作者: admin

  • Valencia farmer found dead in own garden

    Valencia farmer found dead in own garden

    A Valencia farming community has been shaken by the brutal murder of 42-year-old Anthony Sankar, whose family made the horrific discovery of his body in his own garden on November 26th. The tragedy unfolded when Sankar failed to return home at his customary time of 6:00 PM after leaving earlier that day to tend to his property with a weed wacker.

    According to investigative reports, Sankar was last seen alive approximately at 11:00 AM on Tuesday morning. When he did not return home by evening as was his established routine, concerned family members initiated a search operation. The grim discovery occurred around 8:00 PM when Sankar’s mother and other relatives located his body in the garden area, showing apparent gunshot wounds to both facial and torso regions.

    Law enforcement authorities responded promptly to the incident, with the Specialist Evidence Recovery Unit (SERU) deploying crime scene investigators to document and process the area through comprehensive photographic evidence collection. Detective WPC Timothy has assumed leadership of the ongoing investigation, though preliminary reports have not indicated any immediate motives or suspects in the case.

    The local agricultural community has expressed profound shock at the violent death of Sankar, described by neighbors as a dedicated farmer who maintained regular routines. This incident has raised concerns about rural safety and prompted discussions about security measures for isolated farming properties. The investigation continues as authorities pursue all possible leads to identify perpetrators and establish the circumstances surrounding this fatal attack.

  • Tufton urges more support for children, elderly after Hurricane Melissa

    Tufton urges more support for children, elderly after Hurricane Melissa

    FALMOUTH, Jamaica — Jamaica’s Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton has issued an urgent warning about the overlooked psychological trauma affecting children and senior citizens in the wake of Hurricane Melissa. During his Thursday visit to Falmouth Public General Hospital, the minister addressed healthcare professionals, emphasizing that these vulnerable demographics require immediate mental health support despite showing less visible signs of distress.

    Dr. Tufton expressed particular concern about children’s developing minds, noting their tendency to internalize trauma when lacking proper emotional guidance. “Children possess remarkably fertile minds that can easily stray without appropriate support,” he stated. “Many remain confused about the catastrophic events they witnessed, including seeing parents struggling to recover from the disaster.”

    The minister highlighted how pediatric trauma often manifests differently than in adults, with children frequently unable to articulate their emotional pain. He urged trained medical professionals to actively employ their expertise in helping young survivors process their experiences through therapeutic communication and emotional validation.

    Pointing to innovative psychosocial interventions, Tufton referenced the Humming Bird Foundation’s ongoing initiative distributing 10,000 toys and shoes to affected children. He characterized these efforts as dual-purpose—replacing lost belongings while serving as therapeutic tools to restore normalcy and joy.

    “Beyond material replacement, these gestures represent crucial emotional therapy,” Tufton explained. “We must help our children rediscover happiness this holiday season through simple human connections—a heartfelt conversation, a reassuring hug, or genuine smile.”

    The minister equally emphasized the plight of elderly residents, particularly those living alone with chronic medical conditions and limited financial resources. He warned that without proactive emotional support, many seniors could “slide into irreversible despair” due to compounded physical vulnerabilities and psychological isolation.

    While acknowledging the importance of clinical medical responses, Tufton stressed that therapeutic human presence remains equally vital. He called for balanced recovery approaches combining professional healthcare services with compassionate community engagement, ensuring no vulnerable population gets overlooked during Jamaica’s ongoing reconstruction efforts.

  • Montague, church leaders discuss land titling and adverse possession issues

    Montague, church leaders discuss land titling and adverse possession issues

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a landmark move to address systemic property rights challenges, the Jamaican government has initiated a collaborative partnership with religious institutions through high-level consultations with the Jamaica Umbrella Group of Churches (JUGC). The Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development (MEGID) is spearheading this initiative to streamline land titling processes and resolve complex adverse possession issues affecting faith-based organizations nationwide.

    The strategic dialogue was chaired by Minister Robert Montague, who holds portfolio responsibility for land titling and settlements. He was accompanied by senior technical experts from the National Land Agency (NLA) and representatives from the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, which maintains oversight of faith-based institutions.

    Minister Montague articulated the government’s ambitious vision of achieving comprehensive land ownership documentation across Jamaica. “Our objective is to secure legal titles for 100 percent of lands nationwide,” Montague stated. “This collaboration is essential as churches have historically served as pillars within their communities for generations. They warrant an unambiguous, economically feasible, and streamlined pathway to formalize property ownership.”

