news and current affairs.
Trinidad prisons face a surge in drone smuggling, with over 600 detected
Acting Commissioner of Prisons Hayden Forde revealed that more than 600 drone drops have been detected across Trinidad’s prisons from April to October this year, with the majority occurring at the Maximum Security Prison in Arouca. Forde highlighted that drones are increasingly being used to smuggle contraband into the facility, posing a significant challenge for prison authorities. Between April 4 and October 4, 2025, officials recorded 626 drone sightings, with the majority occurring over the Maximum Security Prison. While some contraband has been intercepted, Forde admitted the prison system lacks the technology and resources to combat the issue effectively. He also acknowledged that several officers are complicit in the smuggling...
Dr. Joy Spence honored with JMEA Icon Award at gala
The ballroom of the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel gleamed with elegance on Saturday as Jamaica’s top manufacturers, exporters, and industry innovators gathered for the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA) Annual Awards Gala. Held in partnership with Victoria Mutual, the event, themed “Gems of the M.E.T – Bold Risk, Bright Innovations, Brilliant Growth,” celebrated the leaders and companies advancing the manufacturing, exporting, and technology sectors. Among the night’s most prestigious honors was the JMEA Icon Award, presented to Dr. Joy Spence, Master Blender at Appleton Estate, for her significant contributions to the rum industry and her role in elevating Jamaican products internationally. Dr. Spence, the first female...
St. Kitts and Nevis joins regional insurance program to protect farmers
The St. Kitts and Nevis government has welcomed the inclusion of the Federation in the Regional Economic Agri-Insurance Program (REAP), developed by Lynch Caribbean Brokers Ltd. The announcement was made during the 19th Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA 2025) in St. Kitts, with Agriculture Minister Samal Duggins calling it a vital step for national resilience and regional innovation. REAP, which launches soon, will offer a multi-peril insurance model for farmers and fishers, protecting them from risks like climate change, market volatility, and natural disasters. Unlike traditional insurance, REAP uses index-based data and satellite monitoring to trigger payouts once pre-defined thresholds are reached. The government will cover...
Haiti's violence crisis leaves thousands without healthcare, MSF reports
Haiti’s capital is facing escalating violence, with violent clashes between armed groups and police forces causing a surge in civilian casualties. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) reports a significant increase in patients arriving at its facilities, as nearly two in five Haitians urgently need medical care. However, 60 to 80 percent of health facilities in Port-au-Prince remain closed due to insecurity. Between January and June 2025, MSF treated 13,300 emergency patients and 2,267 victims of violence, including a growing number of minors. In addition, sexual violence has become a severe issue, with MSF assisting 2,600 victims during the same period. MSF’s trauma hospital in Tabarre has expanded by 50 percent to meet the rising demand...
Guyana opens $262 million Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge
Guyana commissioned the Chinese-funded $262 million Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge on Sunday, marking a major step in the country’s infrastructure development. President Irfaan Ali named the new east-west river crossing after Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, who first became president in 1999, recognizing his role in Guyana’s progress. Ali stated that the bridge will improve daily commutes, replace the aging floating bridge, and boost economic activity on both sides of the Demerara River. The structure, which connects Regions Three and Four, operates around the clock and features four lanes for vehicles and pedestrians. Constructed by China Railway Construction Corporation Limited, the bridge is built to last 100 years and meets...
Bahamas police seize $12.3 million in cocaine during weekend raids
Bahamas police seized $12.3 million worth of cocaine in two separate operations over the weekend. On Saturday, officers arrested two men on Cat Island after finding $7.8 million worth of cocaine. The men, aged 42 and 37, were detained after drug enforcement officers, the DEA, and local officers discovered 359 kilograms of cocaine in crocus sacks hidden in low-lying bushes. On Sunday, a search at a Grand Bahama shipping port led to the seizure of $4.5 million worth of cocaine, weighing 181 kilograms. No arrests were made in the second operation. Cocaine seizures in the region have risen sharply since 2021. Between 2017 and 2020, Bahamian police seized 2,461 pounds, compared to 13,479 pounds from 2021 to 2024. The US has expressed...
Argentina faces disaster as Milei’s economic policies unravel
Argentina is nearing bankruptcy, with its currency crashing and stock market sinking. The country faces a political and economic crisis, worsened by a significant loss for President Javier Milei in a key provincial election, which has shaken his domestic and international support. Milei’s policies, including drastic cuts and a pro-US stance, have worsened the situation. His promise of a libertarian miracle has failed, leaving millions in financial distress, with high unemployment, rising costs, and falling wages. Critics claim Milei's actions have led Argentina into a deeper crisis, rejecting potential alliances like BRICS in favor of a costly dependence on the US. The crisis goes beyond Milei's leadership, signaling a broader global...
James Comey pleads not guilty to charges over Russiagate
Former FBI Director James Comey pleaded not guilty to charges of making false statements to Congress and obstructing justice related to his role in the Russia investigation. His trial is set for January 5. The charges stem from Comey’s September 2020 testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee about the FBI’s "Crossfire Hurricane" investigation into Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign. This probe, along with a CIA report on Russian interference, fueled the Trump-Russia collusion claims. Comey’s defense attorney, Patrick Fitzgerald, entered the plea on his behalf during a brief court appearance in Alexandria, Virginia, on Wednesday. Fitzgerald plans to file motions to dismiss the case before jury selection. A White House investigation...
Cristiano Ronaldo becomes the first footballer to reach $1 billion
Cristiano Ronaldo has become the first footballer to join the ranks of billionaires, according to Bloomberg. The 40-year-old's net worth reached $1.4 billion, earning him a spot on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Ronaldo’s wealth surged after he signed a two-year, $400 million contract with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr. The Portuguese striker, who has played for top European clubs like Manchester United and Real Madrid, has won five UEFA Champions League titles and five Ballon d'Or awards. His move to Al-Nassr in 2023 increased his earnings to around $200 million annually, surpassing that of his rival, Lionel Messi. Ronaldo also generates income from endorsements with brands like Nike and Armani, and owns a large real estate portfolio.
Top