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Kamla Persad-Bissessar wins People’s Choice Leader Award at Caribbean Global Awards

kamla-persad-bissessar-wave- UNC

Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar received the People’s Choice Leader Award at the 2025 Caribbean Global Awards, held at the Cumberland Hotel in London on September 27.

The award, determined by public vote, saw Persad-Bissessar top a list that included Barbados’ Mia Mottley, St Vincent and the Grenadines’ Ralph Gonsalves, Jamaica’s Andrew Holness, and Guyana’s Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali. Ralph Gonsalves placed second, Mottley third, and Holness and Ali finished fourth and fifth, respectively.

Addressing the ceremony via video from New York, Persad-Bissessar said, “It is indeed a profound honour to accept the Caribbean Global People’s Choice Leader Award 2025. I do regret not being with you in person. However, my duties at the United Nations General Assembly have called me to New York where I carry the voice of Trinidad and Tobago and of our small island nations, speaking for resilience, fairness and the dignity and future of all people, especially our children.”

She stressed that the award reflects collective achievement. “Yet even as I stand on that world stage, my heart is here with you because this award belongs not to me alone but to all of us who believe that unity is our greatest strength.”

Persad-Bissessar reflected on her upbringing and journey into leadership, saying, “I was born in colonial Trinidad into a poor family in the rural village of Siparia. My late mother Rita sold roti to support our family whilst my father Lalraj worked as a bookkeeper. From those humble beginnings to becoming the first woman Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, I learned that leadership is not a privilege but a duty to serve.”

Highlighting her achievements in public service, she said, “Throughout four decades of public service, I have sought to turn compassion and equality into action. As Prime Minister from 2010-2015, my Government created the Children’s Life Fund, we advanced universal secondary education, we formed the SEA and we provided laptops for every student, and we also expanded higher learning.”

On her current term, she added, “I continue that mission, revitalising the economy, modernising energy, advancing digital transformation, and ensuring governance that is transparent, inclusive and centred on people’s lives.”

Persad-Bissessar also emphasised the broader purpose of recognition, saying, “Tonight’s celebration is more than an award; it is a reminder that recognition must serve a purpose. Even when progress feels like two steps forward and one back, we must keep faith, choosing evidence over noise, dignity over cynicism, inclusion over indifference and truth over silence.”

She made a heartfelt call to action for communities and leaders, urging them to “lift up one vulnerable child, show them that they can lead. Open the doors of your classrooms, your workplaces, your creative spaces and let them see what is possible. Share with them the struggles of past generations so they know resilience is our inheritance.”

Persad-Bissessar concluded: “Our ancestors forged democracies from broken colonial fragments, from stolen lives, from stolen dignity and from stolen heritage, and yet still they endured so that we could rise. In lifting the most vulnerable, we transform talent into leadership, hope into history and ensure the promise of our countries and the survival of our generations to come.”

She also congratulated her fellow honorees, noting that their achievements “proved that when courage meets collaboration, together we shine brighter.”

Three arrested in Sweetwater street takeover crackdown in Miami

Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office

Three suspects were arrested over the weekend as Miami-Dade deputies conducted targeted operations against street takeovers, authorities said.

Officials with the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office (MDSO) said deputies carried out the operation at multiple locations Saturday night and into Sunday morning. The effort resulted in three arrests, four citations, and the impounding of a vehicle.

The suspects — 20-year-old Jamil A. Segueira-Esquivel, 19-year-old Joshua E. Cuevas-Gomez, and 18-year-old Alex Hernandez-Jimenez — are facing charges of coordinated drag racing and impeding traffic.

According to an MDSO arrest report, the agency’s Homeland Security Bureau Intelligence and Investigations Section has been tasked with cracking down on intersection takeovers throughout the county.

The report states that just before 1 a.m. Sunday, a deputy spotted a red Ford Mustang “doing donuts” at the intersection of Northwest 121st Court and 22nd Street. Around 60 vehicles were present, with some bystanders standing outside their cars, deputies said.

The driver was identified as Joshua Efrain Cuevas-Gomez, 19, of Miami. Passengers included Alex Hernandez-Jimenez, 18, and Jamil Antonio Sequeira-Esquivel, 20, also of Miami. Deputies said the trio was pulled over at the intersection of Northwest 122nd Avenue and Sixth Street and taken into custody.

The Mustang was towed and placed on a 30-day hold, the report said. All three men were arrested on charges of drag racing and impeding traffic.

As of Monday, Cuevas-Gomez remained in the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center on a $2,500 bond. The other two suspects no longer appeared in the online jail database.

From left: Joshua Efrain Cuevas-Gomez, Alex Hernandez-Jimenez, and Jamil Antonio Sequeira-Esquivel. (Miami-Dade Corrections & Rehabilitation)

Hialeah to launch Real-Time Operations Center to boost public safety

Hialeah

The City of Hialeah announced Monday that it is establishing a Real-Time Operations Center aimed at preventing crime and enhancing emergency response across the city.

According to a city news release, the center will allow for “real-time monitoring of the city with the goal of preventing crime and ensuring immediate response to any incident.” The announcement was made jointly by Mayor Jacqueline Garcia-Roves and representatives from the Hialeah Police and Fire Departments.

The new facility is expected to benefit more than 300 police officers and 242 firefighters, giving them enhanced tools to respond quickly and efficiently to incidents.

“This innovative tool will strengthen their response capabilities and provide greater protection for residents,” the news release said. “Through a centralized system, the city will be able to identify risks in real time, deploy resources strategically, and increase the safety of local families.”

City officials emphasized that the Real-Time Operations Center will serve as a key element in improving public safety and ensuring that emergency services are both proactive and responsive.

Miami-Dade launches program to help residents reinstate suspended driver’s licenses

Miami-Dade driver’s licenses

Miami-Dade County kicked off Operation Green Light on Monday, a county initiative designed to help residents reinstate suspended driver’s licenses and resolve outstanding court obligations.

The program, spearheaded by Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court and Comptroller Juan Fernández-Barquín, aims to reduce the number of license suspensions by facilitating payments for eligible residents. According to Fernández-Barquín’s office, the twice-yearly initiative allows participants to save an average of 30% on eligible cases, restoring access to essential services that require a valid driver’s license.

Driver’s licenses in Miami-Dade are typically suspended for unpaid traffic tickets, failure to appear in court, point suspensions, and other related infractions. Operation Green Light, which previously ran in April, gives residents the opportunity to pay fines and overdue amounts online, by phone, or in person. The operation will continue until October 19.

Eligible payments include traffic citations, parking violations, and criminal cases, with additional fees for accounts transferred to collections waived during the initiative.

In-person payment locations with extended hours include:

  • Coral Gables District Court, 3100 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Coral Gables, FL 33134

  • Hialeah District Court, 11 E. 6th Street, Hialeah, FL 33010

  • Richard E. Gerstein Justice Center, 1351 NW 12th St, Miami, FL 33125

  • Joseph Caleb Center Court, 5400 NW 22nd Ave, Miami, FL 33142 (Thu: 9 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sat: 9 a.m.–1 p.m.)

  • North Dade Justice Center, 15555 Biscayne Blvd, North Miami Beach, FL 33160 (Thu: 9 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sat: 9 a.m.–1 p.m.)

  • South Dade Justice Center, 10710 SW 211th St, Suite 1200, Miami, FL 33189 (Thu: 9 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sat: 9 a.m.–1 p.m.)

