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  • Caribbean urged to prepare for hotter, drier conditions as El Niño develops

    Caribbean urged to prepare for hotter, drier conditions as El Niño develops

    Two leading Caribbean climate research institutions are calling for coordinated, cross-sector preparedness across the region as a developing El Niño event is projected to bring prolonged hotter and drier conditions through 2026 and 2027, raising the threat of cascading, compound climate hazards.

    The Caribbean Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH) and the University of the West Indies Climate Studies Group Mona (UWI CSGM) issued the formal warning on 22 April 2026, noting that the event will likely bring extended periods of below-average rainfall and unusually high humid heat, with far-reaching consequences for communities and economies across the Caribbean. Dr. Cedric Van Meerbeeck, a climatologist at CIMH, explained that without proactive planning, these overlapping hazards could trigger severe socio-economic damage by straining water supplies, disrupting agricultural output, and increasing public health risks from heat stress.

    Historical data underscores the severity of El Niño-related risks for the region: past major events have been tied to crippling droughts such as those recorded in 2009–2010 and 2014–2016, while also elevating the likelihood of extreme heat events, out-of-control wildfires, marine heatwaves that trigger widespread coral bleaching. This pattern of overlapping impacts was already observed during the record-breaking hot years of 2010, 2023, and 2024. The institutions add that regions already grappling with persistent drought—particularly in the Eastern Caribbean—will likely see delayed recovery of groundwater and surface water reserves during the upcoming 2026 wet season, which is scheduled to begin as early as May.

    While El Niño is historically associated with reduced Atlantic hurricane activity, experts stress that hurricane and extreme rainfall risks cannot be dismissed, as even a single powerful storm can cause catastrophic damage. Past examples include Hurricane Andrew, which devastated the Bahamas in 1992, and Tropical Storm Erika, which left widespread destruction in Dominica in 2015.

    Professor Michael Taylor, co-director of UWI CSGM, emphasized that the current forecast points to an emerging multi-hazard regime, where heat, drought, and marine climate impacts coincide and reinforce one another. “Our research has long pointed to these compound extremes as a serious threat to life and livelihoods in the Caribbean,” Taylor noted in the joint statement. “With advance warning of a looming multi-hazard threat, preparedness is imperative—requiring coordinated and integrated action across and within sectors and a strong regional approach.”

    This growing pattern of interconnected climate risks hits the region’s most critical economic and social sectors particularly hard. Reduced rainfall paired with elevated temperatures can drive major agricultural losses, undermining regional food security and threatening the livelihoods of rural communities. Public health risks are also projected to rise, including degraded water quality, increased transmission of vector-borne diseases, and a surge in heat-related illnesses. Water and energy infrastructure will face growing strain, as demand for cooling rises—especially for Caribbean nations that rely on hydroelectric power or freshwater-cooled energy generation.

    Broader economic ripple effects are also expected to impact key industries including tourism, fisheries, and maritime shipping. Because the Caribbean is heavily dependent on imported goods, global supply chain disruptions tied to El Niño can hinder trade, logistics, and access to critical goods and services. Governments have been advised to conduct proactive risk assessments for supply chains, transportation networks, and key regional trade routes, pointing to recent drought-related disruptions at the Panama Canal— a critical transit hub for goods bound for the Caribbean and U.S. East Coast— that have already driven up food costs and weakened regional food security.

    Forecast accuracy for El Niño typically improves starting in May, so Van Meerbeeck has urged all stakeholders to monitor updated projections closely, noting that regional climate teams will continue tracking conditions and releasing timely updates. Decision-makers and the public are encouraged to look out for guidance from the upcoming Caribbean Climate Outlook Forum (CariCOF), hosted by CIMH and scheduled for the week of 24 May. The forum will bring together regional climate experts, staff from National Meteorological and Hydrological Services, and stakeholders from climate-sensitive sectors to deliver targeted guidance ahead of the approaching wet and hurricane season. Residents are also advised to access location-specific updates through their national meteorological services.

