In a recent development in Kingston, Jamaica, Andrew Beacon and Anthony Spence faced further custody as their case regarding the theft of four goats from Hayes in Clarendon proceeded in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Tuesday. Beacon is accused of receiving stolen property, while Spence faces charges of unauthorized possession of property. The court highlighted that a crucial statement from the goat owner is still pending, delaying the case’s progress. The incident dates back to August 3, 2025, when police officers in Denham Town noticed a Toyota Fielder speeding suspiciously. Upon pursuit, the vehicle, allegedly driven by Spence, entered Beacon’s premises, where an attempt to close the gate was made. Four goats were discovered inside the car, leading to the arrest of both individuals. In a related decision, Judge Peter Wilson released the Toyota Fielder to its owner under a $100,000 bond, stipulating that the vehicle must remain unaltered and undisposed until the court’s final verdict. Wilson emphasized the necessity of further discussions with the owner regarding the vehicle’s loan details. The accused are scheduled to reappear in court on October 10, 2025.
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NEPA forges partnerships for coral reef restoration
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a groundbreaking initiative to safeguard Jamaica’s coral reefs, the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) has introduced the first-ever ‘Coral Reef Awareness Month’ in September 2025. This campaign seeks to address the escalating threats of ocean warming, pollution, and disease, which have left the nation’s coral ecosystems—often referred to as the ‘rainforests of the sea’—in a precarious state. Without intervention, the degradation of these reefs could have catastrophic effects on Jamaica’s coastal defenses, which rely on coral to mitigate storm surges and erosion.
The initiative focuses on raising public awareness, fostering community involvement, and supporting marine restoration efforts. A key component of the campaign is a coral spawning program, designed to replenish Jamaica’s reefs and establish a spawning calendar to guide ongoing conservation efforts. This program is part of the broader CoralCarib Project, a collaborative effort led by the Nature Conservancy (TNC) and the Alligator Head Foundation (AHF), which spans Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic.
From September 7 to 15, 2025, NEPA coordinated a coral spawning blitz, involving 30 scientists and divers from various organizations. These experts conducted nightly dives to document and collect gametes from three threatened coral species: Acropora palmata, Orbicella faveolata, and Orbicella annularis. The event was informed by a prior mapping exercise that assessed coral health within marine protected areas, providing critical data on bleaching, resilience, and restoration planning.
Chanel Raynor, NEPA’s ecosystems coordinator, emphasized the urgency of the initiative, stating, ‘The CoralCarib Project represents a strategic, collaborative approach to coral restoration, with communities and interest groups at its core.’ Anna-Cherice Ebanks-Chin, TNC’s Marine Conservation Programme Manager, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the need to fast-track efforts in response to recent coral bleaching events. The initiative marks a significant step forward in Jamaica’s efforts to restore its marine ecosystems and develop sustainable policies for coral reef management.
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Flow signs MoU for ICT Teacher of the Year award with gov’t support
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant move to enhance digital education, the Flow Foundation has partnered with the Ministry of Education, Youth, Skills, and Information to launch the ‘ICT Teacher of the Year’ award in 2026. The initiative, endorsed by Education Minister Dr. Dana Morris Dixon, aims to recognize and reward high school educators who excel in integrating innovative information and communication technology (ICT) tools into their teaching practices. The announcement was made during the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) ICT Week 2025 Conference held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel. Minister Dixon emphasized the importance of ICT in achieving educational goals, stating, ‘This award is a meaningful way to affirm that ICT is central to helping every child reach their full potential. Stronger partnerships are essential to bridge the digital divide.’ The Flow Foundation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Jamaica Teaching Council (JTC) to formalize the award. The selection process will evaluate teachers across four ICT categories: innovation, equity and inclusion, resilience and resourcefulness, and community engagement. From 63 regional winners, three national awardees will be chosen, with the overall winner receiving a national trophy, a cash prize, and an all-expenses-paid trip to the 2026 CANTO Trade and Exhibition Conference in the Dominican Republic. Additionally, the winner’s school will receive an ICT investment and be recognized as an ICT ambassador. Rhys Campbell, Director of the Flow Foundation, highlighted the initiative’s significance, stating, ‘The classroom is a launchpad for digital transformation, and we’re proud to spotlight educators who are empowering the next generation through ICT.’ Dr. Winsome Gordon, CEO of the Jamaica Teaching Council, expressed excitement about the partnership, noting its potential to motivate educators and advance ICT development in Jamaica. Applications for the award will open on World Teacher Day, October 5, 2025, with the awards ceremony scheduled for May 2026.