Residents seeking more information can visit the Operation Green Light website.

Broward Schools proposes seven school closures to address enrollment issues

broward schools

At least seven schools in Broward County could face closure or consolidation under the school district’s latest plan to address declining enrollment, with changes potentially taking effect in the 2026-2027 school year.

The proposal, released Friday as part of the district’s “Redefining Broward County Public Schools” initiative, also includes adding middle school grades to five schools — four elementary schools and one high school — and implementing programming overhauls at several campuses. Hallandale High, for instance, would be redesigned to mirror the high-performing Pompano Beach High.

The district has lost roughly 37,707 students over the past decade, including nearly 10,000 in the past year, leaving more than 50,000 empty seats. Officials attribute the decline to the growth of private school vouchers, homeschooling, and families moving due to affordability issues.

Among the proposals that could spark debate:

  • Combining Fairway and Sunshine Elementary schools in Miramar into a single campus.

  • Converting Glades Middle in Miramar into a vocational school.

  • Closing Northfork Elementary in Fort Lauderdale and leasing it to Junior Achievement for a new education center.

  • Closing Plantation Middle and converting Plantation High into a 6-12 school.

  • Closing Bair Middle in Sunrise.

  • Combining Palm Cove Elementary and Pines Lakes Elementary in Pembroke Pines into one campus.

  • Converting Panther Run Elementary in Pembroke Pines into a special day school for students with autism.

  • Closing Forest Glen Middle in Coral Springs.

  • Adjusting Walter C. Young Middle in Pembroke Pines either for closure and workforce housing or converting it into a 3-8 gifted and dual language academy.

District officials said the plan is more aggressive than a similar effort last year, which only resulted in one school closure and several grade-level changes. Input will be sought through town halls, municipal meetings, and a School Board workshop scheduled for October 7. Final recommendations are expected before the end of the year.

Key upcoming milestones include:

  • Oct. 13–21, 2025: Regional stakeholder meetings for all identified schools.

  • Nov. 13, 2025: Boundary Committee votes on recommendations.

  • Dec. 9, 2025: School Board Workshop IV to present proposals and committee recommendations.

  • Jan. 13–14, 2026: Final adoption of recommendations and notification to impacted students, parents, and staff.

The district emphasized that all decisions would follow extensive consultation with communities to ensure a smooth transition and better alignment of resources with student enrollment trends.

CCJ President calls on remaining CARICOM states to join Appellate Court

Winston Anderson

The President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Justice Winston Anderson, is calling on the remaining Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries that have not yet signed on to the Court’s Appellate Jurisdiction to do so, saying that the institution has built a “well-deserved and proud record” over its 20 years of existence.

Speaking at a special sitting to mark his inauguration as the CCJ’s fourth president, the Jamaican-born jurist said the Court has become a cornerstone of the region’s legal and integration architecture, delivering more than 340 decisions since its establishment in 2005. He said the CCJ has played a key role in entrenching the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) in the rule of law, ensuring that citizens’ rights are upheld across member states.

“A sense of belonging to a community governed by law has begun to take shape in our region,” Anderson said.

While all 12 CARICOM member states participate in the Court’s Original Jurisdiction — which interprets the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas — only Barbados, Belize, Dominica, St. Lucia, and Guyana have adopted the Appellate Jurisdiction, which replaces the London-based Privy Council as the final court of appeal.

Justice Anderson noted that since joining the CCJ, member states have seen dramatic increases in access to final appellate justice. He pointed out that Barbados, for example, recorded 105 appeals to the CCJ in the 20 years since accession, compared to just 19 appeals to the Privy Council in the previous two decades — a rise of more than 450%. Similar growth has been seen in Belize, Dominica, and St. Lucia.

“The existence of the CCJ has significantly increased the access by Caribbean citizens to final appellate justice,” he said, adding that if all CARICOM countries had joined the appellate tier, the Court’s total decisions could have exceeded 1,200 instead of 307. “The opportunity cost of non-accession can therefore be measured in reduced access to justice, which is also a denial of justice.”

The CCJ President also announced plans for a new seven-year strategic plan (2025–2032), which will focus on judicial excellence, efficiency, and accessibility. The plan, he said, underscores the Court’s commitment to clarity and consensus in its judgments while leveraging technology — including Artificial Intelligence — to make legal resources more searchable and accessible to practitioners and the public.

Justice Anderson cautioned, however, that AI must be used responsibly, referencing incidents in Trinidad and Tobago and The Bahamas where “hallucinated” AI-generated cases were cited in court filings. “We considered it prudent to issue a Practice Direction on the proper use of generative AI in court proceedings,” he said.

Anderson, who was sworn in as president in July, said the CCJ’s legacy of diversity — drawing judges from across the Caribbean and beyond — has strengthened its jurisprudence and bolstered confidence in the regional judicial system.

“Our vision remains one of judicial excellence, guided by integrity, inclusion, and the unrelenting pursuit of justice,” he affirmed.

St. Vincent records $70 million rise in tax revenue

Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves St. Vincent
Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves .

The government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines collected EC$70 million more in tax revenue during the first eight months of 2025 than in the same period last year, but higher spending left a modest current account deficit of EC$718,000.

Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves told Parliament that between January and August, current revenue reached EC$583 million compared to EC$517 million in 2024 — a 12.8% increase. Total revenue and grants rose to EC$624 million, up from EC$559 million last year.

Corporate tax collections climbed 22% to EC$40 million, which Gonsalves said reflects stronger business performance. Taxes on goods and services amounted to EC$182 million, up from EC$175 million, while taxes on international trade increased by 21% to EC$159 million. Revenue from the sale of goods and services also grew sharply to EC$75.4 million from EC$61 million in 2024.

The finance minister noted that despite the robust revenue gains, total expenditure reached EC$841 million as of August 31, up from EC$728 million a year earlier. Current spending stood at EC$584 million, nearly matching current revenue and leading to the small deficit.

Gonsalves attributed much of the rise in expenditure to higher employee compensation, which totalled EC$262 million — up 7.1% due to a 2.5% public sector salary increase, new hires, and higher contributions to the National Insurance Services. Spending on goods and services jumped 24%, driven largely by post-Hurricane Beryl housing support for displaced persons.

Capital spending also accelerated, with EC$257 million spent so far, up 34% from the same period last year. The minister said capital inflows — largely from grants and loans, including EC$33 million from Taiwan — accounted for about 64% of the budgeted total to date.

While recurrent expenditure rose, Gonsalves said the fiscal current account balance improved significantly compared to the EC$19.3 million deficit recorded in 2024. However, the overall balance showed a wider deficit, reflecting the government’s ambitious capital investment program.

“This year, current revenue has performed well, increasing significantly and already accounting for just over 64% of the budget,” Gonsalves said, adding that the government remains committed to balancing strong revenue growth with essential social and reconstruction spending.

Trinidad Prime Minister expands portfolio in Cabinet reshuffle

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

Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has taken on additional responsibilities following a reshuffling of ministerial portfolios, which also saw the renaming of two ministries. The adjustments were made by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister, in accordance with section 79(1) of the Constitution.

While Persad-Bissessar has not commented publicly on the changes, Minister of Public Utilities and Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister Barry Padarath told Newsday that the reassignment aims to “harmonise the agencies and state enterprises where there is a natural fit, as well as for better operations and functionality.”

