Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is poised to declare a state of emergency in response to perceived US aggression, Vice President Delcy Rodriguez announced on Monday. Rodriguez informed foreign diplomats that Maduro has signed a decree granting himself ‘special powers’ to address defense and security matters should the US initiate an attack. However, a government source revealed to AFP that the decree has not yet been formally signed, though preparations are complete for its immediate enactment. Maduro’s administration has heightened alert levels following a significant US military deployment near Venezuela’s coast, including eight warships and a nuclear-powered submarine, ostensibly to combat drug trafficking but widely seen as a move to pressure the Venezuelan leader. Recent US strikes on suspected drug boats in the Caribbean, resulting in 14 deaths, have been condemned by UN experts as ‘extrajudicial executions.’ Reports suggest US military officials are considering operations within Venezuela’s borders to target drug traffickers. A state of emergency would enable Maduro, whose 2018 reelection remains internationally contested, to temporarily suspend basic rights. Rodriguez expressed confidence in national unity, asserting, ‘Venezuela is united in the defense of our country. We will never surrender our homeland.’
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Jamaica Food and Drink Festival 2025 to serve up culinary innovation, cultural flair
The Jamaica Food and Drink Festival 2025, set to take place from November 13 to 16, is poised to be a groundbreaking celebration of culinary creativity and cultural heritage. This year’s event, themed ‘Jamaican Food Reimagined,’ will feature a series of immersive experiences designed to elevate traditional Jamaican cuisine through innovative interpretations by renowned chefs. The festival kicks off on November 13 at ‘Kuyah’ in downtown Kingston, where patrons will savor inventive dishes crafted by 10 chefs, paired with local spirits and rums, all accompanied by live music. The festivities continue on November 14 at Hope Gardens with ‘Decade 2.0,’ showcasing a diverse culinary lineup, including pork palooza, chopstick, and picante, prepared by 25 chefs. On November 15, Ocean Boulevard will transform into a vibrant hub of street food, music, and entertainment, while the festival concludes on November 16 with the beloved ‘Boozy Brunch.’ The event, endorsed by Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Mining Floyd Green, aims to promote Jamaican food and culture on a global scale. Minister Green emphasized the festival’s role in expanding the export of Jamaican products, such as sauces and seasonings, while Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport Olivia Grange highlighted its significance in preserving and celebrating Jamaica’s rich food heritage. Festival Director Alicia Bogues noted the event’s growing popularity, both locally and internationally, and its ability to attract tourists seeking unique culinary experiences. Pre-sale tickets will be available from October 1, with purchases possible online or at designated outlets.
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Visual Vibe expands into US, unlocks outdoor advertising on 175 digital trucks
Visual Vibe, a subsidiary of Kintyre Holdings (JA) Limited, has unveiled its strategic entry into the United States market through an innovative collaboration with Dalvey Media. This partnership grants Visual Vibe access to a fleet of 175 digital advertising trucks across the nation, marking a significant milestone in its global expansion strategy. The company announced the establishment of Kintyre Holdings Inc in Miami, which will serve as the operational hub for its US endeavors. A general manager will be appointed in Miami to spearhead the nationwide rollout and oversee the company’s growth trajectory. Tyrone Wilson, Founder, President, and CEO of Kintyre Holdings, emphasized the company’s commitment to assembling a world-class team by leveraging platforms like Upwork to attract top-tier talent. This move ensures the company possesses the expertise and agility required for international scaling. Marlon A Hill, a partner at Weiss Serota Helfman Cole & Bierman, specializing in corporate law, government affairs, and international transactions, serves as the legal counsel for Kintyre Holdings (JA) Limited. Wilson described the partnership as a transformative step for Visual Vibe, which was acquired by Kintyre Holdings in 2023. The company has since undergone significant upgrades, expanding its reach with indoor digital screens in over 40 prime locations in Jamaica and enhancing its outdoor presence. The US expansion will commence with a testing phase in the coming months, followed by a nationwide rollout. This initiative aims to provide brands with innovative ways to engage audiences through a dynamic digital advertising platform that moves with them. Visual Vibe, a pioneer in Jamaica’s digital out-of-home advertising industry for over 15 years, continues to align with Kintyre Holdings’ vision of building a robust global advertising network.
