作者: admin

  • Psychiatrist says men do not have to suffer in silence

    Psychiatrist says men do not have to suffer in silence

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Societal stigma surrounding mental health issues often deters men from seeking timely help, leading to critical situations and, in some cases, tragic outcomes. Dr. Bridget Opiavbe, a consultant psychiatrist at Bellevue Hospital, is urging men to break the silence and prioritize their mental well-being. ‘Men typically exhibit poorer health-seeking behaviors, associating strength with self-reliance and emotional control. Admitting to mental health struggles is often perceived as a sign of weakness, causing them to delay seeking help until a crisis occurs,’ Dr. Opiavbe explained in an interview with JIS News on Thursday. She emphasized that seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a demonstration of wisdom. Dr. Opiavbe highlighted the role of societal labels in perpetuating this issue. Men expressing vulnerability are often labeled as ‘soft’ or ‘unstable,’ leading to feelings of shame and reluctance to seek support. However, she noted a positive shift in recent years, with more men acknowledging their mental health challenges and exploring ways to address them. Social media has played a pivotal role in this change, with prominent figures openly discussing their mental health struggles, helping to normalize the conversation. Dr. Opiavbe pointed out that men often mask their distress through behaviors traditionally associated with masculinity, such as anger, irritability, overworking, or substance abuse. These behaviors, she explained, often conceal deep emotional pain. She urged loved ones to recognize these signs and gently encourage men to seek help. ‘Early intervention is crucial. Waiting until a crisis occurs can have devastating consequences,’ she stressed. Globally, men die by suicide up to four times more frequently than women, with Jamaica reflecting a similar trend. Dr. Opiavbe called for increased mental health education and open conversations to destigmatize seeking help. ‘We are all vulnerable, and help is available. We don’t have to suffer in silence,’ she concluded. Jamaica is observing Mental Health Awareness Week from October 5 to 12, with World Mental Health Day being marked today.

  • Jamaica trail Curacao at half time

    Jamaica trail Curacao at half time

    In a tense World Cup qualification match held at the Ergilio Hato Stadium in Willemstad, Curacao, the Jamaican national football team, known as the ReggaeBoyz, found themselves trailing 1-0 at halftime against Curacao. The decisive moment came in the 14th minute when Livano Comenencia of Curacao unleashed a powerful shot from outside the penalty area, successfully bypassing Jamaican goalkeeper Andre Blake. This marked the first goal conceded by Jamaica in their third game of the Concacaf final round. Despite several attempts by Renaldo Cephas and Tyreece Campbell to equalize, Jamaica failed to level the score. Head coach Steve McClaren had implemented significant changes to the starting lineup, making six alterations from the team that secured victories against Bermuda and Trinidad and Tobago in the initial matches of the round.

  • 48-hour curfew extended in Linstead, St Catherine

    48-hour curfew extended in Linstead, St Catherine

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – Authorities in Jamaica have prolonged the 48-hour curfew initially enforced in specific areas of Linstead, St Catherine, on Wednesday, October 8. The extension, announced on Friday, October 10, will now remain effective until 6:00 pm on Sunday, October 12. The curfew spans three key zones: Commodore Linstead, Banbury Linstead, and Trinity Linstead, with clearly defined geographical boundaries. Residents within these areas are mandated to stay indoors unless granted explicit permission by the ground commander. The decision underscores ongoing security measures aimed at maintaining public order and safety in the region. The precise boundaries for each zone are as follows: Commodore Linstead stretches from the Linstead Bypass to Buena Vista Boulevard, Banbury Linstead extends from Tenn’s Bar and Grocery to Canal Road, and Trinity Linstead covers areas from Rodney Hall Road to King Street. This extension reflects the government’s commitment to addressing potential threats and ensuring the well-being of the community.