According to a gazette notice published on October 4, Padarath was assigned new responsibilities for Power Generation, Trinidad Generation Unlimited, and Powergen—portfolios that were previously under the purview of Minister of Energy and Energy Industries Dr Roodal Moonilal.

Speaking with Newsday on October 5, Padarath welcomed the additions, noting that the arrangement had existed many years ago and would better align with his current oversight of the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC). He said the changes would allow for a review of existing power purchase agreements, which he claimed were neglected by the previous administration.

“Further, the impact of the excess power on the national grid is something that we are looking at in terms of our partnerships with commercial entities,” Padarath said. “During the PNM administration for the last nine-plus years, very little was addressed in the area of power generation in TT. It is our intention to review the agreements, make them more commercially viable, and explore untapped areas for investment. Of course, this will be done in consultation with all stakeholders as a long-term plan for the sector.”

Dr Moonilal also expressed support for the changes, saying the realignment will enable his ministry to focus on other priorities.

“Realignment of portfolio areas lends itself to better synergies and efficiencies. Our sector is not the same as it was a decade ago,” he said. “I am happy to concentrate more on our regional energy and investment footprint and the key high-hanging fruits, as the country has already witnessed. Our economic future still depends highly on the energy sector and our reemergence as the hemispheric energy hub.”

The reshuffle also expands the Prime Minister’s own responsibilities. Persad-Bissessar will now directly oversee matters relating to Heritage Buildings, Constitutional Reform, the National Trust, National Commission for Self-Help Limited, National Library Services, and the National Library and Information System Authority.

Additionally, she will assume responsibility for the Home Improvement Grants Policy, the Housing and Village Improvement Programme (HVIP), and the Government-Aided Self-Help Housing Programme (GASHHP), which were previously under the portfolios of Minister of Culture and Community Development Michelle Benjamin, Minister of Housing David Lee, and Minister of Public Administration Dominic Smith.

Guyana Opposition leader Azruddin Mohamed indicted in US on fraud charges

Azruddin Mohamed
Azruddin Mohamed

Just over a month after leading his newly formed We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) political party to become the main opposition in the Guyana National Assembly, billionaire businessman Azruddin Mohamed has been indicted by a United States grand jury on multiple fraud-related charges.

According to U.S. authorities, Mohamed and his father, businessman Nazar “Shell” Mohamed, have been charged with wire and mail fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The charges stem from allegations of tax evasion related to gold exports and the importation of a Lamborghini luxury vehicle.

If convicted of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud, both men—who were sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) in June 2024—could face up to 20 years in prison on each count, three years of supervised release, and fines of up to US$250,000 or twice the gross pecuniary gain or loss.

On the charges of wire fraud, Azruddin Mohamed could also face a 20-year prison sentence, three years of supervised release, and fines of up to US$250,000 or twice the pecuniary gain or loss. For conspiracy to commit money laundering, the grand jury is seeking a maximum of 20 years’ imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and a fine of US$500,000 or the value of the property involved in the transaction.

The United States government has also requested that, upon conviction, the defendants forfeit to the U.S. “any property, real or personal, which constitutes or is derived from proceeds traceable to such offense.” The property listed for forfeiture includes a shipment containing approximately US$5.3 million in gold bars exported from Guyana by Mohamed’s Enterprise and seized at Miami International Airport on June 11, 2024.

According to the unsealed indictment, between 2017 and June 2024, the defendants “did knowingly, and with the intent to further the objects of the conspiracy, combine, conspire, confederate, and agree with each other and others, known and unknown to the Grand Jury, to commit offenses against the United States.”

The indictment alleges that the purpose of the conspiracy was for the defendants to unlawfully enrich themselves and defraud the government of Guyana of taxes and royalties owed on gold exports. The U.S. accuses the Mohameds of reusing empty boxes with intact Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Guyana Gold Board (GGB) seals for shipments of gold, to make it appear as if Mohamed’s Enterprise had paid the required taxes and royalties when, in fact, it had not.

The grand jury further alleges that the Mohameds paid bribes to Guyanese government officials, including customs officers, so they would accept shipments of gold with duplicate paperwork and reused seals. The indictment claims the defendants shipped GRA and GGB seals from Miami to Mohamed’s Enterprise in Guyana to facilitate the alleged scheme.

“Nazar Mohamed and Azruddin Mohamed reused empty boxes with intact GRA and GGB seals for shipments of gold to make it appear that Mohamed’s Enterprise had paid Guyana taxes and royalties on shipments of gold when, in truth and in fact, Mohamed’s Enterprise had not paid them on those shipments of gold,” the court document states.

The indictment also includes allegations surrounding the purchase and importation of a Lamborghini valued at approximately US$680,000. The U.S. grand jury alleges that Azruddin Mohamed directed an unnamed individual—referred to as “Individual 1”—to acquire the car in California for his benefit and arrange its shipment from Miami to Guyana.

He allegedly instructed the individual to create a falsified invoice showing the Lamborghini’s value as US$75,300, far below its actual price, and caused the fake document to be presented to the Guyana Revenue Authority. This alleged act enabled him to evade more than one million dollars in import taxes owed to the Guyanese government.

Golding and Holness clash again over Jamaica’s republic path

Jamaican-Holness-Golding

Jamaica’s Opposition Leader Mark Golding and Prime Minister Andrew Holness are once again at odds over how Jamaica should complete its transition to a republic.

The latest clash stems from Holness’ proposal for Golding to meet with Justice Minister Delroy Chuck to restart constitutional reform discussions — a suggestion Golding has flatly rejected, insisting that only direct talks between the two leaders can move the process forward.

In his letter dated October 3, 2025, Golding said the reform process must begin with direct engagement between himself and the prime minister if Jamaica is to make meaningful progress in completing what he called “the unfinished circle of Independence.” His response followed a September 30 letter from Holness proposing that Golding meet with Chuck to resume talks on constitutional reform.

Golding said he had expected the prime minister to invite him to a meeting to chart the way forward, based on Holness’s call for partnership at his recent inauguration at King’s House. At that ceremony, Holness had reportedly told him, “Mark, let us partner together to complete the work we started in making Jamaica a republic.”

“The proposal for me to meet with the justice minister will not initiate the required partnership of which we had spoken,” Golding wrote. “It is you and I, as leaders of Jamaica’s two major political parties, who must establish a basis for the required partnership if the reform process is not to become another exercise in futility.”

The Opposition Leader reaffirmed his support for Jamaica to achieve full sovereignty by both removing the British monarch as head of state and ending appeals to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in London. He noted that this dual goal has long been the position of the People’s National Party (PNP) and argued that both issues must be addressed together for the country to achieve genuine constitutional reform.

Golding also cited historical precedents for bipartisan cooperation, noting that significant constitutional advances have always required cross-party consensus. He referenced the collaboration between Norman Manley and Alexander Bustamante leading to Independence, as well as that between P.J. Patterson and Edward Seaga during the constitutional reforms of the 1990s. He further pointed to the 2010 passage of the Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms under a partnership between then Prime Minister Bruce Golding and Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller.

“The only route to reaping success in this reform effort is through authentic collaboration, as demonstrated by former political leaders,” Golding said.

Golding’s letter also highlighted that with the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) no longer holding a two-thirds majority in the House of Representatives, bipartisan support is now essential to advance any constitutional amendment.

Opposing views on final court

The ongoing impasse stems from deep divisions over the sequencing of reforms. During the last parliamentary term, the Opposition withdrew from the Joint Select Committee on Constitutional Reform after the government refused to link the move to republican status with simultaneously replacing the Privy Council with the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) as Jamaica’s final appellate court.