    CIMH principal Dr. David Farrell emphasized that early awareness and proactive action are the most effective tools to reduce harm, noting that timely, actionable climate data is critical to supporting evidence-based decision-making across the region. “Proactive measures are vital for mitigating the impacts of extreme weather events on climate sensitive sectors, communities, and national economies,” Farrell said.

    Farrell also reaffirmed CIMH’s ongoing commitment to strengthening regional climate resilience, noting the institute has expanded its strategic focus to include water resource management, marine systems, earth observation, and climate forecasting to improve early warning services across the Caribbean. In recent years, CIMH has dedicated substantial research effort to mapping how climate hazards like El Niño generate cascading cross-sector impacts that drive socio-economic harm across the region. This research directly supports the development of risk-informed climate adaptation programs, which are central to building long-term resilience to climate change and growing climate variability in the Caribbean.

    Strengthening early warning systems and expanding public access to clear, actionable climate information remains a top priority for the institute, Farrell added, and thanked regional governments and development partners for their ongoing support of CIMH’s work to improve early warning capacity across the Caribbean.

  • Solar Kits Handed Over from Peoples Republic of China to Department of Environment To Support Vulnerable Households

    Solar Kits Handed Over from Peoples Republic of China to Department of Environment To Support Vulnerable Households

    A landmark handover ceremony marking the delivery of climate-friendly solar energy kits to benefit low-income and vulnerable households across Antigua and Barbuda was recently hosted by the nation’s Department of Environment, kicking off a new initiative aligned with the government’s long-term priorities. This program stands as a concrete manifestation of the Antigua and Barbuda government’s sustained pledge to advance inclusive sustainable development, boost national climate resilience, and elevate living standards for marginalized communities across the twin-island nation. Delivering the ceremony’s feature address, Sir Molwyn Joseph, Minister of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs, underscored the critical role that scalable renewable energy solutions play in strengthening community-level preparedness for climate impacts and easing widespread energy insecurity across the country. Joseph explained that the rollout of these solar kits is more than a one-off donation: it represents a deliberate, foundational step toward embedding climate-smart technological solutions into the country’s core national social support infrastructure, ensuring long-term benefits for at-risk groups. Beyond the direct distribution of equipment, the initiative also includes a targeted technical training program designed to build local workforce capacity in the installation, routine maintenance, and long-term management of residential solar energy systems. This component is crafted to guarantee that the project remains sustainable and delivers maximum impact for generations to come, rather than relying on external expertise for ongoing upkeep. Representatives from the project’s implementing partner, China’s Hengtianyuan Lighting Group, also joined the formal event. Mr. Wang Baolong, the group’s representative, reaffirmed the company’s long-term commitment to supporting Antigua and Barbuda’s development goals by delivering high-quality, reliable, and sustainable energy solutions tailored to the nation’s unique needs. Also in attendance was Her Excellency Jiang Wei, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Antigua and Barbuda, who highlighted the deep, enduring bilateral partnership that has grown between the two countries over decades. Ambassador Jiang emphasized that this generous donation is a reflection of China’s consistent, ongoing support for Antigua and Barbuda’s national climate adaptation priorities and its broader sustainable development agenda. The ceremony concluded with a formal moment of institutional agreement, as Ambassador Jiang and Minister Joseph signed the official Handover Certificate, formalizing the transfer of the full shipment of solar kits to the government and people of Antigua and Barbuda. Once deployed, the kits will deliver clean, consistent energy to households that have long struggled to access reliable grid electricity, directly improving daily living conditions for vulnerable families while also supporting the nation’s national carbon emissions reduction targets. In closing, the Antigua and Barbuda Ministry of Environment extended sincere gratitude to both the government and people of the People’s Republic of China and Hengtianyuan Lighting Group for their productive partnership and generous contribution to the initiative.

  • First autism awareness walk deemed a success

    First autism awareness walk deemed a success

    The small Caribbean nation of Saint Lucia has entered a new chapter in neurodiversity advocacy, hosting its inaugural community autism awareness walk in the town of Micoud on April 19. Event organizers have hailed the groundbreaking gathering as an unqualified “massive success”, marking a long-awaited step forward for autism acceptance and inclusion across the island.

