分类： society

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican government has introduced a landmark initiative to formalize and expand the nation’s cultural and creative industries, garnering bipartisan approval. The Green Paper on the National Policy for Culture, Entertainment, and the Creative Economy 2025–2035 was presented in Parliament on Tuesday by Culture Minister Olivia “Babsy” Grange. This comprehensive 10-year strategy aims to bolster a sector that already contributes over five percent of Jamaica’s GDP and nearly three percent of national employment. The policy outlines plans to establish new institutions, enhance intellectual property protections, and develop sustainable funding mechanisms to support artists, entertainers, and cultural practitioners. Minister Grange emphasized that the policy is a transformative framework designed to preserve Jamaica’s rich cultural heritage while unlocking the full potential of its creative sectors. She highlighted that the document was crafted after extensive consultations with cultural experts and industry stakeholders, aiming to place people and culture at the core of economic and social development. Opposition Spokesperson Nekeisha Burchell praised the initiative as a timely and necessary step, though she stressed the importance of including voices from smaller communities and traditional practitioners in the consultation process. Opposition Leader Mark Golding also commended the policy but called for a clear implementation blueprint, including timelines and governance structures. Meanwhile, MP Damion Crawford raised practical concerns, such as the low uptake of the entertainment registry and the need for stronger protections against the international exploitation of Jamaican cultural expressions. The policy has been widely welcomed as a critical step toward fostering national pride, social cohesion, and economic growth through Jamaica’s vibrant creative industries.

A Montego Bay man, Melbourne Forrester, is set to face trial after mediation efforts in a domestic violence case collapsed. Forrester, charged with unlawful wounding, allegedly struck his stepdaughter on the head with a pot during a heated argument, leaving her with a wound that required stitches. The incident escalated when Forrester reportedly brandished a knife, threatening to stab her, and later hurled stones, causing further injuries. A neighbor alerted the police, leading to Forrester’s arrest. Initially, Judge Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton referred the case to mediation and restorative justice, but the process failed to yield a resolution. With the necessary medical certificate still pending, the judge scheduled a case management hearing for October 16 and extended Forrester’s bail. Meanwhile, tensions ran high in the St James Parish Court as another complex cross-case involving Angella Reid, Oshane McIntosh, and Ann Lawrence also saw mediation fail. Reid is accused of unlawful wounding against McIntosh, while McIntosh and Lawrence face charges of assault occasioning bodily harm against Reid. The court has set the next mention date for October 28, with all defendants’ bail extended.

KINGSTON, Jamaica—A groundbreaking initiative, the Agents for Transformation programme, has delivered life-changing outcomes for at-risk students at Charlie Smith High School in Trench Town. This collaborative effort between Sterling Asset Management Limited and the Joy Town Community Development Foundation, which ran from August 2022 to March 2023, targeted 30 third-form students at risk of expulsion, suspension, gang involvement, and other detrimental behaviors. Of these, 23 students successfully completed the programme, which integrated life skills training, academic support, counseling, case management, and parental engagement to foster positive change. Additionally, 13 parents received positive parenting training to reduce household violence and enhance support for their children. The results were transformative: the school’s pass rate in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) English exams surged from 13.1% to 75%. Michelle Valentine, AVP of Marketing and Communications at Sterling Asset Management, emphasized the programme’s dual focus on academic and real-world skills, equipping students to make better decisions and envision brighter futures. Students also engaged in career-focused life skills sessions hosted by the University of Technology (UTech), the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), and HEART/NSTA Trust, which broadened their horizons and inspired goal-setting. Camille Johnson, Programme Manager at Joy Town Community Development Foundation, highlighted the holistic impact on families and communities. Academically, students showed marked improvements in vocabulary, reading, comprehension, and mathematics, with 100% reporting enhanced reading skills and 90.5% valuing education more. Kasheina Allison, a 17-year-old graduate and President’s Award recipient, credits the programme with helping her manage anger and improve her grades. Now working in retail and preparing to study food and nutrition, Allison aspires to become a chef and serve in the JDF, urging others to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — A tragic incident in the Mount Pleasant district of St Elizabeth has resulted in the death of a 60-year-old laborer, Jerome Laws, following a violent altercation on Saturday, September 20. Shamar Barnes, a 29-year-old farmer from the Lititz district, has been charged with murder and wounding with intent in connection with the fatal stabbing.

