MONTEGO BAY, St James — After decades of dedicated service at Cornwall Regional Hospital (CRH), Richard Lawrence and Sharon McLean are stepping into retirement, leaving behind a legacy of commitment and resilience. The duo, along with 31 other retirees from various regions, were honored at a luncheon hosted by the Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA) on Thursday. Lawrence, who served as a senior security supervisor for 42 years, expressed his bittersweet feelings about retiring before the hospital’s ongoing rehabilitation project is completed. ‘It was my dream to see the hospital open while I was working,’ he shared. ‘But I know when the time comes, they might invite me to see the progress.’ Lawrence, who spent over 25 years as a senior supervisor, reflected on his career with pride, emphasizing how his work enabled him to support his family and nurture his children’s successful careers. ‘All this came through the work at Cornwall Regional Hospital,’ he said. ‘I don’t have any regrets.’ His colleague, Sharon McLean, a chief medical technologist with 40 years of service, also shared her mixed emotions. McLean, who endured health challenges due to the hospital’s mold-infested environment, expressed relief that future staff will not face the same hardships. ‘I was there suffering for a long time,’ she recalled. ‘But I am happy that people will not experience what we had experienced.’ McLean, whose motto is ‘By our skills, we save lives,’ takes pride in her contributions to saving lives through her laboratory work. Both retirees are now looking forward to new chapters in their lives, with Lawrence expressing gratitude for his family’s support and McLean planning to channel her energy into new endeavors. The luncheon concluded with the presentation of plaques and heartfelt appreciation from WRHA Manager Simone Douglas-Cluney, who praised the retirees for their unwavering dedication and service.
作者： admin
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No contest
The People’s National Party (PNP) of Jamaica has unveiled its leadership lineup for the upcoming political cycle, with Natalie Neita Garvey, Member of Parliament for St Catherine North Central, emerging as the only new addition to the party’s top echelons. The announcement came in a media release on Friday, confirming that nominations for the positions of president and vice-presidents closed with just five candidates, eliminating the need for an internal election. Mark Golding, who has led the PNP since November 2020, was uncontested for the presidency, securing another two-year term. His leadership has been credited with the party’s improved performance in the recent general election. Neita Garvey joins incumbent vice-presidents Mikael Phillips (Manchester North Western MP), Ian Hayles (Westmoreland Western MP), and Norman Scott, Chairman of the St Catherine Municipal Corporation. The PNP also expressed gratitude to Senator Donna Scott-Mottley, who chose not to seek re-election as vice-president, acknowledging her significant contributions to the party. The upcoming National Executive Council (NEC) meeting is scheduled for October 4–5, followed by regional conferences and officer elections. The party’s annual conference will conclude with a private session on November 30, 2025. The PNP reaffirmed its commitment to advancing justice, inclusion, and progress for the Jamaican people.
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Roxanne Robinson celebrates Sterling Music Awards nom
Gospel recording artist Roxanne Robinson is basking in the glow of recognition following her recent nomination for the Sterling Gospel Music Awards. Her single ‘Caribbean Medley’ has been shortlisted in the Local Hit Song of the Year category, marking her first nomination for this prestigious award. ‘I am beyond grateful to be recognized by the country of my birth. This is indeed a welcome home gift backed by heaven,’ Robinson expressed with heartfelt gratitude. The nomination is a significant milestone in her career, especially considering the song’s widespread appeal, amassing over 700,000 streams to date. While she won’t be performing at this year’s ceremony, Robinson remains optimistic about future opportunities. ‘Whatever happens, I’m happy to have reached this far,’ she added. The year 2025 has been a banner year for Robinson, who has already clinched multiple accolades. She won the Urban Contemporary Female Vocalist and People’s Choice Award at the Rhythm of Gospel Awards in the USA. Her latest album, ‘Still Standing,’ released in October 2024, was named Album of the Year at the Intercontinental Music Awards in Canada. Additionally, her track ‘Release Your Power,’ featuring Michael Manhertz, earned the Song of the Year award in the Christian/Contemporary Gospel category. The 11-track album is a powerful blend of declarations, proclamations, encouragement, and worship, resonating deeply with listeners. Robinson’s musical journey began at the age of 12, singing in her church’s youth department and performing duets with her sister. She officially launched her career as a recording artist in 2015 with her self-titled EP, ‘Roxanne Robinson.’ Over the years, she has released impactful tracks like ‘Yahweh,’ ‘Holy Rock of Ages,’ and her recent collaboration with O’Neil Watson, ‘Calypso Medley.’ As the Sterling Gospel Music Awards approach on October 4, 2025, Robinson is poised to end the year on a high note, continuing to inspire audiences with messages of hope, love, and faith. Fans can also look forward to more music and her third annual night of worship, scheduled for October.
