The Bahamas government has lifted the tropical storm warning for the Central Bahamas and parts of the northwestern Bahamas as Tropical Storm Imelda, projected to intensify into a hurricane by Tuesday, is set to traverse the northwestern Bahamas on Monday. According to the latest update from the Miami-based National Hurricane Centre (NHC), the storm is currently located approximately 60 miles south of Great Abaco Island, moving northward at a speed of eight miles per hour. Residents in Bermuda are also advised to monitor Imelda’s progress.
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Grenada agrees to adjustment to Cuban health programme
The Grenada government has unveiled significant reforms to its Cuban Workers Programme, following high-level consultations with Cuban officials in Havana. The changes, announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aim to enhance the administration and oversight of the programme, ensuring that Cuban professionals working in Grenada receive conditions equivalent to their Grenadian counterparts. The discussions were spearheaded by Foreign Affairs Minister Joseph Andall and Health Minister Philip Telesford. Grenada expressed gratitude to Cuba for its cooperation and acknowledged the United States’ role in raising concerns about the programme. The Cuban Workers Programme has been instrumental in bolstering healthcare services in Grenada, and the government remains committed to strengthening national health capacity through training and scholarships. The reforms come amidst US allegations that the Cuban regime exploits medical professionals by ‘renting’ them to other countries, a claim vehemently denied by Caribbean nations. The US has imposed visa restrictions on officials, including Grenada’s Finance Minister Dennis Cornwall, while urging governments to pay doctors directly rather than the Cuban regime. Both Grenada and the US have reaffirmed their commitment to addressing concerns through diplomatic channels.
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‘We have an entertainment culture in St Elizabeth’, says Floyd Green
ST ELIZABETH, Jamaica—The parish of St Elizabeth is rapidly becoming a focal point for entertainment and cultural events, showcasing its vibrant local culture and boosting the regional economy. Beyond the annual Calabash literary festival, the parish recently hosted the inaugural BLK Festival, headlined by dancehall artist Masicka. The upcoming Heroes holiday weekend will see the popular soca series, I Love Soca, make its debut in the area, alongside the renowned Sandz party series. Floyd Green, Member of Parliament for St Elizabeth South Western and Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Mining, emphasized the parish’s rich entertainment culture and its potential to drive economic growth. In an interview with Observer Online during the launch of the Jamaica Food and Drink Festival, Green highlighted the historical and tourism assets of Black River, the parish capital, and their proximity to each other. He noted the ‘snowball effect’ of recent events, which are gaining momentum and attracting widespread attention. Green also pointed out the economic benefits of these events, which provide opportunities for various stakeholders, from event staff to local vendors. He expressed his vision for more family-oriented events, such as a Funfest, to further enhance the parish’s appeal. Venues like Independence Park and the beaches along Black River are being utilized to host these growing festivities, solidifying St Elizabeth’s reputation as a cultural and entertainment hub.
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UN opens virtual museum to spotlight artefact trafficking
In a groundbreaking move to combat the illicit trafficking of cultural property, UNESCO unveiled a virtual museum on Monday, showcasing hundreds of looted artefacts. The initiative aims to raise global awareness about the criminal trade that robs communities of their heritage. The digital platform, designed by acclaimed Burkina Faso-born architect Diebedo Francis Kere, features nearly 250 stolen items, including a Zambian ritual mask, a pendant from ancient Palmyra in Syria, and a painting by Swedish artist Anders Zorn. These objects, however, represent only a fraction of the estimated 57,000 items currently in circulation, according to Interpol’s database. UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay emphasized the museum’s unique role in educating the public about the devastating impact of this trade, which erases cultural memory, disrupts generational links, and impedes scientific progress. The platform allows visitors to explore the artefacts through detailed stories, testimonies, and photos, tracing their origins and significance. Sunna Altnoder, head of UNESCO’s unit for combating illicit trafficking, highlighted the broader mission: to eventually close the museum as stolen items are recovered and returned to their rightful communities. The initiative also seeks to foster collaboration among law enforcement, the judiciary, the art market, member states, and civil society to dismantle the criminal networks driving this trade.
