分类： society

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica — The Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) has moved to address growing tensions among its auxiliary staff members following Friday’s industrial action at the organization’s Kingston headquarters. JTA President Mark Malabver, speaking during the reopening ceremony of the association’s western office in Montego Bay, acknowledged the legitimacy of workers’ grievances and committed to immediate intervention.

The dispute centers on financial calculations and outstanding payments that have remained unresolved for several years, predating Malabver’s current presidency. While not explicitly confirming whether the issues involve salaries or allowances, the president characterized the matter as requiring ‘expeditious treatment’ given the prolonged nature of the concerns.

Malabver demonstrated notable empathy toward the protesting workers, stating they were ‘quite within their rights to be restive’ based on the information he had received. This recognition of the staff’s frustration marks a significant shift in the association’s approach to the long-standing dispute.

The JTA president revealed his immediate plan to convene with Secretary General Dr. Mark Nicely to formulate a concrete resolution strategy. Malabver emphasized that any solution would honor previous commitments made to the auxiliary staff, ensuring historical agreements are respected in the process.

In his commitment to timely resolution, Malabver assured that ‘the matter will definitely be addressed in the coming days,’ providing the first concrete timeline for addressing concerns that have lingered for multiple years. The association’s leadership appears determined to prevent further escalation of the labor dispute that disrupted operations at their Church Street administrative offices.

A profound tragedy has struck the community of Brown’s Lane in Granville, St James, Jamaica, triggering widespread outrage and demands for accountability. The incident, which unfolded in the early hours of New Year’s Day, resulted in the death of four-year-old Romain Bowman and two adult males, Kevon Martinez and another unidentified man, with a 68-year-old woman also sustaining injuries.

According to eyewitness accounts from residents, a joint police and military team conducted an operation in response to reports of explosions and gunfire in the area. Nambia McFarlane, Romain’s mother, provided a harrowing testimony, stating that her son was asleep in bed when the shooting commenced. She recounted screaming warnings that there was a child in the house, only to be met with profanity and orders to stay inside from security personnel. McFarlane insists there were no gunmen present in her home, contradicting the official rationale for the operation.

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) issued an official statement extending “sincere condolence” to the family and expressing “deep regret” for the loss of young life. The JCF confirmed that investigations are ongoing, being conducted by both internal and independent oversight bodies to thoroughly examine the circumstances.

The community’s grief swiftly transformed into organized protest. Residents blocked roads with old furniture and appliances, waving placards and demanding justice. Clarissa Anderson, another resident, claimed a bullet grazed her head as she slept, further fueling allegations of reckless conduct by the security forces.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Peter Salkey addressed the media, confirming the seizure of an AK-47 rifle during the operation and promising transparency in the ongoing probe. While commiserating with the families, he stressed the necessity of police activities to ensure public safety.

Councillor Michael Troupe has called for the immediate removal of all involved security personnel from front-line duty pending investigation, emphasizing the profound injustice of a child being killed in his own bed. The incident has raised serious questions about operational protocols, the use of lethal force in civilian areas, and the balance between public safety and the protection of innocent lives.

The prestigious Couples Tower Isle resort hosted an illustrious New Year’s Eve celebration that attracted distinguished guests, including former US Ambassador to Jamaica Noah ‘Nick’ Perry. The December 31, 2025, event featured gourmet dining, vibrant entertainment, and a spectacular midnight fireworks display that captivated attendees.

Ambassador Perry, who was born in Jamaica and attended Kingston College before immigrating to the United States in 1971, expressed his particular affection for celebrating the holiday season on his home island. “The Jamaican spirit during Christmas and New Year’s is truly exceptional,” Perry remarked. “Starting the new year here holds special significance for me. With my residence located conveniently nearby, I preferred a tranquil beginning to the year that gradually gains momentum.”

Perry specifically commended the Issa family, owners of Couples Resorts, recognizing them as “exceptional Jamaicans who demonstrate genuine care for their staff and consistently remember those in need.”

Paul Issa, a director of Couples Resorts, confirmed the event’s success, noting that many guests from Kingston and across the island traditionally choose to celebrate New Year’s Eve at their properties. The gathering included prominent figures such as financier Donovan Lewis alongside Ambassador Perry and numerous returning guests.

The celebration also served as an occasion to reflect on community support efforts. Issa acknowledged contributions through the Issa Trust Foundation toward rebuilding and repairing homes of employees affected by Hurricane Melissa. All staff reporting damage received assessments and vouchers for building supplies from Hardware & Lumber, with particular recognition given to Diane Pollard, Sean ‘Contractor’ Edwards, Alex Ghisays, and resort guests who supported recovery initiatives.

Ambassador Perry’s distinguished career includes his service as US Ambassador to Jamaica from 2022 to 2025 and his lengthy tenure in the New York State Assembly representing Brooklyn’s 58th district from 1993 to 2022. The Brooklyn College graduate holds degrees in political science and public policy administration, and is the grandfather of Roc-Nation signed artist Justine Skye.

In response to the profound emotional aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, Jamaican women are mobilizing to address the psychological toll of the disaster through community support and forward-looking initiatives. The upcoming Beauties at Brunch Vision Board Party, scheduled for January 25, 2026, at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel, represents a strategic approach to collective healing and resilience-building among women across the island.

Organizers recognize that while physical reconstruction efforts continue, the less visible scars of grief, uncertainty, and survivor’s guilt require dedicated attention. This gathering transforms the traditional brunch format into a therapeutic experience centered on vision-setting, mutual support, and psychological recovery.