Holness and the JLP maintain that while they support removing the British monarch as head of state, the question of Jamaica’s final court should be decided by the Jamaican people in a referendum. The PNP, however, argues that both issues are central to achieving full sovereignty and must be resolved together.

That standoff led the PNP to boycott committee meetings earlier this year, effectively halting debate on the Constitution (Amendment) Republic Bill tabled by then Legal and Constitutional Affairs Minister Marlene Malahoo Forte. After the September 3 general election, Malahoo Forte was not reappointed to the Cabinet, with aspects of her former portfolio absorbed into Chuck’s Ministry of Justice.

Golding’s latest letter called on Holness to return to the principle of leadership-level dialogue to avoid another stalemate. “I therefore invite you to reconsider the matter in light of what I am suggesting in this letter, and look forward to hearing from you presently,” he wrote, adding that he would make the correspondence public since the prime minister’s invitation to partnership had been delivered in a public forum.

73 albums contend for 2026 reggae album Grammy

reggae grammy

The 2026 Grammy season has officially launched, and reggae fans and industry watchers will want to keep a close eye on the Best Reggae Album category. In what looks set to be a competitive year, a total of 73 albums have been submitted for consideration in the reggae field indicating a slight fall off from last year’s 75 entries.

This year’s roster features a strong showing from Jamaican artists, with names spanning the reggae and dancehall musical sets. Among the submissions are Vybz Kartel’s Heart & Soul, Likkle Addi’s Time Is Now, Lila Iké’s Treasure Self Love, 450’s Pieces of Me, Valiant’s Prove Them Wrong, Charly Black’s Good Times, Cham’s Sherlock, and Ding Dong’s From Ding Dong to the World.

Notably, the field also includes an AI-assisted project: Dem Can’t Stop My Joy (Rastafari Forever) by Adrian Donsome Hanson and Forever Roots Band, this is  the first known album in this submission list to incorporate AI support in its creation although “AI-assisted” is still a developing label. This nod points to expanding definitions of artistry in reggae and could spark debate among voters and fans alike.

The first round of voting opened on October 3, 2025, and will run through October 15. During this phase, eligible Recording Academy voters will cast ballots to select the official nominees in each category. The slate of nominees is scheduled to be announced on November 7, 2025. Those nominees then face a second round of voting from December 12, 2025, to January 5, 2026 before the winners are revealed at the Grammy ceremony on February 1, 2026.

Ones to watch

Vybz Kartel’s entry into the reggae field is one of the headline-grabbers this year. The surprise 11-track EP Heart & Soul, released in August 2025 under Greedy Lion / Vybz Kartel Muzik, showed a more introspective side to Kartel, mixing romantic ballads and reflections on life post-imprisonment. The EP debuted at No. 7 on the U.S. iTunes Reggae Albums chart.

Lila Iké is a strong contender whose trajectory has been rising steadily. Her debut album Treasure Self Love explores themes of growth, love, mental health, and self-affirmation.

She’s also no stranger to Grammy-adjacent attention: her prior collaboration “Greatest Gift” with Jorja Smith is the sort of work that has attracted acclaim and exposure beyond regional borders.

With 73 entries, this year’s tally is marginally lower than 2025’s 75, still, compared to earlier years when entries dipped sharply, reggae appears to be holding ground in its Grammy profile. Many of these submitted works blur lines using dancehall, contemporary reggae, roots, conscious themes, and even AI-assisted production. That fluidity may appeal to voters who favour boundary-pushing work. The inclusion of Hanson’s AI-assisted Dem Can’t Stop My Joy hints at how technological experimentation is slowly creeping into even genres steeped in traditional sounds.

Jamaica declares October 7 National Anti-Bullying Day

In a landmark step to advance the national child protection agenda, Jamaica’s Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA), under the leadership of the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information (MOESYI), has successfully championed the official designation of October 7 as National Anti-Bullying Day.

The proclamation, signed by His Excellency the Most Honourable Sir Patrick Allen, ON, GCMG, CD, Governor-General of Jamaica, reinforces the country’s collective resolve to confront bullying in all its forms and to protect the dignity and well-being of children and young people.

The declaration followed a formal request by the CPFSA with the endorsement of MOESYI, underscoring the vital partnership between both entities in addressing bullying as a matter of urgent national concern. It also signals Jamaica’s unified effort to tackle this pervasive issue in schools and communities while fostering kindness, empathy, and respect among citizens.

This groundbreaking initiative is being advanced by the National Anti-Bullying Technical Working Group, a multi-agency task force comprising the MOESYI, CPFSA, UNICEF, the National Secondary Students’ Council (NSSC), the Early Childhood Commission (ECC), the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW), and the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF). Together, these partners are working to create a coordinated and sustained national response to bullying, ensuring that planned interventions are both far-reaching and impactful.

Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. The Honourable Dana Morris Dixon, emphasised the importance of mobilisation:

“The proclamation is a milestone, but it is only the beginning. Through schools, parents, guidance counsellors, and community leaders, we will amplify the message across Jamaica that every child deserves to learn and grow in an environment free from fear. Together, we will build safer schools and stronger communities.” She further reiterated that “the helping service architecture in our schools have been activated as principals were reminded to prioritize the psychosocial activities in our schools, launch the psychosocial week, ensure HFLE is timetabled to teach the life skills whilst emphasizing the areas of conflict management, help-seeking behaviours;  to expand or reactivate the peer counselling programme, parenting sessions and internal antibullying campaigns.  Since 2022, The Ministry has engaged counselling psychologists, and psychotherapist to provide counselling and mental health support to our students, parents and school staff free of charge to augment the in-school counselling services.  Principals are being reminded to ensure this support is accessed through the Regional Guidance Unit”.

Chief Executive Officer of the CPFSA, Mrs. Laurette Adams Thomas, hailed the proclamation as a defining moment for Jamaica’s children.

“This is more than just a symbolic day; it is a national call to action. Every act of bullying leaves scars—some visible, some invisible—that can last a lifetime. By dedicating a day each year to awareness and action, we are saying clearly and collectively that bullying has no place in our schools, in our communities, or in our society,” she said.

The MOESYI through CPFSA will begin leading a slate of anti-bullying activities across the island, that will continue throughout the academic year. Schools will host assemblies, workshops for Principals, Deans of Disciplines and Teachers, and other creative showcases to encourage empathy and positive peer relationships. A national art and essay competition is also being planned to allow students to directly engage in the movement. While communities will be engaged through outreach programmes for parents, caregivers, and local leaders; and the nation’s clergy will be invited to use their pulpits to reinforce messages of compassion and unity.

A national media campaign will also be undertaken to spread this important message across television, radio, and digital platforms, with a special focus on social media.

Mrs. Laurette Adams Thomas further stated that , “With the Governor-General’s proclamation, Jamaica now joins countries around the world that have enshrined national observances to combat bullying. This bold step reaffirms the nation’s collective responsibility to protect its children and signals to victims, perpetrators, and bystanders alike, that bullying is unacceptable and must end.”

Haiti launches dog vaccination drive following rabies deaths

Haiti rabies
© WHO/PAHO A dog is vaccinated against rabies in Haiti.

