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  • Scotia Insurance returns as gold sponsor of Swim for the Sanctuary

    Scotia Insurance returns as gold sponsor of Swim for the Sanctuary

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Scotia Insurance has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental conservation and community wellness by returning as gold sponsor for the fifth annual Swim for the Sanctuary event, scheduled for this Saturday at White River House, Shaw Park Beach in Ocho Rios, St Ann.

    The open-water swimming event, which serves as a critical fundraiser for the White River Fish Sanctuary, will commence at 7:00 am after being rescheduled from its original November 1 date due to Hurricane Melissa. Scotia Insurance President Debra Lopez Spence will be in attendance to present awards to the largest participating swim club, while volunteers from Scotia Insurance, Scotiabank, and the Scotia Foundation will provide operational support including marshalling duties.

    In an official statement, Lopez Spence emphasized the strategic alignment between the insurer’s health philosophy and the event’s objectives. ‘At Scotia Insurance, we fundamentally believe that good health stems from intentional choices—maintaining physical activity, managing stress, and establishing balance,’ she stated. ‘This swim event powerfully demonstrates the interconnection between physical exertion, mental well-being, and aquatic environments, all of which contribute substantively to overall wellness.’

    Lopez Spence further highlighted the dual significance of the initiative, noting that ‘protecting marine resources remains essential for livelihoods, food security, and sustainable development in coastal communities.’

    Belinda Collier-Morrow, board member of the White River Fish Sanctuary, acknowledged the indispensability of corporate partnerships, stating: ‘Ongoing support from organizations like Scotia Insurance proves vital to the event’s continued success and sustainability. Their involvement not only advances protection efforts for the sanctuary but also reinforces the values of healthy living, community engagement, and responsible environmental stewardship.’

    Now firmly established on Jamaica’s open-water swimming calendar, Swim for the Sanctuary attracts both competitive athletes and recreational participants united in their support for marine conservation and the development of Jamaica’s blue economy. The initiative has consistently raised public awareness about coastal ecosystem preservation while simultaneously promoting active lifestyles.

    All generated proceeds will be directed exclusively toward conservation and management operations at the White River Fish Sanctuary, which plays a crucial role in rehabilitating fish populations and supporting sustainable practices within coastal communities.

  • WATCH: Gov’t will provide the necessary budget for body-worn cameras, says Holness

    WATCH: Gov’t will provide the necessary budget for body-worn cameras, says Holness

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant move toward police modernization and accountability, Prime Minister Andrew Holness has pledged complete governmental funding for body-worn cameras across all necessary units of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF). The announcement was delivered during his keynote address at the passing-out ceremony for batches 161 and 167 at the National Police College of Jamaica in Twickenham Park, St. Catherine.

    Prime Minister Holness confirmed that approximately 1,000 cameras have already been secured, with additional units currently in the procurement pipeline. He unequivocally stated, “The Government will supply the necessary budget to ensure that all formations that require the use of body-worn cameras are so equipped.” This initiative is a cornerstone of the administration’s strategy to foster transparent policing and establish a reliable process for data capture during police operations.

    Emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the government’s investment, Holness highlighted that advancements in technology are being pursued alongside rigorous training and administrative overhauls. “We are investing heavily in technology to make sure that we have a 21st-century policing force,” he asserted. While acknowledging the JCF’s proactive efforts in seeking the best technological platforms, the Prime Minister also noted that the force must navigate standard public procurement regulations.

    Alongside the technological pledge, Holness issued a direct charge to the 287 new constables graduating that day, demanding they treat every citizen with utmost dignity and respect for their rights, regardless of socioeconomic status. This call for reform aligns with mounting pressure from human rights advocacy groups, including Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ), which has been vocally demanding the implementation of body cameras amid a troubling rise in fatal shootings by security forces.

  • Trinidad and Tobago Newsday – Thursday January 22nd 2026

    Trinidad and Tobago Newsday – Thursday January 22nd 2026

    A recent surge in public health discussions has brought the global dietary supplement industry under intense scrutiny. Health experts and regulatory bodies are raising urgent concerns about the safety, efficacy, and marketing claims of these widely consumed products, which often occupy a regulatory gray area between food and pharmaceuticals.

    Unlike prescription medications, dietary supplements frequently bypass rigorous pre-market approval processes, relying instead on post-market surveillance to identify adverse effects. This regulatory framework has led to growing apprehensions about potential contaminants, inaccurate ingredient labeling, and exaggerated health benefit claims that may mislead consumers.

