分类： society

BRASILIA, Brazil — Muhammad Ibrahim, the newly elected Director General of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), has outlined his vision for the next five years, emphasizing the integration of science, technology, and innovation to address the pressing challenges faced by farmers and nations across the Americas. Elected with an overwhelming majority by the ministers of agriculture attending the Inter-American Board of Agriculture (IABA) meeting in Brasilia, Ibrahim, a seasoned Guyanese agronomist with 35 years of international management experience, will officially assume his role on January 15, 2026, succeeding Argentinian Manuel Otero.

In his acceptance speech, Ibrahim expressed his gratitude and commitment to fostering inclusivity and diversity across all regions of the hemisphere. He highlighted the critical juncture at which IICA finds itself, grappling with fragmented agrifood systems, agricultural trade complexities, rising food demand, environmental threats, and the vulnerability of family farming sectors. ‘IICA is well-positioned to collaborate with its partners and member states to transform agriculture into a driving force for prosperity,’ he asserted.

Ibrahim’s strategy includes bolstering IICA’s technical capacities in science, technology, and innovation, leveraging modern tools to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability. He stressed the importance of fostering investments to modernize agrifood systems and improve the economic viability of small-scale farmers. With a robust academic background, including an MSc from CATIE in Costa Rica and a PhD from Wageningen University in the Netherlands, Ibrahim brings a wealth of expertise in forging partnerships and mobilizing resources to drive impactful change.

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, a heartwarming story of human kindness and community spirit has emerged from St James, Jamaica. Michelle Yarboough, a Washington DC resident, found herself stranded and traumatized after the storm. Seeking help, she approached a stranger to charge her phone, only to receive an outpouring of support that far exceeded her expectations.

Lavern Jenkins, a local resident, took Yarboough under her wing, offering her shelter and comfort. Yarboough was deeply moved by the Jenkins family’s generosity, witnessing firsthand how they rallied to support their community. ‘She let me stay with her. I have seen her help every single person in this community. Hands down, she’s a rod and staff. I don’t know what I would have done without her,’ Yarboough shared, her voice trembling with gratitude.

The Jenkins family, equipped with solar power and Starlink internet, opened their home to anyone in need. They set up extension cords on their veranda, allowing neighbors to charge their devices, and even provided power to a nearby household whose solar panels were damaged. Their selflessness became a beacon of hope in the aftermath of the hurricane.

Yarboough’s experience was transformative. She recounted how Jenkins reassured her when she feared others might exploit the family’s kindness. ‘Not only was I safe, but I also learned again what it is just to be unconditional, what it is just to give of yourself,’ she reflected. As Jenkins prepared to take her to the airport, Yarboough vowed to return to Irwin Meadows, inspired by the warmth and resilience she encountered.

This story, captured by Charmaine N Clarke, highlights the enduring power of community and compassion in times of crisis.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Authorities have initiated a thorough investigation into the tragic death of Victoria Brown Hanley, a 20-year-old student at the University of the West Indies, Mona campus. The young woman was found deceased in her dormitory room on October 16, with an autopsy confirming strangulation as the cause of death. Police are currently awaiting toxicology reports, which are expected to shed further light on the circumstances surrounding her untimely demise. According to initial reports, Brown Hanley was alone in her room on the fourth floor of George Alleyne Hall after her roommate departed shortly after 1:00 am. Upon returning around 6:00 am, the roommate discovered Brown Hanley lying face-down with a scarf tightly wound around her neck. The roommate immediately removed the scarf and alerted campus security. Officers from the Mona Police Post responded to the scene and confirmed the student’s death. Brown Hanley, who hailed from Mandeville, Manchester, is remembered as a bright and promising individual, leaving the university community in shock and mourning.

GENEVA, Switzerland — The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has attributed the relatively low death toll from Hurricane Melissa to comprehensive disaster preparedness measures implemented by Jamaica. Despite being one of the most powerful hurricanes ever recorded, the storm resulted in 32 fatalities on the island, with a total of 76 deaths across the Caribbean.

In a rare display of unity, Jamaica’s Government and Opposition have joined forces to address the reopening of schools following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. Education Minister Dr. Dana Morris Dixon and Opposition Spokesperson Damion Crawford issued a joint statement emphasizing the importance of resuming education safely and swiftly, while prioritizing the well-being of students, educators, and staff. The hurricane, which struck Jamaica last week, has left significant challenges in its wake, including infrastructure damage and emotional trauma. Both leaders stressed the need for a phased, school-led reopening process, guided by thorough assessments of infrastructure, access, and overall readiness. They also highlighted the critical role of expanding psychosocial support to help those affected cope with the aftermath. Minister Morris Dixon underscored the importance of balancing safety with the right to education, stating, “Safety is non-negotiable, but so is our children’s right to learn.” Crawford echoed this sentiment, calling for unity and a focus on minimizing further learning loss. The Ministry of Education has pledged to continue providing counselling services and support to those in need, urging anyone experiencing distress to seek assistance through their school or regional office. Both leaders expressed gratitude to school boards, principals, teachers, and parents for their dedication during this challenging period.

The highly anticipated Jamaica Food and Drink Festival (JFDF), originally slated for November 13–16, has been postponed in the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s widespread destruction across parts of the island. The festival, which was set to mark its 11th anniversary with the theme ‘Jamaican Food Reimagined,’ will now take a backseat as the nation prioritizes recovery and rebuilding efforts.