KINGSTON, Jamaica — Juliet Holness, Speaker of the House of Representatives, has been appointed to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association’s (CPA) International Executive Committee as the Representative for the Caribbean, Americas, and Atlantic Region. This significant appointment, effective October 12, 2025, was announced following the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) in Barbados, where Holness led a distinguished delegation including Government member Andrew Morris, Opposition member Yvonne Rose-Marie Shaw, Clerk to the Houses Colleen Lowe, and legislative counsel Ashleigh Ximines. This role positions Jamaica at the forefront of the CPA’s global leadership for the next three years, enabling Holness to influence policy and enhance parliamentary democracy across over 180 legislatures worldwide. As Regional Representative, Holness will also serve on the CAA Regional Executive Committee, fostering inter-parliamentary cooperation, advocating for good governance, and promoting the CPA’s mission at regional and international levels. In her acceptance statement, Holness expressed gratitude and reaffirmed her dedication to advancing parliamentary democracy within the Commonwealth. She emphasized her commitment to representing the region with integrity and ensuring its voices remain prominent within the CPA. The CPA, encompassing over 17,000 parliamentarians across nine regions, provides a platform for collaboration and the exchange of best practices. Holness’s appointment highlights Jamaica’s ongoing leadership and active role in promoting democratic values and inter-parliamentary unity within the Commonwealth.
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Trinidad and Tobago’s World Cup dream takes a hit after 1-1 draw vs Curacao
Trinidad and Tobago’s aspirations to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup suffered a significant setback following a 1-1 draw against Curacao in their latest Concacaf final-round qualifying match. The game, held at the Ergilio Hato Stadium in Curacao on October 14, saw both teams fiercely contesting for dominance, but ultimately, neither could clinch a decisive victory.
With this result, Trinidad and Tobago now have five points from four matches, placing them third in Group B. Curacao, on the other hand, have accumulated eight points, while Jamaica were poised to extend their lead to nine points as they led 3-0 against Bermuda at halftime.
The match began with high intensity, with Trinidad and Tobago controlling much of the possession but struggling to convert their dominance into clear scoring opportunities. Curacao’s defense remained resolute, thwarting several attempts by the visitors. In the 14th minute, a free kick by Trinidad and Tobago’s Rio Cardines found Kobi Henry, whose header narrowly missed the target.
Curacao seized the initiative in the 19th minute, capitalizing on a defensive error by Trinidad and Tobago. Kenji Gorre capitalized on a poorly cleared cross, curling a right-footed shot into the top corner to give Curacao a 1-0 lead. The first half saw several close calls, including a powerful header by Trinidad and Tobago that narrowly missed the net, allowing Curacao to maintain their lead at halftime.
Trinidad and Tobago’s coach, Dwight Yorke, made strategic substitutions at halftime, introducing veteran Kevin Molino and Deron Payne. The changes paid off in the 57th minute when Molino’s clever play set up Spicer, who unleashed a thunderous shot to equalize. The goal rejuvenated Curacao, who began to create more chances, but neither side could find a winning goal.
Despite multiple opportunities, particularly from set pieces, Trinidad and Tobago were unable to break the deadlock. The match concluded with a 1-1 draw, leaving Trinidad and Tobago with a challenging path to World Cup qualification. Their campaign will resume next month with crucial matches against Jamaica and Bermuda.
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Grange receives CPA Parliamentary Equality and Diversity Award
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Olivia Grange, Jamaica’s Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport, has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Commonwealth Parliamentary Equality and Diversity Award. This accolade recognizes her exceptional contributions to advancing gender equality, social justice, and inclusion both in Jamaica and on the international stage. Grange is the first Jamaican parliamentarian to receive this honor from the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), which celebrates leaders who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to fostering equality, diversity, and inclusion within their legislatures and communities. The award highlights Grange’s decades-long dedication to creating a more equitable society through impactful legislation, policies, and programs. Among her notable achievements is the implementation of the Sexual Harassment (Protection and Prevention) Act of 2021, which strengthens protections for women and vulnerable groups. Additionally, Grange has spearheaded public education campaigns to challenge harmful stereotypes and promote positive gender representations. Through the Bureau of Gender Affairs, she has advanced the National Policy for Gender Equality and the National Strategic Action Plan to Eliminate Gender-Based Violence, establishing state-run shelters and helplines for survivors. In her 33-year political career, Grange has consistently championed women’s leadership, youth engagement, and disability inclusion. Upon receiving the award, she expressed humility and gratitude, stating, ‘An equitable society can only exist when its members are afforded the opportunity to maximize their potential without fear or restrictions. That has been my life’s purpose.’ The award was presented at the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Barbados, solidifying Grange’s reputation as a regional leader in equality and inclusion. It was accepted on her behalf by Juliet Holness, Speaker of the House of Representatives.
