Dr. Heather Ricketts, a prominent sociologist and dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at The University of the West Indies, has expressed cautious optimism about Jamaica’s efforts to eradicate absolute poverty by 2030. While acknowledging significant progress, she highlighted the persistent global instability—such as the Israel-Gaza conflict, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the Haitian crisis—as potential obstacles to achieving this goal. These geopolitical tensions, she argued, could drive up the prices of goods and raw materials, exacerbating inflation and limiting people’s ability to afford basic necessities. Despite these challenges, Jamaica has made notable strides, reducing its absolute poverty rate to a historic low of 8.2% in 2023, down from 16.7% in 2021, and nearing its target of eradicating food poverty, which currently stands at 2.8%. Dr. Ricketts emphasized that absolute poverty, defined as the inability to meet basic survival needs like food, shelter, and healthcare, remains a critical issue. She stressed the importance of education, training, and certification as essential tools for breaking the cycle of poverty, noting that a significant portion of Jamaica’s workforce remains uncertified, limiting access to higher-paying jobs. Additionally, she called for the faster implementation of unemployment insurance and the expansion of social protection programs to support vulnerable groups, including the working poor and people with disabilities. While Jamaica’s macroeconomic stability and strengthened social protection systems are commendable, Dr. Ricketts underscored the need for continued efforts in education, training, and policy implementation to ensure the eradication of absolute poverty.
分类： society
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Cult Pastor Kevin Smith: The story that shook Jamaica
October 25 marks the fourth anniversary of the reported death of Kevin Smith, the controversial self-proclaimed bishop who led the Pathways International Kingdom Restoration Ministries in Albion, St James. Smith, who styled himself as ‘His Excellency,’ was revered by his followers, many of whom paid $100,000 each for entry into his ‘ark’—a supposed sanctuary from the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the ark became a site of horror on October 17, 2021, when a ritual involving human sacrifice led to the fatal stabbing of two church members. The incident escalated into a stand-off with the Jamaica Constabulary Force, resulting in one congregant being shot dead and 42 others detained. Fourteen children were placed in State care, and Smith was taken into custody. On October 25, 2021, while being transported to face charges, the vehicle carrying Smith crashed on the Linstead bypass in St Catherine, killing him and police Constable Orlando Irons. Despite official reports of his death, the absence of a funeral or burial has fueled persistent speculation among his loyal followers that Smith may still be alive. The Jamaica Observer will delve into this haunting saga in a two-part documentary titled ‘Kevin Smith: Cult Pastor — Dead or Alive? The Story that Shook Jamaica,’ premiering on their YouTube channel on October 23 and 26.
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Divali Nagar floods on final night
The final night of the Divali Nagar festival in Endeavour, Chaguanas, was marred by severe flooding on October 19, following torrential rains linked to a yellow-level adverse weather alert. The downpour inundated key areas including Chaguanas Main Road, Southern Main Road, and Endeavour Road, with social media videos capturing the deluge overwhelming booths at the National Council of Indian Culture (NCIC) grounds. The adverse weather conditions were attributed to a robust tropical wave, invest #98L, which swept across the Windward Islands. Additional flooding incidents were reported near Medford Gas Station, Price Plaza, and Edinburgh Gardens in Chaguanas. The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service warned of continued unsettled weather on October 20, with scattered showers, isolated thunderstorms, and potential gusty winds. Street and flash flooding remain a risk in areas experiencing heavy rainfall, as the yellow-level weather alert persists.
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From Clarendon to Ohio: Chef Denval Daley dishes gratitude
Chef Denval Daley’s life is a testament to the power of resilience, mentorship, and seizing opportunities. Born in Lionel Town, Clarendon, Jamaica, Daley’s journey from a small classroom to becoming a baking and pastry instructor at Hocking College in Ohio is nothing short of inspiring. His story is a blend of personal loss, unwavering determination, and the transformative impact of educators and mentors who believed in him.
Daley’s passion for food was ignited during his high school years at Garvey Maceo High School, where a simple Christmas baking experience sparked his dream of becoming a chef. His athletic talent later led him to St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS), where a chance encounter in a food and nutrition class solidified his career path. Despite personal tragedies, including the loss of his mother, brother, and father, Daley found strength in the support of mentors like Jennette Berkeley and Mavis Taylor.
His academic journey took a pivotal turn when he joined the Western Hospitality Institute (WHI), where he earned degrees in Culinary Chef Management and Hospitality Management. WHI not only provided him with education but also practical experience, including running a campus restaurant and catering events. Daley’s career then took him to the United States, where he worked at Sunriver Resort in Oregon and the Boca Raton Resort in Florida before specializing in pastry arts at Hocking College.
Today, Daley is a celebrated pastry instructor, grateful for the mentors who shaped his path—from his sixth-grade teacher Flavia Williams to the late Fluorine Carpenter at STETHS, and Dr Cecil Cornwall at WHI. His story is a reminder that success is not just about talent but also about resilience, gratitude, and the willingness to embrace every opportunity.
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Alleged gangster ‘Bingie’ shot dead in Red Hills police operation
ST ANDREW, Jamaica – A high-profile alleged gang leader was fatally shot during a police operation in the Red Hills area of St Andrew on Saturday morning. The deceased, identified as 40-year-old Kevin Rouldson, also known as ‘Bingie’, was reportedly a prominent member of the notorious Bottom York Avenue Gang. According to police reports, the incident occurred during an intelligence-driven mission in the Golden Acres neighborhood. Rouldson allegedly opened fire on the officers, prompting an exchange of gunfire that resulted in his death. Law enforcement officials recovered a 9mm firearm at the scene. Rouldson was a suspect in multiple serious crimes, including murders, shootings, and car thefts in the Waltham Park and Cockburn Pen areas. His death marks a significant development in ongoing efforts to combat gang-related violence in the region.
