作者: admin

  • Serena Williams crowns Fraser Pryce at ATHLOS event

    Serena Williams crowns Fraser Pryce at ATHLOS event

    In a momentous celebration of athletic excellence, Jamaican sprinting legend Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce was honored with a Tiffany crown by retired tennis icon Serena Williams at the ATHLOS event held at Icahn Stadium in New York on Friday. The ceremony highlighted Fraser Pryce’s extraordinary career, marked by unparalleled speed, dedication, and a lasting legacy in the world of track and field. The event, organized by ATHLOS, a platform founded by Williams’ husband Alexis Ohanian, brought together sports enthusiasts to celebrate the achievements of one of the greatest sprinters of all time. The announcement of Williams’ participation in the crowning ceremony was made during an interview with CBS Mornings on Thursday, adding to the anticipation and significance of the occasion. The ATHLOS event not only celebrated Fraser Pryce’s accomplishments but also underscored the camaraderie and mutual respect among elite athletes across different sports disciplines.

  • Streetlights brighten communities in Guy’s Hill

    Streetlights brighten communities in Guy’s Hill

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant move to bolster safety and security, 27 new streetlights have been installed across several communities in Guy’s Hill, St Catherine. The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, aims to enhance the national streetlight network over the next two years. Communities such as Meuse, Ragsville, Waterford, Bonnett, Burksville, Lime Hall, and Cheesefield are now benefiting from this project.

    This effort is part of a broader plan to install 22,800 streetlights nationwide, with each of the 228 municipal divisions receiving 50 lights annually. Portfolio Minister Desmond McKenzie emphasized the collaborative work with the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) Company, stating that requests for streetlights are being promptly addressed and implemented.

    Minister McKenzie also highlighted the importance of community involvement in protecting the newly installed lights, noting that the JPS has implemented strategies to deter theft. Residents like Llewellyn Francis, a small business owner from Bonnett, expressed their relief and increased sense of security, particularly when returning home at night.

    Danette Lewis, another resident, praised the initiative for eliminating dark spots and improving the neighborhood’s aesthetics and safety. Councillor Joseph Johnson, who played a pivotal role in advocating for the project, urged residents to take responsibility for safeguarding the lights, with hopes for further installations in the future.

    Community members and Members of Parliament can submit requests for additional streetlights to the ministry, ensuring that more areas can benefit from this safety-enhancing initiative.

  • Jamaica suffer shock defeat to Curacao in WCQ

    Jamaica suffer shock defeat to Curacao in WCQ

    Jamaica’s aspirations to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup suffered a significant setback after a 2-0 defeat to Curacao in their Concacaf Group B encounter at the Ergilio Hato Stadium in Willemstad on Friday. The match, coinciding with Curacao Day, a national holiday, saw the hosts capitalize on their limited opportunities to secure a crucial victory.

  • Psychiatrist says men do not have to suffer in silence

    Psychiatrist says men do not have to suffer in silence

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Societal stigma surrounding mental health issues often deters men from seeking timely help, leading to critical situations and, in some cases, tragic outcomes. Dr. Bridget Opiavbe, a consultant psychiatrist at Bellevue Hospital, is urging men to break the silence and prioritize their mental well-being. ‘Men typically exhibit poorer health-seeking behaviors, associating strength with self-reliance and emotional control. Admitting to mental health struggles is often perceived as a sign of weakness, causing them to delay seeking help until a crisis occurs,’ Dr. Opiavbe explained in an interview with JIS News on Thursday. She emphasized that seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a demonstration of wisdom. Dr. Opiavbe highlighted the role of societal labels in perpetuating this issue. Men expressing vulnerability are often labeled as ‘soft’ or ‘unstable,’ leading to feelings of shame and reluctance to seek support. However, she noted a positive shift in recent years, with more men acknowledging their mental health challenges and exploring ways to address them. Social media has played a pivotal role in this change, with prominent figures openly discussing their mental health struggles, helping to normalize the conversation. Dr. Opiavbe pointed out that men often mask their distress through behaviors traditionally associated with masculinity, such as anger, irritability, overworking, or substance abuse. These behaviors, she explained, often conceal deep emotional pain. She urged loved ones to recognize these signs and gently encourage men to seek help. ‘Early intervention is crucial. Waiting until a crisis occurs can have devastating consequences,’ she stressed. Globally, men die by suicide up to four times more frequently than women, with Jamaica reflecting a similar trend. Dr. Opiavbe called for increased mental health education and open conversations to destigmatize seeking help. ‘We are all vulnerable, and help is available. We don’t have to suffer in silence,’ she concluded. Jamaica is observing Mental Health Awareness Week from October 5 to 12, with World Mental Health Day being marked today.

  • Jamaica trail Curacao at half time

    Jamaica trail Curacao at half time

    In a tense World Cup qualification match held at the Ergilio Hato Stadium in Willemstad, Curacao, the Jamaican national football team, known as the ReggaeBoyz, found themselves trailing 1-0 at halftime against Curacao. The decisive moment came in the 14th minute when Livano Comenencia of Curacao unleashed a powerful shot from outside the penalty area, successfully bypassing Jamaican goalkeeper Andre Blake. This marked the first goal conceded by Jamaica in their third game of the Concacaf final round. Despite several attempts by Renaldo Cephas and Tyreece Campbell to equalize, Jamaica failed to level the score. Head coach Steve McClaren had implemented significant changes to the starting lineup, making six alterations from the team that secured victories against Bermuda and Trinidad and Tobago in the initial matches of the round.