  • Progress on Noel Holmes Hospital operating theatre

    Progress on Noel Holmes Hospital operating theatre

    Jamaica’s healthcare infrastructure is set for significant improvements as the government moves forward with long-awaited projects, including a new operating theatre at the Noel Holmes Hospital in Hanover and upgrades to the Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital in Westmoreland. Regional Director for the Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA), St Andrade Sinclair, announced that the tender process for the operating theatre will commence this Saturday. The project, which has been in the pipeline for over a decade, aims to replace the hospital’s original theatre, which has been non-operational for nearly 30 years. Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton emphasized the government’s commitment to funding the initiative, which is expected to begin in 2024. In addition to the theatre, plans are underway to address overcrowding and space limitations at the Savanna-la-Mar Hospital through a $1-billion project to construct a new accident and emergency (A&E) department. The three-phase initiative will include a diagnostic area, laboratory, and expanded bed spaces. Minister Tufton also highlighted efforts to resolve a non-functioning sewage system installed in 2016, with procurement for a new contractor currently in progress. The government aims to finalize the contract by the end of the year, ensuring the hospital’s facilities are fully operational.

  • Forex: $161.62 to one US dollar

    Forex: $161.62 to one US dollar

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the latest financial update from the Bank of Jamaica, the US dollar demonstrated a slight uptick in its exchange rate against the Jamaican dollar on Friday, October 10, 2025. Closing at $161.62, the US currency marked an increase of nine cents from the previous trading session. This movement reflects ongoing fluctuations in the foreign exchange market, influenced by global economic trends and local financial policies. Concurrently, the Canadian dollar experienced a decline, settling at $115.47 after a drop from $116.10. Similarly, the British pound saw a minor decrease, ending the day at $216.26 compared to its previous close of $216.53. These shifts underscore the dynamic nature of currency markets and their responsiveness to international economic developments.

  • ‘Sugar daddy’ charged with killing lover and her family in Pennsylvania

    ‘Sugar daddy’ charged with killing lover and her family in Pennsylvania

    A 61-year-old man, Jose Luis Rodriguez, has been charged with the brutal murders of his lover, her husband, and their one-year-old son in Berks County, Pennsylvania. The victims, identified as 31-year-old Geraldina Peguero-Mancebo, her 33-year-old husband Junior Cabrera-Colon, and their infant son Jeydon, were killed in a series of violent acts that authorities have described as “heinous and calculated.”

    According to prosecutors, Rodriguez’s actions were driven by anger after Peguero-Mancebo refused to leave her marriage but continued to accept financial support from him. The tragedy unfolded when Rodriguez allegedly picked up Peguero-Mancebo while she was holding her baby, shot her in the back of the head, and then threw the child into a nearby pond, where he drowned. Later, Rodriguez reportedly met Cabrera-Colon and executed him in a similar manner, leaving his body in a separate location.

    The victims’ bodies were discovered days apart in Ontelaunee Township, just outside Reading. Rodriguez eventually confessed to parts of the crime, admitting to investigators that he was enraged by Peguero-Mancebo’s decision to remain with her husband. The couple, who shared three other children aged eight to 13, were described as victims of a deeply disturbing act of violence.

    Berks County District Attorney’s Office officials emphasized the severity of the crime, noting Rodriguez’s violent criminal history and stating that this incident was “by far the most disturbing act” they have encountered, particularly due to the murder of the innocent child. Rodriguez remains in custody and faces charges for one homicide, according to reports.