    The walk brought together hundreds of attendees from all walks of life, uniting local residents, neurodiverse advocates, family members of autistic people, and public service representatives behind a shared mission of raising public understanding of autism. In a show of official government commitment to disability inclusion, Saint Lucia’s Minister for Persons with Disabilities Jeremy Norbert joined the procession to voice his support for the cause.

    The historic event was spearheaded by Police Constable WPC 772 Elien of the Micoud Police Station, developed through a collaborative partnership between the local police department and Island Voices for Autism, Saint Lucia’s leading community support group for autistic individuals and their families. Cross-sector public service collaboration was a core part of the walk’s success, with multiple local agencies stepping in to reinforce the event’s focus on holistic community well-being. Members of the Micoud Fire Service marched alongside other participants, while clinical staff from the Micoud Health Centre set up on-site testing stations offering free health screenings for attendees, including checks for blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.

    Adding an emotional, unifying soundtrack to the day was the event’s official anthem “Different Beats Same Heart”, which played repeatedly throughout the walk. The track was specially written by Geraldine Michel and Dania Joseph, two members of the Island Voices for Autism team, and its central message of shared community despite neurodiverse differences made it a perfect symbol for the day’s advocacy goals.

    To keep the event accessible to all community members, organizers offered completely free registration for all participants. Attendees left the gathering with complimentary healthy snacks and small commemorative tokens of appreciation, reinforcing the warm, welcoming, and inclusive atmosphere that defined the milestone event. For local autism advocates, the successful turnout and cross-community backing of the first walk has laid a strong foundation for future annual advocacy events, helping to build a more accepting and supportive environment for autistic Saint Lucians across the country.

  • Gas Leak Blaze Destroys Home of 19

    Gas Leak Blaze Destroys Home of 19

    A devastating accidental fire sparked by a disconnected gas line has completely destroyed a multi-person residence on Marina Drive in San Pedro Town, leaving 19 residents – nine of them children – displaced just hours after the blaze broke out on Tuesday evening.

    Local emergency response teams confirmed that the fire spread with extraordinary speed, and when first responders arrived shortly before 8 p.m., the elevated residential structure was already completely swallowed by raging flames. Preliminary investigation into the cause of the incident has painted a clear picture of how the disaster unfolded: 31-year-old housekeeper Naisy Chi was in the middle of frying an egg when a flexible fuel hose connected to an external gas tank unexpectedly slipped loose. Uncontrolled gas quickly ignited, catching a nearby rug on fire before the blaze extended to other parts of the structure in minutes.

    Firefighters, commanded by Fire Chief Kenneth Mortis, worked aggressively to bring the blaze under control and prevent it from spreading to neighboring properties. Beyond the efforts of official emergency teams, dramatic footage captured from the scene shows immediate community solidarity: local neighbors rushed to the site to assist, carrying buckets of water and deploying nearby garden hoses in a valiant attempt to slow the fire’s spread before professional crews arrived.

    Unfortunately, the battle to save the home was unsuccessful. The entire structure and every personal belonging inside were reduced to ash. Further compounding the family’s misfortune, authorities confirmed that the property held no insurance coverage to cover rebuilding or replacement costs. As of the latest update, officials have not released a confirmed estimate for the total monetary damage caused by the fire.

    In a stroke of good fortune amid the crisis, no injuries or fatalities have been reported connected to the blaze. The 19 displaced residents are now turning to the wider public for support, asking for donations of shelter, clothing, food and other essential supplies to help them rebuild their lives after the sudden loss.

  • Treasure Beach swap relegation spot with Harbour View after upsetting Waterhouse

    Treasure Beach swap relegation spot with Harbour View after upsetting Waterhouse

    In a thrilling matchday of the Jamaica Premier League at Drewsland, a series of unexpected results have upended both the relegation battle and playoff contention in the third round of fixtures on Thursday. The most dramatic storyline came from the clash between Treasure Beach and top-flight side Waterhouse FC, where the underdog Treasure Beach pulled off a stunning 2-1 upset that lifted them out of the relegation zone – at least for the time being.

