KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Jamaican mining sector, a vital contributor to the nation’s foreign exchange earnings, has been severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa, with preliminary losses estimated at $40.25 billion. Agriculture and Mining Minister Floyd Green disclosed this staggering figure during a detailed address to the Houses of Parliament on Tuesday, highlighting the widespread devastation caused by the late-October Category 5 hurricane.
博客
-
More health centres opened in St Elizabeth post Melissa
In a significant move to enhance healthcare accessibility, the Southern Regional Health Authority (SRHA) has announced the reopening of multiple health centers across St Elizabeth, Jamaica. These facilities are now operational to provide essential primary care services to residents in the parish. The reopened centers include Junction, Portsea, Malvern, Santa Cruz, Pepper, Myersville, Lacovia, Balaclava, Maggotty (Holy Spirit Church), Elderslie (mobile unit), Southfield, Bellevue, Newell, Black River (tent), New Market (mobile unit), Gingerhill (medical outreach), and Middle Quarters. Operating hours are set from Monday to Thursday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, and on Fridays from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. The SRHA has clarified that specific services will be available on designated days, ensuring a structured approach to healthcare delivery. This initiative aims to address the growing healthcare needs of the community, particularly in underserved areas, and marks a pivotal step in improving public health infrastructure in the region.
-
St Vincent PM promises lawsuit over Opposition candidates’ Canadian citizenship
In a significant development ahead of St Vincent and the Grenadines’ November 27 general election, Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves has announced plans to challenge the eligibility of opposition candidates holding dual citizenship in court. Addressing supporters of the ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP) on Tuesday, Gonsalves, who is seeking a historic sixth consecutive term, revealed that the ULP had attempted to block the nomination of New Democratic Party (NDP) leader Dr Godwin Friday and East Kingstown candidate Fitz Bramble due to their Canadian citizenship. Both candidates, born in St Vincent and the Grenadines, acquired Canadian citizenship as adults. Gonsalves cited Section 26 of the Constitution, which disqualifies individuals who voluntarily acknowledge allegiance to a foreign power, emphasizing that this provision was reinforced by a 2020 Court of Appeal ruling. He highlighted that Friday had publicly admitted to possessing a Canadian passport, while Bramble reportedly acknowledged his Canadian citizenship during his nomination interview. Despite these challenges, Friday confirmed his successful nomination in a social media video, vowing to proceed with the election. Gonsalves, a seasoned attorney, stressed the need for concrete evidence to support the legal challenge, signaling a contentious battle over constitutional interpretation in the lead-up to the polls.
-
Sandy Bay main road cleared — NWA
In a significant development for local commuters, the Sandy Bay main road in Hanover, Jamaica, has been reopened for vehicular traffic, as confirmed by the National Works Agency (NWA). The road had been rendered impassable earlier this week due to severe wind and rain, which caused extensive damage by depositing silt and debris across the thoroughfare. The NWA has been actively engaged in clearing operations, successfully removing the obstructions that had blocked access. However, the agency has indicated that efforts are still ongoing to address a heavily silted main drain in the area, which remains a priority to prevent future disruptions. This restoration of access is a crucial step in ensuring the smooth movement of people and goods in the region, particularly in the aftermath of adverse weather conditions.
-
DJ Russ Buss gives his life to the Lord
Russell Gordon, widely recognized in the entertainment industry as DJ Russ Buss and formerly associated with the Coppershot Sound, has recently embraced born-again Christianity. The 27-year-old artist announced this significant personal milestone in a heartfelt Instagram post on Monday. In his message, Russ Buss reflected on his spiritual journey, acknowledging the struggles he faced with his faith. He emphasized that perfection is not a prerequisite for embracing God’s call, stating, ‘God doesn’t call us to be perfect…he says come as we are.’ The post concluded with gratitude to God and Jesus for their guidance, quoting a biblical verse that encourages seeking the Kingdom of God above all else. The announcement garnered an outpouring of support from prominent figures in the entertainment world, including Silent Addy, Fyahman, ZJ Ice, and Miss Universe Jamaica 2023 Jordanne Lauren Levy, who all expressed their congratulations and well-wishes. Russ Buss, who finished as the runner-up in the 2017 SunCity High School competition, has a diverse background in music and education. He is currently pursuing a degree in Integrated Marketing Communications with a minor in Entertainment and Cultural Enterprise Management at CARIMAC, showcasing his multifaceted talents and ambitions.