    Medical professionals emphasize that while some supplements demonstrate proven benefits for specific health conditions and nutritional deficiencies, many products lack substantial scientific evidence to support their advertised claims. The absence of standardized manufacturing practices across the industry further compounds these concerns, potentially leading to inconsistent product quality and potency.

    Healthcare providers are increasingly advocating for more transparent labeling requirements, third-party quality verification, and improved consumer education initiatives. They recommend that individuals consult healthcare professionals before incorporating new supplements into their regimen, particularly those with pre-existing medical conditions or who are taking other medications.

    The ongoing discourse highlights the critical need for consumers to approach supplement use with informed skepticism and to prioritize evidence-based health interventions over marketing claims.

  • Cayman Islands brace for surge in Cuban migrants

    Cayman Islands brace for surge in Cuban migrants

    GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands—Cayman Islands authorities are implementing contingency measures to address a potential humanitarian crisis stemming from anticipated mass migration from Cuba, Deputy Governor Franz Manderson revealed to the Public Accounts Committee. This preparedness initiative comes as regional instability intensifies following recent U.S. military interventions in Venezuela.

    Manderson identified the U.S. control over seized Venezuelan oil shipments as a critical factor that could trigger widespread Cuban migration. The potential termination of oil supplies to Havana, he warned, might precipitate severe economic collapse in Cuba, creating desperate conditions that could drive thousands of migrants toward neighboring territories.

    Drawing parallels to the 1994 migrant crisis when over 1,100 Cubans arrived unexpectedly—an event that proved both financially burdensome and politically challenging—Manderson emphasized that risk management has become integral to governmental operations. A specialized team within the Home Affairs Ministry is currently developing strategies to mitigate both internal and external threats, including potential mass arrivals.

    Governor Jane Owen confirmed that security services are actively formulating response plans, acknowledging public concern regarding the situation. A dedicated committee focusing on migration emergencies will convene this week to coordinate the British overseas territory’s response strategies.

    Police Commissioner Kurt Walton noted that the Cayman Islands Coast Guard and Customs and Border Control are enhancing regional intelligence sharing and operational coordination with international partners. These efforts aim to anticipate multiple scenarios and prevent improvised responses should a rapid-onset humanitarian crisis materialize in coming days.

    The geopolitical context includes the January 2026 U.S. military action in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores, who now face narcoterrorism charges in New York. With Venezuela’s oil infrastructure under U.S. control and the Trump administration maintaining强硬 policies toward Cuba, the island nation faces imminent energy isolation from its primary fuel supplier.

  • Girl who saw dad killed finds comfort in senior officer’s visit

    Girl who saw dad killed finds comfort in senior officer’s visit

    In a heartrending display of compassion amid tragedy, five-year-old Quay’liah Arnett celebrated her birthday this week under the protective wing of Chief Superintendent Chrislyn Skippings, who has become an unexpected pillar of support since the child witnessed her father’s brutal murder nearly one year ago.

    The February 2023 shooting of 24-year-old Quintero Arnett sent shockwaves through the nation, with CCTV footage capturing the horrific moment when gunmen opened fire as his young daughter fled for safety. The disturbing visual evidence sparked national outrage and demands for justice, though no charges have been filed against the perpetrators to date.

    Against this backdrop of unresolved violence, CSP Skippings has quietly integrated herself into the child’s recovery journey. On Tuesday, the senior officer organized a special birthday surprise at the police station with permission from Quay’liah’s grandfather, presenting the child with a new doll and headphones. The celebration evoked powerful parallels to photographs taken shortly after the murder, showing the same embrace between officer and child, both moments marked by Quay’liah’s resilient smile.

    ‘These seemingly small gestures of kindness create profound impacts,’ CSP Skippings told The Tribune. ‘This represents how policing evolves—building trust with younger generations through consistent demonstrations of care, concern, and genuine human connection.’

    The relationship extends far beyond symbolic gestures. CSP Skippings maintains regular contact with the family and has committed to mentoring Quay’liah throughout her childhood. ‘We maintain active interest in her wellbeing to ensure she receives the love she deserves,’ she explained, praising the family’s ongoing care while emphasizing law enforcement’s role as a permanent support system.

    Family members remember Quintero as a dedicated father and hardworker with no criminal affiliations, believing he was not the intended target. His father, Quinton Arnett, expressed gratitude for CSP Skippings’ sustained involvement, noting that while his granddaughter frequently asks about her father, she remains too young to comprehend the permanence of her loss.

    ‘I navigate this grief day by day,’ Mr. Arnett shared. ‘The pain persists, particularly knowing those responsible remain at large.’ He hopes Quay’liah will eventually understand the depth of her father’s love, evidenced by his final act of opening the car door to facilitate her escape during the attack.