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St Lucia urges diplomacy, multilateralism in solving crisis facing global community
At the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), St Lucia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Alva Romanus Baptiste, emphasized the importance of diplomacy and dialogue in addressing global conflicts, reaffirming the Caribbean’s commitment to being a zone of peace. Baptiste highlighted that small nations like St Lucia can effectively advocate for peace and development through non-violent diplomacy, underscoring the moral and pragmatic strength of such an approach. He called for an end to the US embargo on Cuba, arguing that diplomatic engagement rather than isolation would foster regional cooperation and stability. Baptiste also stressed the urgent need to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which has caused immense humanitarian suffering and global instability. He urged the UN to allow Taiwan’s meaningful participation in its system, stating that UN Resolution 2758 does not preclude Taiwan’s inclusion. Addressing Haiti’s humanitarian crisis, Baptiste called for international support to prevent further deterioration and restore law and order. He expressed concern over the underfunded Kenya-led Multinational Security Support mission in Haiti and the escalating tensions between Venezuela and the United States, urging non-violent resolutions. Baptiste concluded by emphasizing the importance of international cooperation and shared responsibility in addressing global challenges such as climate change, sustainable development, and decolonization.
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‘Jam Works’ set to ignite Clarendon
KINGSTON, Jamaica—DF Entertainment Ltd is set to host a groundbreaking live music event titled ‘Jam Works’ on Monday night, marking its most ambitious production since its establishment in January. The event, scheduled for 7:00 pm at Lot 41 Mineral Heights, May Pen, Clarendon, is free to the public and promises to showcase the diverse services offered by the company.
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Nepal savours ‘historic’ first win against West Indies
KATHMANDU, Nepal — In a landmark achievement for Nepali cricket, the national team secured their first-ever victory against a Test-playing nation by defeating the West Indies by 19 runs in the first T20 international of a three-match series in Sharjah on Saturday. This triumph marks a significant milestone for Nepal, a rising force in the cricketing world, as they overcame the two-time T20 World Cup champions. The win has been hailed as historic by Chatur Bahadur Chand, President of the Cricket Association of Nepal, who emphasized its importance in elevating the players’ standing globally. The Nepali middle-order set a competitive target of 148-8, followed by a disciplined bowling performance that restricted the West Indies. Fans, clad in replica team jerseys, celebrated enthusiastically, waving the national flag both in the stadium and at home. Pujan Thapa, a 27-year-old spectator from Kathmandu, shared his unexpected joy, saying, ‘We stood up and danced.’ The victory comes as Nepal recovers from recent anti-corruption protests that resulted in significant casualties and political upheaval. Team captain Rohit Paudel dedicated the win to the ‘martyrs’ of the protests, hoping it would bring some happiness to the nation. Cricket, though not as dominant in mountainous Nepal as in other South Asian countries, has been gaining popularity since Nepal was granted one-day international status by the ICC in 2018. Former chief selector Dipendra Chaudhary attributed the win to the team’s hard work, predicting it would inspire future generations of cricketers. Social media platforms were abuzz with congratulatory messages for the players, reflecting the nation’s pride and joy.
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JADCO launches 2025 junior athletes’ anti-doping education workshops
KINGSTON, Jamaica—The Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) is set to kick off its 2025 Junior Athletes Anti-Doping Education Workshops on Wednesday, October 1, at the Jamaica Conference Centre in Kingston. The event, themed ‘Empowering Young Champions,’ will run from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm and is the first of four regional sessions aimed at educating young athletes and their support teams about the principles of fair play, the importance of clean competition, and the health risks associated with doping.
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Steele wins Male Vocalist of the Year at Canada’s Reggae North Music Awards
KINGSTON, Jamaica—Mark Steele, the Jamaican-born reggae artist known professionally as Steele, has been crowned Male Vocalist of the Year at the 2nd annual Reggae North Music Awards. The prestigious event, held at the Rose Theatre in Brampton, Ontario, Canada, was founded by fellow Jamaican artist and producer Tony Anthony. Steele, who hails from Lucea in Hanover, migrated to Canada over two decades ago and has since carved out a significant presence in the reggae music industry. His hit single, ‘Pick Up the Pieces,’ which addresses relationship challenges, made waves on the Rebel Vibez Top Ten Canadian Reggae chart last year. In an exclusive interview with Observer Online, Steele expressed his elation over the accolade, emphasizing the importance of consistency in maintaining relevance. ‘This achievement is a testament to the love and respect I’ve garnered from my fans and peers in the Canadian reggae scene and beyond,’ he remarked. Steele, who was also nominated for Reggae Single of the Year for ‘Pick Up the Pieces,’ has an impressive discography that includes six studio albums: ‘Uncorrupted,’ ‘The Love of Jah,’ ‘The Man,’ ‘The Music,’ ‘Reality,’ ‘Your Attention Please,’ and ‘Just Breathe,’ released four years ago. Additionally, he has been nominated three times for a JUNO Award in the Reggae Recording of the Year category.
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Flooding forces temporary closure of MLSS Harbour Street office
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) has been forced to temporarily shut down its Harbour Street office after torrential rains over the weekend led to severe flooding. The office suffered substantial water damage, necessitating immediate action from staff and cleaning teams who worked tirelessly into the night to initiate restoration efforts.