    Treasure Beach entered the match mired in a nine-match winless drought, the worst slump in the league this season. But Karim Bryan broke the deadlock for the side in the 26th minute, and Jaheim Harris doubled their advantage just after the hour mark in the 64th minute. While Waterhouse forward Javane Bryan netted a late consolation goal in second-half stoppage time, the club missed a subsequent penalty that would have earned them a shared point, leaving the upset result intact. The three points lifted Treasure Beach to 34 total points, pushing them one point clear of Harbour View, who slipped back into the relegation zone after a lopsided defeat earlier in the day’s doubleheader.

    That opening fixture of the Drewsland doubleheader saw Dunbeholden FC run riot over Harbour View, securing a dominant 4-0 win that ended their own two-match winless skid. The win was anchored by a first-half brace from Odane Samuels, who found the back of the net in the 35th and 40th minutes. Shakeen Powell extended the lead in the 71st minute, and Marlon Allen put the finishing touches on the rout seven minutes later to cap off the lopsided result.

    Elsewhere at the Anthony Spaulding Complex, Arnett Gardens dealt a major blow to defending champions Cavalier SC’s bid for playoff qualification, earning a critical 2-1 win that tightens the race for the postseason. Kevaughn Wilson was the star of the contest, scoring a first-minute opener and adding his second just after halftime in the 47th minute. Though substitute Adrian Reid pulled one back for Cavalier in stoppage time to give the champions hope of a late equalizer, Arnett Gardens held firm to secure the full three points. The result leaves sixth-place Cavalier with 52 points, holding just a three-point advantage over seventh-place Arnett Gardens, with the gap between the two playoff contenders closing significantly.

    At Drax Hall, Mt Pleasant FA put an end to their own three-match winless drought with a dominant 5-2 victory over Chapelton Maroons, after the two sides entered halftime deadlocked at 2-2. Raheem Edwards got Mt Pleasant on the board first in the third minute, only for Robino Gordon to equalize for Chapelton in the 32nd minute. Daniel Green restored Mt Pleasant’s lead six minutes later, but Leaunghn Williams once again drew Chapelton level right before the halftime whistle. The second half belonged entirely to Mt Pleasant, however: Kimoni Bailey reclaimed the lead for the side in the 56th minute, Jabarie Howell extended the margin to 4-2 in the 84th minute, and a late own goal by Chapelton in the ninth minute of stoppage time closed out the scoring. Chapelton, who have now dropped back-to-back matches, slipped to ninth place in the league table following the defeat.

    In the final fixture of the round, Portmore United secured a narrow 1-0 win over Spanish Town Police at Royal Lakes, despite being reduced to 10 men just after the hour mark. Nickoy Gayle was sent off in the 52nd minute, forcing Portmore to play a man down for more than 30 minutes. Tarick Ximines provided the decisive moment for Portmore, scoring the match’s only goal in the 63rd minute to hold on for the full three points despite the numerical disadvantage.

  • WATCH: Run for Mom 5K to champion maternal health and support young mothers

    WATCH: Run for Mom 5K to champion maternal health and support young mothers

    On the cusp of Mother’s Day, a groundbreaking national public health and advocacy initiative is stepping into the spotlight in Kingston, Jamaica, aiming to turn a traditional day of celebration into tangible, life-changing support for vulnerable young mothers across the island. On Thursday, the Heart and Vascular Centre officially unveiled its first-ever “Run for Mom 5K,” a community-focused event developed in close collaboration with the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation. What began as an idea to reimagine Mother’s Day has grown into a coordinated movement that ties together public health awareness, educational support, and targeted advocacy for adolescent mothers navigating systemic and social barriers.

    Organisers deliberately selected Tivoli Gardens in Kingston as the race’s host location, a choice intended to mirror both the steep challenges that many local families face and the extraordinary resilience of Jamaican communities that carry forward despite hardship. Dr. Lorren Scott, founder of the Heart and Vascular Centre, opened the launch by unpacking the deeper mission that drives the initiative, noting that while cultural tradition widely celebrates mothers each year, a large subset of young and adolescent mothers are systematically overlooked and left without critical support.