    Technical specialists from the NLA conducted an extensive briefing session detailing the procedural requirements for obtaining land titles, available institutional support mechanisms, and the legal parameters surrounding adverse possession claims. Church representatives engaged in a substantive question-and-answer segment, voicing specific institutional concerns and receiving direct technical advisory support.

    This initiative operationalizes a commitment previously made by Jamaica’s Prime Minister and constitutes a critical component of the nation’s broader land reform and titling strategy. The program aims to dramatically increase the number of Jamaicans—including community collectives and religious organizations—with formally registered and legally secure property rights.

  • Leon Bailey assists in Roma win on return from injury

    Leon Bailey assists in Roma win on return from injury

    In a compelling Europa League showdown on Thursday, Jamaican international Leon Bailey marked his triumphant return from injury with a crucial assist, propelling Serie A leaders Roma to a 2-1 victory against Danish contenders FC Midtjylland at the Stadio Olimpico.

    The winger, who joined the Italian club on loan from Aston Villa during the summer transfer window, had been sidelined for Roma’s three preceding matches after sustaining a thigh injury during training. This setback represented merely the latest in a series of frustrating physical challenges that have limited Bailey’s playing time since his arrival in Italy.

    With Roma holding a narrow 1-0 advantage courtesy of Neil El Aynaoui’s early strike, manager José Mourinho introduced Bailey as a second-half substitute. The Jamaican international made an immediate impact, delivering a precision pass to Stephan El Shaarawy in the 83rd minute that resulted in Roma’s decisive second goal.

    This marked Bailey’s first direct goal contribution for his new club, providing a significant confidence boost for the talented attacker after months of rehabilitation and limited participation. Despite a late consolation goal from Midtjylland’s substitute Paulinho in the 87th minute, Roma’s defense maintained composure to secure three valuable points in their European campaign.

    The performance demonstrated Bailey’s potential value to the Serie A leaders as they continue competing on multiple fronts this season, offering promising signs for his integration into Mourinho’s tactical system following his injury struggles.

  • DBJ launches $10-b business recovery programme

    DBJ launches $10-b business recovery programme

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a decisive response to Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ) has unveiled a comprehensive $10-billion Jamaican dollar (approximately $64 million USD) business recovery initiative. The M5 Business Recovery Programme, announced by DBJ Managing Director Dr. David Lowe at a November 26 Jamaica House briefing, targets enterprises across agriculture, manufacturing, distribution, and tourism sectors that suffered operational disruptions from the Category Five storm.

    The program establishes a tiered support system through DBJ’s network of approved financial institutions (AFIs) and microfinance institutions (MFIs), offering qualified businesses access to financing ranging from $20 million to $50 million Jamaican dollars. Dr. Lowe outlined three distinct recovery pathways: a refinance window for existing borrowers needing term adjustments, a reboot window for addressing immediate operational needs, and a rebuild window for enterprises requiring comprehensive reconstruction.

    ‘Our most critical intervention is the rebuild window for businesses that have been totally disrupted,’ emphasized Dr. Lowe, noting that the program incorporates innovative features including grant components to encourage resilience-building innovations and credit collateral support covering up to 80% of security requirements where traditional collateral became unavailable post-hurricane.

    The funding structure operates in phased deployments: an immediate $1 billion allocation from DBJ’s current balance sheet, a recently cabinet-approved $3 billion secondary phase, and a further $7 billion commitment for sector-wide rebuilding efforts. The program design emerged from extensive consultations with financial institutions, business associations, and existing borrowers following the hurricane’s passage, ensuring tailored solutions to address Jamaica’s post-disaster economic challenges.

  • PM: US Marines improving radar surveillance in Tobago

    PM: US Marines improving radar surveillance in Tobago

    Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has confirmed the presence of United States military personnel in Tobago, characterizing their mission as technical assistance for radar surveillance enhancement at the island’s airport. The disclosure came during a media interaction following a laptop distribution event at Penal Secondary School on November 27.

    Persad-Bissessar clarified that US Marines are actively supporting improvements to runway infrastructure and radar capabilities at the Arthur NR Robinson International Airport. ‘They will help us to improve our surveillance and intelligence we gather…the narco traffickers in our waters and outside our waters,’ the Prime Minister stated, emphasizing the counter-narcotics focus of the cooperation.

    This development forms part of broader US military activities across the southern Caribbean initiated in August, which initially involved three guided missile destroyers and has since expanded to include nuclear submarines, amphibious assault vessels, and the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R Ford with its strike group. The 22nd US Marine Expeditionary Unit recently conducted joint exercises with Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force personnel.