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National museum Jamaica to host inaugural heritage debate on October 3
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Museum Jamaica (NMJ), a division of the Institute of Jamaica (IOJ), is set to host its first-ever Heritage Debate on October 3, in collaboration with the Jamaican Association for Debate and Empowerment Limited (JADE). The debate will center on the provocative question: ‘Should Jamaican Patois Be Considered an Official Language?’ This event marks a departure from the traditional Heritage Lecture, which has been a staple of National Heritage Month activities organized by the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport. Stephanie Rose, Assistant Outreach Officer at NMJ, explained to JIS News that the shift to a debate format aims to create a more interactive and engaging platform for cultural discourse. ‘We wanted to encourage more participation and dialogue, allowing people to express their views in a museum setting,’ she said. The debate will feature teams from Holy Trinity High School and Pembroke Hall High School, competing at the IOJ Lecture Hall in downtown Kingston. Rose emphasized that the target audience remains high school and tertiary students, as the discussion will be more formal and suited to their educational level. The topic was chosen after extensive consultation with educators, who expressed strong interest in the subject. ‘Patois has been debated at various levels, but never in a museum environment where students can openly share their perspectives,’ Rose added. The event will be moderated by Professor Sonjah Stanley Niaah from the University of the West Indies, Mona, and will be streamed live on the NMJ YouTube channel.
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Creator says AI actress is ‘piece of art’ after backlash
The emergence of Tilly Norwood, an AI-generated actress, has ignited a heated debate within the creative community. Created by Eline Van der Velden of Particle6, Norwood is described as a composite ‘girl-next-door’ and has already garnered attention from talent agents and studios. Van der Velden, speaking at an industry panel in Switzerland, emphasized that Norwood is not a replacement for human actors but rather a piece of art designed to push creative boundaries and reduce production costs. ‘We want Tilly to be the next Scarlett Johansson or Natalie Portman,’ she stated, highlighting the potential of AI in storytelling. However, the use of AI in Hollywood remains contentious, with many actors and creators expressing concerns over job displacement. Melissa Barrera, known for her role in ‘Scream,’ called for a boycott of agents promoting AI actors, while Mara Wilson, star of ‘Matilda,’ criticized the technology for taking opportunities away from real people. Van der Velden defended Norwood, asserting that AI is a tool for innovation rather than a threat to human creativity. The controversy surrounding AI in entertainment continues to grow, with recent examples including the virtual band ‘The Velvet Sundown’ and AI-generated models in Vogue magazine.
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J.K. Rowling attacks ‘ignorant’ Harry Potter star Emma Watson
In a striking public statement, J.K. Rowling, the celebrated author of the Harry Potter series, has openly criticized Emma Watson for her stance on transgender rights. Rowling expressed her frustration on social media platform X, targeting Watson and Daniel Radcliffe, both of whom rose to fame through the film adaptations of her novels, for positioning themselves as unofficial representatives of the Harry Potter universe. Rowling, who has previously faced backlash for her views on gender identity, accused Watson of being out of touch due to her privileged background. She highlighted her own experiences of poverty and hardship, contrasting them with Watson’s early fame and wealth, to underscore the gravity of the issues at hand. Rowling also recounted a personal exchange with Watson in 2022, where she felt that Watson’s brief message of sympathy was insufficient given the severe threats Rowling was facing at the time. The author suggested that Watson’s recent expressions of affection towards her were a strategic shift in response to changing public opinion. Rowling concluded by asserting her right to publicly express her views, just as Watson does, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect in their ongoing discourse.
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Cop dies three days after bike crash in St Elizabeth
In a tragic turn of events, Constable Ezroy Boothe, a police officer from St Elizabeth, Jamaica, has passed away following a severe motorcycle accident. The incident occurred on Friday evening along the Lacovia main road, where Boothe lost control of his private motorbike and collided with a pole. He sustained critical injuries, including multiple fractures to both legs, internal damage, and significant blood loss. Boothe was immediately rushed to Black River Hospital, where he remained in critical condition until his death on Monday. Superintendent Coleridge Minto, head of the St Elizabeth police, had earlier appealed to the public for blood donations to aid Boothe’s recovery. Plans were also underway to transfer him to another medical facility for advanced treatment. The Jamaica Constabulary Force has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of one of their own, highlighting the dangers faced by law enforcement officers in the line of duty.
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Jamaican journalist awarded Turkish scholarship
Raymond Morrison, a Jamaican environmental advocate and communications professional, has been honored with the highly competitive Türkiye Burslari Scholarship. Funded by the Turkish government, this prestigious award provides comprehensive academic support to exceptional individuals committed to driving positive change in their communities and beyond. Morrison, a journalist and television presenter at CVM TV, was selected from a global pool of applicants to pursue a master’s degree in New Media and Communications Management with a focus on data science in Türkiye.
