During the 80th Session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly Debate on Thursday, Dominica’s President Sylvanie Burton reaffirmed her nation’s unwavering support for Haiti, Cuba, and Venezuela, emphasizing the need for sovereignty, justice, and international solidarity. Burton highlighted Haiti’s historical significance in the fight for freedom and justice, stating that the current crisis in Haiti transcends regional boundaries and demands a united global response. She called for a Haitian-led transition process, supported by the UN, to achieve lasting peace and stability. Burton also condemned the long-standing economic embargo against Cuba, describing it as unjust and outdated, and urged its immediate revocation. She reiterated Dominica’s solidarity with Cuba, emphasizing its right to self-determination. Additionally, Burton denounced external interference in Venezuela’s internal affairs and the imposition of sanctions, advocating for respect for its sovereignty. She also expressed concern over the presence of US military assets in the Caribbean, urging restraint and adherence to international law. As the UN marked its 80th anniversary, Burton called for systemic reforms to ensure small and developing nations have a meaningful voice in global decision-making. She emphasized the importance of diplomacy, shared values, and a rules-based international order to promote peace, development, and human rights.
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Tourism minister highlights importance of youth engagement in sectoral developments
KINGSTON, Jamaica—In a bid to shape the future of tourism, Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett has emphasized the critical need for industry stakeholders to actively involve the nation’s youth in meaningful conversations about the sector’s evolution. This call to action was highlighted during the World Tourism Day 2025 Youth Forum, held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St. James, which saw the participation of over 300 students from across the island. Organized by the Tourism Ministry and its affiliated agencies, the event aimed to engage students, particularly members of Tourism Action Clubs (TAC), in substantive discussions on tourism’s role in national and global developments. This year’s forum, commemorating World Tourism Day on September 27, focused on the theme ‘Tourism and Sustainable Transformation.’ Minister Bartlett, speaking to JIS News, stressed that the event was designed to foster intellectual exchange between tourism stakeholders and the youth, encouraging them to explore sustainability in both action and thought. He highlighted the importance of young people generating innovative ideas and processes that align with sustainability practices. The Minister also praised TAC members for embracing sustainability principles, which are rooted in the pillars of planet, people, and prosperity. Donovan White, Tourism Director at the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), underscored the pivotal role of youth in the industry’s future. He noted that the forum provides a platform for students to learn about tourism, interact with experts, and dispel misconceptions about careers in the sector. White emphasized that tourism encompasses a diverse range of high-paying and skilled professions, including doctors, engineers, architects, and entrepreneurs, all of whom contribute to the industry’s ecosystem. The forum featured panel discussions, interactive sessions, and creative showcases, offering students a comprehensive understanding of the sector’s potential.
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Senior citizens feted on National Grandparents Days
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Senior citizens from across Jamaica gathered for a festive celebration of National Grandparents Day, marked by camaraderie, entertainment, and heartfelt appreciation. The event, now in its third year, took place on Sunday, September 21, at the Verandah at Juici Patties Empowerment Park in Clarendon. Organized by Juici Patties in partnership with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and the National Council for Senior Citizens (NCSC), the occasion highlighted the importance of honoring the elderly in society. Attendees enjoyed cocktails, a delectable meal, and lively music from the 1960s to the 1980s, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. Activities included joke-telling, riddle-solving, and friendly competitions, with prizes awarded for the most grandchildren and special recognition for the oldest male and female grandparents. Audrey Deer-Williams, Chief Technical Director at the Ministry, emphasized the event’s goal of promoting active and healthy aging. She praised seniors as custodians of history and culture, underscoring their continued contributions to society. Deer-Williams also highlighted government initiatives to ensure seniors are treated with dignity and respect. Edith Chin, Custos Rotolorum for Clarendon and Director of Juici Patties, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to host the event and foster intergenerational learning. She lauded the seniors for their legacy and service to the nation, reaffirming the community’s commitment to their well-being.
