分类: society

  • Gerry Murray, former KC and Real Mona footballer, passes on

    Gerry Murray, former KC and Real Mona footballer, passes on

    Gerry Murray, a celebrated former footballer for Kingston College (KC) and Real Mona, passed away on September 15 at his residence in Red Hills, St Andrew. He was 75 years old. His younger brother, Richie Murray, confirmed the news in an interview with Observer Online, though the cause of death remains undisclosed.

    Murray’s football journey began at Jamaica College, where he studied until fifth form before transferring to KC. He played a pivotal role in KC’s 1967 Manning Cup victory, scoring a crucial goal in the 2-0 final triumph over Excelsior High School. His talent earned him a scholarship to Michigan State University, where he pursued mechanical engineering and played alongside notable teammates, including Trevor “Jumpy” Harris, Tony Keyes, and Lennox Robinson.

    In the 1970s, Murray transitioned to a defensive role with Real Mona, sharing the field with players like Stewart Stephenson, Peter Moses, and Ian Bond. Stephenson, a childhood friend, remembered Murray as an intense and competitive player who despised losing. Stratton Palmer, Murray’s strike partner from the 1967 KC team, described him as a quiet, soft-spoken individual deeply passionate about football.

    Born in Browns Town, St Ann, Murray and his brothers moved to Mona in the early 1960s, settling near Buttercup Park, the community’s football field. Alongside Stephenson, Murray contributed to Real Mona’s victories in the Masters League competitions of 1990 and 1993.

    Murray is survived by his wife Carmen, children Omari and Melissa, four grandchildren, and his extended family. A thanksgiving service will be held on October 18 at the Church of The Ascension in Mona, St Andrew, to honor his life and legacy.

  • Ann Marie Davis: My office will address expanding menstrual products in country

    Ann Marie Davis: My office will address expanding menstrual products in country

    Ann Marie Davis, the spouse of the Prime Minister, has announced plans to broaden the availability of menstrual products across the nation, responding to increasing demands for affordability and variety. This initiative aims to introduce menstrual cups and period underwear to better cater to the diverse needs of women and girls. Mrs. Davis emphasized the importance of offering a range of options to accommodate different users, including students in school swimming programs and elderly women in care facilities. She highlighted that period underwear, in particular, would be more suitable for older women, promoting dignity in personal care. The announcement was made following the launch of the D6 Project documentary earlier this week. Mrs. Davis stressed the necessity of dignity and proper preparation in addressing menstrual health, stating that access to sanitary items is a fundamental right, not a privilege. This renewed focus aligns with advocacy from Equality Bahamas, which recently called on the government to address the high cost and limited variety of feminine hygiene products. The group recommended tax exemptions, local manufacturing, and greater availability of reusable alternatives. Mrs. Davis previously initiated a national feminine hygiene product distribution program in June, which continues to receive widespread requests for more assistance. She reiterated her commitment to ensuring that all women, regardless of income or location, have access to affordable menstrual supplies and the ability to choose what works best for them. ‘We have to diversify in how we prepare ourselves,’ Mrs. Davis said. ‘We are diversifying in every other way, and we have to do the same for menstrual care.’

  • Body of missing Christiana High student found in burnt-out refrigerator

    Body of missing Christiana High student found in burnt-out refrigerator

    CLARENDON, Jamaica — In a chilling turn of events, the decomposed body of a missing 13-year-old student, Santina Sergeant, was discovered on Monday evening in a burnt-out refrigerator behind her family home in Baillieston, Clarendon. The grim discovery has sent shockwaves through the community and her school, Christiana High in Manchester. Sergeant, who had recently transferred from Excelsior High, was reported missing by her father on Friday, October 3. A search team from the Christiana Police Station located the body in an advanced state of decomposition, hidden in bushes under a zinc sheet near the refrigerator. The school has arranged grief counseling for students and staff as they grapple with the loss of a young life. The incident has cast a sombre mood over the community, with authorities continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.

  • Documentary on trauma caused by Dorian to premiere October 18

    Documentary on trauma caused by Dorian to premiere October 18

    A groundbreaking documentary, titled “D6 Project: We Are Not Okay,” is set to premiere on October 18 at the Atlantis Theatre on Paradise Island. Directed by Bahamian journalist and filmmaker Dr. Juliette Storr, the film delves into the enduring emotional scars left by Hurricane Dorian and the COVID-19 pandemic, urging a national dialogue on mental health. Dr. Storr, inspired by her volunteer work with Dorian survivors, sought to uncover the silent suffering that persisted long after the initial crisis. Collaborating with the Bahamas Psychological Association (BPA), the film provides a platform for survivors and mental health professionals to share their stories, emphasizing the need for robust mental health policies. Ann Marie Davis, spouse of the Prime Minister and project patron, highlighted the importance of seeking help, stating, “Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.” The documentary, which has already garnered eight international awards, including Best Documentary at the London Independent Film Awards, is the first in a three-part series aimed at fostering mental health awareness and preparedness for future climate disasters. Film editor Justin Williamson, who spent over two years working on the project, emphasized its lasting relevance, stating, “This project should be shown for generations to come, reminding us of the work still to be done.” Tickets for the premiere are available online, ranging from $25 to $95.

