WESTMORELAND, Jamaica — The Westmoreland Municipal Corporation has honored the memory of Councillor Patrick Forrester, a dedicated representative of the People’s National Party for the Petersfield Division, who tragically passed away in a motor vehicle accident on September 17. The tribute was led by Mayor Danree Delancy of Savanna-la-Mar during the corporation’s regular monthly general meeting on Thursday. Mayor Delancy highlighted Forrester’s unwavering commitment to his community, noting that even before his official swearing-in, he had already begun drafting projects and programs aimed at benefiting his division. ‘Councillor Forrester served with passion, compassion, and humility,’ Delancy remarked. ‘He was never boastful, always striving to give his best.’ The mayor extended heartfelt condolences to Forrester’s family, constituents, and all those who mourned his loss. Councillor Michael Jackson of the White House Division, who had known Forrester for over three decades, praised his dedication to both his community and the traveling public, particularly in his role as president of the Petersfield Taxi Association. Councillor Ian Myles of the Little London Division echoed these sentiments. Forrester’s funeral is scheduled for November.
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Curacao head coach praises both teams following WCQ game
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a thrilling encounter at the Ergilio Hato Stadium in Willemstad, Curacao emerged victorious with a 2–0 win against Jamaica in the final round of the Concacaf World Cup qualification Group B. The match, held on Friday, showcased intense competition and skill from both sides. Curacao’s head coach, Dick Advocaat, lauded the efforts of both teams, emphasizing the high level of play throughout the game. Advocaat highlighted Curacao’s strong start and Jamaica’s resilient second-half performance, describing the match as a testament to the quality of both teams. He acknowledged that timing was crucial in securing the win, stating, ‘We were lucky at the right time to score 2–0.’ Additionally, Advocaat expressed his satisfaction with the enthusiastic fan support, which added to the electric atmosphere of the game.
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CGA 4-Ball Golf Championship takes centre stage
The Caribbean Golf Association (CGA) Four-Ball Golf Championship commenced on Friday at the Cinnamon Hill Golf Course in St James, Jamaica, marking the first time the event has been hosted in the country. The tournament, now in its sixth edition, features 90 golfers from eight Caribbean nations, including the Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, St Lucia, Turks and Caicos Islands, Trinidad and Tobago, and host nation Jamaica. The opening round faced disruptions due to heavy rainfall, prompting organizers to temporarily halt play until conditions improved. By Friday afternoon, participants were back on the course, striving to complete the first round. Teams are competing for the prestigious Ambrose Gouthro Cup, while individual players aim for category trophies across male, female, and age divisions, each named in honor of Caribbean golfers who have significantly contributed to the sport’s regional growth. Jamaica, the defending champion, has consistently dominated the tournament, securing the Ambrose Gouthro Cup in every edition. Trinidad and Tobago claimed second place in 2024 with 56 points, followed by Bermuda in third with 38. The Jamaican team boasts several past winners across categories, including Masters, Super Seniors, Seniors, Mid Amateurs, and Ladies divisions. The 54-hole championship is set to conclude on Sunday, with the announcement of overall and category winners.
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Trinidad and Tobago whip Bermuda 3-0 in World Cup qualifier
Trinidad and Tobago (TT) breathed new life into their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory over Bermuda at the Bermuda National Stadium on October 10. This crucial win marked TT’s first triumph in the final round of Concacaf qualifiers, propelling them to four points in Group B after three matches. The team had previously drawn 0-0 with Curacao and suffered a 2-0 defeat to Jamaica, making this victory a turning point in their journey.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