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Chelsea memories don’t ‘feed’ Mourinho after return ends in defeat
In a night filled with nostalgia and emotion, Jose Mourinho returned to Stamford Bridge, only to leave disappointed as his Benfica side suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Chelsea in the Champions League on Tuesday. The Portuguese manager, who enjoyed two successful spells with Chelsea, was warmly welcomed by the home fans, who chanted his name throughout the match. However, the 62-year-old was left frustrated as Benfica failed to capitalize on a solid performance, with Richard Rios’s 18th-minute own goal proving decisive. This marked Benfica’s first loss under Mourinho’s leadership in four matches. Mourinho, the most successful manager in Chelsea’s history with seven major trophies, including three Premier League titles, acknowledged the fans’ affection but emphasized that he values victories over memories. “I don’t feed myself with these memories,” he said. “I feed myself with victories.” Meanwhile, Chelsea’s Enzo Maresca faced further disciplinary issues as substitute Joao Pedro was sent off in stoppage time, bringing Chelsea’s tally to three red cards in four games. Despite the setback, Maresca praised his team’s resilience, calling it a crucial win after a slow start to the season. “We needed the win,” he said. “Sometimes you need to learn to win in an ugly way.”
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Universal Service Fund targeting upgrade of community access points islandwide
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Universal Service Fund (USF) has unveiled ambitious plans to modernize Community Access Points (CAPs) across Jamaica, aiming to bridge the digital divide and enhance connectivity nationwide. This initiative was announced by Minister of Transport, Telecommunications, and Energy, Daryl Vaz, during the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Week 2025 press briefing held at the AC Hotel by Marriott Kingston.
The revamp, set to begin in the current fiscal year, will target 14 CAPs, transforming them into smart community centers. These hubs will provide residents with access to electronic and digital public services, fostering greater digital inclusion. Vaz emphasized that this initiative is part of a broader strategy to integrate technology into everyday life, ensuring that communities are equipped to thrive in the digital age.
In addition to the CAPs upgrade, the USF has been actively expanding its national footprint through the deployment of community and public Wi-Fi networks. To date, the agency has established over 400 Wi-Fi hotspots, serving an average of 150,000 users weekly. With an annual investment of approximately $2.3 billion, the USF is committed to sustaining its digital education initiatives in schools and public spaces.
Looking ahead to 2025, the USF plans to roll out an additional 63 community Wi-Fi hotspots, further advancing Jamaica’s digital inclusion agenda. The agency is also extending its reach into the tourism sector, with plans to deploy public Wi-Fi in key tourism hubs. This strategic move aims to enhance Jamaica’s tourism offerings, making the country more attractive to visitors while supporting local businesses.
The USF, operating under the Ministry of Transport, Telecommunications, and Energy, continues to play a pivotal role in connecting communities across Jamaica. Its efforts align with the broader goals of CTU ICT Week 2025, which seeks to drive regional digital transformation and strengthen the Caribbean’s position as a connected and resilient region.
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Florida executes man for 1990 double murder
A 64-year-old man, Victor Jones, was executed by lethal injection in Florida on Tuesday for the 1990 murders of his employers, Jacob and Matilda Nestor. This marks the 34th execution in the United States this year, the highest number since 2014. The execution took place at 6:13 pm (2213 GMT) at a state prison near Jacksonville, as confirmed by the Florida Department of Corrections. Jones had stabbed the Nestors to death during a robbery shortly after starting work at their Miami-based company. Before succumbing to his injuries, Jacob Nestor managed to shoot Jones in the head. Last week, the Florida Supreme Court rejected appeals to halt the execution, despite arguments that Jones was intellectually disabled and had suffered abuse at a notorious reform school during his teenage years. Florida leads the nation in executions this year with 13, followed by Texas with five, and South Carolina and Alabama with four each. Of the 34 executions nationwide, 28 were carried out by lethal injection, two by firing squad, and four by nitrogen hypoxia, a method criticized by UN experts as cruel and inhumane. The death penalty remains abolished in 23 US states, with three others—California, Oregon, and Pennsylvania—imposing moratoriums. President Donald Trump has advocated for expanding the use of capital punishment for severe crimes.
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Strong quake in central Philippines kills 19 as search ongoing
A devastating 6.9-magnitude earthquake rocked the central Philippines late Tuesday, claiming at least 19 lives and causing widespread destruction, particularly on the island of Cebu. The quake, which struck at 9:50 pm local time near the city of Bogo, triggered landslides, collapsed buildings, and left communities in chaos. Rescue operations are ongoing, with fears that the death toll may rise as teams search for survivors trapped under debris. The shallow tremor, initially reported as a 7.0 magnitude by the US Geological Survey (USGS), was later revised. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center confirmed there was no tsunami threat. Among the victims were nine adults and four children in Bogo, including three killed by landslides. In nearby San Remigio, five deaths were reported, including three coastguard members who perished when a sports center roof collapsed during a basketball tournament. A child was also crushed by debris in the same area. The Cebu provincial government has appealed for medical volunteers via its official Facebook page to assist in the aftermath. Rescue efforts were hindered by darkness and frequent aftershocks, with 379 recorded by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology. Power outages affected Cebu and nearby islands, though electricity was restored shortly after midnight. Witnesses described the quake as intensely strong, with residents recounting panic and structural damage. Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro urged residents to remain calm, avoid unstable structures, and prepare for aftershocks. The Philippines, located on the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire,’ is no stranger to seismic activity, though this quake serves as a grim reminder of the region’s vulnerability to unpredictable and destructive natural disasters.
