分类: society

  • DNA’s New Years Day Message

    DNA’s New Years Day Message

    In a significant New Year’s Day address, the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) has articulated a powerful vision for national renewal, positioning itself as a formidable force for change in the political landscape. The message, delivered against a backdrop of ongoing socio-economic challenges, serves as both a critique of the current administration and a manifesto for a future built on transparency, accountability, and collective effort.

    The party’s leadership framed their communication not merely as seasonal goodwill but as a strategic call to action. They emphasized the urgent need to move beyond partisan divides and political stagnation, advocating for a collaborative approach to governance. The core of the message centered on the restoration of public trust in institutions, which the party argues has been eroded by systemic issues and unfulfilled promises.

    A substantial portion of the address was dedicated to outlining a path toward economic revitalization. The DNA proposed a multi-faceted strategy focusing on sustainable development, job creation, and support for local enterprises. This economic blueprint is presented as a direct alternative to existing policies, which the alliance deems insufficient for addressing the cost-of-living crisis and widening inequality.

    Furthermore, the message underscored a commitment to social justice and strengthening community infrastructure. It called for comprehensive reforms in healthcare and education, framing these not as expenses but as vital investments in the nation’s human capital and future prosperity. The tone was decidedly forward-looking, aiming to inspire hope and mobilize citizens toward active participation in the democratic process.

    The DNA’s New Year proclamation ultimately functions as a defining moment, clearly staking its claim as a government-in-waiting ready to steer the country toward a more unified and prosperous era.

  • Two Killed in Pomona Motorcycle Shooting

    Two Killed in Pomona Motorcycle Shooting

    A violent crime wave involving coordinated motorcycle shootings has struck the Stann Creek District, resulting in multiple casualties on January 1, 2026. The most recent incident occurred in Pomona Village, where two men lost their lives in a targeted attack.

    Law enforcement authorities have identified the victims as Luke Chavarria and Zion Samuels, both pronounced dead upon arrival at Southern Regional Hospital following the shooting. Police were alerted to the situation and promptly responded to a residence belonging to local resident Hilbert ‘Soap’ Smith, where they discovered substantial evidence at the crime scene.

    Investigators recovered twelve expended shell casings, indicating a significant exchange of gunfire during the attack. Despite thorough evidence collection and investigation efforts, no arrests have been made in connection with the Pomona Village shooting as authorities continue to pursue leads.

    The Pomona tragedy represents the second motorcycle-based shooting incident to occur within the district within hours. Earlier the same day, a separate attack unfolded at Timmy’s Bar in Mange Creek, where nine individuals socializing at the establishment were shot and injured by assailants who similarly escaped on motorcycles. Both incidents demonstrate a concerning pattern of coordinated violence utilizing motorcycles for quick getaways.

    Police have launched a comprehensive investigation into both connected incidents, examining potential motives ranging from gang violence to targeted attacks. The dual shootings have raised concerns about public safety and law enforcement capabilities in the region, particularly regarding the apprehension of perpetrators who utilize motorcycles to evade capture.

  • “Stronger Together: Building a Resilient Future for Antigua and Barbuda”

    “Stronger Together: Building a Resilient Future for Antigua and Barbuda”

    In a profound New Year’s message addressing the nation, community advocate Jermaine N. Edwards has articulated a vision of collective resilience and purposeful action for Antigua and Barbuda. The statement, originating from St. John’s Rural South but resonating across the twin-island nation, moves beyond conventional seasonal greetings to offer a strategic framework for national perseverance.

    The reflection acknowledges the underlying anxieties that have characterized the past year, noting governmental transitions, regional instability, evolving global alliances, and pressing concerns regarding national security, food sovereignty, and transportation accessibility. For small island developing states like Antigua and Barbuda, these challenges underscore their particular vulnerability to external shocks and the critical importance of interdependency.

    The address proposes a dual approach to building national resilience. First, it emphasizes reconnecting with agricultural foundations through practical measures like backyard gardening, framing this not merely as a food security initiative but as an act of dignity and self-reliance. The philosophy that ‘little is much’ when combined with faith and determination serves as a guiding principle.

    Second, the message highlights the indispensable role of social cohesion. Resilience is portrayed as cultivated through knowing neighbors, mutual support systems, and community networks that facilitate sharing, trading, and collective upliftment. This community-first approach is presented as essential armor against uncertainty.

    The philosophical core of the address centers on compassionate action and theological pragmatism. While affirming divine presence, it equally stresses human responsibility—choosing empathy over judgment, unity over division, and preparedness over complacency. The reflection on life’s uncertainty serves as a powerful reminder that today’s hardship experienced by one could become tomorrow’s challenge for all.

    Looking toward 2026, the message concludes with an empowering declaration: the presence of breath signifies the persistence of purpose. It calls for courageous hearts, steadfast faith, and renewed commitment to intergenerational solidarity—uplifting youth as the nation’s promise while honoring seniors who built the foundation through sacrifice. The ultimate conclusion is that unified standing makes a nation unshakeable.

    The communication stands as both a spiritual meditation and a practical manifesto for national development through community action, collective faith, and purposeful unity.

