作者: admin

  • CAL appoints acting CEO, to audit all departments

    CAL appoints acting CEO, to audit all departments

    Following weeks of speculation, Caribbean Airlines (CAL) announced on October 13 the immediate resignation of its CEO, Garvin Medera. The airline’s board of directors confirmed the departure and appointed Chief Operating Officer Nirmala Ramai as the acting CEO to ensure operational continuity and stability. In a formal statement, the board expressed gratitude for Medera’s years of dedicated service and leadership, extending their best wishes for his future endeavors. Medera, in his farewell message, thanked CAL employees for their resilience and commitment during challenging times, as well as partners and customers for their unwavering support and loyalty. He emphasized the collective efforts that have driven the airline’s success. Under Ramai’s interim leadership, CAL’s senior management team will collaborate closely to navigate this transitional phase. The airline assured customers and partners that its full flight schedule will remain unaffected. The board highlighted that this leadership change aligns with CAL’s broader focus on stability, safety, and accountability. As part of the transition, CAL outlined five key initiatives: fostering open communication and care for employees and stakeholders; optimizing operations for efficiency and modernization; enhancing customer experiences through improved services; crafting a sustainable, long-term growth strategy; and conducting comprehensive audits to reinforce governance and safety. Additionally, CAL reaffirmed its commitment to internal talent development, prioritizing career advancement opportunities for existing employees before considering external candidates.

  • 19-y-o student cops Miss Jamaica World Beach Beauty title

    19-y-o student cops Miss Jamaica World Beach Beauty title

    In a dazzling display of grace and charisma, 19-year-old Nevaeh Allen, a business finance student at the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC), was crowned the 2025 Miss Jamaica World Beach Beauty on Sunday. The event, held at Fort Clarence Beach in Portmore, is a pivotal fast-track competition in the annual Miss Jamaica World pageant. Allen’s victory not only earned her the prestigious title but also guaranteed her a spot in the top ten of the grand finals, scheduled for November 2 at the Karl Hendrickson Auditorium at Jamaica College.

  • At least 64 dead, 65 missing in Mexico floods: government

    At least 64 dead, 65 missing in Mexico floods: government

    MEXICO CITY, Mexico — The devastating floods that have ravaged central and eastern Mexico have now claimed the lives of at least 64 people, with an additional 65 individuals still unaccounted for, according to official reports released on Monday. The catastrophic flooding, triggered by relentless and heavy rainfall, has primarily impacted the states of Veracruz, Hidalgo, and Puebla. Laura Velazquez, the head of Mexico’s civil defense authorities, confirmed the grim statistics, highlighting the severity of the situation. The torrential rains have caused rivers to overflow, inundating communities, destroying infrastructure, and displacing thousands of residents. Emergency response teams are working tirelessly to locate the missing and provide aid to those affected. The Mexican government has called for increased support and resources to address the crisis, as the region braces for the possibility of further rainfall. This disaster underscores the growing vulnerability of communities to extreme weather events, which are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change.

  • OpenAI announces Broadcom partnership to build AI chips

    OpenAI announces Broadcom partnership to build AI chips

    In a groundbreaking move, OpenAI, the pioneering force behind ChatGPT, has unveiled a strategic collaboration with semiconductor titan Broadcom to design and manufacture specialized processors tailored for artificial intelligence applications. This partnership, announced on Monday, marks a significant milestone in OpenAI’s quest to solidify its leadership in the generative AI revolution, which gained momentum with the launch of ChatGPT in November 2022.

