Couples Resorts has launched the Couples Resorts Community Disaster Relief Fund to support employees and the surrounding communities impacted by Hurricane Melissa. Though the company’s properties sustained minimal damage and will reopen on December 1, many staff members experienced severe personal losses. The fund, established through the Issa Trust Foundation, has already raised over US$300,000, including a US$100,000 contribution from the company.
The relief efforts provide housing assistance, care packages, and wages for displaced employees, along with rebuilding support. Donations to the fund will directly aid recovery, with all contributions going toward assisting affected families.
While recovery efforts in Jamaica have focused on the western parishes, communities in southern Trelawny, including Lowe River, Wait-A-Bit, Stettin, and Ulster Spring, feel neglected after Hurricane Melissa. Residents report severe crop losses and property damage, with little aid reaching their areas despite the storm's destructive impact.
Farmers and families face ongoing challenges, from landslides and downed power lines to blocked roads. Though they’ve begun clearing debris and salvaging what they can, the economic toll is significant, with farming livelihoods at risk. As national relief efforts continue, residents hope for timely support to rebuild their homes and livelihoods.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness has committed to ensuring every Jamaican who died as a result of Hurricane Melissa is properly accounted for, even if it requires exhuming bodies. During a House of Representatives session, he emphasized the importance of accurately determining the death toll, acknowledging that some victims had already been buried by residents. Holness assured the public that forensic teams would work to identify the deceased and determine the cause of death.
He responded to concerns raised by Dr. Dayton Campbell, representing Westmoreland Eastern, where most deaths occurred. Holness also warned that the official death count could increase as recovery efforts continue across the affected areas.
The Guyana government will introduce new financial measures to support the fishing industry, including a GUY$150,000 (US$600) cash grant for every registered fisherfolk. President Irfaan Ali explained that the grant serves as both a subsidy and an incentive for those in the sector. Additionally, taxes on key fishing materials, like fuel and seines, will be removed to lower operational costs.
This initiative expands on previous support, such as over GUY$1.1 billion in grants distributed to fisherfolk in 2022. Ali emphasized that the government’s broader strategy focuses on empowering various groups, including the elderly, small businesses, and farmers.
Ronald Venetiaan, former president of Suriname and a highly regarded political figure, passed away on November 5 at 89. President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons paid tribute to him, highlighting his dedicated service to the country, particularly in education, democracy, and governance. Former president Chan Santokhi remembered him as an exceptional statesman whose loss is deeply felt.
Venetiaan, born in Paramaribo in 1936, studied mathematics in the Netherlands before returning to Suriname. After several terms as president, he retired in 2013, leaving behind a legacy of political and educational contributions. He is survived by his family.
The Grenadian Parliament has approved an amendment to the 1966 Marriage Act, raising the legal marriage age from 16 to 18, even with parental consent. Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell explained that this change aims to enhance child protection and align the country’s laws with contemporary child welfare standards.
Mitchell emphasized that the revision prevents vulnerable children from being married off by their parents and aligns with other national laws, such as the 2011 Age of Civil Responsibility Act. He also addressed concerns over a separate bill related to minors’ access to healthcare, stressing that it intends to provide medical access, not promote sexual activity.
The government of Antigua and Barbuda has rejected an online report claiming that Canada issued a heightened travel advisory for the country. Sir Ronald Sanders, Antigua and Barbuda’s non-resident High Commissioner to Canada, stated that the country’s official advisory from Canada remains at “Take normal security precautions,” the lowest level.
He emphasized that Antigua and Barbuda is a peaceful, politically stable nation with low crime rates and a reputation for safety. Sir Ronald also urged the publication to correct the misleading report and properly reference official Canadian sources, reaffirming that Antigua and Barbuda continues to be a safe destination for visitors.
Haiti's Transitional Presidential Council (TPC) is urging the international community to urgently support efforts to restore security in the country, which is facing widespread gang control in Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas. TPC President Laurent Saint-Cyr called for contributions to the Gang Suppression Force (GSF), approved by the UN Security Council in September, emphasizing its swift activation as vital for restoring stability.
Saint-Cyr highlighted that security is essential for Haiti's social development, elections, and economic recovery. He also noted ongoing programs to reintegrate youth involved with armed groups. Despite recent disaster recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa, Saint-Cyr stressed the need for...
The Unity Labour Party (ULP) and the New Democratic Party (NDP) of St. Vincent and the Grenadines have signed the 2025 Code of Election Conduct ahead of the November 27 general election. The agreement, reaffirming both parties’ commitment to a peaceful and fair election campaign, was signed with the National Monitoring and Consultative Mechanism (NMCM) on Tuesday.
NMCM Coordinator Godfrey E. Samuel noted that this year's code is largely the same as the 2020 version, with minor grammatical updates and an added provision for police protection for the Leader of the Opposition. While both parties emphasized the importance of a peaceful election, the NDP also raised concerns over a scheduling conflict, alleging that the ULP had reserved the...
Trending content
-
-
Q
-
-
