TOKYO, Japan – Nintendo’s stock experienced a significant surge, climbing over 10% on Wednesday, following the company’s announcement of upgraded sales and profit forecasts for its highly anticipated Switch 2 console. The Japanese gaming powerhouse revealed plans to sell 19 million units of the Switch 2 in the current financial year, a notable increase from its earlier projection of 15 million units.
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NHF deploys mobile pharmacies in western Jamaica as part of recovery efforts
In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica’s National Health Fund (NHF) has introduced mobile pharmacy services to assist residents in three severely impacted parishes in the western region. The initiative, which began operations in Black River, Cambridge, and Negril, aims to ensure uninterrupted access to essential medications. Additionally, the NHF’s Drug Serv team is providing pharmaceutical services from the Albert Town Health Centre Pharmacy in Trelawny. While all main pharmacy locations remain operational, the agency cautioned that limited electricity and internet connectivity have resulted in extended wait times at certain sites. Operational pharmacies across multiple parishes, including St James, Westmoreland, Hanover, St Elizabeth, St Ann, St Mary, Clarendon, and Manchester, are listed as open. In Kingston and St Andrew, all Drug Serv pharmacies are functioning except for the Gordon Town Health Centre. The NHF praised healthcare workers for their unwavering commitment and confirmed that mobile services will persist in the most affected areas for the foreseeable future.
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Reddit and Kick to be included in Australia’s social media ban
Australia is set to enforce one of the world’s most stringent social media bans targeting users under the age of 16, with popular platforms Reddit and Kick joining the list of restricted websites starting December 10. The announcement was made by Communications Minister Anika Wells on Wednesday, highlighting the government’s commitment to safeguarding children online. The new legislation will require platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to remove underage users or face hefty fines of up to AUD 49.5 million (USD 32 million). Wells emphasized that while technology has been used to target children, it should now be leveraged to protect them. The ban aims to ensure children can enjoy their childhood while giving parents peace of mind. However, experts have raised concerns about the law’s effectiveness, with some labeling it as symbolic. Platforms like Roblox, Discord, and WhatsApp remain unaffected for now, though streaming site Twitch is under review. The government has clarified that the list of banned platforms is not static and may evolve. eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant noted that while age restrictions are a powerful tool, they are not a quick fix. Social media companies have criticized the laws as vague and rushed, but the government has maintained that platforms must take reasonable steps to detect and deactivate underage accounts.
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ODPEM reassigned to OPM
In a strategic move to bolster disaster management efforts following Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica’s Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) has been reassigned to the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM). The decision, announced by Prime Minister Andrew Holness during a ministerial statement in the House of Representatives, is effective immediately. This realignment aims to enhance logistical coordination between ODPEM and the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), ensuring a more efficient and unified response to the crisis.
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Over 116,000 buildings severely damaged by Hurricane Melissa — Holness
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Hurricane Melissa has inflicted severe damage on more than 116,000 buildings out of the 428,000 structures recorded in the National Spatial Data Management Branch’s database. The devastation is particularly concentrated in the parishes of Westmoreland, St Elizabeth, and Manchester, as confirmed by satellite imagery and drone assessments. Prime Minister Andrew Holness addressed the crisis during a ministerial statement in the House of Representatives on Tuesday. He emphasized the unprecedented use of geospatial intelligence to conduct a rapid, high-resolution national housing damage assessment, marking a historic milestone for Jamaica. ‘Melissa has caused extensive damage to the nation’s housing stock, especially in the western parishes,’ Holness stated. ‘These findings are now guiding targeted relief and reconstruction efforts across affected communities.’ The government is transitioning from emergency sheltering to stabilization and repair, with field verification underway in priority areas. Housing support teams are collaborating with the Jamaica Defence Force, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, and local authorities to expedite aid. Holness added that as access to western communities is restored, beneficiary verification will be completed, and roofing support, building materials, tarpaulins, and rapid-repair crews will be deployed to ensure safety and habitability. The data is being integrated into the post-disaster needs assessment to shape a resilient housing and building recovery program, led by Minister Robert Montague, who oversees Titling and Settlements.
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Donation to be collected at Reggae Boyz, Curacao football match
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a collaborative effort to aid Hurricane Melissa recovery, donations will be collected during the FIFA World Cup qualification match between Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz and Curaçao on November 18 at the National Stadium in Kingston. The initiative is spearheaded by the Jamaica Red Cross in partnership with the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) and the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport.
Portfolio Minister Olivia Grange highlighted the significance of the initiative during a media briefing at Jamaica House on Monday. ‘This is one way the Reggae Boyz are contributing to the relief efforts,’ she stated, adding that discussions are ongoing with other national teams to explore additional support avenues.
Minister Grange also revealed that the president of the Confederation of North, Central America, and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) will attend the match, underscoring the event’s importance. Furthermore, she announced the appointment of Bishop Herro Blair as the national coordinator of the Religious and Faith-Based Organisations team. Bishop Blair will lead engagement and coordinate relief efforts across diverse religious groups, including Rastafarians, Revivalists, Muslims, Hindus, and Baha’i.
Expressing gratitude for the public’s unwavering support, Minister Grange encouraged everyone to participate in the recovery and rebuilding process. ‘We will get over this… We will recover and rebuild better than before,’ she affirmed, emphasizing the collective resilience of the nation.
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JPS told to put electricity grid underground where feasible — Holness
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaican government has instructed the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) Company to assess the viability of relocating portions of the electricity grid underground. Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced this initiative during a session in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, emphasizing the need for resilience in the power infrastructure.
