分类： society

KINGSTON, Jamaica — A new chapter begins for 24-year-old Andre Hollinzed from Clarendon as he joins the first contingent of Jamaican workers departing for Canada under the longstanding Seasonal Agricultural Workers Programme (SAWP). The ambitious young farmer, speaking with JIS News during a farewell ceremony at the Ministry of Labour and Social Security’s Overseas Employment Centre, expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity to transform his family’s circumstances through international employment.

Hollinzed credits his agricultural background and his mother’s encouragement as driving forces behind his application. ‘My mom is a farmer, my dad is a farmer, so we all grew up in a farming area,’ he shared. ‘She motivated me to get a farm-work ticket. Now that I got through, it’s my time to rise and shine.’

The determined participant has prepared meticulously for the Canadian climate, packing ample warm clothing to combat the harsh winter conditions. Beyond physical preparation, Hollinzed carries a deeper motivation: rebuilding his family’s home and livelihood devastated by Hurricane Melissa, which destroyed crops, livestock, and their roof. With four younger brothers depending on him, his aspirations extend beyond immediate earnings to establishing a solid foundation for his family’s future.

Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr. offered inspirational guidance to the first-time participant, emphasizing the program’s transformative potential. ‘This is not only an opportunity to earn money but to help you restart and rebuild,’ Minister Charles noted. He highlighted the program’s dual benefit as both a skills development initiative and a cultural exchange, urging Hollinzed to maintain exemplary conduct as a Jamaican ambassador.

The SAWP, celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, represents a significant bilateral agreement between Jamaica and Canada that enables temporary agricultural employment while providing Jamaican workers with lawful employment, income security, and exposure to international practices. The 182 workers departing on January 6-7 will spend eight months working on farms across Ontario, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland, contributing to greenhouse operations and fruit and vegetable cultivation while supporting their families back home.

KINGSTON, Jamaica—A significant fire erupted at the Jamaica Urban Transit Company’s (JUTC) Rockfort maintenance depot in East Kingston on Tuesday afternoon, resulting in the complete destruction of two dozen decommissioned buses. The incident, which began shortly after 3:00 pm, prompted an immediate emergency response from multiple units of the Jamaica Fire Brigade.

Emergency crews from the Rollington Town, York Park, and Trench Town fire stations deployed four fire engines to combat the rapidly spreading flames. By approximately 4:00 pm, firefighters had successfully contained the majority of the blaze and initiated cooling operations to prevent reignition. Preliminary investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the fire, though officials confirmed the destroyed buses had been out of service for over 15 years.

Notably, the incident resulted in no injuries to personnel or damage to operational infrastructure. JUTC representatives initially declined immediate commentary but subsequently released an official statement confirming that the depot’s critical operations remained unaffected. The company emphasized that its active vehicle fleet, storage facilities, and essential operational equipment remained entirely untouched by the fire.

The destruction of these aging vehicles represents a symbolic loss for Jamaica’s public transportation system, though without immediate impact on current transit services. The incident highlights ongoing challenges faced by public transport authorities in managing aging infrastructure and equipment disposal procedures.

KINGSTON, Jamaica—Significant traffic modifications are imminent as Jamaica’s National Works Agency (NWA) accelerates its ambitious Naggo Head to Braeton roadway enhancement initiative in St Catherine. This critical infrastructure development, valued at approximately $2 billion, forms an integral component of the Government’s Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) programme aimed at urban transportation modernization.

Stephen Shaw, Manager of Communications and Customer Relations at NWA, recently confirmed the project’s progression in discussions with JIS News. Construction activities are being substantially intensified along the three-kilometer corridor stretching from Naggo Head to the junction of Braeton and Hellshire Road, ultimately connecting to Greater Portmore. The NWA pledges to issue timely advisories to Portmore residents and commuters regarding impending traffic flow alterations, enabling necessary adjustments to travel schedules and routes.

Upon completion, the transformed corridor will feature a modern four-lane configuration with raised medians, synchronized traffic signaling systems, and comprehensive safety enhancements including adequate sidewalks. The project incorporates sophisticated drainage solutions and water line installations alongside dedicated ducts for fiber-optic cables, aligning with Jamaica’s National Broadband Initiative for digital infrastructure expansion.

The CAPEX programme represents a strategic infrastructure investment framework designed to stimulate short to medium-term economic growth through targeted urban transportation improvements. Six major projects currently fall under this initiative: Grange Lane widening (St Catherine); Braeton Road and Hellshire main road dualisation (St Catherine); Arthur Wint Drive widening (St Andrew); East Kings House Road and Lady Musgrave Road widening (St Andrew); Sandy Gully Bridge enhancement along Washington Boulevard (Kingston); and improved access to Portmore via Mandela Highway and Municipal Boulevard (St Catherine).