    The military cooperation occurs under the framework of the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) signed between both nations in December, facilitating bilateral military coordination. Persad-Bissessar explicitly denied any offensive intentions toward Venezuela, asserting, ‘Trinidad has not been asked to be a base for any war against Venezuela.’

    This stance has generated significant political controversy domestically and regionally. Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles has filed a motion condemning the Prime Minister’s statements as ‘inflammatory’ and damaging to Trinidad and Tobago’s international standing. The motion calls for reaffirmation of commitment to CARICOM and international law.

    Persad-Bissessar’s position notably diverges from the traditional CARICOM consensus maintaining the Caribbean as a zone of peace, placing her at odds with regional leaders including Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley and St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves. The Prime Minister has additionally predicted potential CARICOM fragmentation, alleging interference by regional leaders in member states’ elections—a claim particularly directed at Gonsalves regarding upcoming elections in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

  • I Love Jamaica Telethon raises $65m for Hurricane Melissa relief

    I Love Jamaica Telethon raises $65m for Hurricane Melissa relief

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s national recovery initiative for Hurricane Melissa devastation has received an extraordinary financial infusion, with the recently concluded “I Love Jamaica” Telethon generating over $65 million in donations and pledges. The monumental fundraising achievement was confirmed by Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia “Babsy” Grange.

    The virtual benefit concert, broadcast worldwide on Sunday through both traditional media and digital platforms, featured performances by approximately 30 of Jamaica’s most celebrated musical talents spanning reggae, dancehall, and gospel genres. This cross-genre collaboration created a powerful demonstration of cultural solidarity.

    Minister Grange disclosed that $45.76 million has already been secured in the official Support Jamaica account, with an additional $19.97 million in committed pledges scheduled for collection in the coming days. The minister expressed profound appreciation for the widespread support from both local and international contributors.

    “Our heartfelt gratitude extends to every individual donor across the island and diaspora, corporate Jamaica, and global supporters standing with our communities most severely affected by this catastrophic hurricane,” Minister Grange stated during her address.

    The production represented a collaborative endeavor between Jamaica’s entertainment industry and government ministries. Minister Grange specifically acknowledged the extraordinary contributions from performing artists, sports personalities, media broadcasters, and corporate sponsors including Red Stripe and Digicel.

    Corporate partners emphasized the telethon’s significance in showcasing national resilience. Sean Wallace, Red Stripe’s Head of Commerce, noted the event highlighted the unwavering strength of Jamaican unity, reaffirming his company’s commitment to long-term community recovery efforts.

    Nicholette McFarlane, Digicel’s Head of Marketing, characterized participation as both an honor and privilege, emphasizing the powerful display of global Jamaican solidarity.

    The national relief program continues to accept public contributions through official portals at supportjamaica.gov.jm and japromise.org. Additionally, mobile donations are being processed via text messaging system: Text “GIVE” to 876-444-5501 ($150 donation), 876-444-5502 ($1,000 donation), or 876-444-5503 ($5,000 donation).

    This telethon marks the initial phase of the broader “I Love Jamaica” fundraising campaign, with planned physical benefit concerts scheduled in international cities with significant Jamaican populations including London, New York, and Miami.

  • Man held for murder in Castara – TOURIST STABBED TO DEATH

    Man held for murder in Castara – TOURIST STABBED TO DEATH

    Tobago authorities are pursuing a homicide investigation following the fatal stabbing of American tourist Christopher Brown in the coastal village of Castara. The 44-year-old Colorado resident was ambushed on a darkened pathway off Depot Road Wednesday night, allegedly by a 26-year-old Scarborough man who mistakenly identified him as a romantic rival.

    According to homicide investigators, the suspect had attended a weekly drumming session on Castara’s beachfront where he confronted his girlfriend about her apparent interaction with another attendee. Leaving in anger, the man reportedly concealed himself along an unlit track where he later attacked Brown with multiple stab wounds, leaving the weapon embedded in the victim’s back.

    Police confirmed the assailant contacted his girlfriend afterward, apparently believing Brown was the individual who had sparked their earlier argument. Authorities note the actual person of interest shared similar physical characteristics with the deceased tourist.

    Brown had been vacationing with his girlfriend at Castara Retreats resort and was scheduled to return to Colorado Thursday. Following the beach gathering, he had inexplicably returned toward the drumming session alone shortly before the attack.