  • Nigeria police charge Anthony Joshua’s driver with dangerous driving after fatal crash

    Nigeria police charge Anthony Joshua’s driver with dangerous driving after fatal crash

    Nigerian authorities have formally pressed charges against the chauffeur responsible for transporting British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua prior to a devastating collision that claimed two lives. Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, faces multiple allegations including reckless driving resulting in death, operating a vehicle without a valid national license, and driving without due care causing bodily harm and property damage.

    The incident occurred along the heavily traveled Lagos-Ibadan expressway in southwestern Nigeria’s Ogun state. Preliminary investigations by the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE) indicate the Lexus SUV was traveling at excessive speed when it experienced a tire blowout before colliding with a stationary truck.

    Casualties included Joshua’s long-time strength and conditioning coach Sina Ghami and personal trainer Latif Ayodele, both pronounced dead at the scene. Joshua and the driver sustained minor injuries and received medical treatment at Lagos hospitals before being discharged Wednesday. Kayode was subsequently transferred to police custody in Abeokuta, where he secured bail set at five million naira ($3,500) with two sureties, though he remains detained pending fulfillment of bail conditions.

    The crash holds particular significance as it occurred in Sagamu, the ancestral homeland of Joshua’s family. The boxing champion frequently visits the region and maintains strong connections to the area. Local reports indicate Kayode had previously served on Joshua’s security detail during Nigerian visits.

    Authorities have scheduled Kayode’s court appearance for January 20. Meanwhile, the remains of the deceased victims have reportedly been repatriated to the United Kingdom, while Joshua’s current whereabouts remain undisclosed.

  • JPS dispatches more vehicles, linesmen

    JPS dispatches more vehicles, linesmen

    Jamaica’s national power infrastructure is receiving a substantial boost in its recovery efforts following the devastation of Hurricane Melissa. The Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) has officially deployed 270 specialized trucks and equipment units alongside 470 newly commissioned linesmen to regions most severely impacted by the October Category Five storm.

    The strategic enhancement was formally commissioned during a ceremony at the JPS Hunts Bay Power Plant in Kingston on January 2, with Prime Minister Andrew Holness personally overseeing the deployment. The acquisition was made possible through a $150 million government loan approved by the Cabinet in November 2025, demonstrating unprecedented public-private partnership in disaster recovery.

    Prime Minister Holness defended the substantial financial commitment to the privately-owned utility company, emphasizing electricity as an essential public good that forms the foundation of economic growth, national security, and daily convenience. “The Government must do everything in its power to ensure our electricity grid is up and running effectively,” Holness stated, acknowledging while controversial, the decision aligned with the administration’s strategy of driving national recovery through power restoration.

    Current restoration statistics indicate approximately 90% islandwide electricity recovery, with severely affected parishes reaching 70% restoration—figures that exceed industry standards for disaster recovery timelines. Energy Minister Daryl Vaz characterized the equipment commissioning as “hope for the new year,” noting that combined with previous deployments, Jamaica now has nearly 300 equipment pieces and 470 linesmen dedicated to restoration efforts.

    JPS President and CEO Hugh Grant credited the accelerated recovery pace to strategic pre-hurricane positioning of overseas line workers and strong governmental partnerships. The ceremony was also attended by Finance Minister Fayval Williams, underscoring the cross-governmental priority placed on infrastructure restoration.

  • Couples raises US$455,000 for staff and communities after Hurricane Melissa

    Couples raises US$455,000 for staff and communities after Hurricane Melissa

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant corporate social responsibility initiative, Couples Resorts has channeled approximately US$455,000 through its philanthropic arm, the Issa Trust Foundation, to aid employees and local communities devastated by Hurricane Melissa. The resort group initiated the relief drive with a direct contribution of US$100,000, demonstrating its commitment to workforce welfare during natural disasters.

    The comprehensive recovery program addresses both immediate humanitarian needs and long-term reconstruction for staff members who suffered property damage or complete loss of their homes. Remarkably, the company maintained full wage payments and employment stability throughout the crisis period, ensuring financial continuity for affected employees.

    Initial disaster response prioritized urgent survival needs, with extensive distributions of care packages containing food, water, batteries, flashlights, and other essential supplies across storm-ravaged regions. The organization provided temporary accommodation for more than 100 displaced employees, enabling them to remain proximate to workplaces while navigating personal crises.

    A transparent disaster relief fund established in the hurricane’s aftermath attracted generous donations from returning guests, international partners, and global supporters. Resource allocation follows a needs-based methodology, with assistance distributed according to detailed damage assessments of each household.

    Paul Issa, Chairman of the Issa Trust Foundation, noted the strategic decision to expand the foundation’s typical pediatric healthcare mission: ‘Following Hurricane Melissa’s destruction, we prioritized rebuilding our staff’s damaged homes. Donor generosity has enabled active reconstruction efforts.’