-
Yara Trinidad Ltd tops Amcham HSSE awards
Yara Trinidad Ltd emerged as the standout winner at the American Chamber of Commerce’s TT (Amcham TT) 15th Annual National Excellence in HSE Awards, held on November 10 at the Hyatt Regency in Port of Spain. The company secured the prestigious Excellence in HSE Award, while Sonriz Engineering Services Ltd received an honorable mention. Additionally, Yara Trinidad Ltd claimed first place in the Towards Operational Resilience Category, with ASCO Logistics Ltd earning honorable mention in the same category. The event, which marked a significant milestone for Amcham TT, celebrated outstanding achievements in Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) across various industries. In the Outstanding Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) and Environment Project category, National Energy Corporation of TT Ltd won the large energy category for its Phase II Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Education Project, while La Brea Industrial Development Company Ltd took the small energy category. The Airports Authority of TT triumphed in the large services category. Acado Foods, a division of Acado Trinidad Ltd, won the large manufacturing category in the HSE Evolution Award, with Nu-Iron Ltd securing the large energy category and the TT Unit Trust Corporation winning in the large services category. CEO Nirad Tewarie emphasized the evolution of the awards from a recognition program to a movement fostering shared values of safety, health, and environmental care. He praised the leadership of awardees, highlighting their resilience and innovation in the face of adversity. Head judge Gerard Rajkumar noted the awards’ expansion beyond the energy sector, reflecting the growing importance of HSE across industries. He also detailed recent enhancements to the awards process, including mentorship programs aimed at supporting companies in achieving HSE excellence.
-
Tuberculosis killed 1.23 million last year– WHO
GENEVA, Switzerland – Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be the world’s deadliest infectious disease, claiming approximately 1.23 million lives in 2023, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). While recent data shows a 3% decline in TB-related deaths and a 2% drop in cases, the WHO cautioned that these gains are precarious and could be reversed without sustained efforts.
-
Roxborough Hospital’s outpatient clinic gets recognition
Roxborough Hospital’s medical outpatient clinic has made history by becoming the first facility in the Caribbean Community (Caricom) to be recognized as an Age-Friendly Health System (AFHS) by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI). This prestigious designation underscores the clinic’s commitment to delivering exceptional, personalized care tailored to the needs of older adults. The AFHS initiative, a collaborative effort between The John A. Hartford Foundation and the IHI, aims to elevate the standard of healthcare for the elderly population. Dr. Naila Edwards, a leading geriatrician and age-friendly initiative leader at Roxborough Hospital, emphasized that this recognition is more than an accolade—it is a pledge to the community to provide evidence-based, harm-free care that aligns with patients’ priorities. The AFHS framework is built on four core principles, known as the 4Ms: What Matters (aligning care with patients’ health goals), Medication (ensuring medications do not hinder mobility or cognition), Mentation (addressing mental health issues like dementia and depression), and Mobility (promoting safe daily movement). To celebrate this milestone, Roxborough Hospital and the Tobago Regional Health Authority (TRHA) will host a community outreach event on November 14 at the Belle Garden community center. The event will feature educational booths, physical therapy demonstrations, dementia screenings, and medication safety consultations, engaging older adults and their support networks. Dr. Edwards highlighted the significance of this achievement, positioning Tobago as a leader in geriatric healthcare within the Caricom region. The TRHA continues to provide high-quality healthcare services, with Roxborough Hospital’s outpatient clinic at the forefront of innovation and excellence in patient care.
-
NWAC calypso queen registration opens
The National Women’s Action Committee (NWAC) has announced significant updates to the 2026 National Calypso Queen competition, aiming to foster greater artistic development and inclusivity. In a press release issued on November 12, NWAC revealed that the competition will introduce a semi-final round and welcome back past winners, thanks to a revision of the entry rules. Previously, winners were barred from re-entering the competition, but this restriction has now been lifted. Starting in 2026, a winner can participate again until she secures a second title, effectively allowing her to exit the competition only after two victories. This rule change has been made retroactive, enabling any past winner to re-enter, provided she has not won titles in other major competitions such as the calypso monarch, road march, soca monarch, or chutney monarch. The final is scheduled for January 25 at Queen’s Hall in Port of Spain, while auditions will commence on December 13 at Scarborough Secondary School in Tobago. These updates aim to enhance the competition’s dynamism and provide more opportunities for female calypsonians to showcase their talent.
-
Months after rig’s partial collapse – work begins to recover man’s body
Well Services Petroleum Company Ltd has announced the commencement of a salvage operation to recover the remains of Pete Phillip, an employee presumed dead following the partial collapse of Rig 110 in December last year. The operation, led by a US-based contractor, is being conducted in two phases. Phase one, currently underway, focuses on risk mitigation and site stabilization to ensure the safety of personnel, protect the marine environment, and preserve the integrity of surrounding assets. Regulatory approvals, including a Certificate of Environmental Clearance (CEC) from the Environmental Management Authority (EMA), have been secured. Additionally, ‘Letters of No Objection’ have been obtained from the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries, the Ministry of Works and Transport – Maritime Services Division, and the Occupational Safety and Health Agency. Phase two will involve the recovery of Phillip’s remains and the removal of the rig structure. The company has kept Phillip’s family informed and remains committed to a safe, transparent, and environmentally responsible process, coordinating closely with regulators and stakeholders.