Andrew Whyte, a 32-year-old LED technician from Mitchell Town, Clarendon, is urgently seeking public assistance to raise US$32,000 (approximately J$5 million) for a life-saving kidney transplant. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help cover the costs of his medical treatment. Whyte, who lives alone, is currently only able to work once or twice a week due to his debilitating symptoms, which include weakness, lightheadedness, and severe pain. His condition has worsened over the past two to three years, transitioning from hydronephrosis, a kidney infection, to complete kidney failure. Whyte now requires two weekly dialysis treatments, costing J$120,000 per month, which has placed a significant financial burden on him. Despite these challenges, he remains optimistic and encourages others to prioritize their health. ‘I would want everyone to pay keen attention to their health and get regular check-ups,’ he said. Those who wish to contribute to his GoFundMe campaign can do so via the provided link.
作者： admin
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Jamaica’s unemployment rate drops to 3.3 per cent in July 2025 — Statin Report
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Statistical Institute of Jamaica (Statin) unveiled encouraging data on Tuesday, revealing significant advancements in the nation’s labour market for July 2025. Compared to the same period in 2024, employment surged by 32,100 individuals, pushing the total employed labour force to 1,441,100. Notably, youth employment experienced a 7.2% rise, equating to 12,200 additional jobs. The wholesale and retail trade, along with motor vehicle and motorcycle repair sectors, emerged as the primary contributors to this growth. Simultaneously, underemployment—defined as part-time workers seeking more hours—declined by 5,400 to 25,400. Labour force participation also saw a notable uptick, increasing by 28,700 to 1,490,300, with males accounting for two-thirds of this rise. The overall participation rate stood at 69.1%, with males at 75.0% and females at 63.4%. Unemployment rates dropped from 3.6% in July 2024 to 3.3% in July 2025, driven largely by reductions among males and the prime working-age group (25-54 years). However, female unemployment saw a slight increase from 4.0% to 4.4%. Additionally, fewer individuals were outside the labour force, with the number decreasing from 694,200 to 665,500, particularly among males and prime working-age individuals. Statin emphasized that these findings underscore sustained positive momentum in Jamaica’s labour market, fostering economic stability and inclusive growth.
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White House says firings ‘imminent’ as plan to reopen govt collapses
The United States government shutdown intensified on Wednesday as congressional Democrats departed without resolving a funding impasse with President Donald Trump, while the White House hinted at potential mass layoffs in the public sector. The stalemate began after federal funding expired at midnight, forcing agencies to scale back operations. The White House issued warnings of “imminent” job cuts, heightening tensions. Senate Democrats, advocating for extended health care subsidies for low-income families, rejected a House-approved bill that would have temporarily reopened the government. With Senate voting adjourned until Friday, hopes for a swift resolution have dwindled. Approximately 750,000 federal employees face furloughs, a form of unpaid leave, while essential workers like military personnel and border agents may work without pay. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association raised concerns over air safety as over 2,300 members were sent home. This shutdown carries higher stakes than previous ones, as Trump pushes for hard-right policies, including significant government cuts and potential mass firings. White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt stated that the administration is identifying areas for layoffs. House Republicans passed a stop-gap funding measure to sustain federal operations through late November, but Senate Democrats refuse to support it without compromises on spending cuts, particularly in health care. Senate Republican leaders, needing eight Democratic votes to pass the bill, managed to sway three moderates in an initial vote but failed to secure additional support. Congress will not vote on Thursday due to the Jewish Yom Kippur holiday, but the Senate will reconvene on Friday, potentially working through the weekend. The House is not scheduled to return until next week.
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Buchanan’s bid to void St Andrew West Central election rejected
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Constituted Authority has dismissed a petition by Paul Buchanan, the defeated candidate in the St Andrew West Central constituency, seeking to nullify the results of the September 3 general election. Buchanan, representing the People’s National Party (PNP), lost to Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) leader and Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness, who secured 7,054 votes compared to Buchanan’s 4,953.
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World Championship medallist Stacey-Ann Williams gets grand welcome home
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Stacey-Ann Williams, the World Championship silver medallist, was warmly celebrated upon her return to Jamaica. The elite jewellery company Artwell and Co. hosted a special event to honor her remarkable achievements in athletics. Williams, who was part of the quartet that secured silver in the 4x400m relay at the 2025 World Athletics Championships, was presented with a custom gold and diamond pendant during the ceremony. Her boyfriend, Olympic bronze medallist Rasheed Broadbell, joined her in this moment of recognition. Andre Artwell, director of Artwell and Co., emphasized the importance of celebrating Jamaica’s talented individuals, stating, ‘Jamaica is blessed with colourful and talented people who often don’t get their flowers while they are alive. I want to be an agent of change in that regard. Stacey has done so much for Brand Jamaica, so I definitely think she truly deserves to be honoured. This is just Artwell and Co’s way of saying thank you, we are proud of you.’ Williams expressed her gratitude for the love and recognition she received, sharing the special moment with Broadbell, who is also an accomplished athlete in the sprint hurdle event.
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Post-election training for MPs
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a bid to enhance legislative efficiency and governance, Members of Parliament (MPs) in Jamaica are set to participate in a comprehensive post-election training programme. This initiative, organized by the Houses of Parliament in collaboration with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), aims to equip both newly elected and returning MPs with essential skills and knowledge to fulfill their constitutional and parliamentary roles effectively.