    CSP Skippings, who had met Quintero just one day before his death, recalled him as a ‘positive young man with a promising future’ seen playing basketball with his daughter at the police station. She now carries a ‘sense of obligation’ to honor his memory through supporting Quay’liah’s journey toward becoming a ‘joyful, responsible citizen.’

  • Queen’s/Grace Jackson meet cancelled

    Queen’s/Grace Jackson meet cancelled

    Jamaica’s track and field community suffered another significant setback as organizers abruptly cancelled the prestigious Queen’s/Grace Jackson Development Meet scheduled for January 31. This marks the latest in a concerning series of athletic event cancellations plaguing the island nation’s sporting calendar.

    The organizing committee issued a concise statement expressing regret: “The Organising Committee for the Queen’s Grace Jackson Meet regrets to announce the cancellation of the 2026 event. We apologise for the short notice and appreciate your understanding. We look forward to rebuilding and hosting a stronger event in 2027.”

    This developmental meet carries substantial historical significance, having been established 24 years ago in 2002. The event honors legendary sprinter Grace Jackson, an alumna of Queen’s High who played pivotal roles in both institutional and national athletics. Jackson was instrumental in securing her school’s sole Girls Champs title in 1979 before achieving international acclaim with a silver medal in the 200m at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Her athletic legacy includes holding Jamaican records in both 200m and 400m events and earning Sportswoman of the Year honors in 1986 and 1988.

    The cancellation forms part of a disturbing pattern affecting Jamaica’s athletic schedule. Recent announcements confirmed the cancellation of Western Relay, originally slated for February 14. Additionally, the prominent Racers Grand Prix will not proceed this year due to reported funding challenges. The Central Hurdles Relays initially faced cancellation but received a reprieve when organizers discovered that resurfacing work at GC Foster College had been postponed, allowing the event to proceed on January 24.

  • Transit permit needed for importation of bodies and ashes, says health authorities

    Transit permit needed for importation of bodies and ashes, says health authorities

    Jamaican authorities have announced enhanced procedural requirements for the cross-border transportation of human remains, implementing a standardized transit permit system for both bodies and cremated ashes. The Kingston and St Andrew Public Health Department issued formal guidance outlining that all human remains entering Jamaica must now be accompanied by an official transit permit obtainable through local health departments at a cost of J$10,000.

    The regulatory framework designates specific jurisdictional oversight based on port of entry. The St James Public Health Department will process permits for remains arriving through Donald Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, while the Kingston and St Andrew Public Health Department handles permits for entries via Norman Manley International Airport, Central Sorting Office, and Kingston Sea Port.

    Documentation requirements vary depending on the nature of the remains. For complete bodies, officials mandate presentation of a death certificate, embalming certificate, overseas transit permit, non-communicable disease documentation, copy of the deceased’s identification, and flight itinerary confirming entry port. Cremains require a death certificate, cremation certificate, and flight itinerary.

    The regulations similarly govern export procedures, requiring a death certificate, embalmer’s affidavit for bodies, cremation certificate for ashes, and flight itinerary specifying exit port. Authorities encourage individuals with additional inquiries to contact their respective local public health departments for clarification on these updated protocols.

  • Liberty Business champions digital transformation at JSE regional conference

    Liberty Business champions digital transformation at JSE regional conference

    Liberty Business has emerged as a pivotal advocate for digital transformation through its strategic collaboration with the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) Regional Investments and Capital Markets Conference. The event, themed ‘Capital Markets Fuelling Economic Resurgence and Resilience,’ serves as a convergence point for international investors, policy architects, and corporate leaders to deliberate on sustainable growth and economic recovery strategies.

    The technology solutions provider will spearhead a dedicated session on cybersecurity and business continuity, emphasizing how robust cyber defenses are imperative for data protection, financial system integrity, and operational continuity across public and private entities. This dialogue will establish cybersecurity as an indispensable component within comprehensive digital transformation frameworks for both governmental and commercial organizations.

    Charles Manus, Senior Director at Liberty Business, articulated the company’s perspective: ‘Digital transformation has evolved into a fundamental catalyst for economic resilience, with cybersecurity serving as its core enabler. As capital markets increasingly embrace digital solutions, organizations must prioritize the security of their data ecosystems, operational systems, and network infrastructures. Our alliance with the JSE Conference underscores our commitment to advancing secure digital infrastructure that bolsters investor confidence and fosters sustainable regional development.’