Morrison is the founder of ECHO (Environmental Conservation and Humanity’s Obligation), a non-profit initiative dedicated to educating and empowering communities to protect natural resources through coastal clean-ups, sustainability campaigns, and environmental education programs. His multifaceted career also includes hosting ‘Small Biz, Big Dreams,’ a television feature highlighting local entrepreneurs and their success stories.
Morrison views this scholarship as a transformative opportunity to merge his expertise in media and technology with his passion for environmental advocacy. ‘Media has the power to inspire action, shift narratives, and create a more sustainable future,’ he stated. His studies will explore the intersection of media, technology, and environmental conservation, emphasizing how digital tools and data-driven strategies can shape innovative solutions to global challenges.
In 2024, Morrison was recognized with the Humanitarian Award (Beauty with a Purpose) during Mr World Jamaica for his impactful work with ECHO. He believes his upcoming academic journey will equip him with the knowledge and skills to address pressing environmental issues in Jamaica and globally. ‘This is a chance to grow, learn, and bring back knowledge that can help tackle some of the most pressing environmental challenges,’ he remarked. Morrison is set to commence his studies in Türkiye later this year, aiming to inspire the next generation of environmental leaders.
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LeBron relishing 23rd season as retirement draws near
LOS ANGELES, United States — As LeBron James gears up for his unprecedented 23rd season in the NBA, the Los Angeles Lakers icon remains undecided about his retirement timeline. Speaking at a media day event, the 41-year-old basketball legend expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming season, emphasizing his enduring love for the game and his commitment to excellence. James, who averaged 24.4 points per game last season, highlighted his excitement about playing alongside Luka Doncic and a strengthened Lakers roster, which now includes veteran guard Marcus Smart and center DeAndre Ayton. ‘I’m excited about today, I’m excited about the opportunity to be able to play the game that I love for another season,’ James told reporters. ‘Whatever the journey lays out this year, I’m super-invested because I don’t know when the end is. It’s a lot sooner than later.’ James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and a four-time champion, acknowledged the rarity of his longevity in the league, stating, ‘Age is kind of just a number. Not many guys at my age, especially going to year 23, is able to play a level like that. I try not to take it for granted.’ He also shared his anticipation for a full training camp with Doncic, which he believes will enhance their on-court chemistry and elevate the team’s performance. Doncic, who joined the Lakers mid-season last year, echoed James’ optimism, noting that a complete pre-season together will help the team achieve greater consistency and success. ‘When you get to a new team in the middle of season, it’s kind of hard to get everything together,’ Doncic said. ‘But pre-season is going to help a lot with leadership, getting to know the guys. I’m very excited — I think we can do big, big things.’ As James continues to defy age and expectations, his unwavering passion for basketball and his relentless pursuit of greatness remain the driving forces behind his historic career.
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Jamaica cyber youth empowerment academy launched
KINGSTON, Jamaica — A groundbreaking initiative has been unveiled in Jamaica with the launch of the Jamaica Cyber Youth Empowerment Academy, where 30 young Jamaicans aged 18 to 24 have embarked on a six-month intensive cybersecurity training programme. This pioneering academy, the first of its kind in the Americas, is a collaborative effort involving the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), the Ministry of National Security and Peace, and the Organisation of American States (OAS), with financial backing from the Government of Canada. The programme is part of the OAS Inter-American Committee against Terrorism (CICTE) Cybersecurity Talent and Workforce Development Programme. The academy was officially inaugurated at a ceremony held at the S Hotel in New Kingston on Monday. Ambassador Dr. Rocky Meade, Permanent Secretary in the OPM, highlighted the global cybersecurity workforce gap, which exceeds 4.8 million, with North America alone facing a deficit of over half a million professionals. While Jamaica’s specific skills gap remains unquantified, both public and private sectors are increasingly aware of the urgent need for trained cybersecurity experts. Meade attributed the shortage to limited awareness of the field’s lucrative career prospects, outdated training programmes, misconceptions about accessibility, and the high cost of certifications. He revealed that the government is partnering with international organisations to provide young Jamaicans with the necessary technical skills and certifications. Additionally, Jamaica is set to implement the Vincula LAC World Bank Pilot Project, offering 500 training opportunities, including 200 dedicated to cybersecurity. Meade stressed that Jamaica’s journey toward developed country status hinges on cultivating a pool of skilled cybersecurity professionals to ensure national cybersecurity and data sovereignty. Ambassador Alison Stone Roofe, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security and Peace, emphasised the government’s commitment to positioning Jamaica as a regional leader in cybersecurity talent development. She urged the trainees to seize the opportunity, as the programme equips them with foundational knowledge and practical insights into emerging technologies. Stone Roofe expressed optimism about the academy’s transformative impact on Jamaica’s youth and the nation’s overall resilience.