  • J’Adam Workshop creates safe space for men through dance

    J’Adam Workshop creates safe space for men through dance

    In a society where opportunities for male self-expression are often constrained, Jamaican dancer and educator Royane Green is pioneering a transformative initiative. Through the J’Adam Male Dance Workshop, Green is fostering a safe environment for men to explore creativity, build community, and address mental health challenges via the art of dance. Launched earlier this year, the workshop recently concluded its first summer session, blending modern dance training with discussions on mental and physical well-being. Green, a principal dancer with Movements Dance Company of Jamaica and an adjunct lecturer at Edna Manley College, drew inspiration from his mentor, Patrick Johnson, who exemplified strength and openness in male dance. The J’Adam initiative, rooted in Green’s faith and vision of a ‘new Jamaican man,’ encourages participants to embrace vulnerability, challenge societal norms, and find purpose through movement. In Jamaica, where male dancers often face stigma, Green’s workshop provides a rare space for men to express themselves freely. The program’s inclusivity was highlighted by the participation of Chris, a deaf dancer, who fully engaged in both artistic and mental health components. Green envisions J’Adam as a tool for social intervention, aiming to partner with organizations focused on crime prevention and empower men to find their voices. The workshop also opens doors to professional dance careers, challenging misconceptions about the viability of creative arts. Supported by the Honey Bun Foundation, Green plans to expand the program, incorporating diverse dance styles and reaching more young men. He invites all aspiring male dancers to join J’Adam, emphasizing the transformative power of dance in fostering emotional and psychological growth.

  • Steve McClaren makes six changes to ReggaeBoyz starting team against Curacao

    Steve McClaren makes six changes to ReggaeBoyz starting team against Curacao

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican national football team, known as the ReggaeBoyz, has announced significant changes to their starting lineup ahead of their decisive World Cup qualifier against Curacao. The match, scheduled for Friday at the Ergilio Hato Stadium, is part of the Concacaf Group B campaign. Head coach Steve McClaren, who previously fielded an unchanged squad in victories over Bermuda and Trinidad and Tobago last month, has opted for a reshuffled team to face second-placed Curacao, who trail Jamaica by two points in the group standings. Key changes include the return of Andre Blake as goalkeeper, replacing Jahmali Waite, and the inclusion of Ethan Pinnock, Amari’i Bell, and Dexter Lembikisa in the defensive line. Midfielder Bobby Reid and debutant Ian Fray have also been named in the starting eleven. McClaren has retained the attacking trio of Bailey Cadamarteri, Tyreece Campbell, and Renaldo Cephas, while Richard King and Jonathon Russell return to the defense and midfield, respectively. Notably absent from the lineup are Damion Lowe, who captained the team in the previous two matches, along with Greg Leigh, Kasey Palmer, and Issac Hayden.

  • Ex-Point Fortin mayor: Divided TT must unite on stand-your-ground law

    Ex-Point Fortin mayor: Divided TT must unite on stand-your-ground law

    Former Point Fortin Mayor Abdon Mason has issued a compelling call for all 41 Members of Parliament (MPs) in Trinidad and Tobago to set aside partisan differences and collaborate on the proposed stand-your-ground legislation. Speaking at a public consultation held at the Point Fortin Borough Corporation on October 7, Mason emphasized the importance of prioritizing national interests over political affiliations. While he expressed gratitude to Point Fortin MP Ernesto Kesar for organizing the session, Mason refrained from outright endorsing the bill, stating, ‘I would support any legislation which aims to protect the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago.’ Mason highlighted the nation’s growing divide between ‘the fearless and the fearful,’ placing himself in the latter category as a father concerned for his children’s safety. He also lamented the polarization between political factions and ethnic groups, urging unity and mutual respect. Recalling a dramatic demonstration by Minister of National Security Roger Alexander, Mason underscored the urgency of addressing home invasion fears. He appealed to MPs to transcend political noise and focus on the legislation’s potential benefits for the population, emphasizing the need for progress beyond electoral disappointments. Mason concluded, ‘Let us leave the pettiness aside and look at the true value of the legislation and its benefit to the population.’

  • Melania Trump says Putin talks secured return of Ukraine war kids

    Melania Trump says Putin talks secured return of Ukraine war kids

    In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, U.S. First Lady Melania Trump announced on Friday that she had successfully secured the release of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia. This achievement followed weeks of discreet negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, initiated after a summit between Putin and her husband, former U.S. President Donald Trump, in Alaska. Melania revealed that eight children displaced by Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine had been reunited with their families within the past 24 hours.