  • 48-hour curfew extended in Linstead, St Catherine

    48-hour curfew extended in Linstead, St Catherine

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – Authorities in Jamaica have prolonged the 48-hour curfew initially enforced in specific areas of Linstead, St Catherine, on Wednesday, October 8. The extension, announced on Friday, October 10, will now remain effective until 6:00 pm on Sunday, October 12. The curfew spans three key zones: Commodore Linstead, Banbury Linstead, and Trinity Linstead, with clearly defined geographical boundaries. Residents within these areas are mandated to stay indoors unless granted explicit permission by the ground commander. The decision underscores ongoing security measures aimed at maintaining public order and safety in the region. The precise boundaries for each zone are as follows: Commodore Linstead stretches from the Linstead Bypass to Buena Vista Boulevard, Banbury Linstead extends from Tenn’s Bar and Grocery to Canal Road, and Trinity Linstead covers areas from Rodney Hall Road to King Street. This extension reflects the government’s commitment to addressing potential threats and ensuring the well-being of the community.

  • Progress on Noel Holmes Hospital operating theatre

    Progress on Noel Holmes Hospital operating theatre

    Jamaica’s healthcare infrastructure is set for significant improvements as the government moves forward with long-awaited projects, including a new operating theatre at the Noel Holmes Hospital in Hanover and upgrades to the Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital in Westmoreland. Regional Director for the Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA), St Andrade Sinclair, announced that the tender process for the operating theatre will commence this Saturday. The project, which has been in the pipeline for over a decade, aims to replace the hospital’s original theatre, which has been non-operational for nearly 30 years. Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton emphasized the government’s commitment to funding the initiative, which is expected to begin in 2024. In addition to the theatre, plans are underway to address overcrowding and space limitations at the Savanna-la-Mar Hospital through a $1-billion project to construct a new accident and emergency (A&E) department. The three-phase initiative will include a diagnostic area, laboratory, and expanded bed spaces. Minister Tufton also highlighted efforts to resolve a non-functioning sewage system installed in 2016, with procurement for a new contractor currently in progress. The government aims to finalize the contract by the end of the year, ensuring the hospital’s facilities are fully operational.

  • Forex: $161.62 to one US dollar

    Forex: $161.62 to one US dollar

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the latest financial update from the Bank of Jamaica, the US dollar demonstrated a slight uptick in its exchange rate against the Jamaican dollar on Friday, October 10, 2025. Closing at $161.62, the US currency marked an increase of nine cents from the previous trading session. This movement reflects ongoing fluctuations in the foreign exchange market, influenced by global economic trends and local financial policies. Concurrently, the Canadian dollar experienced a decline, settling at $115.47 after a drop from $116.10. Similarly, the British pound saw a minor decrease, ending the day at $216.26 compared to its previous close of $216.53. These shifts underscore the dynamic nature of currency markets and their responsiveness to international economic developments.

  • ‘Sugar daddy’ charged with killing lover and her family in Pennsylvania

    ‘Sugar daddy’ charged with killing lover and her family in Pennsylvania

    A 61-year-old man, Jose Luis Rodriguez, has been charged with the brutal murders of his lover, her husband, and their one-year-old son in Berks County, Pennsylvania. The victims, identified as 31-year-old Geraldina Peguero-Mancebo, her 33-year-old husband Junior Cabrera-Colon, and their infant son Jeydon, were killed in a series of violent acts that authorities have described as “heinous and calculated.”

    According to prosecutors, Rodriguez’s actions were driven by anger after Peguero-Mancebo refused to leave her marriage but continued to accept financial support from him. The tragedy unfolded when Rodriguez allegedly picked up Peguero-Mancebo while she was holding her baby, shot her in the back of the head, and then threw the child into a nearby pond, where he drowned. Later, Rodriguez reportedly met Cabrera-Colon and executed him in a similar manner, leaving his body in a separate location.

    The victims’ bodies were discovered days apart in Ontelaunee Township, just outside Reading. Rodriguez eventually confessed to parts of the crime, admitting to investigators that he was enraged by Peguero-Mancebo’s decision to remain with her husband. The couple, who shared three other children aged eight to 13, were described as victims of a deeply disturbing act of violence.

    Berks County District Attorney’s Office officials emphasized the severity of the crime, noting Rodriguez’s violent criminal history and stating that this incident was “by far the most disturbing act” they have encountered, particularly due to the murder of the innocent child. Rodriguez remains in custody and faces charges for one homicide, according to reports.

  • J’Adam Workshop creates safe space for men through dance

    J’Adam Workshop creates safe space for men through dance

    In a society where opportunities for male self-expression are often constrained, Jamaican dancer and educator Royane Green is pioneering a transformative initiative. Through the J’Adam Male Dance Workshop, Green is fostering a safe environment for men to explore creativity, build community, and address mental health challenges via the art of dance. Launched earlier this year, the workshop recently concluded its first summer session, blending modern dance training with discussions on mental and physical well-being. Green, a principal dancer with Movements Dance Company of Jamaica and an adjunct lecturer at Edna Manley College, drew inspiration from his mentor, Patrick Johnson, who exemplified strength and openness in male dance. The J’Adam initiative, rooted in Green’s faith and vision of a ‘new Jamaican man,’ encourages participants to embrace vulnerability, challenge societal norms, and find purpose through movement. In Jamaica, where male dancers often face stigma, Green’s workshop provides a rare space for men to express themselves freely. The program’s inclusivity was highlighted by the participation of Chris, a deaf dancer, who fully engaged in both artistic and mental health components. Green envisions J’Adam as a tool for social intervention, aiming to partner with organizations focused on crime prevention and empower men to find their voices. The workshop also opens doors to professional dance careers, challenging misconceptions about the viability of creative arts. Supported by the Honey Bun Foundation, Green plans to expand the program, incorporating diverse dance styles and reaching more young men. He invites all aspiring male dancers to join J’Adam, emphasizing the transformative power of dance in fostering emotional and psychological growth.