KINGSTON, Jamaica — The US dollar demonstrated a notable uptick in value against the Jamaican dollar on Tuesday, October 7, closing at $161.57, marking a 29-cent increase from the previous trading session. This data, sourced from the Bank of Jamaica’s daily exchange trading summary, highlights the ongoing fluctuations in the foreign exchange market. Concurrently, the Canadian dollar also saw a rise, ending the day at $161.57, up from $116.37. In contrast, the British pound experienced a decline, settling at $116.35, down from $218.83. These mixed trends underscore the dynamic nature of global currency markets, influenced by a myriad of economic factors and international developments. The Bank of Jamaica continues to monitor these shifts closely, providing essential insights for investors and policymakers alike.
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Ricardo ‘Bibi’ Gardner to be conferred with OD on National Heroes’ Day
KINGSTON, Jamaica—Ricardo ‘Bibi’ Gardner, a celebrated former star of Jamaica’s national football team, the Reggae Boyz, is set to receive the prestigious Order of Distinction in the Rank of Officer (OD) on National Heroes’ Day, October 20. This honor not only recognizes Gardner’s remarkable contributions to football but also celebrates his role in elevating Jamaica’s presence on the global sports stage.
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WATCH: Principal of Rosemount Primary grateful for support following death of 4-y-o student
ST CATHERINE, Jamaica — Malaika Sinclair-Bailey, Principal of Rosemount Primary and Infant School, has extended heartfelt thanks to the school community and various stakeholders for their unwavering support following the tragic death of a four-year-old student. The young child was among nine individuals shot in a violent incident in the Commodore area of Linstead, St. Catherine, on Sunday evening. Five of the victims, including the child, lost their lives. The attackers, reportedly disguised as police officers, stormed a family yard and opened fire, leaving the community in shock. Sinclair-Bailey highlighted the resilience of the students, particularly the classmates of the deceased, who have shown remarkable focus amidst their grief. She expressed gratitude to the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), the Ministry of Education, and community members for their immediate response and ongoing efforts to provide comfort and stability. ‘Our children are buoyant this morning. Some are crying, but they are comforted by all our visitors,’ she said. The principal emphasized the importance of unity in creating a safer environment for children and thanked those who continue to pray and support the school. The incident, which occurred around 8:45 pm on Sunday, has left the community reeling, but the collective response has been a beacon of hope during this dark time.
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Study finds women have higher genetic risk of depression
A landmark study conducted by Australian researchers has uncovered significant genetic differences in the risk of clinical depression between men and women. Published in the prestigious journal Nature Communications, the research analyzed the DNA of nearly 200,000 individuals with depression, marking it as one of the largest studies of its kind. The findings revealed that women possess nearly twice as many genetic markers associated with depression compared to men. Led by the Berghofer Medical Research Institute, the study identified approximately 13,000 genetic markers linked to depression in women, versus 7,000 in men. These genetic variations could influence biological pathways related to metabolism and hormone production, potentially explaining why women with depression often experience symptoms like weight fluctuations and altered energy levels. Researcher Jodi Thomas emphasized that understanding these genetic differences could pave the way for more personalized and effective treatments. The study also highlighted a historical bias in medical research, with most depression medications and studies predominantly focused on male participants. Clinical depression, affecting over 300 million people globally according to the World Health Organization, remains one of the most prevalent mental health disorders. This groundbreaking research offers new insights into the biological underpinnings of depression and underscores the need for gender-specific approaches in mental health treatment.
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Energy, pride and legacy shine at TTFF screening of Bam Bam: The Sister Nancy Story
The Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival (TTFF) recently witnessed a momentous occasion with the screening of *Bam Bam: The Sister Nancy Story*, a documentary celebrating the life and groundbreaking contributions of dancehall pioneer Sister Nancy. The event, held at Woodbrook Place in Port of Spain, drew a packed audience, creating an electrifying atmosphere as attendees gathered to honor the iconic artist. The evening was elevated when Sister Nancy herself joined via phone call, expressing gratitude and love, which resonated deeply with the crowd. Jamaican filmmaker Saeed Thomas shared his pride in seeing Sister Nancy’s journey depicted on screen, emphasizing the importance of preserving Jamaica’s musical heritage. Trinidad and Tobago filmmaker Cathy-Mae Sitaram praised the documentary’s creative execution, highlighting the seamless integration of narratives, interviews, and editing. Haitian-Canadian filmmaker Henri Pardo was inspired by Sister Nancy’s enduring strength and independence, while director Alison Duke revealed her personal motivation for the project, citing Sister Nancy’s unapologetic authenticity as a source of inspiration. Mariel Brown, TTFF festival director, reflected on the festival’s triumphant return, noting the overwhelming support from filmmakers and volunteers alike, reaffirming its role in showcasing Caribbean stories.
