Jamaica’s Health and Wellness Minister, Dr. Christopher Tufton, has been exonerated by the Integrity Commission (IC) regarding allegations of involvement in the awarding of a $15-million contract to the communications agency Market Me. The IC’s investigation, which spanned over five years, concluded that there was no evidence of direct involvement by Tufton in the procurement process. However, the commission noted that his introduction of Market Me to the ministry could have indirectly influenced the contract awards, totaling $78.5 million over four years. The IC also highlighted procurement irregularities, particularly the use of direct contracting methods, and recommended stricter adherence to procurement laws. Tufton expressed relief at the findings, stating that they vindicate his integrity and allow the public to understand the facts clearly. He also emphasized the success of the Jamaica Moves campaign, which aimed to reduce non-communicable diseases, and apologized for the reputational damage caused to non-political actors involved in the controversy. Market Me, in its response, affirmed its commitment to integrity and professionalism, expressing readiness to continue serving its clients.
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RED STICKER REALITY
In the aisles of supermarkets, bright red stickers promising ‘special offers,’ ‘value packs,’ and ‘buy one, get one free’ deals are a common sight. For many shoppers, these promotions are a welcome relief during tough economic times. However, a closer look reveals that not all deals are as they seem. A recent mini-poll conducted by the Jamaica Observer highlighted mixed experiences among consumers. While some shoppers found genuine value in these promotions, others encountered products nearing their expiry dates or even infested with bugs.
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Sandals to pay $42m for lands at Mt Wynne
Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has unveiled key details of a confidential agreement signed with Sandals Resorts International for the construction of a Beaches resort at Mt Wynne. The deal, finalized on Monday in Buccament Bay, includes stringent confidentiality clauses covering all past and future negotiations, with limited exceptions for managerial staff, contractors, and legal representatives. The government has committed to registering and disclosing investment incentives to Parliament, ensuring transparency. Sandals will invest EC$41.66 million in acquiring 51 acres of land, marking a significant financial commitment. The resort, designed as a 500-room, family-oriented, all-inclusive hotel, will require a $500 million investment, equating to $1 million per room. The agreement prioritizes local procurement of agricultural goods and seafood, with duty-free concessions for imports only when local products are unavailable or insufficient. Gonsalves emphasized the government’s streamlined work permit system and mandated that at least 50% of construction workers be Vincentians. The project is expected to create 1,700 jobs, with 70% reserved for locals, and will proceed in phases, beginning with 350 rooms. Gonsalves highlighted the broader economic benefits, including job creation, tourism growth, and VAT revenue, while addressing concerns about non-national workers by stressing the international nature of the resort and the Caribbean-wide employment opportunities it provides.
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Woman robbed of $10 at gunpoint in Green Bay
A harrowing incident unfolded in Green Bay early Friday morning when a woman was held at gunpoint and robbed of $10. The event occurred around 5 a.m. on George Street as the victim was returning home from a nearby club. According to the victim, the assailant, described as wearing a brown mask, dark long-sleeved shirt, blue cargo pants, and black boots, confronted her with a small black firearm. The robber swiftly took the money but fled the scene when a passing pedestrian startled him, providing the woman an opportunity to escape. Law enforcement officers promptly arrived, conducted a thorough search of the area, and interviewed several individuals. Despite their efforts, the suspect remains at large. Investigations are ongoing as authorities work to apprehend the perpetrator and ensure community safety.
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DLP’s Rosie Douglas lecture to host speaker Dr Ralph Gonsalves on 25th anniversary of his death
The Dominica Labour Party (DLP) is preparing to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the passing of Roosevelt ‘Rosie’ Douglas, the late Prime Minister of Dominica, with the annual Rosie Douglas Memorial Lecture. Scheduled for October 9, 2025, at the State House Conference Room, the event will feature Hon. Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, as the keynote speaker. Dr. Gonsalves, a close associate of Douglas, is expected to address pivotal themes that defined Douglas’s political career, such as regional unity, people-centered development, and strengthening ties between the Caribbean, Africa, and the global community. The DLP emphasized that the event is open to all who wish to honor Douglas’s enduring legacy, describing him as a visionary leader whose dedication to social justice and Caribbean unity left a profound impact on Dominica and the region. Douglas, who passed away on October 1, 2000, served as Prime Minister for only eight months following his election on January 31 of that year. The Memorial Lecture provides a platform to reflect on his contributions to nation-building and the empowerment of small states. The event will commence at 6:30 PM.
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Policeman charged with child rape
A 19-year-old police officer from Supenaam, Essequibo Coast, Guyana, has been formally charged with the rape of a 14-year-old girl. The accused, Erwin Gentle, was arrested on October 6, 2025, by an officer from the Gender-Based Violence Unit of the Guyana Police Force. The charge, which pertains to the rape of a child under the age of 16, was presented at the Friendship Magistrates’ Court before Magistrate Tameika Clarke. Gentle was not required to enter a plea and has been remanded to prison until his next court appearance on October 27, 2025. This case has drawn significant attention due to the involvement of a law enforcement officer in such a grave offense, raising concerns about accountability and the protection of minors within the community.