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Armoured truck driver wanted in $15m ABM theft at St Andrew supermarket
A security officer is currently being sought by authorities in connection with a high-profile $15 million robbery of an automated banking machine (ABM) at a supermarket in St Andrew. The incident occurred on Sunday morning, around 9am, when the suspect, employed as a driver for a well-known security company, and four colleagues were servicing the ABM at the shopping facility. The suspect was reportedly left alone in the armoured truck during the operation. Upon the return of his colleagues, it was discovered that he had vanished. Security footage allegedly captured the suspect exiting the back of the vehicle with a backpack and later leaving the compound with the same bag. Despite extensive efforts to locate him, the suspect has not been seen or heard from since the incident. The Half Way Tree Police are actively investigating the case, which has raised significant concerns about internal security protocols within the company.
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WATCH: Shadow Cabinet signs leadership code of conduct
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant step toward reinforcing ethical governance, members of Jamaica’s Opposition Shadow Cabinet formally signed the leadership code of conduct on Monday. The document, crafted by the Integrity Commission, was endorsed by all opposition spokespersons during a Shadow Cabinet meeting. It enshrines seven core principles of public life, serving as a comprehensive guide for ethical behavior in public office.
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Dixon, Nicholson to start against Bermuda in WCQ
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican national football team, known as the Reggae Boyz, has made strategic changes to their starting lineup for their crucial World Cup Concacaf Group B qualification match against Bermuda. The game is set to take place at the National Stadium in Kingston on Tuesday. Strikers Kaheim Dixon and Shamar Nicholson have been promoted to the starting XI, replacing Bailey Cadamarteri and Tyreece Campbell, who featured in the previous match against Curacao. Additionally, midfielders Kasey Palmer and Isaac Hayden have returned from suspensions, taking the places of Ian Fray and Jonathon Russell. Greg Leigh will also start at left back, replacing Amari’i Bell. The Reggae Boyz are aiming to bounce back from their recent loss to Curacao with a decisive victory against Bermuda, who are yet to secure a point in the competition. Jamaica previously dominated Bermuda with a 4-0 win in the first round and hopes to replicate that performance. The starting lineup includes Andre Blake, Dexter Lembikisa, Ethan Pinnock, Richard King, Kasey Palmer, Kaheim Dixon, Bobby Reid, Shamar Nicholson, Isaac Hayden, Renaldo Cephas, and Gregory Leigh.
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Clinical psychologist highlights workplace stressors that undermine mental well-being
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jesutofunmi Simpson, a clinical psychologist at Bellevue Hospital, is shedding light on the often-ignored workplace stressors that are significantly impacting the mental health of the working-class population. Simpson identifies economic pressures, job dissatisfaction, and micromanagement as primary contributors to employee stress and unhappiness. ‘When your income doesn’t cover your expenses, stress is inevitable. This financial strain, coupled with a lack of fulfillment at work, creates a challenging environment,’ Simpson explained in a recent interview with JIS News. She emphasized that job satisfaction goes beyond workload, highlighting the importance of employees feeling that their work has a meaningful impact. The discussion on mental health was particularly relevant during Mental Health Awareness Week (October 5-12) and Global Mental Health Day (October 10), as Jamaica faces a concerning rise in suicides, with 44 reported cases between January and September 2025. Simpson advocates for building workplace resilience to combat daily stressors. ‘Resilience is about adaptability and bouncing back from challenges. In the workplace, this means navigating difficulties and understanding that recovery is possible,’ she said. To foster resilience, Simpson recommends emotional regulation, stress management, and maintaining a clear boundary between work and personal life. She also encourages employees to engage in hobbies, seek support, and utilize their full breaks. For managers and business owners, she stresses the importance of flexible work arrangements and a collaborative culture to reduce burnout. Burnout, characterized by emotional and physical exhaustion, is a severe consequence of chronic workplace stress. Simpson advises individuals to prioritize rest, practice relaxation techniques, and set boundaries. From an organizational perspective, she calls for proactive stress prevention measures, such as fostering a supportive work environment and encouraging employees to stay connected with loved ones.