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From Porus to Dallas: Dr Cemorne Baugh’s journey of family, faith and fortitude
Dr. Cemorne Baugh, born in the small town of Porus, Manchester, Jamaica, has emerged as a trailblazer in healthcare leadership in Dallas, Texas. Her journey from a reserved student-athlete at Manchester High School to a senior healthcare administrator and PhD holder is a testament to her resilience and determination. Growing up in a large, supportive family of seven brothers and one sister, Dr. Baugh credits her mother, Charmine Townsend Lambert, for instilling values of strength, humility, and service. Despite facing numerous obstacles, including becoming a young mother at 21, she persevered, using every challenge as fuel for her ambition. Today, Dr. Baugh is a senior healthcare administrator overseeing a skilled nursing facility with over 150 employees. She is dedicated to improving healthcare delivery and supporting nurses, who she believes are the heart of patient care. Her dissertation, “Nursing Home Nurses’ Transition to Agency Roles,” contributes to research on nursing workforce challenges. Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Baugh remains committed to youth development, coaching track and field and imparting lessons of discipline and resilience to young athletes. Her story is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of determination, faith, and perseverance.
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WATCH: Manchester farmer suspected to have committed suicide in Craighead
MANCHESTER, Jamaica — A somber atmosphere envelops the community of Craighead, Manchester, following the tragic death of 39-year-old farmer Orlando Murray, affectionately known as “Dussy.” On Tuesday afternoon, Murray was discovered lifeless, hanging from a pimento tree with a sheet secured around his neck. The grim discovery occurred between 1:30 pm and 2:00 pm, leaving residents in shock. According to a police report, the incident is being treated as a suspected suicide. Barrington Murray, the deceased’s uncle, expressed disbelief, stating that his nephew had shown no signs of depression. Described as a diligent and hardworking farmer, Orlando Murray’s untimely demise has left many questioning the circumstances. His uncle revealed that Murray had been grappling with emotional distress following the end of a romantic relationship, which he referred to as a “broken heart.” The community now mourns the loss of a dedicated individual while grappling with the complexities of mental health and personal struggles.
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Gov’t advances Green Paper on culture, entertainment and creative economy
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant move to bolster Jamaica’s cultural and creative sectors, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport Olivia Grange presented a Green Paper on the National Policy for Culture, Entertainment, and the Creative Economy in the House of Representatives on Tuesday. The policy outlines a visionary framework aimed at fostering a just, inclusive, and innovative society while preserving the nation’s rich heritage and cultural diversity.
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Dolly Parton’s sister calls for fan prayers over health issues
LOS ANGELES, United States — Dolly Parton, the iconic American country music legend, has postponed several concerts due to undisclosed health concerns, prompting her sister, Freida Parton, to appeal to fans for prayers. The 79-year-old singer, known for timeless hits like “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You,” recently delayed her sold-out Las Vegas performances scheduled for December, citing the need to undergo multiple medical procedures. Freida took to Facebook to share her heartfelt plea, urging fans worldwide to join her in praying for Dolly’s recovery. “I truly believe in the power of prayer,” Freida wrote, emphasizing her faith in collective support. Dolly herself reassured her millions of followers that this is not the end of her illustrious career, announcing rescheduled shows for September 2024. Despite her health setbacks, the singer remains a beloved figure in the music industry, with a career spanning decades and iconic songs like “Coat of Many Colors” and “9 to 5.” Parton is also set to receive an honorary Oscar next month, though reports suggest she may not attend the ceremony in Los Angeles. Freida concluded her message on an optimistic note, expressing confidence in Dolly’s resilience and the power of prayer. “She’s strong, she’s loved, and with all the prayers being lifted for her, I know in my heart she’s going to be just fine,” she wrote, adding, “Godspeed, my sissy Dolly. We all love you!”
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‘Friendship’ between Tufton, Market Me’s McDonnough was not declared – IC Report
KINGSTON, Jamaica—After a three-year investigation into Market Me Consulting Limited, the company behind the ‘Jamaica Moves’ initiative, the Integrity Commission (IC) has found no evidence of misconduct by Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. Christopher Tufton. However, the IC’s report, tabled in Parliament on Tuesday, highlighted significant governance lapses, particularly regarding undisclosed personal relationships and potential conflicts of interest. The probe focused on allegations of procurement irregularities and conflicts of interest in contracts awarded between 2016 and 2021. During this period, Market Me Consulting secured 15 contracts worth $78.5 million, primarily from the Ministry of Health and Wellness, which Tufton has led since March 2016. The IC emphasized that neither Tufton nor Lyndsey McDonnough, co-managing director of Market Me, disclosed their friendship before the company was awarded these contracts. Kevon Stephenson, the IC’s Director of Investigation, noted that while Tufton was not directly involved in the $15.8 million contract for the Jamaica Moves program, he failed to formally declare his relationship with McDonnough. This omission, according to the report, contravened principles of transparency and good governance. Although breaches were identified, the matter was not referred for prosecution due to evidentiary gaps. Instead, the IC recommended that the Speaker of the House of Representatives address the conflict-of-interest concerns and urged the ministry to strengthen its procurement systems and ensure compliance with public integrity laws.