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US on brink of govt shutdown as last-ditch vote fails
The United States government is on the brink of its first shutdown in six years, as funding expired at midnight on Tuesday following a heated standoff between Democrats and Republicans. Despite intense negotiations in Congress, no agreement was reached to extend government funding beyond the fiscal year’s end. Senate Republicans attempted to pass a temporary funding measure approved by the House but fell short of the necessary Democratic support to send it to President Donald Trump’s desk. Trump, anticipating the shutdown, told reporters in the Oval Office, “We’ll probably have a shutdown.” This prediction followed a failed last-minute meeting at the White House on Monday, where Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer noted “large differences” remained between the parties. The negotiations were further strained by a controversial AI-generated video posted by Trump, which House Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries condemned as “racist and fake.” The video mocked Schumer and Jeffries, falsely depicting them as promoting benefits for illegal immigrants. Trump blamed Democrats for the impasse and threatened to target progressive priorities and implement mass public sector job cuts during the shutdown. He suggested that a shutdown could be an opportunity to eliminate Democratic policies. This potential shutdown comes amid ongoing tensions in Congress, where Democrats, despite being in the minority, are leveraging their influence to push for restored healthcare spending for low-income households. The House Republicans have proposed a stopgap measure to extend funding until late November, but Democrats are demanding significant healthcare investments. Government shutdowns, which halt nonessential operations and leave hundreds of thousands of civil servants without pay, are deeply unpopular. The longest shutdown in US history occurred during Trump’s first term, lasting 35 days from December 2018.
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Chef Brian Lumley gives Ugandans a taste of Jamaica
Renowned Jamaican Executive Chef Brian Lumley, celebrated for his culinary expertise, recently garnered significant attention in Uganda’s Daily Monitor newspaper. Lumley’s exceptional skills were showcased at a fine dining event orchestrated by the Consulate of Jamaica in Kampala, Uganda’s capital. The event aimed to highlight the pinnacle of Jamaican gastronomy, a mission that Lumley executed flawlessly, according to attendees. Michael Idusso, Jamaica’s honorary consul to Uganda, emphasized that the event was designed to present the best of Jamaican cuisine to Ugandan food enthusiasts. Daily Monitor journalist Gloria Haguma described the evening as a luxurious culinary journey, where each course was a masterpiece worth the anticipation. Lumley, assisted by students from Culinary School Uganda, crafted a five-course meal that artfully blended Jamaican and Ugandan flavors. The evening commenced with pre-cocktails featuring crispy pork belly adorned with sorrel glaze and jam. The main course included a jerk chicken roulade with callaloo and cheese, accompanied by baked apple and garden vegetables, followed by pimento-smoked beef tenderloin with Appleton buerre blanc. Haguma particularly praised the duo of purple sweet potato and pumpkin soup, noting that the event transcended a mere meal, evolving into a cultural exchange. Lumley, in an interview, highlighted the untapped potential of Ugandan cuisine and noted the shared ingredients between the two nations, attributing this to similar climates. He pointed out subtle differences in spice usage, with Jamaican cuisine favoring bolder flavors compared to Uganda’s more restrained approach.
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NCDs a major risk factor for dementia
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Ministry of Health and Wellness in Jamaica is intensifying its efforts to combat non-communicable diseases (NCDs), as Dr. Brian Kazaara, a psychiatrist at Bellevue Hospital, underscores the critical link between chronic illnesses and dementia. With the local ageing population contributing to a rise in dementia cases, Dr. Kazaara emphasizes that conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and stroke significantly elevate the risk by damaging brain blood vessels and impairing cognitive functions. NCDs like diabetes cause elevated blood sugar levels, harming vascular health, while hypertension and high cholesterol reduce cerebral blood flow, leading to cognitive decline and increased dementia risk. Dr. Kazaara highlights Jamaica’s high prevalence of NCDs, noting that untreated hypertension and diabetes can accelerate dementia progression or diminish the quality of life for older adults, who may struggle with medication adherence. He also identifies physical inactivity, smoking, and poor diet as contributing factors to both NCDs and dementia. Dementia, a neurodegenerative condition primarily affecting the elderly, involves the progressive loss of brain neurons, resulting in cognitive, behavioral, and personality changes. Common symptoms include memory loss, confusion, and difficulty performing familiar tasks. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), dementia ranks as the seventh leading cause of death globally and is a major contributor to disability among older populations. The disease’s impact extends beyond individuals to their families, caregivers, and society at large. Dr. Kazaara, who also serves as president of the Jamaica Psychiatric Association, explains that dementia patients often struggle with daily activities such as bathing, cooking, and self-care, placing emotional and financial strain on families. In addition to NCDs, risk factors for dementia include advanced age, family history, and genetic mutations.