news and current affairs.
Indicted MP’s Lamborghini arrival enrages Guyana
Azruddin Mohamed took the parliamentary oath on Monday despite facing U.S. criminal charges and an active extradition case. The Guyanese businessman from the We Invest in Nationhood party arrived at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in a Lamborghini under federal investigation for potential tax violations. Mohamed used the Quran for his swearing-in ceremony as lawmakers convened for the 13th Parliament. His WIN party captured 16 of 29 opposition seats, positioning Mohamed to become Opposition Leader after administrative procedures conclude. Political observers note this marks the first occasion a U.S.-sanctioned and indicted individual has entered Guyana's National Assembly. Dr. Terrence Campbell from the APNU parliamentary team...
Westmoreland crushed, despair grows as aid lags
Reverend Canon Hartley Perrin described catastrophic conditions across Westmoreland parish after Hurricane Melissa destroyed communities and left residents without shelter or necessities. The Custos of Westmoreland and Rector of St. Peter's Anglican Church in Petersfield told radio audiences that every tree has fallen, homes have been flattened to scattered lumber, and utility infrastructure lies in ruins. At least five deaths occurred in Petersfield alone from falling trees, flying metal sheets, drowning, and trauma, with bodies remaining for days before transport to morgues became possible. Dead livestock now creates an overpowering stench throughout affected areas. The 1843 St. Peter's Anglican Church lost its entire roof and all...
Reggae stars rally as Jamaica begs for relief
Jamaica will receive support through a five-concert fundraising initiative following the destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa. Culture Minister Olivia Grange announced the I Love Jamaica series will showcase leading reggae performers and musicians, with all revenue supporting national reconstruction programs. The opening performance takes place at National Stadium Car Park in Kingston on Nov. 14, 2025, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Officials are finalizing arrangements for additional shows in London, New York, Toronto and South Florida. Grange said the country faces difficult recovery work ahead but expressed confidence that cooperation and assistance will help communities rebuild after the storm killed residents and destroyed numerous...
UN rushes aid to Jamaica as storm misery deepens
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres reached out to Jamaica's government as the nation deals with catastrophic damage from Hurricane Melissa. Guterres spoke with Prime Minister Andrew Holness by phone to express concern about the Category Five storm that caused widespread devastation and loss of life across the Caribbean island. The UN leader stressed that international cooperation and substantial financial backing are necessary to tackle the extensive destruction. Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher approved $4 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund to support rapid humanitarian action in Jamaica. The allocation will help UN agencies and partner organizations deliver vital aid supplies, establish emergency...
CARICOM praises Dominica, but critics scoff at the hype
CARICOM Secretary-General Carla Barnett praised Dominica as the Caribbean nation marked 47 years since gaining independence from Britain. Barnett sent an official letter to Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit recognizing the island's dedication to development goals and regional cooperation efforts. Barnett highlighted Dominica's role in advancing labor mobility across CARICOM member states. The secretary-general noted that the country took a major step by implementing complete freedom of movement starting Oct. 1, 2025. She described this action as a significant achievement toward Caribbean integration goals. Barnett said Dominica has shown strong leadership through its responsibility for labor issues and the movement of skilled workers...
Hanover left shattered, residents beg for help
Survivors across Hanover are sharing stories of devastation and perseverance after Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica as a Category Five storm on October 28. The powerful weather system destroyed countless structures, ripped trees from the ground and shut down electrical grids, water systems and telecommunications throughout several parishes. Tyrese McGregor watched his roof tear away during the storm, with metal sheets soaring through the air above him. He fled to a friend's residence for safety and described the ordeal as deeply distressing. Access to potable water continues to pose serious challenges for community members. Lacy Daley evacuated nine family members to a concrete building nearby just before winds stripped the roofs from...
Desperate plea for blood as hospitals run dry
Jamaica's health authorities have issued an urgent appeal for blood donations as trauma cases surge in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. Health Minister Christopher Tufton announced the initiative during a government briefing on Saturday at ministry headquarters in New Kingston, explaining that the storm had disrupted normal collection and storage operations throughout multiple parishes. Tufton emphasized that emergency departments are treating numerous accident victims as residents attempt recovery efforts in damaged areas. The minister noted that medical facilities require adequate blood supplies and related materials to provide care for those injured during rescue and cleanup activities. He confirmed that officials have already...
Hurricane Melissa death toll soars to 32 in Jamaica
Jamaican authorities reported on Monday that Hurricane Melissa has claimed 32 lives in the country, with eight additional fatalities still under review. Education Minister Dana Morris Dixon delivered the updated figures during a government briefing at Jamaica House in Kingston, warning that the count will likely grow as investigators examine more reports from affected areas. The death toll has jumped significantly since October 30, when officials had confirmed 19 victims. Morris Dixon acknowledged the emotional weight of each addition to the list, expressing sympathy for grieving families throughout the nation. The minister emphasized that authorities will continue providing updates as new information becomes available. The powerful...
Mr. Vegas and Foota Hype trade vicious barbs online
Jamaican dancehall artists Mr. Vegas and Foota Hype have engaged in a heated public dispute over the government response to Hurricane Melissa. Mr. Vegas, a vocal Jamaica Labour Party supporter, defended Prime Minister Andrew Holness against critics and praised officials for establishing a disaster bond. He attacked political opponents for allegedly spreading false information and creating unrest, warning that Foota Hype would face consequences for his critical remarks. Foota Hype responded by questioning whether authorities have taken sufficient action beyond aerial surveys of affected areas. He called for extreme measures such as closing schools and workplaces while suggesting hotels could provide temporary housing for displaced...
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