分类： society

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Greater Portmore High School in St. Catherine has made significant strides in academic performance, achieving an impressive 82% pass rate in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) English examination, a substantial improvement from its previous rate of 56%. Principal Ricardo Ross credits this success to the unwavering dedication of students and the relentless support from the school’s academic and ancillary staff.

For over a decade, residents of Greenwich Town in south-west St Andrew, Jamaica, have endured the relentless stench and health risks emanating from the local sewage facility. The National Water Commission (NWC) has now reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the issue, though progress remains slow and challenges persist. In a recent interview with the Jamaica Observer, NWC’s Acting Corporate Public Relations Manager, Delano Williams, outlined ongoing efforts to mitigate the problem, including reconfiguring truck offloading areas to reduce odour and improve efficiency. Williams explained that a more enclosed receptacle for waste dumping is being designed to prevent odour from escaping into the air, with the project currently in the procurement phase. Additionally, the Central Wastewater Treatment Company (CWTC) will conduct a comprehensive air quality analysis, including testing near schools, to establish benchmarks and measure improvements. Recent upgrades have reportedly reduced sewage overflow risks and persistent malodours, while fence repairs and dust mitigation work are underway. However, unauthorised access to the facility and improper disposal practices by some truck operators continue to exacerbate the issue. Williams called for a coordinated response among stakeholders to address these challenges. The NWC’s assurances come after years of frustration from residents, who have long complained about the facility’s proximity to schools and its impact on daily life. Educators have particularly highlighted the vulnerability of children to the health risks posed by the odour. Williams acknowledged the tension caused by wastewater facilities near residential areas but reiterated the NWC’s commitment to improving conditions. Despite promises made over the years, including a 2015 pledge to enclose the facility and a 2022 commitment to erect boundaries, the odour problem persists. As of 2025, residents remain hopeful but skeptical, waiting for tangible improvements to their quality of life.

KINGSTON, Jamaica—Mayor Andrew Swaby of Kingston has urged a collaborative approach among stakeholders to address the escalating issue of homelessness in Justice Square, a prominent area in Downtown Kingston. Swaby highlighted the growing number of homeless individuals in the area, emphasizing that the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) has established a dedicated homeless committee to tackle the problem. This committee, formed nearly a year ago, includes representatives from both public and private sectors, as well as voluntary organizations, working together to devise effective solutions.

In a heart-wrenching turn of events, the Malcolm family of Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland, is grappling with the devastating loss of their daughter, Kerrian Malcolm, whose body was discovered in a suitcase on Saturday, October 4. The 29-year-old, described as a quiet and hardworking woman, was found in a gully in the Gully Banks community, leaving her family shattered and struggling to cope with yet another tragedy. This marks the third violent death in the family within months, following the killings of two of Kerrian’s brothers earlier this year. Delroy Malcolm, Kerrian’s father, expressed his anguish, revealing that the family has been plagued by a series of losses, including the deaths of his mother, mother-in-law, and father-in-law. Kerrian, a mother to a young child, had been receiving threats since a burglary at the bar she operated, where a rented poker box was stolen. Despite reporting the incident to the police, the threats persisted, and Kerrian was last seen on Thursday night, October 2, when she left home to collect something from someone. Her disappearance prompted a missing person’s report, and her body was discovered by community members who noticed an odd-looking suitcase. The police were called, and the suitcase was opened to reveal Kerrian’s remains. Delroy Malcolm lamented the senseless violence that has torn his family apart, emphasizing that Kerrian was a peaceful individual who sought to uplift her family and care for her son. The family’s grief is compounded by the lack of answers surrounding her death, as they continue to seek justice for their loved ones.