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Big People Sundays Groovy Edition: 70s & 80s this Sunday
This Sunday, Ribbiz Ultra Lounge is set to transport patrons back in time with its Big People Sundays Groovy Edition: 70s & 80s event. In collaboration with J Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum and Kool 97FM, the weekly series promises an unforgettable fusion of retro music, vibrant fashion, and high-energy entertainment. DJ Smurf will be at the helm, spinning classic hits and timeless jams throughout the night, ensuring a lively atmosphere that pays homage to the iconic decades. Attendees are encouraged to fully embrace the bold and eclectic fashion trends of the 70s and 80s, from shoulder pads and oversized blazers to tracksuits, maxi dresses, bell-bottom jeans, and tie-dye creations. Brian Chung, co-owner of Ribbiz Ultra Lounge, emphasized the event’s unique appeal, stating, ‘We’re not just offering a throwback; we’re celebrating timeless music, style, and energy.’ Adding to the excitement, prizes will be awarded to the best-dressed guests, offering attendees the chance to showcase their creativity and claim the title of the night’s most stylish. ‘Whether you’re channeling your inner disco diva or rocking bold 80s vibes, this is your moment to shine,’ Chung added. The event promises to be a vibrant celebration of nostalgia, fashion, and music, drawing crowds eager to relive the magic of the 70s and 80s.
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HOPE FOR SUNSHINE
Jamaica’s Under-21 netball team, known as the Young Sunshine Girls, may not have reached the medal stage at the 2025 World Netball Youth Cup, but their head coach, Annett Daley, remains highly optimistic about their future. Daley emphasized the remarkable growth and potential she has observed in the squad, expressing confidence that with the right support and resources, these young players could seamlessly transition into the senior team in the coming years.
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Jamaica spends four times more on imports than it earns from exports – STATIN
Jamaica’s trade imbalance has significantly worsened, with the country spending four times more on imports than it earned from exports during the first five months of 2025, according to the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN). The data reveals that Jamaica’s total import expenditure reached US$3,161.5 million, while export earnings stood at a mere US$773.0 million. This represents a 3.6% increase in import value compared to the same period in 2024, driven by higher spending on raw materials, consumer goods, and fuels. On the other hand, exports declined by 6.9%, primarily due to a sharp 26.8% drop in mineral fuel revenues. Jamaica’s major trading partners included the USA, China, Brazil, Nigeria, and Japan, with import costs from these nations rising by 9.8%. Meanwhile, export revenues to top destinations such as the USA, Russia, Iceland, Canada, and the Netherlands fell by 0.7%, further exacerbating the trade deficit.
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Road deaths climb by 17 or 6 per cent, says ITA
The Island Traffic Authority (ITA) has reported a concerning increase in road fatalities for the first nine months of 2025, with 289 lives lost in 253 fatal crashes. This marks a six percent rise in deaths and a nine percent increase in fatal accidents compared to the same period in 2024. The surge in fatalities is primarily attributed to private motor car drivers and passengers, pedal cyclists, and pillion passengers. Notably, 67 private motor car drivers and 47 passengers have died this year, up from 48 and 32 respectively in 2024. Pillion passenger fatalities rose from nine to 14, while pedal cyclist deaths nearly doubled from 12 to 21. Motorcyclists, however, saw a decline in fatalities, dropping from 90 to 82, though they still account for 28 percent of all road deaths. Vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and pillion passengers, represent 58 percent of fatalities. Pedestrians alone account for 18 percent of deaths, with 52 fatalities recorded this year. The gender disparity remains stark, with males comprising 84 percent and females 16 percent of the fatalities. The ITA’s latest statistics underscore the urgent need for enhanced road safety measures to curb this alarming trend.
