The Walt Disney Company has committed $1 million to support relief efforts in Jamaica after the devastation from Hurricane Melissa. The funds will assist both company employees and the broader community. The donation will be channeled through nonprofit partners, including UNICEF USA, World Central Kitchen, and Good360.
This aid will help provide emergency supplies, food, and shelter to families rebuilding from the storm. Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, stated that his heart goes out to the people of Jamaica, including the company's employees who live on the island. Disney Cruise Line, which has operated a port in Jamaica for over a decade, is also coordinating local support.
The Haitian government and its international partners have revised a crisis recovery plan to address the country's security situation. The updated Rapid Impact Assessment of the Crisis, or RCIA, was developed with the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, the European Union, and the United Nations. The plan, first valued at US$1.6 billion in December 2024, now estimates a need of US$644 million for 2026–2027.
This revision leaves a funding gap of approximately US$364 million. World Bank Country Manager Anne-Lucie Lefebvre stated that strong donor coordination is essential. The updated RCIA focuses on the Port-au-Prince metropolitan region, prioritizing economic recovery, infrastructure, social services, and the rule of law...
Rising floodwaters have submerged parts of Williamsfield, threatening homes along the Content main road. The unusual flooding, which started after Hurricane Melissa, is linked to the area's high-altitude limestone terrain. The Water Resources Authority's Geoffrey Marshall confirmed water has reached historic depths of up to 14 feet, reflecting a rapid rise since monitoring began.
Councillor Mario Mitchell stated that affected residents were evacuated over a week ago. The main road is barricaded, with motorists directed to use the Winston Jones Highway and Kendal. Mitchell, who noted the flooding is worse than in 1977 or 2002, is discouraging onlookers from visiting the unpredictable site. Resident Oswald McFarlene described the...
Electrical service has been restored by the Jamaica Public Service to areas of Ocho Rios, preceding the scheduled arrival of cruise ships. This marks the resumption of major tourism activity since Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, hit the island on October 28. The storm resulted in 32 deaths and caused massive financial losses across the tourism belt.
Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness estimated the damages between US$6 billion and US$7 billion, highlighting the need to restart commerce. The JPS confirmed 62 percent of its customers have power, while restoration continues at health facilities and National Water Commission sites.
Hotels are repairing damage and gradually reopening. Goldeneye and Jamaica Inn are welcoming guests...
Guyana's Ministry of Education will incorporate moral and civic education into the national school curriculum. The ministry is also implementing a new online platform for reporting bullying incidents. Education Minister Sonia Parag announced these initiatives during a national anti-bullying consultation, explaining they are part of a broader push to eliminate bullying and promote positive values.
Parag stated that the introduction of moral education is intended to foster empathy and responsibility in students. Separately, the new Management Information System Unit (MISU) platform will function as a secure digital tool. It will permit students, parents, and teachers to anonymously report instances of bullying or harassment, ensuring...
An internal commission within the Haitian National Police, or PNH, has identified widespread irregularities in 6,284 promotions granted between June 2024 and August 2025. Acting Commander-in-Chief Vladimir Paraison ordered the 14-month investigation. The final report was presented on November 8, 2025, by the commission chair, Inspector General Marie Elva Sinora Nassar Pierre.
The report concluded that the promotions violated established procedures and created institutional disorganization. This mirrors a previous situation from 2019 to 2020, which caused financial strain on the State. The commission identified the individuals who benefited from the unauthorized advancements. The report also includes recommendations to help PNH...
Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines confirmed he personally sent US$5,740, or EC$15,500, to 31 Vincentian students in Jamaica. The funds were provided as immediate relief following Hurricane Melissa. Gonsalves wired the money directly to the Vincentian Students Association, VINSA, last Friday morning. He explained that this bypassed a potential seven-day delay for government processing.
Gonsalves, speaking at a Unity Labour Party rally in Chateaubelair on Saturday, said the action was motivated by compassion. During his remarks, he criticized Opposition Leader Dr. Godwin Friday regarding a separate relief pledge from July for students affected by Hurricane Beryl. Friday later clarified that he...
An online cab driver detailed the events leading to the death of TikToker Cecilia Achieng, who was fatally struck by a vehicle. The driver, Patrick Muthami, said Achieng's friends had requested a ride to take her to Juja because she was reportedly intoxicated. Muthami recalled that Achieng soon became agitated and questioned where she was being taken, demanding to be let out.
Near the Ruiru flyover, Muthami claimed her agitation worsened, and she pulled his shirt from behind. He contacted the friend who booked the trip, but Achieng refused to speak with them. The driver said the friend then advised him to let her go. Achieng exited the cab and began walking along the highway path. She was hit by a vehicle shortly after. Achieng, known...
Gospel singer Betty Bayo, whose legal name was Beatrice Wairimu Mbugua, died on November 10 at Kenyatta National Hospital. Family spokespersons confirmed her death occurred at 1:03 p.m. She had been hospitalized for advanced-stage blood cancer. Doctors identified the illness as acute mild leukemia, which led to fatal complications, including excessive bleeding. Bayo was renowned for her influential song "Eleventh Hour."
President William Ruto paid tribute, calling her an extraordinary artist whose music offered hope to many. Family, friends, and fans gathered to view her remains, where her ex-husband, Pastor Victor Kanyari, was overcome with emotion. Kanyari, who shares two children with Bayo, stated her memory would live on. Her body...