Holness highlighted specific areas, including Montego Bay’s Elegant Corridor and Hip Strip, as priority zones for this underground project. These regions, central to Jamaica’s tourism industry, sustained significant damage during the hurricane. While acknowledging the high costs associated with underground infrastructure, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of balancing expenses with the need for a robust and resilient grid.
In parallel, the government has prioritized power restoration in critical facilities such as hospitals, water plants, and communication hubs, as well as densely populated residential areas. Holness noted that the ‘all clear for restoration of utility services’ has enabled JPS and independent contractors to mobilize extensively. The Ministry of Energy is overseeing grid stabilization efforts and addressing localized issues, including low voltage on restored feeders.
The Prime Minister assured the public that the government is providing strategic guidance to JPS, focusing on restoring large commercial and urban centers alongside essential public services. He also pledged to keep citizens informed about the progress of re-energization efforts across parishes as the network undergoes repairs and reconstruction.
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Caribbean authorities enhance collaborative efforts on climate and land use strategies at gathering in Barbados
Delegates from twelve Caribbean nations convened in Barbados from October 30 to 31, 2025, to bolster regional efforts in climate resilience and sustainable land management. The summit, organized under the Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management (PISLM), aimed to strengthen collaboration with the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF). This meeting followed resolutions from the 4th PISLM Ministerial Council held in Grenada earlier in June 2025, which called for a robust regional framework to enhance access to international climate funding. Hon. Adrian Forde, Barbados’s Minister of Environment and National Beautification and PISLM Council Chair, emphasized the Caribbean’s disproportionate vulnerability to climate change despite its minimal contribution to global emissions. He advocated for “concessional, rapid, and predictable finance” as both a necessity and a right for the region. Forde also expressed solidarity with Jamaica, acknowledging the challenges it faces and the potential policy hurdles in addressing climate-related issues. Dr. Ronen Francis, PISLM Executive Director, highlighted the organization’s commitment to restoring degraded lands, improving ecosystem services, and enhancing community livelihoods. He stressed the importance of collaboration among governments, development partners, and local communities to achieve sustainable land management and drought resilience. The conference also showcased progress in various GEF-funded projects, including the SOILCARE initiative, Integrated Landscape Management in Carriacou, and the Caribbean Drought Initiative. PISLM reaffirmed its role in translating global environmental commitments into actionable local strategies, ensuring a sustainable and resilient future for the Caribbean.
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COMMENTARY: Caribbean Gold: Anti-Aging from the Sea
The Caribbean is poised to transform an environmental challenge into a groundbreaking opportunity by harnessing the untapped potential of Sargassum seaweed. Known for its invasive presence on beaches, Sargassum is now gaining recognition as a rich source of bioactive compounds with significant applications in anti-aging and regenerative skincare. Compounds like terpenoids, fucoxanthin, and fucoidan, found in abundance in Sargassum, offer skin-brightening, elasticity-enhancing, and anti-wrinkle properties, making it a valuable resource for the booming global cosmeceutical market, projected to reach $88 billion by 2030. This innovation could not only clean up Caribbean beaches but also position the region as a leader in marine-based wellness and sustainability. The Dominican Republic has already begun exporting Sargassum to Finland for cosmetic and food industry applications, while Barbados, St. Lucia, and Trinidad & Tobago are actively collecting the seaweed for similar purposes. However, challenges such as fragmented governance, limited R&D infrastructure, and brain drain of scientific talent hinder progress. To overcome these barriers, a regional innovation ecosystem is essential, fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government. By investing in marine science capacity and youth programs, the Caribbean can create jobs, boost economic diversification, and establish itself as a hub for marine-based anti-aging innovation. Flagship products like ‘Ocean Renewal Serum’ and ‘Marine Radiance Cream’ could revolutionize the skincare industry, while eco-tourism initiatives like ‘Rejuvenate Naturally – The Caribbean’s First Anti-Aging Eco-Tourism Sanctuary’ could attract wellness travelers seeking sustainable longevity solutions. This transformative approach not only addresses the Sargassum influx but also builds a legacy of prosperity, wellness, and scientific excellence for the Caribbean.
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Minister GBB: Aanlegsteiger Leonsberg ten onrechte uitgegeven als privéterrein
In a significant development, Minister Stanley Soeropawiro of Land Policy and Forest Management (GBB) has confirmed to Starnieuws that the Leonsberg pier, a vital transportation hub used daily by hundreds of passengers, was indeed sold as private property during the previous administration. ‘It is true: this pier was formally issued as a private parcel in the last governance period. That is a fact,’ stated Soeropawiro. ‘However, this is also one of the clearest examples of how misguided policies can directly harm public interest.’
The sale has dealt a severe blow to dozens of boat operators who rely on the pier for their livelihoods. Without access to the docking facility, these operators, who have long facilitated passenger transport between Leonsberg and Nieuw-Amsterdam—often maintaining the pier themselves—are now left stranded. The minister acknowledged their concerns, assuring that his ministry is actively working on a solution while further investigating the matter.
Soeropawiro emphasized that the sale of the pier is ‘one of many missteps we have encountered at the ministry.’ He highlighted the current government’s commitment, under President Jennifer Simons, to restore public facilities to the people. ‘The public deserves fair governance. Public land is not private property,’ he asserted. ‘Those who approved such transactions will be held accountable. This government will restore order—step by step, case by case.’
The minister vowed that the government will not allow public infrastructure to fall into private hands. ‘This marks the beginning of rectifying what was wrong,’ he concluded.