  • Gov’t advances Green Paper on culture, entertainment and creative economy

    Gov’t advances Green Paper on culture, entertainment and creative economy

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant move to bolster Jamaica’s cultural and creative sectors, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport Olivia Grange presented a Green Paper on the National Policy for Culture, Entertainment, and the Creative Economy in the House of Representatives on Tuesday. The policy outlines a visionary framework aimed at fostering a just, inclusive, and innovative society while preserving the nation’s rich heritage and cultural diversity.

  • US Supreme Court hears challenge to ‘conversion therapy’ ban for minors

    US Supreme Court hears challenge to ‘conversion therapy’ ban for minors

    The US Supreme Court is currently deliberating a significant case involving a Christian therapist’s challenge to Colorado’s law prohibiting ‘conversion therapy’ for minors questioning their gender identity or sexual orientation. The plaintiff, Kaley Chiles, a licensed mental health counselor, contends that the 2019 law infringes upon her First Amendment rights to free speech. Her legal team, represented by attorney James Campbell, argued that Colorado’s prohibition restricts counselors from assisting minors in aligning their gender and sexuality with their personal beliefs, labeling it as unconstitutional censorship. Colorado’s law, which bans licensed professionals from attempting to alter the sexual orientation or gender identity of individuals under 18, is supported by extensive evidence linking conversion therapy to heightened risks of depression, anxiety, and suicidal tendencies. The case is being heard by a conservative-majority Supreme Court, with Chiles backed by the Alliance Defending Freedom, a Christian legal advocacy group. This legal battle follows previous rulings by lower courts in favor of Colorado and coincides with broader national debates on gender identity and LGBTQ+ rights. The Supreme Court’s decision could have far-reaching implications for similar laws across the country, as well as for ongoing cultural and legal conflicts surrounding transgender rights and healthcare.

  • Single Lane Traffic on Valley Road North and Anchorage Road

    Single Lane Traffic on Valley Road North and Anchorage Road

    The Ministry of Works’ Project Implementation Management Unit (PIMU) has announced the implementation of single-lane traffic on Valley Road North and Anchorage Road to facilitate critical infrastructure repairs. The temporary traffic arrangement, effective daily from 8:00 a.m., is part of the Second Road Infrastructure Rehabilitation Project undertaken by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda. On Valley Road North, the work includes road markings, drainage systems, headwalls, concrete swales, and asphalt repairs. Similarly, Anchorage Road will see the completion of road markings, drainage, and sidewalks. Flag persons will be stationed to guide motorists, ensuring safe passage amidst heavy-duty equipment operations. While the repairs may cause delays, all businesses in the area remain open. C.O. Williams Ltd., the contractor overseeing the project, has expressed regret for any inconvenience caused and urges stakeholders to adjust their travel plans accordingly. The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing road infrastructure for improved safety and efficiency.

  • Police, Family Appeal for Help in Locating Missing Teen Dejahnique Charles

    Police, Family Appeal for Help in Locating Missing Teen Dejahnique Charles

    Authorities and family members are urgently seeking the public’s help in locating Dejahnique Charles, a teenager from Barnes Hill who has been reported missing. According to reports, Dejahnique left her home at approximately 1:40 p.m. on Saturday to attend the Mega Bounce event. While she was seen at the venue, she has not returned home since.

  • Police Probe Two Separate Suicide Attempts in Freetown and Ottos

    Police Probe Two Separate Suicide Attempts in Freetown and Ottos

    In a distressing turn of events, two separate suicide attempts were reported in Freetown and Ottos on Saturday, prompting police investigations and urgent medical interventions. The incidents, occurring hours apart, involved a woman from Freetown and a man from Ottos, both of whom are now recovering at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre.

  • The magic and miracle of education

    The magic and miracle of education

    On September 27, 2025, Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell delivered a compelling speech at the United Nations under the theme “Better Together.” Mitchell emphasized the transformative power of education, describing it as a “lifeline” and a “bridge between limitation and possibility.” His address highlighted the critical role education plays in empowering individuals and communities, a sentiment deeply rooted in Grenada’s history and its leaders’ vision for national development. Mitchell’s speech underscored the significant strides made in Grenada’s education sector under the current NDC administration, including the removal of administration fees, technological upgrades for schools, and support for institutions impacted by Hurricane Beryl. Education, he argued, is not merely a tool for social mobility but a cornerstone for creating active, informed citizens and fostering global unity. Mitchell also aligned his vision with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 4, which advocates for inclusive and equitable quality education worldwide. He particularly emphasized the importance of educating women and girls, noting its potential to elevate them from the margins to leadership roles within communities. While Grenada has made commendable progress in eradicating illiteracy and improving school attendance, challenges such as educational inequality, financial barriers, and limited adult education opportunities remain. Mitchell called for a transformative approach to education, one that integrates formal, informal, and community-based learning to ensure lifelong access for all. He also acknowledged the vital contributions of NGOs like GRENED and NEWLO, which have worked tirelessly to provide resources and opportunities to disadvantaged individuals. Despite these efforts, Mitchell stressed the need for systemic change to make education truly universal and empowering. His speech served as both a celebration of Grenada’s achievements and a call to action for continued progress in the nation’s educational journey.