In response to escalating security concerns, a 48-hour curfew has been implemented across three communities in the Linstead area of St. Catherine, Jamaica. The curfew, which commenced at 6:00 pm on Monday, October 6, is set to remain in effect until 6:00 pm on Wednesday, October 8. The affected areas include Commodore Linstead, Banbury Linstead, and Trinity Linstead, each delineated by specific geographical boundaries. Residents within these zones are mandated to remain indoors during curfew hours unless granted explicit permission by the ground commander. The curfew aims to restore order and ensure public safety in the region. Authorities have not disclosed specific details regarding the incidents prompting this measure but emphasized the necessity of the temporary restriction to address ongoing security challenges.

LOS ANGELES, United States (AFP) – California has taken a decisive step to address a long-standing grievance of television viewers by enacting a new law that prohibits excessively loud commercials. Effective immediately, advertisements aired in the state must not exceed the volume of the programming they interrupt. This legislation marks a significant update to outdated regulations, extending its scope beyond traditional broadcast and cable providers to include streaming services. Governor Gavin Newsom emphasized the public’s demand for this change, stating, ‘We heard Californians loud and clear, and what’s clear is that they don’t want commercials at a volume any louder than the level at which they were previously enjoying a program.’ The law aims to enhance the viewing experience by eliminating the jarring transition from serene programming to blaring advertisements, a common frustration for audiences nationwide.

In a decisive response to a tragic shooting incident in the Linstead community of Commodore, Jamaica, the government has announced a $2 million reward for information leading to the apprehension of those responsible. The attack, which occurred on Sunday evening, resulted in the deaths of five individuals, including a four-year-old child. Prime Minister Andrew Holness, during a community visit on Monday, emphasized the importance of citizen cooperation in bringing the perpetrators to justice. He urged residents to share any relevant information with the authorities, stating that it is both a civic duty and in the community’s best interest. Holness also highlighted the broader context of crime reduction in Jamaica, noting that despite this devastating incident, the country remains 40% below last year’s murder rate. He expressed confidence in the police’s ability to handle the situation, drawing parallels to the Cherry Tree Lane massacre in Clarendon, where eight people were killed. The Prime Minister assured that the police would adopt a proactive and enduring strategy to prevent reprisals and maintain security in the affected area. Reports indicate that the attackers, some disguised as police officers, stormed a family yard around 8:45 pm, opening fire and injuring nine people, five of whom succumbed to their injuries.

Over 400 women from diverse backgrounds gathered at the Moon Palace All Inclusive Resort in St Ann, Jamaica, from September 26 for the Church of God of Prophecy Jamaica’s (COGOP) Daughters Unlocked (DU) Women’s Empowerment Conference. This transformative three-day event, themed ‘Beyond the Beyond,’ aimed to inspire women and girls aged 13-65 to transcend limitations and embrace their divine purpose. The conference featured a stellar lineup of speakers, including Apostle Isi Igenegba from Nigeria, Dr Terri-Karelle Johnson, Pastor Lecia Williams, and host Minister Nickeisha Smith, COGOP’s national women’s ministry director. Attendees explored topics ranging from faith and identity to economic empowerment and personal development. A highlight of the event was the ‘Women in Business – The Village’ experience, which provided a platform for female leaders to showcase their businesses and products. The conference also introduced ‘Girls Unlocked,’ a mentorship program for young women aged 13-17, offering guidance on communication, financial literacy, and personal growth. The event was enriched by powerful worship sessions led by Psalmists Minister Marsha Jarrett, Ja-Donne Grey, and Ayana Bonner, accompanied by the Rhoda Isabella Ministries (RIM) Band. Supported by sponsors such as Signature Products and Awards, Jamaica Public Service, and Cari-Med Group, the conference has grown significantly since its inception in 2019, impacting countless lives through spiritual growth, healing, and empowerment. The ministry also partnered with the End Period Poverty Campaign, providing resources and support for vulnerable women and girls. Conference planning committee chairperson, Minister Sheriann Ward, emphasized that Daughters Unlocked is more than an event—it is a community fostering faith, miracles, and spiritual awakening.