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Teenage Engineering brings the EP-40 Drum Machine/Sequencer launch to Jamaica
Teenage Engineering, the Swedish design and technology collective celebrated for revolutionizing music equipment, is gearing up to introduce its latest innovation, the EP-40 drum machine and sequencer. The launch will be marked by a week-long celebration in Jamaica, the birthplace of reggae, from October 10 to 17. This strategic move aims to connect with music enthusiasts and creators deeply rooted in the reggae genre. The EP-40, inspired by reggae, dancehall, and sound system culture, is designed to capture the essence of these musical styles while staying true to their origins. The team emphasized that Jamaica has been central to their vision, as it is the cradle of these sounds and the community that has nurtured them. The EP-40 is not just a drum machine or sequencer; it is a tool for spontaneous creativity, featuring intuitive grid-loops and powerful effects inspired by reggae and dub. It includes a sound bank with over 400 new recordings contributed by legendary artists like King Jammy, Mafia & Fluxy, Mighty Crown, and Mad Professor. Additionally, the EP-40 boasts a built-in synthesizer with classic digital-era sounds and authentic dub sirens, offering producers a comprehensive range of reggae’s sonic DNA. The device is professional, versatile, user-friendly, and affordable, allowing producers to sync it with other gear, layer rhythms, and create full tracks. Teenage Engineering hopes the EP-40 will inspire both the artists and producers involved in its development and new users alike, helping reggae reach a broader audience.
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Appeal court Judge urges greater sensitivity towards homeless and mentally challenged
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Justice Paulette Williams, a Judge of Appeal, has called for heightened sensitivity and care in addressing the plight of homeless individuals and those grappling with mental health issues. Her remarks came during the opening of the Michaelmas Term of the Court of Appeal in downtown Kingston on September 22, where she highlighted the persistent challenges posed by such individuals within the court’s environment.
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House of Representatives to host orientation for new members
Jamaica’s Parliament is set to welcome its 10 newly elected Members of the House of Representatives with an official Orientation Day at Gordon House on Tuesday, September 30. This event marks a pivotal step in preparing the newcomers for their legislative roles. Among the new MPs, nine were elected under the People’s National Party banner during the September 3 General Election, while one represents the Jamaica Labour Party. The orientation aims to equip the members with a comprehensive understanding of parliamentary operations and the support services available to them. Key sessions will feature presentations from the clerk, the marshal, and representatives from critical departments such as human resources, accounts, Hansard, the legal counsel’s office, and communications. Additionally, the event will familiarize the new MPs with the physical layout of Gordon House and the JMEA Annex, including the Chamber, conference rooms, library, and members’ lounge. Practical arrangements, such as HR and accounts consultations, ID processing, and official portrait photography, will ensure the MPs are fully prepared for their duties from the outset. Floyd Green, Leader of Government Business in the House of Representatives, emphasized the significance of the orientation, stating, “For our new members, orientation is about laying the groundwork for service. They are stepping into Parliament at a critical time for Jamaica, and it’s essential they have the tools, knowledge, and support to hit the ground running.” Green also highlighted ongoing efforts to finalize the membership of select sessional committees to ensure they can commence work immediately after the House’s first sitting. Notably, the tradition of Opposition members chairing all sessional committees, established in 2007 by former Prime Minister Bruce Golding, was overturned in 2020 by Prime Minister Andrew Holness. Since then, only the Public Accounts Committee and Public Administration and Appropriations Committee remain under Opposition leadership. Opposition Leader Mark Golding reiterated his dissent against this change during the swearing-in ceremony of new MPs on September 18.