The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Wellness, is actively supporting individuals facing mental health challenges. Senior Superintendent of Police Dahlia Garrick, head of the Constabulary Communications Network (CCN), has urged the public to utilize these services, especially when encountering individuals displaying aggressive behavior or requiring urgent mental health treatment. This initiative aligns with Jamaica’s Mental Health Act, which empowers police officers to assist those exhibiting signs of mental illness. Under Section 15 of the Act, officers can take individuals in public spaces who appear mentally disordered to psychiatric facilities without a warrant, ensuring they receive timely care. Additionally, officers are required to submit a written report to the Mental Health Review Board within 30 days of such interventions. Garrick emphasized the importance of reducing stigma around mental illness, encouraging Jamaicans to support and refer individuals in need. She highlighted that police officers frequently encounter individuals with conditions like Alzheimer’s, dementia, and schizophrenia, often found wandering but non-aggressive. While most interactions are smooth, some cases have ended tragically, with 10 fatal shootings and 11 non-fatal encounters reported last year. Garrick stressed that excessive force is only used as a last resort to prevent greater harm. Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton acknowledged the collaboration between the JCF and community mental health officers, noting the challenges of reintegrating treated individuals into society without institutionalization. Dr. Kevin Goulbourne, Director of Mental Health and Substance Use, revealed plans to formalize protocols for police interactions with mentally ill individuals. The public is encouraged to contact the Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Helpline or the police for assistance in such cases.
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Chicken-and-egg situation
The relationship between marijuana use and mental health disorders, particularly schizophrenia, has been brought into sharp focus by Dr. Kristen Robinson-Barrett, a consultant psychiatrist and director of treatment services at Jamaica’s National Council on Drug Abuse (NCDA). According to Dr. Robinson-Barrett, marijuana can activate an individual’s genetic predisposition to schizophrenia, a condition that, once triggered, cannot be reversed. This revelation adds a sobering layer to the viral comment by Jamaican dancehall artist Pablo YG: “Yuh see weh yuh did do, cyaa rub out” (You see what you did, it can’t be undone).
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Greed on the Rocks
Little Dunn’s River, a public beach in Ocho Rios, St Ann, has once again become a hotspot for illegal profiteering, with individuals charging Jamaicans for access to what is supposed to be a free facility. Despite being officially open only on Sundays, the beach was found to be fully operational on a recent Wednesday visit by the Jamaica Observer. A self-proclaimed caretaker at a side entrance demanded $300 for entry, claiming the main gate was closed. This unauthorized fee was justified by the man, who asserted that he and his associates maintain the property, purchasing supplies and cleaning facilities. However, the beach is owned and managed by the Urban Development Corporation (UDC), making such charges illegal. This issue is not new; in 2022, the beach was shut down after a fatal shooting linked to a criminal network extorting visitors. Member of Parliament Matthew Samuda condemned the illegal activities, emphasizing that Little Dunn’s River is a free public beach under UDC supervision. He revealed that security measures have been initiated, including police involvement and arrests. Samuda also highlighted the government’s commitment to providing free beach access and shared that a $170-million upgrade plan for the beach is underway. While the beach is currently open only on weekends due to resource constraints, the government aims to balance accessibility and security. Samuda stressed that unscrupulous individuals blocking access will be forcefully removed, as they are not legitimate custodians but criminals. The issue has sparked protests, with advocacy groups demanding seven-day access and asserting historical rights to the land. The government’s beach access policy, nearing completion, seeks to address these concerns while ensuring public safety and enjoyment.
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‘WE LOST CONTROL’
In a critical match for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Jamaica’s national football team, the Reggae Boyz, suffered a 2-0 defeat against Curacao at the Ergilio Hato Stadium in Willemstad. This loss has complicated their path to qualification, with Curacao now leading Group B in the Concacaf World Cup Qualifiers. Despite a valiant effort, Jamaica’s Head Coach Steve McClaren acknowledged the challenges his team faced, particularly in the midfield, where Curacao dominated. Livano Comenencia and Kenji Gorre scored decisive goals in the 14th and 68th minutes, respectively, sealing Jamaica’s fate. McClaren emphasized that qualification was always going to be a tight race, urging his team to regroup and focus on their upcoming match against Bermuda. Jamaica’s position in the group has slipped to second place, with Curacao now holding a one-point advantage. The Reggae Boyz must secure victories in their remaining matches to keep their World Cup dreams alive, with the final group standings likely to be decided in November. McClaren remains optimistic, stressing the importance of resilience and preparation as the team navigates this crucial phase of the qualifiers.
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AyahsoWiDeh
Nestled along Jamaica’s north-eastern coast near the iconic Blue Lagoon and San San Beach in Portland, AyahsoWiDeh—a Jamaican patois phrase meaning ‘this is where we are’—stands as a testament to architectural brilliance and natural harmony. Originally designed in 2000 by the late Harold Morrison, a celebrated Jamaican architect, the villa was reimagined and expanded in 2024 by his daughter, Mala Morrison, who infused it with modern innovation while preserving its cultural essence.