    Despite ongoing recovery operations, Couples Resorts resumed full guest operations on December 1. Reconstruction intensified through a volunteer construction initiative led by Dirk Bartolizzi of Wisconsin-based Bartolizzi Homes, alongside advisory board members Rob Barkema and Chris Panetta. Teams deployed primarily to Westmoreland parish, focusing on employees from the severely impacted Couples Negril and Couples Swept Away properties.

    Volunteers collaborated directly with affected families, delivering construction materials, performing structural repairs, and offering psychosocial support. Additional volunteer missions are scheduled for the new year to continue rehabilitation work.

    Diane Pollard, President and CEO of the Issa Trust Foundation, reflected on two decades of community engagement: ‘Jamaica’s resilience consistently shines through during adversity. Our volunteers arrived not merely as builders but as compassionate supporters during families’ most challenging periods.’

    Bartolizzi emphasized the critical importance of timely intervention: ‘Rapid reconstruction is essential when families lose their homes. We prioritize both structural safety and the restoration of personal security.’

    The four-property resort group indicates its hurricane response forms part of a broader strategic commitment to housing security, family stability, community resilience, and sustained investments in healthcare and education through its foundation. Organizational leadership affirms that rebuilding homes transcends physical construction—it fundamentally restores dignity, stability, and future optimism for impacted communities.

  • SHOWDOWN OVER KINGSTON’S SKYLINE

    SHOWDOWN OVER KINGSTON’S SKYLINE

    Jamaica’s National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) has significantly intensified its regulatory oversight, rejecting seven multi-storey residential proposals throughout 2025 amid growing concerns about excessive urban density and environmental compliance. This represents a notable increase from the five refusals recorded in 2024, with the majority concentrated in Kingston and St. Andrew where land scarcity continues to drive developers toward increasingly intensive projects.

    The agency’s decisions reveal a pattern of rejecting developments that exceed established planning thresholds rather than merely addressing procedural deficiencies. In Kingston 6, NEPA dismissed two high-density housing proposals containing 78 and 82 units respectively at Dillsbury Avenue locations, declaring them ‘premature and overintensive’ for the Jack’s Hill area. The agency determined that both projects surpassed approved density levels and plot area ratios for the locale.

    Critical examination of refusal notices indicates NEPA’s heightened focus on substantive planning violations including excessive densities, inadequate sewage treatment solutions, and unsuitable site conditions. A Russell Heights development was rejected for proposing 50 habitable rooms per acre where only 30 were permitted, while a Barbican Heights project faced refusal due to steep slopes and unstable limestone formations that rendered the site inappropriate for intensive construction.

    Wastewater management emerged as a decisive factor in multiple rejections. Proposals in Arlene Gardens and Pigeon Valley were refused primarily due to absent or inadequate sewage treatment plans, with NEPA warning of potential environmental and public health risks. A Westmoreland project met similar resistance on sewage-related grounds.

    This regulatory hardening occurs against a backdrop of significant legal challenges that have exposed weaknesses in Jamaica’s development approval framework. The protracted legal battle over the Birdsucker Drive apartment complex resulted in the Supreme Court overturning permits granted by both NEPA and the Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) in 2020, though the Court of Appeal partially reversed this decision in June 2025. The case prompted KSAMC to implement procedural reforms aimed at preventing future legal challenges and ensuring proper community consultation.

    NEPA’s stringent approach extends beyond residential projects. The agency refused a commercial subdivision in St. Catherine for violating agricultural zoning regulations and rejected a slaughterhouse operation in St. Elizabeth due to inadequate effluent treatment and odor control measures, citing environmental safety concerns.

  • WATCH: JTA president says restive auxiliary workers’ concerns will be addressed quickly

    WATCH: JTA president says restive auxiliary workers’ concerns will be addressed quickly

    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.

  • STEAM gifts for children in the west

    STEAM gifts for children in the west

    In a significant educational outreach effort, Jamaican authorities have distributed approximately 1,400 STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) educational kits to children across hurricane-impacted regions of Montego Bay, Negril, and Black River. The initiative, spearheaded by Minister Andrew Wheatley from the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Science, Technology and Special Projects, represents a strategic shift from traditional Christmas gift-giving toward substantive educational support.

    The distribution occurred during the inaugural Black River Fireworks Festival’s Kiddies Treat segment on December 31, an event specifically designed to boost community morale following Hurricane Melissa’s devastation. Minister Wheatley emphasized that these carefully selected gifts—including science kits, biological kits, Lego sets, and chess boards—aim to stimulate cognitive development, creativity, and problem-solving skills among children aged 0-13.

    This comprehensive program operates through a collaboration between three key institutions: the International Commission on Science and Technology, the Scientific Research Council, and the National Foundation for Scientific Development. The minister highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by communities, noting that numerous schools sustained damage and many families remain displaced following the hurricane’s impact.

    The Black River Fireworks Festival itself, themed ‘Life, Love and Recovery,’ provided a family-oriented celebration to welcome the new year while addressing the psychological and educational needs of affected children. This initiative represents a dual approach to post-disaster recovery, combining immediate festive enjoyment with long-term investment in Jamaica’s future technological and scientific capabilities through youth engagement.

  • Anguish & anger

    Anguish & anger

    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.