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Cristiano Ronaldo becomes all-time top World Cup qualifying scorer
LISBON, Portugal — In a historic moment for football, Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has cemented his legacy by becoming the all-time leading goalscorer in World Cup qualifying history. At the age of 40, Ronaldo achieved this milestone during Portugal’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Hungary on Tuesday. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner netted his 40th and 41st qualifying goals, surpassing the previous record of 39 goals held by retired Guatemalan striker Carlos Ruiz, who set the mark between 1998 and 2016. Ronaldo opened his account in the 22nd minute, skillfully finishing a cross from Nelson Semedo to level the score. He struck again before halftime, capitalizing on a setup by Nuno Mendes to give Portugal a 2-1 lead. This victory could secure Portugal’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup, to be hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Ronaldo, who already holds the record for the most international goals with 143, is now eyeing a sixth World Cup appearance, further solidifying his status as one of football’s greatest legends.
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Canadian trade mission arrives in Guyana
A high-profile Canadian business delegation has arrived in Georgetown, Guyana, for a four-day visit aimed at bolstering trade and investment ties between the two nations. The delegation, comprising representatives from Bionetix International, Sprig Learning Inc., 4Pay Inc., FreeBalance Inc., and E-Magic Solutions, spans diverse sectors including financial technology (FinTech), information and communications technology (ICT), infrastructure, education, and sanitation. Organized by the High Commission of Canada, the visit is part of a broader strategy to enhance commercial cooperation with Guyana and the wider Caribbean region. The delegation’s agenda includes market knowledge sessions, high-level meetings with government officials, and a business-to-business (B2B) program designed to connect Canadian firms with local enterprises. A key feature of the visit will be on-the-ground site tours, offering participants firsthand insights into Guyana’s rapidly evolving infrastructure and investment landscape. These visits aim to bridge the gap between theoretical discussions and practical understanding of opportunities and challenges across various sectors. Canada’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Sebastien Sigouin, emphasized the initiative’s focus on aligning Canadian innovation with Guyanese opportunities. He highlighted the long-standing relationship between the two countries, rooted in trust, cooperation, and mutual respect. The visit underscores Canada’s commitment to supporting Guyana’s development priorities through partnerships that promote innovation, knowledge transfer, and sustainable growth. The High Commission also noted that the mission is not solely about advancing Canadian business interests but also about fostering inclusive, long-term benefits for both nations. The delegation’s presence reflects Canada’s confidence in Guyana’s economic trajectory and the value of building transparent, sustainable, and mutually prosperous partnerships. This visit marks a significant step in strengthening Canada-Guyana commercial relations and unlocking shared opportunities for a resilient and innovative future.
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Jamaica ranks #1 for most likely to help strangers
Jamaica has emerged as the global leader in altruism, securing the top spot for its citizens’ willingness to assist strangers, as revealed in the World Happiness Gallup Report 2025. The Caribbean nation is closely trailed by Liberia and Sierra Leone, both of which also exhibit remarkable levels of generosity toward unfamiliar individuals. However, despite their commendable acts of kindness, these countries rank significantly lower in terms of charitable donations, with Jamaica, Liberia, and Sierra Leone positioned more than 80 places behind in global charity contribution rankings. The report identifies a similar trend in Nigeria and Kenya, which also feature in the top 10 for helping strangers but struggle with financial contributions to organizations. These nations, along with Jamaica, grapple with issues of institutional trust, particularly in their interactions with law enforcement, which often results in a diminished reliance on formal systems. This phenomenon underscores a broader societal pattern: in regions where institutional frameworks are perceived as unreliable or inaccessible, individuals tend to seek support from one another rather than from formal entities. In Jamaica and similar contexts, generosity transcends mere moral obligation, evolving into a tangible manifestation of trust and solidarity among neighbors and strangers alike. This preference for personal, human-centered assistance over formal charitable mechanisms highlights the unique social dynamics at play in these societies.