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Mariah Carey says music video coming for Sugar Sweet featuring Shenseea, Kehlani
Grammy-winning artist Mariah Carey has announced that she is currently in the process of creating a music video for her hit single, ‘Sugar Sweet,’ which features collaborations with Kehlani and Jamaican dancehall sensation Shenseea. During a recent appearance on the podcast ‘Baby, This is Keke Palmer,’ Carey shared insights into the creative process and the challenges of coordinating schedules for the project.
Carey expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, ‘It was good, I mean we’re still trying to get all together in one place at the right time…We’re all trying to come together and make it work, but we got them on the records.’ She further revealed, ‘We’re making a little video,’ hinting at the upcoming visual treat for fans.
The release of Carey’s latest album, ‘Here For It All,’ sparked some controversy when rumors circulated that Shenseea and Kehlani had been quietly removed from the ‘Sugar Sweet’ track. Fans speculated about the reasons behind the alleged change, leading to widespread discussion. However, it has since been clarified that the collaboration remains intact on the digital versions of the album. Carey did release a solo version of ‘Sugar Sweet’ on the physical album, but the original track featuring the guest artists is still available for streaming and download.
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World-renowned chimpanzee expert Jane Goodall dies at 91
WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — Jane Goodall, the British primatologist whose groundbreaking work with chimpanzees revolutionized wildlife research and conservation, has died at the age of 91. Her passing was announced by the Jane Goodall Institute on Wednesday via an Instagram statement. Goodall, who was on a speaking tour in the United States, passed away peacefully in her sleep in Los Angeles.
Goodall’s legacy is one of profound transformation in the understanding of chimpanzees and their behavior. Her most notable discovery was the use of tools by chimpanzees, a revelation that redefined the boundaries between humans and animals. Born in London on April 3, 1934, Goodall’s fascination with animals began in childhood, nurtured by her father’s gift of a stuffed toy chimpanzee. Her passion led her to Kenya in 1957, where she worked with renowned palaeoanthropologist Louis Leakey, who later sent her to study chimpanzees in Tanzania.
Her work at Gombe National Park not only advanced scientific knowledge but also positioned Tanzania as a global leader in chimpanzee conservation. Goodall’s findings challenged the notion that chimpanzees were inherently peaceful, revealing their capacity for violence, including infanticide and territorial wars.
In 1977, she founded the Jane Goodall Institute to further her research and conservation efforts. In 1991, she launched Roots & Shoots, a youth-led environmental program now active in over 60 countries. Her activism intensified in the 1980s after learning about the threats chimpanzees faced, including exploitation in medical research, hunting for bushmeat, and habitat destruction.
Goodall’s influence extended beyond science. She authored numerous books, appeared in documentaries, and received prestigious honors, including being named a Dame Commander by Britain and awarded the US Presidential Medal of Freedom. Her message of empowerment resonated globally, emphasizing the role of individuals in making a positive impact on the planet.
Tributes from conservationists, politicians, and entertainers poured in following her passing. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described her as a ‘Messenger of Peace,’ while Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan highlighted her pioneering contributions to wildlife conservation. Actress Jane Fonda, a fellow environmental activist, urged people to honor Goodall’s legacy by treating the earth and its beings with love and respect.
Goodall’s life was marked by resilience and dedication. She married twice, first to Dutch nobleman and wildlife photographer Baron Hugo van Lawick, with whom she had her only child, Hugo Eric Louis van Lawick. Her second marriage was to Tanzanian lawmaker Derek Bryceson, who later died of cancer.
Her final video, posted before her death, captured her enduring spirit. Clad in her trademark green, she greeted her audience with a chimpanzee call, a testament to her lifelong connection with the species she dedicated her life to understanding and protecting.
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Severe roof damage but no injuries in blaze at Manor Court Apartments — Beckford
KINGSTON, Jamaica — A fire that broke out at Manor Court Apartments on Constant Spring Road has been successfully extinguished by the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB). The incident, which caused significant damage to the roof of one apartment unit, was swiftly contained thanks to the rapid response of firefighters from Trench Town and Stony Hill stations. JFB spokesperson Steward Beckford confirmed to Observer Online that no injuries or fatalities were reported, emphasizing that the fire was confined to the roof area. While the exact cause of the blaze and the extent of the financial damage remain under investigation, the quick action of the JFB team prevented further escalation. Firefighters were seen atop the building, diligently working to douse the flames and secure the premises.
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Bogle’s Property Services marks five years of growth and community impact
Bogle’s Property Services Limited, a prominent player in Jamaica’s real estate sector, is commemorating its fifth anniversary with a series of events that highlight its legacy and dedication to community engagement. Established in 2020 by Nicholas Bogle and Tamara Grant-Bogle, the brokerage has evolved from modest beginnings into a reputable brand celebrated for its integrity, innovation, and client-centric approach. The anniversary celebrations, rooted in the company’s core values of faith, teamwork, and philanthropy, included a thanksgiving service at Grace Missionary Church, an awards ceremony at Hillside City Center, and a playful games night at their office. The week-long festivities concluded with a charitable donation of a playground to the Annie Dawson Home for Children, reflecting the company’s commitment to community upliftment. Founders Nicholas and Tamara Bogle expressed gratitude for the trust of clients and partners, emphasizing that their journey is not just about business success but also about building a lasting legacy of service and faith. Looking ahead, Bogle’s Property Services remains dedicated to delivering exceptional real estate solutions while fostering excellence in Jamaica’s property market.