分类： society

A pivotal regional colloquium is set to take place on November 27-28 at The University of the West Indies (The UWI) Regional Headquarters in St Andrew, Jamaica. Organized by the Jamaica National (JN) Foundation in partnership with the Early Childhood Commission, The UWI School of Education, and the Dudley Grant Early Childhood Resource Centre, the event seeks to address critical gaps in Jamaica’s early childhood education sector. The initiative comes in the wake of Hurricane Melissa, which exacerbated existing challenges in the sector, highlighting the urgent need for systemic improvements. Claudine Allen, General Manager of JN Foundation, emphasized the long-term nature of this endeavor, stating, ‘It is not a sprint, it is a marathon.’ She expressed concern over the damage reported by the National Education Trust and stressed the importance of collaborative efforts to mitigate learning losses and ensure equitable access to quality education. The colloquium aims to bring together regional experts to share successes, challenges, and actionable solutions. Topics on the agenda include inclusion, technology’s role in education, teacher training, and policy effectiveness. Over 20 speakers from across the Caribbean will participate, fostering a collaborative environment to develop strategies for sustainable progress. The event, themed ‘Building Strong Foundations: Advancing Early Childhood Education through Policy, Practice and Partnership,’ underscores the commitment of stakeholders to create a robust framework for early childhood education. Interested participants are encouraged to register via the JN Foundation website at www.jnfoundation.com.

A Thai court has issued an arrest warrant for Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip, the media mogul and co-owner of the Miss Universe beauty pageant, over allegations of fraud amounting to $930,000. The South Bangkok Civil Court issued the warrant on Tuesday after a plastic surgeon accused Jakapong of fraud and withholding critical information when persuading him to invest in her company, JKN Global Group, in 2023. The court stated that Jakapong allegedly invited the plaintiff to invest despite knowing she could not repay the funds within the agreed timeframe. The verdict in the 30 million baht ($930,000) case was initially scheduled for Tuesday, but Jakapong failed to appear, prompting the court to interpret her absence as a potential attempt to flee. The verdict has now been rescheduled to December 26. Local media reports suggest Jakapong may have traveled to Mexico amid rumors of escalating financial troubles. The Miss Universe Organisation has clarified that these legal proceedings are unrelated to its operations. This development follows a tumultuous Miss Universe 2025 event in Bangkok, which was marred by controversies, including a public altercation between the host and the eventual winner, Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch. The host faced backlash for allegedly calling Bosch ‘dumb,’ leading to a walkout. Jakapong’s JKN Global Group acquired the Miss Universe pageant in 2022 for $20 million but later sold half its stake to a Mexican firm. In 2024, JKN shares were delisted from the Stock Exchange of Thailand due to financial irregularities.

In a heartfelt response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, Body Studio Skincare launched a community-focused initiative to uplift the spirits of affected Jamaicans. The company provided complimentary facial treatments and wellness shots at its medical spa in St Andrew, offering a total value exceeding hundreds of thousands of dollars. Over 50 free facials, each priced between J$10,450 and J$13,000, were administered, amounting to more than J$550,000 in services. Additionally, the spa distributed over 30 wellness shots, including glutathione, NAD, and B12 injections, to promote physical and emotional well-being. The event attracted a diverse group of participants, ranging from loyal clients to newcomers and even individuals from the severely impacted St Elizabeth region. Michelle Vernon, CEO of Body Studio Skincare, emphasized the company’s commitment to community healing, stating, ‘Wellness goes far beyond beauty; it is about dignity, confidence, and compassion.’ She expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of her staff and the community, highlighting the initiative as a way to reciprocate years of loyalty. Vernon also underscored the symbolic significance of the effort, noting that the services provided moments of respite and a reminder of care during challenging times. Beyond skincare, the initiative aimed to restore hope and resilience, embodying the core values of Body Studio Skincare.

In response to the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has unveiled a comprehensive $630 million national clean-up initiative. During a ministerial statement in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, Holness announced that each of Jamaica’s 63 constituencies will receive $10 million to spearhead the recovery efforts. Additionally, $150,000 will be allocated to each councillor within these constituencies to support local coordination.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) has issued a stern condemnation following a deliberate act of sabotage that disrupted power restoration efforts in several St Mary communities. The incident occurred in Bonham Spring, where a recently installed utility pole was intentionally cut at its base, causing it to collapse. This malicious act resulted in a sudden power outage affecting areas such as the Bonham Hill Housing Scheme, Hand-to-Mouth, Refuge Hill, and the Lower White River Substation, all of which had just regained electricity after extensive repair work.

In a media statement released on Wednesday, JPS expressed deep concern over the intentional undermining of its restoration efforts, especially given the severe damage already sustained by the electricity network. The company emphasized that such destructive acts not only endanger lives but also significantly delay the restoration process for communities reliant on the return of normal services.

JPS is urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities, vandalism, or signs of sabotage immediately. The company reaffirmed its commitment to restoring power safely and swiftly, while calling for public cooperation in safeguarding critical infrastructure. This incident highlights the challenges faced by utility providers in maintaining and repairing essential services amidst acts of deliberate interference.

Comedian Dufton “Duffy” Shepherd, known for his infectious cheerfulness, was left heartbroken after witnessing the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in western Jamaica. The Category 5 storm left a trail of destruction that surpassed his worst fears. However, Shepherd quickly transformed his grief into action, using his upcoming comedy show, *Slightly Unhinged*, as a platform to bring relief and smiles to his fellow Jamaicans.