    “Mothers are the backbone of every family, every community, and this entire nation,” Scott emphasized during Thursday’s launch. “Yet across Jamaica, countless young mothers are navigating interrupted schooling, severely limited access to support systems, and persistent social stigma. Their strength deserves far more than just a one-day shoutout — it deserves sustained, actionable support.” Scott added that the 5K run is intentionally structured to turn public awareness and conversation into tangible action, pushing for the well-being of adolescent mothers and broader maternal health to be elevated as core national priorities in Jamaica.

    The initiative has already secured significant corporate backing, with telecommunications firm FLOW contributing JMD $1 million alongside free connectivity services to help extend the event’s outreach to communities across the country. Pete Smith, FLOW’s Regulatory Finance Manager, framed the company’s sponsorship as more than a charitable donation — it is an investment in Jamaica’s people and long-term national progress. “This is not just financial support; it is a full commitment to a purpose that matters,” Smith explained. He noted that the initiative aligns perfectly with FLOW’s ongoing work to improve public health outcomes and empower vulnerable population groups, adding that the event also serves a secondary critical goal: raising public awareness of cardiovascular disease and encouraging active, healthier lifestyles through collective community engagement.

    Novelette Howell, Executive Director of the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation, welcomed the cross-sector partnership, highlighting its unique potential to open new doors for adolescent mothers working to rebuild their education after pregnancy. Howell outlined the foundation’s A-Stream programme, a targeted initiative that supports teenage mothers pursuing secondary and tertiary education, alongside complementary support for young fathers to help them build stable family units. “Education is the single most critical pathway to breaking intergenerational cycles of vulnerability and creating lasting, meaningful change for these young women and their children,” Howell said.

    Leading local medical professionals have also publicly endorsed the initiative, including Dr. Garth McDonald of Jamaica’s iconic Victoria Jubilee Hospital. Dr. McDonald stressed that the challenges facing adolescent mothers carry broad, long-term implications for Jamaican society as a whole. “Teenage pregnancy remains a disproportionate burden for any society, even as national rates have declined in recent years,” he explained. “While we have made progress on reducing prevalence, the persistent psychosocial challenges — from widespread social stigma to gaps in targeted support — continue to put young mothers and their children at heightened risk.”

    Event organisers confirmed that all proceeds from the upcoming Run for Mom 5K will go directly to fund existing support programmes for adolescent mothers across Jamaica. Beyond direct funding, the initiative also aims to build a sustained national culture of preventive health, wellness, and community solidarity around maternal well-being, turning a single annual celebration into a movement that drives lasting change.

  • MIIC takes action to stabilise cement supply and support key economic sectors

    MIIC takes action to stabilise cement supply and support key economic sectors

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Severe recent rainfall has forced operational shutdowns at Caribbean Cement Company Limited (CCCL), the island’s leading domestic cement producer, triggering widespread supply shortages across Jamaica’s construction market. In response, the country’s Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce (MIIC) has moved rapidly to implement emergency measures designed to close the supply gap and restore market stability.

    In an official statement published Thursday, the ministry confirmed that short-term interim interventions have already been rolled out, even as CCCL prioritizes repairing equipment, addressing operational bottlenecks, and bringing production back to full capacity. Among the emergency steps is the diversion of a cargo vessel originally destined for The Bahamas, which is now scheduled to dock in Jamaica this Saturday, April 25, carrying a load of cement to restock local inventories. A second, larger shipment totaling 28,400 tonnes of cement is also on track to arrive in early May, further bolstering available supply.

    In addition to arranging emergency cargo diversions, the ministry — headed by industry minister Senator Aubyn Hill — has approved a expanded import quota for Buying House Company Limited, a local importer, specifically to address unmet demand in the western region of the country, where shortages have been particularly acute.

    Senator Hill emphasized the critical role of consistent cement supply for Jamaica’s ongoing recovery and economic activity, noting that the construction sector remains a core driver of reconstruction in the wake of Hurricane Melissa. “Cement is far more than a construction input — it is a foundational building block of our national economic momentum and growth,” Hill explained in the statement. “We moved quickly to mitigate short-term disruptions so that local builders, property developers, and outside investors can continue their projects without uncertainty and keep driving progress.”