Health authorities in Haiti are turning a series of tragic rabies-related deaths into a public health initiative, with support from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the regional office of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Last July, nine-year-old Jonas* from the remote southern locality of Butête became the latest victim of the disease. Bitten on the leg by a stray dog, the wound appeared minor, and his mother, living far from health facilities, was unaware that immediate medical attention was critical. Within a week, Jonas grew weak, stopped eating, and by the time he reached the nearest hospital, he was exhibiting classic rabies symptoms, including excruciating muscle spasms and hydrophobia. The boy later died surrounded by his family.

Jonas’s death marks the fourth human fatality from rabies in Haiti this year, a country grappling with political instability, economic hardship, and limited healthcare access. Data collected between 2022 and 2024 highlights the ongoing threat: over 8,000 suspected cases in dogs were investigated, more than 1,100 considered probable, and 46 confirmed. During the same period, 24 human cases were suspected to have been caused by dog bites, resulting in eight confirmed deaths.

Swift Surveillance and Response

Following Jonas’s hospital admission, Haiti’s Ministry of Public Health’s National Surveillance Network was immediately activated. Supported by PAHO, this network deploys epidemiology assistants and ‘labo-moto’ health workers—who reach remote communities via motorbikes—to investigate potential exposures.

A response team was sent to Butête to ensure no one else had been exposed. Jonas’s family received post-exposure care, and the area where the dog and her puppies had died was inspected. Authorities recommended dog vaccination campaigns, strengthened surveillance, and improved access to human rabies vaccines.

Preventable but Lethal

In August, Haiti launched a canine vaccination campaign targeting 140,000 dogs, both stray and community animals, alongside public awareness efforts. More than 480 veterinary agents were deployed in 240 teams across the departments of Artibonite, Centre, Nord-Est, and Nord-Ouest. A mobile app was introduced to register vaccinated dogs, enabling real-time monitoring and better data collection.

“By vaccinating dogs on a large scale, we directly protect human communities—especially children,” said Dr. Oscar Barreneche, PAHO/WHO representative in Haiti. “Rabies is lethal, but 100 per cent preventable.” The campaign aims to achieve an estimated 80 per cent vaccination coverage among the target dog population, reduce rabies circulation, and teach communities appropriate responses to bites from suspected rabid animals.

Global Context

Rabies is one of the world’s deadliest zoonotic diseases, causing an estimated 59,000 deaths annually, 40 per cent of which are children. Across the Americas, human rabies transmitted by dogs has dropped 98 per cent since 1983, with just 10 cases reported last year, according to PAHO.

Despite the challenges posed by Haiti’s instability, authorities say the vaccination campaign represents a major step toward long-term rabies control.

*Name changed to protect identity.

One Link Music Festival moves to Miramar and anounces with star-studded lineup

One Link Music Festival

A brand-new festival is set to turn up the energy this Miami Carnival Weekend. The One Link Music Festival has officially announced its new home at Miramar Regional Park, bringing two full days of Caribbean, Afrobeats, dancehall, and soca performances on October 10–11, 2025.

The festival’s debut lineup reads like a who’s who of regional and international stars, led by Machel Montano, Shenseea, Dexta Daps, Masicka, 450, Skinny Fabulous, Klassik Frescobar, Nailah Blackman, and Lady Lava. Hosting duties will be handled by Walshy Fire, Papa Keith, and Patrick the Hype Man—guaranteeing nonstop vibes from start to finish.

Festival producer Tagyei Belinfante says the move to Miramar sets the tone for a bigger, better experience.

“We’re thrilled to bring the One Link experience to Miramar Regional Park — a space that perfectly complements the energy and unity of our festival,” Belinfante shared. “This new venue allows us to elevate the atmosphere, production, and cultural experience while celebrating the music that connects us all.”

The two-day event aims to unite music lovers from across the globe in a celebration of rhythm, heritage, and community—anchored by Miami’s signature Carnival weekend spirit.

Tickets and additional details are available at www.onelinkmusicfestival.com.

Belize fraudster sentenced to 8 years in US prison for real estate scam

sentenced to over 18 years in US prison

Andris Pukke, also known by the aliases “Marc Romeo” and “Andy Storm,” was sentenced to eight years in prison last month by U.S. District Judge J. Paul Oetken for orchestrating a massive real estate fraud in Belize, defrauding hundreds of investors, many of them retirees, of approximately $77 million.

The scheme, known as “Sanctuary Belize,” involved Pukke directing a vacation and retirement community under development and falsely promising investors that they could build homes or use the lots as investment properties. Pukke and his sales team induced victims to invest more than $100 million, while the majority were never able to build the homes they expected.

“Hundreds of hard-working Americans—many of them retirees—lost their savings to this brazen fraud,” said U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton. “Andris Pukke thought he could hide behind foreign land deals and false names, but he was wrong. This sentence removes a bad actor and serves as a warning to other would-be fraudsters.”

Pukke, 56, of Newport Beach, California, had prior convictions for mail fraud and obstruction of justice, as well as a previous $172 million judgment from the Federal Trade Commission linked to his company AmeriDebt. To conceal his involvement in Sanctuary Belize, he instructed salespeople to lie about his role and used aliases to mask control of the project.

Investigators found that Sanctuary Belize carried over $12 million in debt, and Pukke misappropriated nearly $10 million for personal expenses, including home renovations, loans, investments, child support, and land purchases in the Bahamas. While under investigation, he also attempted to corruptly avoid prosecution by trying to induce someone to create a sham document for authorities.

Pukke was convicted of wire fraud and obstruction of justice on July 10, 2024. In addition to the prison sentence, he received three years of supervised release and was ordered to forfeit $9,912,396. He is also responsible for $120.2 million in restitution to victims of Sanctuary Belize, as previously ordered in litigation with the FTC.

Nearly 200 victims sent letters to the court detailing the financial and personal harm caused by Pukke’s scheme.

U.S. Attorney Clayton praised the work of the FBI and the Federal Trade Commission in bringing the case to justice. The prosecution was handled by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit, led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey C. Coffman, James McMahon, and Kevin Mead.

ICE arrests convicted child sex predators from the Caribbean

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers have arrested four undocumented immigrants convicted of crimes against children, including sexual assault, molestation, and rape, in the San Diego area. Among those taken into custody are two Caribbean nationals, citizens of The Bahamas and Cuba.

Devin Richardson, a Bahamian, was convicted of sexual assault of minors and failing to register as a sex offender in California. Walter Ramirez, a Cuban national, was convicted of rape, drug-induced sexual assault of a minor, and domestic violence. The other two arrested immigrants are citizens of Mexico and Vietnam.

ICE confirmed that all four remain in custody pending removal proceedings to their respective countries.

“Make no mistake: these are predators who targeted the most vulnerable members of our community – children,” said Patrick Divver, field office director for ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) in San Diego.

“Our officers will not allow dangerous criminals like these to hide in our neighborhoods, especially a convicted sex offender who lived next to what appeared to be an in-home daycare and two blocks from an elementary school,” Divver added.

He further emphasized that the arrests remove an immediate threat to public safety and send a clear message that child predators who are undocumented immigrants “do not belong in our country.”

The arrests highlight ICE’s continued focus on identifying and detaining convicted criminal offenders within the United States, particularly those posing a risk to children and vulnerable populations.

US surpasses UK as Barbados’ top tourist market

barbados travel

Barbados’ tourism sector has recorded a 5.43 per cent increase in stayover arrivals between January and August 2025, for a total of 503,000 visitors. And for the first time, the United States (US) has surpassed the United Kingdom (UK) as the island’s leading source market.

Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.’s (BTMI) Chief Executive Officer, Andrea Franklin, said the US led tourist arrivals, followed by the UK and the Caribbean.

“Arrivals from the United States of America stand at 179,753 visitors, making the US now our number one source market this year,” she said on Friday, the final day of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s State of the Tourism Industry Conference at the Hilton Barbados Resort. “This is particularly significant because all of you who may know Barbados and the history of tourism in Barbados, you know that the United Kingdom has always been our number one source market.”

“This year, as well, we have the Caribbean performing very well. They are now our number three market, with 70,984 visitors coming from the region,” she stated.

Franklin credited the BTMI’s focus on airlift expansion for the US becoming the leading source market for the island.

“So, what we did was a real double down on our airlift strategy. And we really went after building airlift to the destination out of the US market. So, in winter 2025, we had in excess of 60,000 additional seats from the US market. So, our airlift strategy was the pivotal point for us in terms of building the capacity to the destination out of the market,” she explained.

“From January to August this year, stayover arrivals in Barbados increased by 5.43 per cent compared to the same period in 2024. That’s an additional 25,000 visitors who chose our island. To put that into perspective, arrivals grew from 477,891 in 2024 to 503,000 in 2025. These numbers tell us that Barbados is not only attracting more visitors but also strengthening its position as a destination of choice in the region.”

Cruise arrivals also showed growth, with 117,776 more passengers visiting the island.

“Cruise performance so far for the year, and our stats are only showing January to July, we’ve welcomed 599,826 cruise passengers, which is a growth of 24 per cent over the same period,” Franklin reported.

She further revealed that the Barbados Port Inc. is enhancing its cruise infrastructure to improve the visitor experience.

“Some of the things that the port are working on are ongoing modernisation and expansion of the facility at the Bridgetown Cruise Terminal, including improving the passenger flow, embarkation and disembarkation services and port aesthetics. Plans are also on the way for greener port operations, including looking at digitalisation and shore power readiness and the introduction of smart port technology to streamline logistics and enhance operational efficiency,” she noted.

Franklin also mentioned significant investments in the island’s accommodation sector, with new hotels expected between 2026 and 2027. These include the Blue Monkey Hotel and Beach Club, Hotel Indigo, the Royalton Vessence (the first property under that label), Pendry Barbados, Hyatt Ziva, and Beaches Barbados under the Sandals brand.

Tobago teen crowned Caribbean regional Junior Minister of Tourism

Sixteen-year-old Jolé St. John, Tobago’s Junior Secretary of Tourism, has been crowned winner of the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) 21st Regional Tourism Youth Congress, held Thursday at the Hilton Barbados Resort.

Part of the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC), the Congress saw St. John impress judges and delegates with innovative ideas on sustainable tourism, digital transformation, and heritage experiences. Her performance earned her the title of Regional Junior Minister of Tourism until the 2026 Congress.

The event brought together 15 students aged 14 to 17 from across the Caribbean, each serving as a Junior Minister or Commissioner of Tourism. Participants delivered prepared presentations on key topics reshaping the industry, including the shift from the traditional three S’s of Caribbean tourism (sea, sun, sand) to the new three S’s (smart technology, sustainable practices, social inclusion).

They also tackled mystery questions designed to spark imagination and problem-solving — from how to position their destinations in new and creative ways to how tourism products can evolve to remain fresh and impactful. Their responses showcased both quick thinking and genuine passion for the sector.

Second place went to Caleader Lewison, Junior Minister of Tourism for Jamaica, who will serve as CTO’s Junior Secretary-General of Tourism. Third place was awarded to Aylani Morris Seymour, Junior Minister of Tourism for the Cayman Islands. In addition, Isaiah Toney, Junior Minister of Tourism for St. Vincent and the Grenadines, received an honorary mention for outstanding qualities beyond the standard scoring.

The Congress, chaired by last year’s winner, Keyana Warner of Nevis, featured a judging panel of tourism leaders: Rosetta West-Gerald, CEO of the Montserrat Tourism Authority; Paul Pennicook, Interim CEO of Experience Turks and Caicos; and Chief Judge Charlene Drakes, Manager of Stakeholder Engagements, Caribbean Region for Carnival Corporation & plc.

In the lead-up to the competition, participants joined enrichment activities including a masterclass on AR/VR in tourism led by Ed and Claudia Limon and Scott Bowie of Winged Whale Media; a career readiness workshop on personal branding and leadership with Davina Layne of Your Corporate Image; and a field trip organized by Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) to highlight sustainable initiatives such as the Oceana Innovation Hub and Barbados’ cultural history.

Ian Gooding-Edghill, Chairman of the CTO Council of Ministers and Commissioners and Barbados’ Minister of Tourism and International Transport, praised the delegates, saying, “What I saw in each and every one of you is not only dedication, commitment, but I saw passion, real passion … you certainly were not shy and you delivered with grace.”

Event emcee Sharon Banfield-Bovell, CTO’s Director of Resource Mobilization and Development, underscored the significance of the forum: “Our Congress is more than a friendly competition … it is a launchpad propelling the next wave of tourism visionaries, advocates and innovators who will guide the future of this vital industry for the Caribbean.”

The 2025 Congress featured students from 15 CTO member countries and territories: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Nevis, Saint Lucia, St. Eustatius, St. Kitts, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Tobago.

Sponsors and supporters included Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., Breeze Travel Solutions, Caribbean Media Exchange, Caribbean Travel and Tours, Carnival Corporation & plc in collaboration with Acordis International Corporation, Liberty Business Barbados, Marketplace Excellence, Tropical Shipping, and Winged Whale Media.

The program underscored CTO’s commitment to youth empowerment, building critical skills, and nurturing regional pride in one of the Caribbean’s most essential industries.

Future Fambo recovering after reported mild heart attack in New York

Future Fambo

Veteran dancehall artiste Future Fambo is recovering at home after reportedly suffering a mild heart attack on Sunday in New York, which prompted a swift response from FDNY ambulance personnel.

The “Rum and Red Bull” singer posted a 28-second video on Instagram showing himself lying on a sofa clad only in his underpants, hooked up to wires as emergency medical personnel worked to stabilize his vitals.

 

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A post shared by futurefambizzle (@futurefambizzle)

Fambo, who has been diagnosed with diabetes, said the scare began after he experienced “washing with cold sweat” following a meal of cornmeal porridge. A friend called an ambulance after noticing his distress.

“They said to come to the hospital, but I told them no. It look like mi blood sugar drop and when I eat the cornmeal porridge with the milk, it overload my system. Mi feel a cramp inna mi hand, dem say mi arthritis up but mi blood pressure good,” Fambo explained.

Despite declining hospital treatment, the deejay reassured fans and friends that he is “alright now.” He also shared that he received calls of concern from several fellow dancehall artistes, including Sean Paul, Flexx and Mavado.

The experience has reportedly prompted Fambo to reflect on his life and future. “Mi ah gi dem a last run and leave this life behind. Mi tired of the hypocrisy, the lying, the clout-chasing, it is mind-boggling sometimes,” he said, revealing plans to become a Christian in January 2026.

Recently, Fambo released a gospel-influenced single, Amazing Song, on the World Blast Records label. “My song was not for clout so it come in like mi caan sing it and nah live the life. You know say is half an hour mi pray to the Lord fah before this heart attack happen, is a good thing too, because yu have to talk to Him before,” he added.