  • Trump says ‘nightmare’ for Israelis, Palestinians over

    Trump says ‘nightmare’ for Israelis, Palestinians over

    JERUSALEM — In a historic address to Israel’s parliament on Monday, former U.S. President Donald Trump declared the end of a “painful nightmare” as the final group of hostages returned home from Gaza and Palestinian prisoners were released under a ceasefire agreement he helped broker. Trump’s brief visit to Israel preceded a high-stakes summit in Egypt’s Sharm El-Sheikh, where discussions on the future of Gaza and Middle East peace are set to take place. Speaking to Israeli lawmakers, Trump praised the resilience of the Israeli people, stating, “For so many families across this land, it has been years since you’ve known a single day of true peace. Now, the long and painful nightmare is finally over.” The ceasefire deal, which Trump played a pivotal role in negotiating, saw the return of the last 20 surviving hostages after two years in captivity. In Tel Aviv, crowds erupted in emotional celebrations, though the grief for those who did not survive remained evident. Under the agreement, Israel is set to release nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, with jubilant crowds in Ramallah welcoming the first group of freed detainees. Trump’s visit also highlighted his 20-point plan for Gaza, which includes establishing a new governing body and a multinational security force to oversee the territory. Despite ongoing challenges, including Hamas’s refusal to disarm and Israel’s partial withdrawal from Gaza, Trump expressed confidence in the durability of the ceasefire and the broader peace process. The summit in Egypt aims to solidify these efforts, though Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will not attend due to a religious holiday. Trump’s Middle East diplomacy continues to shape the region’s future, even as uncertainties linger.

  • West Indies fightback ‘sign of good things’, says Campbell

    West Indies fightback ‘sign of good things’, says Campbell

    In a remarkable display of resilience, West Indies opener John Campbell and Shai Hope delivered centuries to revive their team’s fortunes in the second Test against India at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium. Campbell, scoring his maiden Test century with 115 runs, partnered with Hope, who contributed 103, to forge a 177-run stand. This effort came after India enforced the follow-on, leaving the West Indies in a precarious position at 35-2 in their second innings. The duo’s partnership, along with a late surge from Justin Greaves (50 not out) and Jayden Seales (32), propelled the West Indies to a total of 390 all out, setting India a modest target of 121 runs on day four. Despite India’s strong position at 63-1 by stumps, Campbell remained optimistic, citing the unpredictable nature of the pitch. He acknowledged his dismissal to Ravindra Jadeja as a miscalculation but emphasized the team’s positive strides. The West Indies, plagued by recent batting collapses, including a record low of 27 against Australia, view this performance as a potential turning point. Campbell expressed hope that this resilience against India’s formidable bowling attack could signal better days ahead for Caribbean cricket.

  • Health ministry to strengthen support for women experiencing menopause

    Health ministry to strengthen support for women experiencing menopause

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican Ministry of Health and Wellness has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative to enhance support for women navigating perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause. The program focuses on expanding public education, improving access to healthcare services, and establishing a structured treatment framework at the primary healthcare level. Dr. Christopher Tufton, Minister of Health and Wellness, emphasized the need to address the often-neglected impact of menopause on women’s quality of life. He stated, ‘For too long, menopause has been treated as a taboo subject. We are committed to changing this narrative by ensuring every woman, regardless of location, has access to information, care, and support.’

    Data from the Mona Ageing and Wellness Centre at The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, reveals that Jamaica is home to approximately 130,000 menopausal women, 76,200 perimenopausal women, and 75,000 postmenopausal women. Menopause, typically occurring between ages 45 and 55, marks the end of menstruation and can result from natural processes or medical interventions such as chemotherapy. Perimenopause, the transitional phase leading to menopause, can span several years and significantly impact physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Globally, women over 50 represented 26% of all women and girls in 2021, up from 22% a decade earlier. Symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats can persist for up to a decade post-menopause.

    Dr. Tufton outlined the ministry’s life stage approach, which includes public education campaigns, routine physician examinations, and accessible advice at primary care facilities. He also addressed concerns about the limited availability of medications to alleviate symptoms, assuring that efforts are underway to bridge this gap. ‘We are actively exploring solutions to ensure women have access to necessary medications,’ he affirmed. Additionally, the initiative prioritizes mental health support, encouraging women to utilize counselling services or contact the mental health hotline at 888-NEW-LIFE (888-639-5433).

    Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie, Chief Medical Officer, urged women experiencing symptoms such as irregular periods, hot flashes, anxiety, or sleep disturbances to seek assistance at their nearest health center or consult a healthcare provider. This initiative marks a significant step toward empowering Jamaican women through comprehensive care and support during this critical life stage.