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Assata Shakur, wanted Black Liberation Army member, dies in Cuba
Assata Shakur, a prominent figure in the Black Liberation Army (BLA) and a convicted murderer in the 1973 killing of a New Jersey state trooper, has passed away in Cuba at the age of 78. Shakur, also known as Joanne Chesimard, was found guilty of first-degree murder for the death of Trooper Werner Foerster during a shootout on the New Jersey Turnpike. In 1979, after serving two years of a life sentence, she escaped from a New Jersey prison with the assistance of fellow BLA members and sought refuge in Cuba, where she was granted asylum by then-President Fidel Castro. Her presence in Cuba has been a persistent source of tension between the Cuban and U.S. governments. Shakur remained a high-profile fugitive, securing a permanent place on the New Jersey state police’s most wanted list and later becoming the first woman on the FBI’s most wanted terrorists list. According to the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs, she died in Havana due to health complications and advanced age. Shakur’s life was marked by her activism against sexism and racism prior to her conviction, making her a polarizing figure—condemned by law enforcement yet revered by certain activist groups.
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Mark Golding to continue serving as PNP president
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Mark Golding has secured his position as the president of the People’s National Party (PNP) after the nomination process for the role officially concluded at noon on Friday. With no challengers emerging, Golding’s leadership remains unchallenged, ensuring continuity for the party. Additionally, the PNP announced that four individuals have been nominated for vice president positions: Mikael Phillips, Member of Parliament for Manchester Northwest; Ian Hayles, Member of Parliament for Westmoreland Western; Natalie Neita Garvey, Member of Parliament for St Catherine North Central; and Mayor Norman Scott, chairman of the St Catherine Municipal Corporation. Since all positions received sufficient nominations, the party confirmed that no elections will be necessary. The PNP also extended gratitude to Senator Donna Scott Mottley, who chose not to seek re-election as vice president. The party praised her distinguished service and pivotal role in recent election campaigns. Looking ahead, the PNP will hold its two-day National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on October 4–5, followed by annual regional conferences and the election of regional officers. The party’s calendar of activities will culminate in a one-day private session of the annual conference on November 30, 2025.
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Leiba takes helm of Jamaica Chamber of Commerce
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC) has announced Emile Leiba, managing partner at DunnCox, as its new president for the 2025/2026 term. This leadership transition follows the completion of two successful terms by outgoing president Phillip Ramson. Leiba, a seasoned attorney with over 20 years of expertise in corporate and commercial law, is set to bring a unique combination of legal proficiency and business insight to the role. His extensive experience in financial regulation, mergers and acquisitions, and governance aligns seamlessly with the chamber’s focus on advocacy and policy-driven initiatives.
During the annual general meeting, Warren McDonald, chair and director of elections, confirmed Leiba’s uncontested election, stating, ‘As Mr. Leiba is the only nominee, it is my duty to announce his election as president for the 2025/2026 term.’
The chamber also unveiled its new leadership team, including Martha Miller, CEO of National Rums of Jamaica, as first vice-president; Jonathan Swire, deputy chairman of Delta Supply Company, as second vice-president; Colonel (Retired) Jamie Ogilvie, vice-president at Jamaica Broilers, as third vice-president; and Janine Chin, a senior pharmaceutical executive, as fourth vice-president. John Butler, executive director at EY Jamaica, was appointed honorary treasurer to oversee financial matters.
Additionally, eight directors were elected to the board, representing a diverse range of industries and expertise. Outgoing president Phillip Ramson reflected on his tenure, highlighting achievements in advocacy, trade facilitation, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises. ‘It has been a true honour to serve as president of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce…This has been a journey of collaboration, resilience, and shared vision,’ he remarked.
Ramson expressed confidence in the chamber’s future, stating that it is ‘positioned for even greater impact’ under Leiba’s leadership. The transition comes as the JCC continues to advocate for tax reforms, improved public procurement access for SMEs, and enhanced support for businesses undergoing digital transformation.
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Visa becomes official sponsor of Reggae Boyz
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant boost to Jamaica’s national football team, Visa has been unveiled as the official sponsor of the Reggae Boyz as they strive to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) and Visa jointly announced this partnership through a collaborative Instagram post on Friday. Visa will serve as the team’s official payment technology partner, marking a pivotal moment in the squad’s journey toward World Cup qualification. The Reggae Boyz, who last qualified for the World Cup in 1998, are aiming to end a 27-year drought and make their return to the global stage. This sponsorship not only highlights Visa’s commitment to supporting sports but also underscores the growing momentum behind Jamaica’s football aspirations.