 

Five dead in Linstead mass shooting, including four-year-old

A quiet Sunday evening in the community of Commodore, Linstead, was shattered by gunfire when armed men, posing as police officers, attacked a family yard late Sunday, leaving five people dead and four others injured. Among the dead is a four-year-old child.

The shooting occurred around 8:45 p.m. along Commodore main road when several men, some reportedly wearing police-style vests, entered the premises and opened fire on the occupants.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Christopher Phillips, who heads Area 5, described the attack as “very unfortunate and awful,” noting that Linstead had been relatively calm before the tragedy.

“Nine persons were shot, five persons have so far been confirmed dead,” ACP Phillips told Observer Online. “We are here trying to put together the pieces to determine what really triggered such an awful situation. The community of Linstead has been doing pretty well since this year.”

The deceased have been identified as four-year-old Shannon Gordon, a student of Rosemount Primary and Infant School; Mario Sullivan, 42, of Rosemount District; Jushane Edwards, 19, of Rosemount District; Iysha Washington, 39, a vendor of Rosemount District; and Famous Amos, 22, a security guard of Commodore District.

Police confirmed that six males and three females were shot in the attack; two females and three males succumbed to their injuries.

ACP Phillips said the location was known to the police, having been visited on several occasions due to “long-standing issues and challenges” involving the family.

“The indicators so far are suggesting that this might be a continuation of gang conflict, which comes as a surprise to us because this area has been quiet for a while,” he said. “Unfortunately among the numbers we have a four-year-old who was brutally killed… the community is in shock.”

Senior investigators and multiple police units were deployed to the scene as authorities worked to track down those responsible.

Phillips noted that prior to Sunday night’s attack, the Linstead area had recorded only eight murders this year, compared to more than 20 during the same period in 2024.

“Linstead was doing pretty well and so this really comes as a shocker to us,” he said.

Investigations are ongoing.

Bayfront Park named official site for FIFA Fan Festival Miami

best of the best Bayfront Park
Bayfront Park, Miami

The FIFA World Cup 26 Miami Host Committee has announced that Bayfront Park will serve as the official site of the FIFA Fan Festival Miami — a free, family-friendly celebration of the tournament set to bring fans together in the heart of Downtown Miami.

For 23 days, the waterfront park will transform into a vibrant hub featuring 88 live match broadcasts, concerts, cultural performances across three stages, local food and beverage offerings, games, and immersive fan activations.

“Bayfront Park is where Miami gathers, and there’s no better stage for the world’s game,” said Rodney Barreto, Co-Chair of the FIFA World Cup 26 Miami Host Committee. “The FIFA Fan Festival will showcase our city’s energy and hospitality—inviting fans from every neighborhood and every nation to celebrate together throughout the tournament.”

Set against the city’s iconic skyline, the festival is designed to accommodate up to 30,000 fans daily and will deliver more than 690 hours of live entertainment, featuring around 1,000 performers and brand activations. Over the 23-day celebration, fans can expect hundreds of hours of live match coverage, interactive experiences, and community-driven programming supported by thousands of volunteers and robust safety operations.

Additional details on entertainment lineups, daily schedules, and programming will be shared in the coming months on the Host Committee’s official channels.

Sangster International Airport named Caribbean’s leading airport for 17th straight year

Donald Sangster International Airport, Jamaica
Donald Sangster International Airport.

Sangster International Airport (SIA) has been named the Caribbean’s Leading Airport 2025 by the World Travel Awards (WTA), achieving the title for a record 17th consecutive year. The announcement was made during the WTA Caribbean & North America Gala Ceremony 2025, held on Saturday at the Sandals Grande Saint Lucian Resort in St. Lucia.

The recognition reinforces SIA’s standing as the region’s premier aviation gateway and highlights Jamaica’s continued leadership in travel and tourism. For Shane Munroe, Chief Executive Officer of MBJ Airports Limited (MBJ), which operates the airport, the award reflects the dedication of everyone involved.

“We are deeply honoured to receive this recognition for the 17th consecutive year,” said Munroe, who dedicated the win to the MBJ team, the wider SIA community, and all stakeholders. “This achievement is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our over 7,500 exceptional team members and partners who work tirelessly every day to create memorable experiences for every traveller who passes through our gates. We remain committed to continuing to serve with passion and humility, continuously innovating, and raising the bar for airport operations in the Caribbean and beyond.”

Continuous Investment in Excellence

Sangster International Airport serves as Jamaica’s main tourism gateway, handling more than 70 percent of the island’s air travellers. The award comes as MBJ continues to invest heavily in infrastructure, passenger experience enhancements, sustainability initiatives, and technological innovations.

Recent developments include expanded terminal facilities, improved passenger flow systems, and a new dedicated Air-Sea lounge to better accommodate cruise passengers. The airport is also advancing its digital transformation, with full biometric integration already implemented in arrivals and set to extend to departures. A self-bag drop system is expected to be piloted later this year.

Looking ahead, Munroe said the focus remains on balancing growth with superior customer experience. Planned upgrades include expanding the check-in area, parking facilities, Immigration Hall, and the East Concourse.

“The airport is an integral part of the visitor experience,” Munroe stated. “We are both the first and last impression visitors have of Jamaica—welcoming them upon arrival and providing their final taste of our renowned hospitality at departure. This understanding drives our commitment to excelling across all touchpoints, from our amenities and facilities to our service delivery. This recognition, for the 18th time [17th consecutive win], further inspires us to raise the bar even higher as we continue our journey of transformation and service excellence.”

Sharon Hislop-Holt, Manager of Commercial Business Development and Marketing, emphasized the teamwork behind the airport’s success. “This remarkable achievement reflects the incredible support and partnership we enjoy with our stakeholders, airline partners, and the wider airport community. Every award we receive is shared with those who believe in our vision and work alongside us to deliver the exceptional Jamaican hospitality that our visitors have come to expect,” she said.

Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards are recognized globally as the benchmark for excellence in the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries. Winners from the Caribbean & North America Gala Ceremony will advance to compete in the World Travel Awards Grand Final later this year.

IMA Grenada opens new headquarters at Galleria Mall

IMA Grenada

The Investment Migration Agency (IMA) Grenada has officially opened its new headquarters at the Galleria Mall in Grand Anse, marking a major step forward in its growth and operations.

The opening ceremony, held on-site, brought together government officials, industry professionals, and other stakeholders. The move, according to the Agency, reflects both physical and organizational expansion to meet the rising demands of the global investment migration sector.

From accommodating high-level international officials and investors to engaging global service providers, the Agency’s previous space could no longer support its growing activity. IMA Grenada CEO Thomas Anthony said the new office was a necessary and strategic upgrade.

“We now have an office space befitting of the work that we do and the contribution we make to the economy and nation building,” said Mr. Anthony. “This is not just an upgrade in location, it’s a strategic response to the level of traffic we experience and the professional expectations of those we serve.”

Located in one of Grenada’s most accessible commercial hubs, the new facility is designed to meet international standards with upgraded meeting spaces, improved security, and a layout that supports both in-person and virtual engagements.

“IMA Grenada continues to grow from strength to strength,” said Prime Minister Mitchell. “The establishment of this new office, along with continued staff recruitment and institutional development, signals the Agency’s growing importance within the broader landscape of public services delivered by the state of Grenada.”

The event concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Prime Minister Mitchell and Richard Duncan, Chairman of the Grenada Citizenship by Investment Committee, officially inaugurating the new office and ushering in what many described as a new era for the Agency.