  • Death of bullied nine-year-old shakes France

    Death of bullied nine-year-old shakes France

    A heartbreaking incident unfolded in Sarreguemines, northeastern France, as a nine-year-old girl was discovered dead in her home over the weekend. Authorities, including prosecutors and police sources, have indicated that the tragedy likely resulted from suicide, following persistent bullying. The young girl’s body was found on Saturday, prompting an outpouring of grief and calls for action against school harassment. Former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, who previously served as education minister and founded an association to combat bullying, expressed his condolences on social media platform X. He described bullying as a ‘scourge’ and a ‘slow poison’ that can lead to devastating outcomes. Regional education officials expressed deep shock over the incident, while the public prosecutor’s office confirmed an ongoing investigation, suggesting the act appeared to be voluntary. Police sources revealed that the girl had left a letter for her family. Her mother disclosed that the child had been subjected to relentless bullying by her primary school classmates, who mocked her for being overweight. The mother also shared that her daughter had previously mentioned suicidal thoughts. On Monday morning, white roses adorned the school’s railings as a poignant tribute. A family acquaintance, speaking anonymously, claimed that the school had been informed about the bullying but failed to intervene effectively. Abnor, a nine-year-old classmate, recounted how the girl was bullied on her way home, describing her as cheerful in class but often subjected to insults. ‘It’s not nice,’ he said. ‘We’re in school to learn, to get a good job, to earn money. It’s not a place for bullying—not here nor anywhere else in the world.’ The incident has reignited urgent discussions about the need for stronger anti-bullying measures in schools.

  • Tufton says CRH rehabilitation must be completed before September 2026

    Tufton says CRH rehabilitation must be completed before September 2026

    MONTEGO BAY, St James — Dr Christopher Tufton, Jamaica’s Minister of Health and Wellness, has emphasized the urgent need to complete the long-awaited rehabilitation of Cornwall Regional Hospital (CRH) by September 2024. Speaking at a press conference held at S Hotel in Montego Bay on Thursday, Tufton stressed the importance of meeting this deadline, even if it requires intensified efforts from the project team. ‘My position is clear: we must deliver on time. While a slight delay of a month or two might be unavoidable, we cannot afford significant postponements,’ he stated. The minister acknowledged the temptation to extend timelines for perfection but underscored the necessity of accountability among contractors and project leaders to ensure timely and budget-compliant completion. The CRH, a Type A facility, has been undergoing extensive renovations since 2017 due to structural and air quality concerns. Tufton expressed satisfaction with the ongoing work, highlighting progress in critical areas such as the installation of the central air conditioning system, operating theatres, and fire suppression systems. ‘The work is evident when you visit the site. It’s now about accelerating the pace to meet the deadline,’ he remarked. The minister also shifted his focus from providing periodic media updates to achieving the ultimate goal of project completion. ‘I’m no longer interested in showcasing the progress to the media. My priority is to cut the ribbon and open the hospital,’ he concluded.

  • ‘Lady Camille’ reels in victory at Oracabessa Bay Marlin Tournament

    ‘Lady Camille’ reels in victory at Oracabessa Bay Marlin Tournament

    In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Frenchly Bryan, affectionately known as Kush, alongside his team of fishermen from Mason Hall, Oracabessa, St Mary, emerged victorious at the 21st Oracabessa Bay Marlin Tournament. The event, held at the Oracabessa Bay Fishing Village on Sunday, saw over 60 boats vying for the prestigious title. Bryan and his team set sail at 6:00 am aboard their vessel, ‘Lady Camille,’ and returned triumphantly after 4:00 pm with the heaviest marlin of the day, weighing an impressive 127 pounds. Bryan, who had previously come close to winning in Portland, expressed his elation, ‘It’s a happy moment for me. We faced challenges, but we persevered and got the big catch.’ The team’s victory earned them $100,000, a Yahama boat engine valued at $500,000, and other sponsored prizes. The event, conceptualized in 1995 by Chris Blackwell of the Golden Eye Foundation and the Oracabessa Fisheries Association, continues to be a highlight for fishermen across the island, offering not only glory but also substantial rewards. Tajhema Williams, a member of the winning team, shared her excitement, ‘It was a nice experience, especially when we got the big catch. We’re looking forward to next year.’ The tournament, supported by major sponsors like the Tourism Enhancement Fund, Yamaha, and Grace Foods, was a resounding success, drawing scores of residents from Oracabessa and surrounding communities. Travis Graham, Executive Director of the Golden Eye Foundation, praised the event’s seamless execution, ‘This event has been incident-free over the years, and I want to thank the people of Oracabessa for another great event.’ The day concluded with celebrations as supporters gathered at the shore, eagerly anticipating the fishermen’s return with their prized marlin catches.