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Call for early mental health intervention on World Mental Health Day
The Barbados Alliance to End Homelessness (BAEH) has called on authorities to shift focus from awareness campaigns to implementing early, community-based mental health interventions, citing untreated mental health conditions as a key driver of the island’s homelessness crisis. Speaking on World Mental Health Day, BAEH President Kemar Saffrey emphasized the need for early identification and support for mental health challenges in schools, workplaces, and families to address the intertwined issues of homelessness and mental illness. He stressed that education and awareness are crucial to reducing stigma and fostering societal understanding. Since its establishment in 2009, the BAEH has worked with hundreds of homeless individuals, revealing that approximately 80% of its clients, both male and female, have faced mental health issues. Saffrey highlighted the necessity of a holistic national approach, combining clinical care with community outreach and robust policy support. He also advocated for policy changes to empower frontline organizations, such as community groups and shelters, to assess, document, and refer individuals in crisis to mental health services. This, he argued, would bridge the gap between community and clinical care, ensuring dignified and timely intervention. Recent data from Barbados’ 24-hour mental health hotline, which has received over 6,500 calls since its launch, underscores the urgency of the issue, with 40% of calls coming from children and teens. Saffrey urged Barbados to move beyond awareness and take meaningful action, emphasizing compassion and coordinated reform as essential for lasting progress. On World Mental Health Day, the BAEH called for a national recommitment to mental wellness, ensuring access to support for all individuals, regardless of their circumstances.
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Coverden neighbour knifes grandparents, toddler
A shocking knife attack in Coverden, East Bank Demerara, has left a family of three injured, including an 18-month-old toddler. The incident occurred on Friday afternoon at approximately 3:30 PM, when the family was caught in traffic on the East Bank Road. The alleged attacker, 68-year-old Alfred Aaron, a construction worker, has been arrested in connection with the assault. The victims include 53-year-old Indira Thomas, a housewife, her 68-year-old husband William Thomas, a businessman, and their young granddaughter. According to Mrs. Thomas, the altercation began when Aaron verbally abused her while they were stuck in traffic. The two had a prior disagreement and had not been on speaking terms. The situation escalated when Aaron allegedly threatened to kill Mr. Thomas, who had stepped out of his vehicle to confront him. Armed with a knife, Aaron attacked Mr. Thomas, inflicting injuries to his abdomen and ear. The toddler sustained a wound on her left wrist, while Mrs. Thomas suffered injuries to her elbow, hand palm, and fingers while attempting to intervene. The family managed to drive to Diamond Regional Hospital, where they received medical treatment. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
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Mourner shot, robbed near ‘wake house’
In a shocking incident early Saturday morning, an autobody workman was shot and robbed near a wake he was attending in Annandale, East Coast Demerara, according to the Guyana Police Force. The victim, whose identity remains undisclosed, resides in Non Pariel, East Coast Demerara. The attack occurred around 12:05 AM when two men on a motorcycle approached him, demanding money and stealing his Samsung S9 phone valued at GY$40,000 and a haversack worth GY$5,000. The victim had momentarily left the wake of the late Eagon Williams to urinate when he noticed the assailants approaching from the east. Despite attempting to flee towards the wake house, he was caught, held at gunpoint, and shot in the right thigh when he resisted. Residents attending the wake rushed him to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where he was admitted and scheduled for surgery. Authorities are investigating the incident, which has left the community in shock.
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Armed trio robs Chinese supermarket
In a brazen late-night robbery, three armed men targeted a Chinese supermarket in Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara, on October 10, 2025. The incident, which occurred around 9:44 PM, left the owner, 38-year-old Zhuangshui Xu, shaken and robbed of an undisclosed sum of cash and GYD$50,000 worth of Digicel and One Guyana phone cards. According to the Guyana Police Force, the suspects, armed with a gun, a knife, and a cutlass, confronted Xu and demanded the money. One of the perpetrators entered the cashier area, emptied the cash register, and stuffed the day’s earnings along with the phone cards into a black plastic bag before fleeing on foot. Xu, who was behind the counter assisting customers at the time, described the suspects as wearing hoodies, jerseys, and face coverings. Police have questioned several individuals as part of their ongoing investigation into the crime.
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Entrepreneur hatches poultry breeding plan
In a significant move to address Barbados’ reliance on imported hatching eggs, entrepreneur Errol Andrew is preparing to launch the island’s first poultry breeding facility. Through his company, Hatch An Egg Limited, Andrew aims to enhance food security, reduce costs for local farmers, and ensure a steady supply of chicks, particularly ahead of the high-demand Christmas season. The initiative comes after a half-million-dollar investment in a hatching egg venture, with renovations completed and expansion plans now underway. Andrew revealed in an exclusive interview with Barbados TODAY that he is in discussions with investors and business partners to establish the breeding farm, marking a critical step in his long-term vision for domestic food security. Currently producing 20,000 chicks monthly, Andrew aims to scale up to 20,000 chicks weekly within six months. The hatchery, located in The Mount, St George, has already gained traction among small farmers, primarily supplying broiler chicks, with plans to introduce layer chicks as part of its expansion. Andrew emphasized the importance of food security, especially during peak seasons like Christmas, and highlighted the logistical and financial challenges of importing eggs from Miami and Belgium. Establishing a local breeding farm would eliminate shipping costs and mitigate risks associated with bird flu. The company’s broader goals include introducing diverse bird breeds, partnering with local agricultural bodies like the Barbados Agricultural Society (BAS) and the Barbados Egg and Poultry Producers Association (BEPPA), and sharing best practices with farmers. Andrew, who entered the poultry industry in 2018, has relied on small loans and family support to build the business and has applied for funding from the Agricultural Growth Fund to support expansion. Despite financial hurdles, he remains optimistic about Hatch An Egg Limited’s role in strengthening Barbados’ poultry industry and addressing challenges like the shortage of table eggs during the holiday season.