Concurrently, the NWA anticipates concluding the Southern Coastal Highway Improvement Project by March end, initiating a two-year defects liability period wherein contractors will address any construction-related issues. This multibillion-dollar infrastructure development spans St Andrew, St Thomas, and Portland parishes, incorporating comprehensive flood mitigation measures, roadway expansions, and safety feature installations.

In an unconventional travel choice, 20-year-old Jibao Huang bypassed Jamaica’s traditional tourist destinations to immerse himself in the authentic cultural heartbeat of Kingston. His spontaneous journey began with a serendipitous Google Flights discovery that led him to pursue genuine cultural experiences rather than the typical all-inclusive resort vacation.

Despite encountering widespread online warnings about Kingston’s perceived dangers, particularly in downtown areas described as ‘slums,’ Huang found himself captivated by the city’s vibrant normalcy. ‘Everyone was hustling, minding their own business,’ he observed. ‘No one bothered me unless I initiated contact. It didn’t feel dangerous—it felt human.’

Huang’s experience systematically challenged common safety misconceptions about solo travel in Jamaica’s capital. He reported feeling completely secure even during nighttime explorations, noting the exceptional hospitality and kindness of local residents. His cultural immersion began immediately upon arrival with the ritual of drinking coconut water using a makeshift shell spoon—a quintessential Jamaican experience that cost just JMD $300.

The traveler’s pilgrimage included significant cultural sites such as the Bob Marley Museum, which provided profound context for Jamaica’s global musical influence. ‘For someone who grew up hearing Bob Marley’s music, being here makes it real,’ Huang reflected. His culinary adventures extended to sampling authentic Blue Mountain coffee at Cafe Blue and receiving personalized cooking from a local chef in Oracabessa.

While Huang visited traditional tourist areas including Ocho Rios and Dunn’s River Falls, he maintained that Kingston offered the most authentic connection to Jamaican culture. His travel philosophy emphasizes curiosity over preconceptions, following what he describes as ‘the Anthony Bourdain way’ of exploration through local interaction rather than rigid itineraries.

After just two days, Huang had already adopted Jamaican attire and was planning extended explorations, documenting his experiences for his social media followers under the handle @BaoAroundTheWorld.

ROSEAU, Dominica — January 8, 2026, will be remembered as a watershed moment in Dominica’s social development history as the Caribbean nation formally aligned itself with the Special Olympics Global Coalition for Inclusion. The landmark signing ceremony, orchestrated under the guidance of Senator Oscar George, Minister of State for Sports, signifies the government’s profound commitment to creating a more equitable society for citizens with intellectual disabilities.

The ceremony witnessed the convergence of key stakeholders including Ainsworth Irish, National Director of Special Olympics Dominica, and Trevor Shillingford, representing the Ministry of Sports. This partnership establishes a comprehensive framework for implementing inclusive policies through educational and athletic channels.

The Global Coalition for Inclusion, initiated in 2023, represents a multinational alliance combining governmental resources, philanthropic organizations, and developmental agencies to eradicate social exclusion. Supported by prominent entities like the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, the coalition employs strategic initiatives to promote inclusive education and sports programming on a global scale.

Through this memorandum of understanding, Dominica has committed to an ambitious three-year implementation strategy that will integrate Unified Sports programs across 15 educational institutions, directly benefiting approximately 1000 young participants. This initiative transcends symbolic gesture, representing a concrete action plan to cultivate environments of mutual respect and social acceptance within school systems and broader community structures.

Dominica’s accession marks the 20th nation to join this global movement and the third Caribbean territory following Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. This strategic positioning demonstrates the island nation’s dedication to leading regional efforts in disability inclusion and social integration.

Senator George emphasized that “this partnership inaugurates a transformative period for Dominican youth, regardless of physical or intellectual capabilities. The introduction of Unified Sports within our educational framework will instill values of acceptance and collaborative spirit that will resonate through generations.”

Irish echoed this sentiment, expressing profound appreciation for the governmental collaboration: “Our partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Youth, Sport, and Community Development enables tangible social transformation through athletic inclusion. We are witnessing the powerful effects of unified sports in breaking down barriers and creating cohesive communities.”

This agreement represents more than bureaucratic formality—it constitutes a compelling call to action for systemic social reform. Dominica’s decisive step positions the nation as a beacon of progressive change within the Caribbean region, potentially inspiring similar initiatives across neighboring territories.