    Hill added that the incoming emergency imports will not only stabilize the entire construction sector but also help protect existing jobs that rely on consistent construction activity. The ministry, he confirmed, will maintain close monitoring of the market and continue collaborating with private sector industry partners to ensure efficient market function as CCCL works to resume normal output. CCCL has also reaffirmed its commitment to resolving all remaining production constraints and returning output to projected target levels in the near term.

  • Penn Relays high school girls’ 4x400m final promises fireworks

    Penn Relays high school girls’ 4x400m final promises fireworks

    PHILADELPHIA – As the 130th annual Penn Relays Carnival enters its final stretch at the historic Franklin Field, the stage is set for a potentially legendary finish to day two’s competition: the High School Girls’ 4x400m Championships of Americas final, which has already turned heads thanks to an unprecedented performance by Jamaican programs in Thursday’s preliminary rounds. In an outcome that has shocked track and field observers, three separate Jamaican squads all clocked times under the 3-minute 40-second barrier during qualifying — a mark that few elite high school relay teams ever hit, let alone multiple squads from a single country in the same competition. Leading the pack is Hydel High School, the pre-meet favorite chasing an unprecedented fourth consecutive Penn Relays title in the event. Hydel’s team posted a blistering qualifying time of 3:39.55, edging out fellow Jamaican powerhouse Edwin Allen High by just one hundredth of a second. Edwin Allen clocked 3:39.56, while third-ranked Jamaican entry Holmwood Technical rounded out the sub-3:40 trio with a time of 3:39.82. The dominant showing by Jamaican programs puts the top United States contender, Bullis School from Potomac, Maryland, in an underdog position heading into Friday’s final. Bullis posted the fourth-fastest qualifying time overall at 3:40.24, just narrowly missing the sub-3:40 mark that three Jamaican teams easily cleared. Joining Bullis and the four Jamaican squads (Alphansus Davis High also advanced with a 3:44.81 clocking) in the final are Bishop McNamara, another Maryland-based program, which ran 3:43.33 to qualify. The remaining eight spots in the 12-team final went to Immaculate Conception (3:47.08), St Elizabeth Technical (3:47.44), Sydney Pagon STEM Academy (3:47.92), William Knibb Memorial (3:48.77), Manchester High (3:51.63), Alpha Academy (3:54.72) and Port Antonio High (3:59.83). Track analysts note that the preliminary performance cements Jamaica’s reputation as a global powerhouse for youth sprinting, and Friday’s final is already being billed as one of the most competitive high school sprint relay events in the 130-year history of the Penn Relays, one of the oldest and most prestigious track and field meets in the United States.

  • Flow empowers next generation of female innovators with AI workshop for Girls in ICT Day

    Flow empowers next generation of female innovators with AI workshop for Girls in ICT Day

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – In a deliberate push to narrow the gender gap in technology, local telecom provider Flow and its philanthropic arm, the Flow Foundation, celebrated the annual International Girls in ICT Day with an interactive artificial intelligence workshop designed to build practical skills and self-assurance among young female learners ahead of their entry into the fast-changing digital sector. Spearheaded by the International Telecommunication Union, Girls in ICT Day is observed globally every fourth Thursday of April, with a core mission to inspire more young women and girls to pursue academic pathways and professional careers in information and communication technology, a field long marked by gender underrepresentation.

    This year’s Jamaican iteration of the celebration, held at Flow’s Corporate Lounge in Kingston under the focused theme “AI for Development: Girls Shaping the Digital Future”, drew more than 100 high school students from across the island for a hands-on, forward-looking learning experience that moved far beyond theoretical discussion. Veteran AI transformation strategist and entrepreneur Stacey Hines led the workshop, walking participants through core AI fundamentals and highlighting tangible, real-world use cases for the technology, with a specific focus on relevant applications developed and deployed across the Caribbean region.

