分类： society

GEORGETOWN, Guyana — The Guyanese government has announced plans to initiate a comprehensive national consultation in January focusing on the escalating challenges of social media misuse and its profound effects on youth development and family dynamics. President Irfaan Ali revealed this initiative during a recent dialogue with students, emphasizing that the process aims to develop nuanced solutions rather than impose restrictive measures.

President Ali clarified that the government’s objective isn’t to limit digital platforms but to cultivate informed strategies through inclusive public participation. “I intentionally avoid the term ‘restricting’ social media,” Ali stated. “We want this consultation to guide our approach.” A specialized task force is currently being formed, with the President personally examining international regulatory frameworks from Australia, Germany, the European Union, and the United Kingdom to identify policy options compatible with Guyana’s unique socio-cultural landscape.

The President highlighted the global recognition of misinformation and digital overconsumption as critical issues, referencing the United Nations’ declaration of a “misinformation and disinformation pandemic.” He stressed that social media platforms themselves aren’t inherently problematic, but their misuse requires urgent attention.

Ali shared compelling anecdotes from parents concerned about children’s excessive screen time, including one instance where a child stealthily retrieved a confiscated device in the middle of the night. “As parents, we universally struggle with managing digital engagement,” the President acknowledged, recounting conversations with technology executives in Silicon Valley who reportedly limit their own children’s device usage despite working in the industry.

The consultation process will actively involve families, youth organizations, religious institutions, and community groups to develop collaborative solutions. President Ali emphasized that effective policy must rest on education, shared responsibility, and consensus rather than mere enforcement. The government intends to use these consultations to shape balanced, inclusive measures that protect children while enhancing societal well-being in an increasingly digital era.

Jamaican authorities are declaring a state of emergency on road safety following a distressing surge in traffic fatalities that claimed 373 lives in 2025. This represents a three percent increase from the previous year’s death toll of 365, pushing the national crisis to unprecedented levels according to transport officials.

The Island Traffic Authority (ITA) is launching an aggressive public education campaign targeting reckless drivers through strategic media partnerships. Retired Colonel Daniel Pryce, Director General of Road Traffic, expressed particular concern about persistent speeding and improper overtaking behaviors that continue to plague Jamaican roadways despite ongoing safety efforts.

In a significant shift toward long-term behavioral change, the 2026 road safety strategy will prioritize educational programs in schools, recognizing that today’s students will become tomorrow’s drivers. This generational approach aims to fundamentally reshape attitudes toward road usage before dangerous habits become ingrained.

Transport Minister Daryl Vaz characterized the situation as having reached ‘crisis stage,’ noting that road fatalities have now surpassed murder rates as Jamaica’s most pressing safety concern. The ministry plans to give the issue special priority throughout the coming year.

The comprehensive strategy will intensify existing measures while forging new institutional partnerships to reinforce safety messages. Authorities are making a concerted appeal to all road users to exercise greater patience, adhere to speed limits, and avoid driving under the influence of alcohol. As Pryce emphatically stated, ‘It’s better to arrive alive’—a sentiment echoing through Jamaica’s renewed commitment to ending roadway carnage.

Jamaica’s Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie has issued a firm rebuttal against circulating reports suggesting the government intends to forcibly evict families currently housed at Petersfield High School following Hurricane Melissa. The minister characterized these claims as entirely “false and mischievous,” emphasizing the administration’s commitment to securing proper housing solutions before any shelter closures occur.

The controversy emerged after Westmoreland Central MP Dwayne Vaz expressed concerns regarding the potential displacement of more than 50 families comprising 86 individuals, including 46 children, from the educational facility. These apprehensions arose following earlier indications that the shelter might need to vacate the premises by December’s end to accommodate January school reopenings.

Minister McKenzie clarified the government’s position through an official statement, explaining that while ideal timelines exist for shelter operations, no eviction would occur without ensuring reasonable alternative accommodations. The administration is actively pursuing both temporary and permanent housing solutions through collaborative efforts with organizations like Food For the Poor and via the New Social Housing Programme (NSHP).

Notably, the minister revealed that residents might be relocated within the school compound itself to minimize educational disruptions while maintaining shelter operations. Prime Minister Andrew Holness has personally emphasized that the government’s response prioritizes the best interests of affected families and will be handled with appropriate sensitivity.

McKenzie concluded with strong condemnation of what he described as deliberate misinformation campaigns, urging perpetrators to cease exploiting vulnerable populations for political agendas and labeling such behavior as “vulgar, despicable and quite frankly a very low act.”