In St Ann, Jamaica, a 32-year-old construction worker, Richard Levy, known locally as ‘Sleepy,’ has been arrested and charged following an alleged gun threat incident. The charges against Levy include unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon and assault at common law. The incident reportedly occurred on October 4 around 6:40 PM at a bar on Main Street in Priory, St Ann. According to police reports, an argument escalated between Levy and another individual, prompting Levy to leave the bar briefly and return armed with a firearm. He allegedly pointed the weapon at the complainant, leading to immediate concerns and a subsequent police report. Authorities swiftly apprehended Levy, who now awaits a court date that is currently being finalized. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about public safety and illegal firearm possession in the region.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — A shocking drive-by shooting in Kingston Central on Tuesday night left six individuals injured, including two nine-year-old children and two teenagers. The violent incident unfolded at the intersection of Text Lane and Charles Street, where a group of people were reportedly targeted by armed assailants in a vehicle. The attackers opened fire indiscriminately before swiftly fleeing the scene. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported thus far. Beresford Williams, Head of the Kingston Central Police Division, confirmed that law enforcement officers are actively monitoring the area to prevent potential reprisals. ‘We are taking a pre-emptive approach to secure the place and ensure public safety,’ Williams stated in an interview with Observer Online. The police have launched a thorough investigation into the incident, though no suspects have been identified as of yet. This brazen act of violence has raised concerns about public safety in the region, prompting calls for increased security measures.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican government has announced the creation of the Institute for Cultural Practitioners, Innovators, Entertainers, and Creatives (ICPIEC), a groundbreaking initiative aimed at fostering innovation and excellence in cultural and heritage-focused programming. The institute will offer advanced, flexible education and professional development across diverse creative fields, including the arts, digital technology, archaeology, gastronomy, and creative entrepreneurship.

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport, Olivia Grange, unveiled the plan during a statement to the House of Representatives on Tuesday. She presented a Green Paper on the National Policy for Culture, Entertainment, and the Creative Economy, outlining the government’s vision for the sector.

Grange emphasized that the ICPIEC will leverage partnerships with local and international institutions, including universities and colleges, to champion human development and strengthen Jamaica’s creative ecosystem. ‘We are building an institutional framework that values our cultural identity, manages cultural resources effectively, nurtures talent, and prepares creatives for global competition,’ she stated. The institute will also introduce a micro-credentialing model, enabling cultural practitioners to earn certifications while continuing their professional work.

To support this initiative, the government will establish the Jamaica Entertainment and Cultural Development Foundation, a registered charity designed to provide sustainable funding. The foundation will mobilize investments from the government, the diaspora, and private donors, focusing on infrastructure development, program funding, event execution, and institutional capacity-building.

Additionally, the Ministry is advancing the Entertainment, Culture, and Creative Economy Act, which aims to formalize the industry, safeguard creatives’ rights, foster private-sector collaboration, and incentivize sustainable growth. ‘This legislation will enable us to measure, monitor, and value the sector’s contributions while ensuring policies adapt to technological, economic, and social trends,’ Grange explained.

The policy also addresses the sustainability of Jamaica’s festival economy, which impacts community, national, regional, and international events. This comprehensive approach underscores the government’s commitment to positioning Jamaica as a global leader in the creative industries.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant boost to their academic pursuits, nursing students at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona have been gifted new laptops by the Richard and Diana Stewart Foundation. The donation ceremony was held at the Faculty of Medical Sciences on Monday, marking a pivotal moment in the students’ educational journey. Diana Stewart, head of the foundation, lauded the students for their unwavering dedication and service, hailing them as ‘quiet heroes in moments of crisis.’ She highlighted the evolving role of technology in healthcare, stressing its importance in modern nursing practices. ‘Technology is now an essential part of patient care, from digital health records to telemedicine,’ Stewart remarked. She emphasized that access to such tools is critical for learning, research, and professional preparation. The donation, she noted, is not merely a contribution of equipment but an investment in the future of Jamaica’s healthcare sector. Stewart expressed her hope that the laptops would enable students to conduct research, complete assignments, and collaborate effectively, fostering the efficiency and flexibility required in today’s world. The gesture underscores the foundation’s commitment to education and its mission to empower the next generation of healthcare professionals. ‘May these laptops serve you well, and may you continue to serve with excellence, compassion, and pride,’ Stewart concluded.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a heartwarming display of community care and environmental stewardship, Petrojam volunteers joined forces with seniors and staff at the Denham Town Golden Age Home to celebrate National Tree Planting Day. The initiative saw the planting of fruit trees and vibrant flowers across the property, fostering a serene and therapeutic environment for the residents.