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Men, Stop Proposing: Let Women Do It
For centuries, the act of proposing marriage has been a male-dominated ritual, deeply rooted in patriarchal norms. Men have been conditioned to view it as both a duty and a declaration of love, a performative gesture that reinforces traditional masculinity. However, this practice is not as romantic as it seems; it is a relic of a bygone era when marriage was more about ownership and transaction than affection. Historically, proposals were contracts between families, with the man seeking the father’s approval rather than the woman’s consent. The ring symbolized not commitment but a transaction—a compensation for the transfer of guardianship. Love entered the equation only after commerce. By the 20th century, capitalism and De Beers’ diamond campaigns transformed this obligation into a cultural expectation, leaving men to shoulder the economic and emotional burden of proving their devotion while women remained gatekeepers. In a century obsessed with equality, this tradition persists, repackaged in hashtags and engagement reels. The imbalance remains: men kneel, women judge; men plan, women approve. But a woman who proposes doesn’t invert power—she equalizes it. She signals trust and mutual agency, choosing to lead beside her partner rather than waiting to be chosen. True equality isn’t about trading dominance; it’s about erasing outdated scripts that assign one partner perpetual initiative and the other eternal response. Men must question why they continue to bear the symbolic burden of pursuit in a world where leadership should be shared. Vulnerability should not be romanticized only when it’s male. If partnership is truly modern, the proposal must evolve. Imagine a world where women initiate commitment—it would be a cultural shock, but one that fosters empathy and balance. Men would learn the dignity of being chosen, and women would confront the courage required to risk rejection. The act of proposing is not trivial; it’s the thesis statement of a relationship, defining who holds initiative and who controls the tempo of commitment. To modernize love, we must modernize its symbolism. Men, retire the kneeling posture. The floor is not your place. If she believes in partnership, she’ll join you—not because she’s beneath you, but because she finally understands what it means to stand with you. The man who waits to be chosen isn’t weak; he’s wise enough to know that love, when equal, is not chased—it walks toward him.
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VIDEO: Protests Call for Justice in Police Shooting of Kahleel Simon
Kelvin Simon, Member of Parliament for St. Mary’s South, has intensified his call for justice following the tragic police shooting of Kahleel Simon. Describing the incident as a profound loss, Simon emphasized the need for accountability and transparency in the ongoing investigation. Speaking at a community protest, he rallied residents and supporters, urging law enforcement to uphold their duty to serve and protect. “Kahleel’s life was taken far too soon,” Simon stated, adding that his family and community deserve answers and justice. The protest highlighted the community’s determination to ensure the matter is not forgotten. Simon stressed that the case is not just about one individual but about the broader principles of safety, trust, and the value of every life. He vowed to continue demanding answers, asserting that unity strengthens their call for justice. The incident has reignited discussions about public trust in law enforcement and the importance of transparency to prevent fear and injustice from shaping the community’s future. The investigation into the fatal shooting remains active, with no further details disclosed at this time.
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Hope for young boy’s lifesaving surgery from energy firm’s gift
At just 11 years old, Jiovanni Osbourne, a First Form student at Alleyne School in Barbados, has demonstrated remarkable bravery in the face of a rare and life-threatening condition. Diagnosed with beta thalassaemia major at the age of four, Jiovanni has endured years of medical treatments, including regular blood transfusions, to manage the severe genetic blood disorder that prevents his body from producing enough healthy red blood cells. However, the only long-term solution to his condition is a bone marrow transplant, a procedure that comes with significant medical and financial challenges.
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Minister Thea Garcia-Ramirez Named Belize’s Global Ambassador for Inclusion
In a significant development for Belize’s commitment to social inclusion, Minister Thea Garcia-Ramirez has been named the country’s Global Ambassador to the Global Coalition for Inclusion. The announcement was made by Marshall Nuñez, Vice Chair of Special Olympics Belize, during a formal courtesy visit to Minister Garcia-Ramirez on October 18, 2025. This prestigious nomination underscores her tireless efforts in championing inclusion, equality, and the empowerment of individuals with disabilities throughout Belize. Minister Garcia-Ramirez has been instrumental in shaping national policies that safeguard the rights of vulnerable groups and promote social integration. Upon accepting the role, she expressed her gratitude to Special Olympics Belize and reiterated her ministry’s dedication to building a more inclusive and equitable society. The Global Coalition for Inclusion is a collaborative platform that unites global leaders and advocates to advance inclusive practices in education, health, and community development, particularly for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
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IN PICTURES: NDFD’S Creole in the Streets 2025
The National Development Foundation (NDFD) recently hosted the 2025 edition of ‘Creole in the Streets’ (CITS), a vibrant showcase of local culture and community spirit. The event featured an array of colorful displays and offerings from local vendors, highlighting the rich heritage and creativity of the region. Through a series of captivating images, the event captured the essence of cultural pride and economic vitality, bringing together residents and visitors alike in a festive atmosphere. The photos, which depict the lively stalls and enthusiastic participants, serve as a testament to the success of the initiative in promoting local talent and fostering community engagement. This year’s CITS not only celebrated cultural diversity but also provided a platform for small businesses to thrive, reinforcing the importance of such events in preserving and promoting regional identity.