The campus community at the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) in Portland, Jamaica, is experiencing complex emotions following the fatal police shooting of Winston Hume, a 38-year-old man authorities identified as an alleged serial rapist connected to multiple assaults on students.

Law enforcement officials confirmed that Hume, from the Norwich district, was killed during a police operation at his residence early Tuesday morning. According to Superintendent Ainsley McCarthy, Portland’s police chief, officers visited Hume’s home pursuing leads related to what they described as a pattern of predatory behavior. When confronted, Hume allegedly emerged wielding a machete and advanced toward officers in a threatening manner despite commands to disarm himself. Police responded with fatal gunfire, and Hume was pronounced dead upon arrival at Port Antonio Hospital.

The incident comes amid growing security concerns at CASE, where students had previously protested following the December 14 rape of a female student—one of twelve recorded sexual assaults in the parish this year. Hume was already before the court for two previous campus rapes and was a suspect in additional assaults.

Student representative Vashawn Berry expressed that while the development doesn’t bring joy, it provides ‘some sense of closure and comfort’ for traumatized students. However, Berry emphasized that students continue demanding concrete security improvements from both college administration and government authorities.

College President Dr. Derrick Deslandes acknowledged ongoing efforts to enhance campus safety, particularly addressing a vulnerable tunnel system that provides uncontrolled access to the open campus. Security has been increased, and officials are examining measures to secure the tunnel while maintaining its functional use for agricultural operations.

Superintendent McCarthy revealed that previous legal proceedings against Hume faced significant challenges, including the migration of one complainant overseas and psychiatric evaluations ordered by the court in another case, which prolonged proceedings and potentially contributed to case dismissals.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Urban Development Corporation (UDC) has launched its annual national New Year’s celebration, transforming multiple public spaces across Jamaica into vibrant hubs of festivity and community spirit. This year’s expanded event incorporates two new locations specifically chosen to support regions recovering from recent hurricane damage.

The nationwide festivities commenced at noon on New Year’s Eve and will build toward midnight fireworks displays. Celebrations are occurring simultaneously at five designated sites: the Kingston Waterfront, Ocho Rios Bay Beach, Harmony Beach Park in Montego Bay, with new additions at Long Bay Football Field in Negril and the Black River Courthouse in St. Elizabeth.

UDC Marketing Manager Latoya Chambers explained that this strategic expansion directly addresses communities impacted by Hurricane Melissa. “Under our theme ‘Life, Love and Recovery,’ we recognize the devastation particularly affecting western parishes,” Chambers stated. “This celebration serves as our mechanism for delivering cheer, uplifting spirits, and bolstering recovery efforts in these vulnerable communities.”

The initiative aligns with UDC’s broader mandate to revitalize public spaces while stimulating economic activity and promoting social inclusivity. Chambers emphasized how the event demonstrates practical approaches to activating public areas, highlighting urban vibrancy, and ensuring developmental benefits reach Jamaican citizens directly.

Family-friendly programming includes dedicated kiddies’ villages operating from midday. Children in Black River, Negril, and Montego Bay will receive complimentary access to rides, toys, and treats including snow cones, cotton candy, popcorn, and hot dogs—courtesy of UDC and its collaborative partners. Kingston and Ocho Rios venues will maintain minimal fees for certain attractions.

Entertainment curation emphasizes local talent, with community-based sound systems and DJs providing musical backing at each location. Kingston attendees will experience sets from DJ Wildlife, DJ Sparks, and Game Changers, while Ocho Rios features Hyperactive Sound and DJ Timeless. Black River hosts Big Bad Bass Odyssey and DJ Nova; Negril showcases DJ Bruce Lee, DJ Meds, and True Colours; and Montego Bay welcomes performances by DJ Diamond, Metal, and C-Note International.

Comprehensive safety protocols involve coordinated efforts between the Jamaica Constabulary Force, Jamaica Fire Brigade, Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, the Ministry of Health and Wellness, and municipal corporations. UDC-operated parking facilities in downtown Kingston will be available without charge, with staff and marshals assisting patrons. All venues provide clearly marked public parking, though shuttle services have been discontinued for this year’s event with alternative traffic management implementations.

Chambers reiterated that all events remain entirely free regardless of location, describing the celebration as both a supportive mechanism for local vendors, creatives, and small businesses, and a safe communal space for Jamaicans to welcome the new year. The UDC encourages early public participation to maximize support for local economies and ensure a secure, festive transition into the new year across the island’s public spaces.

KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Maxfield Park Children’s Home recently transformed its auditorium into a vibrant stage for Christmas celebrations, where children demonstrated remarkable musical talents through dynamic drumming performances. These presentations formed part of the Drumming for Peace Initiative, an innovative program established by the Violence Prevention Alliance (VPA) that utilizes rhythmic therapy to foster positive behavioral changes among vulnerable youth.

The program, operational since early this year, represents a strategic intervention designed to channel negative energy into creative expression while cultivating emotional regulation skills. One 18-year-old participant recounted her initial skepticism: “When I first started, I was worried and said I can’t do it,” she revealed. “But when I finally caught it, I said, ‘Yes, this is very easy.’” She particularly values the physical connection with the instrument and noted significant improvements in emotional expression and social connectivity.

Nellisa Asphall, administrator at the children’s home, confirmed the program’s transformative impact: “The Drumming for Peace Initiative has been a valuable addition to our programmes. We have observed measurable enhancements in children’s confidence, concentration, and emotional management capabilities. It provides a structured, secure environment for emotional release while instilling principles of discipline, collaborative effort, and mutual respect.”

Veteran percussionist Milton Bonner, bringing over two decades of expertise to the initiative, facilitates the therapeutic sessions. Bonner approaches his role with dual dedication to child development and cultural preservation. “Drumming constitutes therapy,” Bonner emphasized. “This VPA initiative transforms negative behaviors into positive energy through cultural expression via drums, which embody our African heritage.”

Bonner articulates a profound philosophical perspective on the instrument’s significance: “The drum embodies three spirits: the spirit of the animal providing the skin, the spirit of the constituting tree, and the spirit of the musician. Their convergence generates a powerful life force.” His instructional methodology employs progressive skill development, beginning with elementary rhythms and advancing according to individual capabilities.

The program has yielded observable positive outcomes in participant self-perception and interpersonal dynamics. “I’ve witnessed substantial self-esteem improvements,” Bonner reported. “Previously non-performing children now play with evident pride.” He highlighted the initiative’s conflict resolution benefits, noting that formerly antagonistic students now collaborate effectively, developing listening skills and mutual support mechanisms.

Financially supported by the American Friends of Jamaica, the program demonstrates how cultural practices combined with therapeutic intervention can promote healing and social cohesion. As the final drumbeats resonated through the auditorium during the Christmas showcase, the event transcended seasonal entertainment to become a powerful testament to rhythm, culture, and compassionate care synergistically fostering unity and peace.

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, a significant debate has emerged in Jamaica regarding the appropriate allocation of government relief funds. The controversy centers on a $75 million allocation announced by Prime Minister Andrew Holness on December 23 specifically designated for rebuilding damaged churches and faith-based institutions.

The funding decision faced immediate criticism from Member of Parliament Everald Warmington, who publicly questioned the rationale behind directing resources toward religious structures rather than addressing the critical housing shortage affecting thousands of displaced Jamaicans. Warmington argued that the amount would be insufficient for meaningful church reconstruction and suggested congregations should share facilities instead.

Religious leaders across denominations have responded with a unified message: their primary mission remains humanitarian aid, not architectural restoration. Bishop Dr. Rowan Edwards, chairman of the 10,000 Men and Families Movement, emphasized that while appreciating the government’s gesture, congregations would prioritize assisting homeless members before considering building repairs.

“The money that they would give to the church, we would use that money to help our people, to get back their roofs,” Edwards told the Jamaica Observer. “We prioritize our people, apart from the building.”

Bishop Dr. Peter Garth of Hope Gospel Assembly offered a nuanced perspective, acknowledging the mathematical reality that $75 million distributed among numerous damaged churches would provide limited reconstruction funds. However, he challenged Warmington’s characterization of churches as financially secure institutions with empty pews, pointing out the logical inconsistency in these claims.

Rather than rejecting government assistance entirely, religious leaders proposed an alternative approach. Garth suggested the funds be converted into building materials that could be distributed directly to families in need, noting that churches have served as first responders since the hurricane struck on October 28.

Father Sean Major-Campbell of the Anglican Diocese provided crucial context, explaining that many congregations face financial struggles despite public perceptions of wealth. He highlighted the ongoing social support work performed by churches in education, healthcare, and welfare—often without state assistance—and advocated for continued cooperation between religious and government entities in national development efforts.

The consensus among religious leaders demonstrates a practical approach to disaster recovery that places human needs above structural concerns, while simultaneously defending the vital community role played by faith-based organizations in Jamaica’s social fabric.