    Tourism Secretary Tashia Burris condemned the violence as a “horrific act” while emphasizing Castara’s historically safe environment. Local tourism association president Bertill Taylor expressed community trauma, stressing the perpetrator was an outsider from Rockly Vale. Taylor highlighted longstanding infrastructure concerns regarding Depot Road, which lacks lighting and maintenance despite being a frequent access route to Little Bay beach.

    The incident marks Tobago’s ninth homicide this year, occurring just days after another fatal shooting in Mason Hall. Tourism representatives expressed concern about the season’s already declining bookings, hoping the tragedy wouldn’t further deter visitors to what they describe as a vibrant, community-policed destination.

  • MLSS deepens partnership with World Food Programme to boost post-Hurricane relief

    MLSS deepens partnership with World Food Programme to boost post-Hurricane relief

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant escalation of disaster response capabilities, Jamaica’s Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) has deepened its strategic partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP) to address widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. This reinforced collaboration marks a critical phase in the nation’s recovery trajectory.

    The revitalized alliance features a comprehensive WFP proposal to deliver essential support to approximately 200,000 Jamaican citizens over a three-month duration. This ambitious initiative, valued at an estimated US$30 million, encompasses multi-faceted assistance including nutritional aid, financial support, logistical coordination, and emergency telecommunications infrastructure.

    Current distribution efforts have successfully delivered 24,500 specialized food kits across severely impacted parishes including St Elizabeth, St James, Trelawny, and Westmoreland. Each nutritionally balanced kit provides sustenance for a three-person household throughout one week. With operational capabilities expanding, the WFP has outlined plans to reach an additional 46,000 beneficiaries in the immediate future.

    Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr emphasized the transformative impact of this partnership, noting substantially enhanced capabilities for real-time needs assessment and rapid response coordination. The integration with Jamaica’s advanced Household Disaster Impact and Needs Assessment (JHDINA) digital platform has been particularly instrumental, facilitating 22,340 detailed household evaluations to guide data-driven resource allocation.

    The collaboration has additionally enabled comprehensive evaluation of the MLSS Community Feedback Mechanism, identifying operational gaps and implementing improvements to better serve hurricane-affected communities. This systematic approach has strengthened government-led accountability frameworks, ensuring transparent assistance distribution to the most vulnerable populations.

    Substantial material support has been provided through the WFP’s contribution of critical operational assets including transport trucks, power generators, forklifts, modular storage units, pallet systems, and specialized sector equipment. Strategic establishment of seven emergency staging areas in key locations such as Montego Bay, Kingston, and Black River has created a network for rapid deployment of relief supplies to affected regions.

    Brian Bogart, Representative for the WFP Caribbean Office, confirmed the organization’s sustained engagement throughout the crisis timeline. “The WFP maintained full commitment to supporting national emergency response protocols even prior to Hurricane Melissa’s landfall. Our operations are fully embedded within national systems to ensure multilateral support aligns precisely with Government of Jamaica priorities,” Bogart stated.

    Current achievements include emergency food kit distribution to over 35,000 vulnerable individuals, with preparations underway to double this reach within coming days. Collective efforts between MLSS, WFP, and the Jamaica Defence Force have distributed 59,320 food packages nationwide, leveraging WFP’s logistical expertise, supply chain management, and digital assessment technologies.

    Both organizations have formally reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining support throughout Jamaica’s ongoing recovery process, demonstrating unprecedented cooperation in post-disaster rehabilitation efforts.

  • JLP scraps annual conference for 2025

    JLP scraps annual conference for 2025

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In an unprecedented move signaling a shift from decades of political tradition, the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has officially called off its scheduled 2025 Annual Conference. The decision emerged from a unanimous vote during the party’s Standing Committee assembly on November 18, as confirmed by Senator Abka Fitz-Henley, Chairman of the JLP Communication Taskforce.

    The resolution will proceed to the JLP’s Central Executive for final ratification at their December 7 convening. This marks the first cancellation of the party’s hallmark November event in recent history, breaking with customary political gatherings that typically serve as platforms for policy announcements and membership mobilization.

    Senior party representatives emphasize that this strategic reallocation of resources stems from the urgent need to address Jamaica’s recovery trajectory in Hurricane Melissa’s aftermath. The catastrophic weather event inflicted substantial damage across the island nation, compelling a unified governmental and societal response.

    Rather than channeling funds and organizational energy into conference preparations, the JLP will pivot全部 focus toward disaster relief initiatives, infrastructure rehabilitation, and community support programs. The party’s leadership asserts that national rebuilding efforts must take precedence over political ceremonies during this critical recovery period, demonstrating institutional adaptability in times of crisis.