Sophia Walcott, the event’s coordinator, emphasizes the dual purpose of the occasion: ‘Our initiative champions the courageous decision to advance despite adversity. It creates a balanced space where participants can acknowledge their blessings while simultaneously honoring the collective pain within our communities. This synthesis of dreaming, strategic planning, and joyful expression alongside compassionate action forms our core philosophy.’

Attendees will experience an intentionally curated environment designed to foster authenticity, empowerment, and meaningful connection. The five-hour program (11:00 AM to 4:00 PM) encourages women to present their authentic selves while engaging in goal-setting activities surrounded by supportive peers.

Complementing the psychological focus, the event incorporates tangible humanitarian action through a donation drive for hurricane victims. Participants are requested to contribute non-perishable items that organizers will distribute to registered charities assisting those most affected by the disaster.

This initiative transcends conventional social gatherings by establishing a framework for intentional personal development and community solidarity. It represents a nuanced understanding of post-disaster recovery that addresses both immediate physical needs and longer-term emotional well-being through collective care and empowerment.

Renowned Jamaican gospel artist and ordained minister Kevin Downswell has articulated a profound vision for his nation’s future, advocating for a collective spiritual refocus among citizens. The acclaimed musician, best known for his inspirational anthem ‘You Make Me Stronger,’ shared his aspirations during a recent public appearance at the Funfest event held at Hope Gardens.

In an exclusive dialogue with Observer Online following his spiritually charged performance, Downswell emphasized the transient nature of worldly pursuits. “My heartfelt desire for Jamaicans is to recenter their priorities on divine principles,” the artist stated. “The scriptures remind us to prioritize heavenly matters above all else, promising that other necessities will follow accordingly. Many chase temporary satisfactions that ultimately fade, but maintaining focus on eternal values yields lasting fulfillment.”

Downswell’s spiritual counsel extends beyond his musical ministry. His 2024 publication, ‘Midnight to Victory: 90 Days of Faith, Hope, Prayer and Breakthrough,’ achieved remarkable success, topping Amazon’s bestseller lists and providing readers with a structured path toward personal transformation through daily devotional practice.

The artist’s contributions to Jamaican culture and spiritual life received formal recognition in October 2025, when he was honored with the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer during the National Honours and Awards ceremony at King’s House. This prestigious decoration acknowledges his significant impact through both artistic expression and spiritual leadership.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prime Minister Andrew Holness has issued a compelling call for the immediate launch of an extensive public education initiative focused on proper waste management and personal environmental accountability. The announcement came during high-level discussions with executives from the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA).

Holness emphasized the critical gap between municipal collection services and citizen participation, noting that while garbage trucks maintain regular schedules, widespread public noncompliance undermines sanitation efforts. He highlighted problematic behaviors including improper waste separation, inadequate container use, and disregard for collection timelines.

“The educational component of NSWMA’s mandate must become paramount,” Holness stated. “We must initiate serious dialogue with citizens regarding household and commercial waste management responsibilities.”

The Prime Minister expressed particular concern about roadside litter exposed during routine debushing operations, describing the proliferation of discarded beverage containers, food packaging, and plastic waste as “shameful.” He attributed this pollution to pedestrians and vehicle passengers indiscriminately disposing waste.

Holness advocated for comprehensive awareness programs targeting all age demographics—from children who lack environmental consciousness to adults who either weren’t properly educated or knowingly disregard protocols. “As we advance toward 2026, these issues require immediate attention beginning with public education,” he affirmed.

In a significant policy development, the Prime Minister revealed advanced discussions regarding implementing a digital ticketing system for sanitation violations. This technological upgrade would mirror traffic enforcement mechanisms, enabling streamlined prosecution of improper waste disposal offenses through judicial channels.

“Everyone desires a cleaner Jamaica, but collective action remains elusive,” Holness observed. “These negligent practices ultimately clog drainage systems and exacerbate flooding. NSWMA will play pivotal roles in elevating national standards for environmental stewardship and public sanitation management.”

Eastern Jamaica is grappling with severe transportation disruptions as relentless rainfall continues to batter the region, prompting urgent safety advisories from the National Works Agency (NWA). The persistent precipitation has resulted in extensive flooding, clogged drainage systems, and significant silt accumulation across major road networks.

Stephen Shaw, Manager of Communication and Customer Services at the NWA, issued an official statement on Friday identifying the most critically affected zones. The coastal corridor stretching from Ocho Rios in St Ann to Port Antonio in Portland has experienced the most substantial infrastructure challenges, with multiple communities reporting impassable road conditions.

Specific impact assessments reveal that St Mary parish is confronting severe flooding in Rio Nuevo, Stewart Town, and Port Maria. The situation is particularly dire in Annotto Bay, where the Mother Ford drain has reached maximum capacity, creating additional flood risks. Meanwhile, in Portland, primary transportation routes through St Margarets Bay, Orange Bay, and Windsor Castle have been compromised by water accumulation and debris.

The NWA has issued emphatic warnings to all travelers, explicitly urging motorists to avoid attempting passage through heavily flooded roadways. Pedestrians have similarly been advised to seek alternative routes and exercise extreme caution when navigating affected areas. The adverse weather conditions are attributed to an atmospheric trough that has settled over the eastern parishes, sustaining the prolonged rainfall pattern that shows no immediate signs of abating. Transportation authorities continue to monitor the situation closely while recommending that residents prioritize safety measures and stay informed through official channels.