gudakesh Motie. By the 16th over, Bangladesh had surged past 100 without loss, and both openers looked untouchable.

Hassan, in particular, was devastating—hammering six sixes and six fours before finally perishing for 80 off 72 balls, caught at long-on off Chase. Sarkar, later named Player of the Match, pressed on to 91 from 86 balls before holing out to Ackeem Auguste at deep midwicket, having struck seven fours and four sixes.

West Indies rally briefly

After the blistering start, Bangladesh’s momentum dipped as the West Indies clawed back with five wickets for 30 runs. Hosein led the late resistance with 4 for 41, while part-time spinner Alick Athanaze contributed 2 for 37.

However, the early onslaught had already done irreparable damage, and Bangladesh’s total of 296 was well beyond the reach of a fragile West Indies batting order.

Spin wrecks the chase

If there were faint hopes of a successful chase, they evaporated quickly under a masterclass in spin bowling. Nasum Ahmed produced a devastating new-ball spell, striking thrice inside the first nine overs to leave the visitors reeling at 35 for three.

With only 16 runs on the board, Athanaze was trapped lbw, followed swiftly by Auguste—also leg-before on review—before Brandon King was bowled by a delivery that stayed low.

The collapse deepened when captain Shai Hope miscued Tanvir Islam to backward point for four, reducing the side to 46 for four.

Rishad Hossain, later named Player of the Series for his 12 wickets, then tightened the noose by removing Sherfane Rutherford (12) and Roston Chase (0) in quick succession.

Hosein lone bright spot in dismal reply

Lower down the order, Akeal Hosein provided the only flicker of resistance, striking a spirited 27 off 15 balls before becoming the final wicket to fall, bowled by Mehidy Hasan Miraz.

The rest of the innings offered little substance. Ahmed finished with a spectacular 3 for 11, Hossain took 3 for 54, Islam claimed 2 for 16, and Miraz wrapped up proceedings with 2 for 35.

The result marked Bangladesh’s second-largest ODI win when batting first, and their biggest ever against the West Indies—capping their first bilateral ODI series victory in 17 months.

 

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