    Conference participants will have direct access to Liberty Business experts at the specially designed Connectivity Hub, where tailored technological solutions will be demonstrated to enhance operational efficiency, fortify security protocols, and generate substantial value for organizations at varying stages of digital evolution.

    The company, which recently transitioned from C&W Business through a strategic rebranding initiative, now operates as Liberty Business—aligning with Liberty Caribbean’s regional vision for innovation, connectivity, and enterprise empowerment. The organization delivers an extensive portfolio of services including broadband connectivity, mobile solutions, cloud computing, cybersecurity systems, data center management, and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, catering to diverse clients from small-to-medium enterprises to large corporations and government agencies.

  • ‘Sinners’ breaks all-time Oscars record with 16 nominations

    ‘Sinners’ breaks all-time Oscars record with 16 nominations

    LOS ANGELES — The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences unveiled its nominations for the 98th Oscars on Thursday, with Ryan Coogler’s vampire period horror “Sinners” achieving unprecedented recognition by securing 16 nominations—breaking the longstanding record of 14 jointly held by “All About Eve,” “Titanic,” and “La La Land.”

    Set in the segregated US South of the 1930s, the blues-infused supernatural drama earned nominations across nearly every eligible category, including Best Picture, Best Actor for Michael B. Jordan—who portrays twins combating both supernatural forces and racism—and recognition for its screenplay, original score, and production design. Notably, “Sinners” also received a nomination in the newly introduced Best Casting category, the first addition to the Oscars in over two decades.

    In second place was Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another,” which garnered 13 nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor for Leonardo DiCaprio. However, the film’s female lead, 25-year-old newcomer Chase Infiniti, was unexpectedly overlooked by voters.

    Both top-contending films are Warner Bros. productions, the studio currently embroiled in a bidding war between Netflix and Paramount.

    Other notable contenders include Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein” and Timothée Chalamet’s ping-pong drama “Marty Supreme,” along with the Norwegian arthouse favorite “Sentimental Value,” each receiving nine nominations. “Hamnet,” a period drama depicting William Shakespeare and his wife Agnes coping with the loss of their son in plague-stricken England, earned eight nominations, including a Best Actress nod for Jessie Buckley, though co-star Paul Mescal was omitted.

    The expanded international voting body of the Academy influenced this year’s selections, with both “Sentimental Value” and the Brazilian political thriller “The Secret Agent” earning Best Picture nominations. However, the Persian-language Palme d’Or winner “It Was Just An Accident” did not make the cut for the top category and will compete in Best International Feature instead.

    During the nomination announcement, Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor addressed the growing influence of artificial intelligence, emphasizing that “the heartbeat of film is and will always remain unmistakably human.”

    The 98th Oscars ceremony is scheduled to take place on March 15.

  • Defiant ex-prosecutor testifies to Trump’s ‘criminal’ election plot

    Defiant ex-prosecutor testifies to Trump’s ‘criminal’ election plot

    In a highly anticipated congressional appearance, former Special Counsel Jack Smith delivered a robust defense of his investigations into Donald Trump during a tense House Judiciary Committee hearing on Thursday. The televised session provided Smith with a national platform to articulate his case despite never having the opportunity to present it in court.

    Smith asserted that his team had compiled ‘proof beyond a reasonable doubt’ demonstrating that the former president orchestrated a ‘criminal scheme’ to subvert the 2020 election results. ‘Rather than accepting his electoral defeat, President Trump engaged in systematic criminal activities to overturn the outcome and prevent the constitutional transfer of power,’ Smith testified.

    The special counsel, appointed in 2022 by Attorney General Merrick Garland, emphasized that his charging decisions were made ‘without regard to President Trump’s political association, activities, beliefs, or 2024 presidential candidacy.’ Smith brought two major cases against Trump—one concerning election interference and another regarding mishandling of classified documents—both of which were discontinued following Trump’s November 2024 election victory, consistent with Justice Department policy against prosecuting sitting presidents.

    The hearing revealed stark partisan divisions. Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) accused Smith of orchestrating a politically motivated campaign ‘to get President Trump’ and prevent his return to the White House. ‘The good news is the American people saw through it,’ Jordan declared.

    In contrast, Representative Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) praised Smith’s professionalism, noting that Trump’s criticisms stemmed from the prosecutor having ‘pursued the facts and followed the law.’ Smith maintained that he would have made identical charging decisions regardless of the subject’s political affiliation, stating: ‘No one should be above the law in this country.’

    The appearance follows Smith’s closed-door testimony last month and occurs against the backdrop of Trump’s continued verbal attacks, including recent characterizations of the prosecutor as ‘deranged.’