Steps to file a car accident lawsuit in 2025

lawyer

In the aftermath of a car accident, taking the right legal steps can be the difference between receiving fair compensation and facing financial setbacks. The process can be complex due to the evolving nature of legal standards, so understanding each stage is crucial. Whether you’re unsure where to begin or want to maximize your chances of success, following a clear set of procedures is essential.

The right guidance can help you avoid pitfalls, streamline the claims process, and ensure your rights are protected from the start. For those seeking trusted legal assistance, this Car accident law firm in Memphis, TN is experienced in handling car accident cases with diligence and care.

Every action you take immediately after a crash—securing medical care, reporting the incident, and collecting evidence—plays a critical role in building your case. Filing a car accident lawsuit in 2025 demands attention to recent legal updates, digital evidence preservation, and careful negotiations with insurance companies.

This step-by-step guide outlines what you need to know, from the moments following a collision to what happens should your case go to trial. It highlights why legal representation remains so vital in securing your financial and physical recovery.

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Your health and safety always come first after any accident. Even if you feel uninjured, it is imperative to be evaluated by a medical professional. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent and could worsen without prompt treatment. Medical records linking your injuries to the accident also form crucial evidence for any legal claim, helping establish causation and potential damages.

Report the Accident to Authorities

Contact law enforcement as soon as possible so an official report can be generated. This unbiased account will document the scene, record statements, outline road and weather conditions, and note any traffic law violations. A police report is a foundation for insurance claims and litigation, underpinning your narrative and supporting your version of events.

Gather and Preserve Evidence

Act quickly to secure evidence before it disappears or deteriorates. Begin by taking comprehensive photographs: include damage to vehicles, road debris, skid marks, traffic signals, and any visible injuries. Collect witness statements and their contact information for later follow-up by your attorney. If available, secure copies of dashcam or surveillance footage, and preserve all relevant digital evidence. Staying organized with this documentation can strengthen your position should you need to go to court.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Your insurance provider needs to be informed of the collision promptly, in adherence with your policy guidelines. When reporting, stick to a clear factual account, avoid making speculative statements, and never admit fault. Early notification allows for proper claims processing, avoids issues of late notice, and prepares your insurer to respond to any potential legal action from the other party.

Consult a Personal Injury Attorney

Before moving further with the claim, discuss your case with a personal injury attorney. Legal professionals can evaluate your claim, provide insight into case value, and advise on the documentation required. Most attorneys in this field operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only collect fees if you receive compensation. An experienced car accident lawyer will also negotiate with insurance carriers, file court paperwork, and represent your interests through discovery, settlement, or trial.

Understand the Statute of Limitations

Every state enforces statutes of limitations that specify deadlines by which personal injury lawsuits must be filed. For instance, New York generally allows three years from the accident date to initiate a claim. Missing this deadline means forfeiting your right to seek legal recourse. Your attorney can clarify the statute in your state and ensure your lawsuit is filed on time. See the Forbes Advisor guide for a detailed state-by-state guide.

Even strong evidence or clear responsibility won’t matter if the deadline has passed. That’s why reaching out to a lawyer promptly after an accident is a critical step.

File the Legal Complaint

If early negotiations fail and an insurance settlement is not reached, your lawyer will draft and file a legal complaint in civil court. This formal document lays out your allegations, names the party you deem responsible, and specifies the compensation you’re seeking. Following the complaint, the court will issue a summons requiring the defendant to respond.

Engage in the Discovery Process

Discovery is the fact-finding phase where both sides share and scrutinize relevant evidence. This stage includes depositions (formal interviews under oath), interrogatories (written queries exchanged by legal teams), and requests for document production. Effective discovery helps clarify the facts, strengthens bargaining positions, and often prompts parties to settle before trial.

Consider Settlement or Proceed to Trial

Many lawsuits are resolved via settlement, where both parties agree to compensation outside of court, which avoids the uncertainty and expense of a trial. Your attorney will negotiate for a fair settlement; if one cannot be reached, the case will go before a judge or jury, who will determine liability and damages based on the evidence.

Stay Informed About Legal Changes

Laws and court procedures change frequently, impacting both the claims process and the types of evidence required. For example, recent legal reforms in Texas have altered the standards for admissible medical evidence, meaning more detailed documentation and potentially expert testimony are required to establish injury claims. Staying current on such shifts—and ensuring your case complies with them—prevents unnecessary setbacks.

Successfully filing a car accident lawsuit in 2025 requires immediate action, careful evidence handling, knowledge of legal deadlines, and experienced legal guidance. By following these structured steps, you can protect your right to compensation and navigate the complexities of the modern legal environment with confidence.

 

 

Funeral set for former Miss Jamaica Universe contestant Tyra Spaulding

Tyra Spaulding

The life of former Miss Jamaica Universe contestant Tyra Spaulding will be celebrated on Saturday, October 25, in Jamaica. Spaulding tragically died by suicide on September 23. Her lifeless body was found hanging in her apartment in Kingston. She was just 26 years old.

Spaulding’s death, which was covered internationally by People’s Magazine in the United States, NDTV (Indian news network), Vibe Magazine (U.S. entertainment & culture magazine), Black Enterprise, US Weekly, and Yahoo News, has sparked conversations about suicide in Jamaica and the diaspora.

“This conversation needs to continue to increase all Jamaicans’ awareness that we are all vulnerable,” New York-based Vassell George O’Gilvie, Psychotherapist and NYCPG-approved clinician, told Caribbean National Weekly.

The 12-year-old Jamaican/Canadian singer Jazmin Headley, who has been capturing attention with her powerful voice – most recently in a song featuring Richie Stephens and Bounty Killer – her acting skills and maturity will deliver a heartfelt tribute to Tyra at the funeral.

“My hope is to bring some comfort to the family through music, which has the power to heal. I may be just 12 years old, but I understand the importance of celebrating Tyra’s life,” Headley shared.

O’Gilvie informed that the World Health Organization (WHO) has determined that death by suicide is the third leading cause of death amongst 15-29 year olds in 2021.

“More than 720,000 people die due to suicide every year. Seventy-three per cent of global suicides occur in low- and middle-income countries, and the reasons are multifactorial, social, cultural, biological, psychological, and environmental factors present across the lifespan.”

On September 28, 2025, the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) published data regarding death by suicide in Jamaica over the last six years: 2019 – 58 deaths; 2020 – 43; 2021 – 50; 2022 – 63; 2023 – 66; 2024 – 67, and up to September 2025 – 44.

There were eight deaths by suicide in July 2025 alone. The JCF said this represents an increase of 33% for that month in 2024. August and September also had incremental increases of 20% and 25% respectively.

“Common factors that can cause suicide include depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, and other mental health disorders, ” O’Gilvie shared. “These mental health issues can distort someone’s thinking and make them feel vulnerable, hopeless, and out of sorts. Some other pertinent factors are life stressors and crises, job losses, termination of a relationship, or other breakups that might cause partners to feel abandonment. Financial burden can trigger these unhealthy feelings and subsequent behaviors.”

O’Gilvie informed that social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram are ways that those at risk of committing suicide typically cry out for help.

“The public needs to increase their awareness of these social media platforms to get people help when this is viewed,” he reiterated.

“Suicide is a serious public health problem that requires a public health response. The government of Jamaica must consider this a serious health threat. They can then prioritize access to treatment in order for their citizens,” he noted.

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