    Attendees explored how AI can be leveraged to address many of the most urgent social and economic challenges facing their communities, worked in collaborative teams to draft their own AI-powered solutions to local problems, and even got the chance to design custom animated AI avatars, putting their new skills to immediate use. “High school girls across Jamaica are growing up into a world where AI literacy is no longer a niche skill – it’s a core competency for almost any growing career,” Hines explained during the event. “This session gave them direct access to the tools, the framework, and the supportive community they need to step into that world with confidence. That is what makes this work so critical. It creates room for curiosity, grows digital confidence, and makes clear that girls belong at the center of global innovation, not on the sidelines. Our goal here is not just to teach them what AI is – it’s to show them how it can open doors, strengthen local communities, and create clear pathways to leadership for them.”

    The day’s activities wrapped up with an energetic pitch competition, where participating teams presented their AI-driven concepts to judges, showcasing how their ideas could solve pressing local challenges. Through funding from the Flow Foundation, every member of the first-place team took home a Samsung tablet in recognition of their standout creativity, teamwork, and forward-thinking approach. Teams placing second and third were awarded smartphones paired with multi-month data plans to support their continued tech learning.

    For many of the young attendees, the workshop proved to be both a revelation and a source of empowerment. Kaylee Braimbridge, an 11th-grade student at Vauxhall High School, shared that the event “made AI feel less intimidating and showed me that I can actually use it to solve problems in my community and even build something of my own one day.”

    Maya Walrond, Senior Director for Digital Transformation at Flow, emphasized that the workshop is just one part of the company’s long-term commitment to fostering Jamaica’s digital evolution. “At Flow, we recognize that the future strength of our nation is deeply tied to how well we prepare our young people to thrive in an increasingly digital global economy,” Walrond said. “Initiatives like this are not just about giving girls exposure to new technology – they are about empowerment. We are building meaningful, accessible, and enjoyable opportunities for girls to engage with cutting-edge emerging technologies, build innovation skills, and see themselves as leaders in Jamaica’s ongoing digital transformation journey.”

    Beyond investing in digital infrastructure across the island, Flow is using targeted community initiatives like this AI workshop to invest directly in Jamaica’s next generation of tech leaders. By equipping young women with the knowledge, confidence, and practical tools to engage with emerging technologies, the company is working to build a more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable digital future for the entire country.

  • Youth talent to take spotlight in All-Star Jamaica showdown

    Youth talent to take spotlight in All-Star Jamaica showdown

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaican youth football is gearing up for a major showcase of emerging homegrown talent this Sunday, April 26, when the annual All-Star Jamaica youth showcase kicks off at Ashenheim Stadium, located on the campus of Jamaica College.

    Organized around a crowd-pleasing North versus South divisional format, the one-day event will shine a spotlight on the most promising young players across two age brackets: Under-14 and Under-16, all drawn from competitive urban school football circuits across the island.

    The marquee matchup of the afternoon will pit the North Urban All-Star Under-16 squad against their counterparts from South Urban, with organizers and fans alike anticipating a tightly contested, high-energy clash between the country’s top teenage prospects.

    Conceptualized by sports developer Leighton Davis, the showcase was built around a core mission: to identify, elevate, and create exposure for standout youth talent coming up through Jamaica’s schoolboy football system, the backbone of the island’s football development pipeline.

    What began as a local talent exhibition has evolved into a critical bridging platform, connecting grassroots youth players with structured, long-term development pathways. These include expanded opportunities in elite school competitions and direct pathways into Jamaica’s national youth football training programs, opening doors for young athletes who might otherwise go unseen by program scouts.

    All players selected to compete in this year’s showcase hail from high schools that participate in the Inter-secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) Under-14 and Under-16 leagues, Jamaica’s primary organized youth school football competitions. The selection process follows a structured, merit-based system: team coaches first nominate their top performing players, after which event organizers review all nominees to finalize the All-Star squads for both divisions and age groups.

    Industry observers and development leaders frame the showcase as a particularly vital milestone for Under-16 athletes, who are at a critical transition point in their careers. This age group is just beginning to make the jump from youth level competition to higher-stakes senior and semi-professional play, making targeted exposure critical for unlocking future athletic and academic opportunities.

    The event will be structured as a double-header, with the opening Under-14 All-Star clash scheduled to kick off at 2:15 p.m. local time. The featured Under-16 main matchup will follow immediately after, getting underway at 4:00 p.m. Stadium gates are set to open to the public one hour ahead of the first match, at 1:00 p.m.