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6th annual Global AI4IA conference scheduled for Sunday
KINGSTON, Jamaica—The UNESCO Information For All Programme (IFAP) Working Group on Information Accessibility (WGIA) is gearing up to host its sixth annual online conference this Sunday, marking the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI). This year’s event, themed ‘AI Access in Focus,’ is a collaborative effort involving the College of Social Sciences and Humanities at the University of Alberta in Canada, the Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica, and UNESCO’s Caribbean and Southern Africa offices. The conference aims to explore the dual potential of artificial intelligence (AI) as both a tool for empowerment and a source of exclusion. Cordel Green, executive director of the Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica and vice-chair of UNESCO IFAP/WGIA, emphasized that the future of AI must be shaped collectively, stating, ‘From young innovators to seasoned policymakers, the AI4IA Conference reminds us that the future of AI cannot be left to chance or a select few. It must be shaped by everyone, for everyone.’ The event will feature over 70 speakers from diverse backgrounds, including teenage innovators from Chile, a musical prodigy from India, and a legal expert from Denmark. Discussions will address critical issues such as biased algorithms, opaque AI systems, and the technology’s potential to enhance education, support persons with disabilities, preserve cultural heritage, and empower communities. The conference will include a fireside chat and live interactive sessions, allowing participants to engage directly with experts. Free and open to all, the event underscores the belief that technology should foster equity, inclusion, and human dignity. Registration is available at https://ai4iaconference.com/.
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Fearing US invasion, Venezuela to hold emergency drills
Venezuela is bracing for heightened tensions as the United States deploys military forces near its coastline, raising fears of a potential invasion. In response, President Nicolas Maduro has announced nationwide disaster preparedness drills scheduled for Saturday, while considering invoking emergency powers to address the escalating situation. The drills, set to begin at 9:00 AM local time, aim to test the population’s readiness for both natural disasters and armed conflicts, with schools and hospitals participating in the exercise. Maduro’s call for vigilance comes amidst a series of earth tremors that rattled the country’s western region earlier this week, including a 6.3 magnitude quake that, fortunately, caused no major damage or casualties. The US military presence, which includes eight warships and a nuclear-powered submarine, is part of President Donald Trump’s campaign against drug trafficking. However, Maduro accuses Washington of using this as a pretext for regime change, citing recent US strikes on suspected Venezuelan drug boats that resulted in over a dozen deaths—actions condemned by UN experts as “extrajudicial executions.” In response to the perceived threat, thousands of Venezuelans have joined civilian militias, undergoing weapons training to bolster the nation’s defenses. Maduro has also hinted at invoking a state of “external commotion,” a constitutional provision that would grant the government emergency powers to bypass parliament, suspend constitutional guarantees, and deploy the military. While no decree has been issued yet, rights groups express concerns that such measures could further restrict freedoms of assembly, movement, and expression. The situation has drawn international attention, with Colombian President Gustavo Petro calling for a criminal investigation into Trump’s actions during the UN General Assembly this week.
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19 categories to be contested at Reggae North Music Awards on Sunday
The second edition of the Reggae North Music Awards (RNMA) is set to take place on September 28 at the Rose Theatre in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. This year’s event will feature 19 categories, including Top Male Vocalist, Top Album/EP of the Year, and Top Entertainer of the Year. The awards were established by veteran singer Tony Anthony in response to the temporary removal of the reggae category from the Juno Awards in 2025, highlighting the need for a dedicated platform to honor Canadian reggae artists. Anthony emphasized the historical lack of recognition for reggae and dancehall in Canada, stating that the RNMA fills this gap by celebrating the genre’s rich heritage and contemporary talent. Notably, multiple Juno reggae winner Exco Levi leads the nominations with five nods, while Ammoye has secured three nominations. A new category, Top Club/Party Reggae Dancehall DJ, has been introduced this year. Additionally, the event will honor Living Legends, including singer Nana McLean and sound system operator Carl ‘Grandmaster Rosa’ Green, recognizing their contributions to the Canadian reggae scene. The awards also aim to preserve the genre’s history, acknowledging the influence of pioneers who shaped the vibrant Toronto reggae scene during the 1970s and 1980s. This legacy is further explored in the 2024 documentary *Sounds & Pressure: Reggae in A Foreign Land* by Chris Flanagan and Graeme Mathieson.