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Barbados Ambassador calls for end to alleged ‘Zone of Peace’ violations
In a passionate address during a ceremony marking the 49th anniversary of the Cubana Airliner tragedy and the third year of CARICOM-Cuba Day Against Terrorism, Barbados’ Ambassador to CARICOM, David Comissiong, called on the United States to dismantle its 63-year-old economic blockade against Cuba. He also denounced the US designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism as “fraudulent and ridiculous.” Speaking on behalf of the Barbados government and the broader Caribbean Community, Comissiong urged the US to terminate the blockade and remove Cuba from its terrorism list, emphasizing that the blockade has been repeatedly condemned by the United Nations. He highlighted the severe impact of the blockade on Cuba’s ability to engage in international trade, conduct financial operations, and secure essential goods for its citizens. Comissiong further argued that Cuba has been a victim of terrorism, citing 713 acts of terrorism, many of which were orchestrated from US soil. He also referenced the 2014 Zone of Peace Declaration, adopted by the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), which emphasizes non-intervention, sovereignty, and peaceful coexistence. Comissiong criticized recent US military actions in the Caribbean, particularly against Venezuela, as a violation of the Zone of Peace principles. He called on CARICOM governments to uphold these principles in the face of such interventions.
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OPINION: A Global Call, A National Duty: Advancing Mental Health in Antigua and Barbuda
In a groundbreaking address at the United Nations General Assembly, Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda has called for a global vision to address mental health, marking a pivotal moment for the nation and the Caribbean region. This bold declaration underscores the urgent need to confront mental illness, a crisis long marginalized in health and development agendas. As the founder of WISH – the Wadadli Initiative for Self-care and Healing – Chaneil Imhoff emphasizes that mental health is not merely a personal issue but a human rights, economic, and developmental imperative. The Prime Minister’s speech highlights the necessity of systemic change, starting with the modernization of outdated mental health legislation and the creation of a National Mental Health Plan. This plan aims to unify government, civil society, healthcare providers, and communities in a coordinated effort to tackle prevention, treatment, crisis response, and stigma reduction. Immediate interventions, such as establishing a national suicide hotline and expanding community-based support programs, are critical. WISH is committed to fostering safe spaces and normalizing mental health conversations through digital platforms and school engagement. However, systemic transformation requires collective action from policymakers, professionals, educators, and faith leaders. By acting decisively, Antigua and Barbuda can not only enhance the well-being of its citizens but also inspire global leadership in mental health reform. Mental wellness must become a lived reality, ensuring dignity, choice, and access to care for all.
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Dominica and Barbados Sign Landmark Tourism Partnership
In a groundbreaking move to enhance Caribbean tourism, Dominica and Barbados have inked a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on promoting multi-destination travel experiences. The agreement, signed on October 1 at the Hilton Barbados Resort during the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC), marks a pivotal step in strengthening regional ties and offering enriched travel packages to global visitors. The Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) and the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) spearheaded the initiative, aiming to leverage their unique attractions—Dominica as the ‘Nature Isle’ and Barbados as the ‘Gem of the Caribbean’—to attract a broader audience. The MOU establishes a framework for joint marketing, knowledge exchange, and sustainable tourism development, focusing on eco-tourism, adventure, and wellness offerings. Key areas of collaboration include curating multi-destination packages, enhancing air and cruise connectivity, and coordinating media campaigns to elevate both destinations globally. The partnership also emphasizes sustainable practices to benefit local communities and the environment. Executives from both nations, including Marva Williams of DDA and Andrea Franklin of BTMI, highlighted the mutual benefits of the alliance, stressing the importance of regional unity and creative collaboration. The agreement is expected to boost economic opportunities, improve air access, and foster cross-industry synergies, such as manufacturing, beyond tourism. A joint working group will oversee the MOU’s implementation, with biannual reviews to ensure its success. This historic partnership sets a precedent for future collaborations among Caribbean nations, aiming to position the region as a premier multi-destination hub for global travellers.
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Dominica Football Association announces selection of the Senior Men’s Football National Team
In preparation for the upcoming international matches scheduled for November and March, the Technical Staff of the Senior Men’s National Team has unveiled a roster of 36 local players. The selected athletes hail from various clubs across the region, including Dublanc FC, We United FC, Roosevelt Skerrit Bombers FC, Mahaut FC, Pointe Michel FC, Harlem United FC, East Central FC, South East FC, and St. Joseph FC. Among the notable names are Jerome Burkard, Jaheem Cuffy, Briel Thomas, Marcus Bredas, and Jervanie Xavier, alongside emerging talents such as Cobin Paul, Travist Joseph, and Savio Anselm. Training sessions commenced on Monday, October 6, 2025, at the Stockfarm Technical Centre, marking the beginning of an intensive preparation phase. This initiative underscores the team’s commitment to leveraging homegrown talent and fostering a competitive edge on the international stage. The diverse pool of players reflects a strategic blend of experience and youthful vigor, aiming to deliver a robust performance in the forthcoming fixtures.