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  • Dawes calls for urgent investment in mental health services

    Dawes calls for urgent investment in mental health services

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Dr. Alfred Dawes, the Opposition Spokesperson on Health and Wellness, has issued a compelling call to action for Jamaicans and policymakers to confront the nation’s escalating mental health crisis. Speaking on World Mental Health Day, Dr. Dawes emphasized that mental health is a cornerstone of individual dignity, societal well-being, and national progress. He highlighted the alarming reality that countless Jamaicans are silently enduring mental health struggles due to systemic neglect and pervasive stigma.

    In his statement, Dr. Dawes underscored the dire state of mental health services in Jamaica, which remain critically underfunded and understaffed. He lamented the societal tendency to dismiss or penalize individuals grappling with mental health issues rather than offering support. ‘Behind every statistic is a face, a family, and a future that can be transformed or tragically cut short depending on how we respond,’ he remarked.

    Dr. Dawes pointed to the compounded mental health challenges exacerbated by violent crime, economic instability, and natural disasters, which have left deep psychological scars across the nation. He stressed that the theme of this year’s World Mental Health Day, ‘Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies,’ is particularly relevant for Jamaica.

    To address the crisis, Dr. Dawes advocated for a paradigm shift in the country’s approach to mental health. He called for the integration of mental health services into primary care, increased funding in the national health budget, and the prioritization of mental health in policy discussions. Additionally, he urged citizens to foster a culture of openness and mutual support, emphasizing that seeking help should be seen as an act of courage.

    ‘On this World Mental Health Day, I call on every Jamaican to look out for one another, to speak openly about mental health, and to demand better from those entrusted with our well-being. For without mental health, there is no true health,’ Dr. Dawes concluded.

  • Dutch prosecutors set to pursue a 9.5 year sentence against Jah Cure

    Dutch prosecutors set to pursue a 9.5 year sentence against Jah Cure

    Reggae artist Jah Cure, legally known as Siccature Alcock, is at risk of a significantly extended prison sentence as Dutch prosecutors seek a 9.5-year term for attempted murder. The case stems from an incident in October 2021, where Cure allegedly stabbed Dutch concert promoter Nicardo “Papa” Blake over unpaid performance fees. Initially, in March 2022, Cure was sentenced to six years for attempted manslaughter but was acquitted of the more severe attempted murder charge. However, Dutch prosecutors have since appealed the acquittal, arguing for a harsher penalty. The Supreme Court is expected to deliver its final ruling in November. Meanwhile, Cure remains in pre-trial detention in Amsterdam. His legal team has also appealed the attempted manslaughter conviction, setting the stage for a high-stakes legal battle. The case has drawn significant attention, highlighting the complexities of international legal proceedings and the consequences of violent disputes in the entertainment industry.

  • Capleton mourns loss of his brother, Rohan Bailey

    Capleton mourns loss of his brother, Rohan Bailey

    The global reggae community is rallying around international icon Capleton as he mourns the loss of his beloved brother, Rohan Bailey, affectionately known as “Garry.” Bailey passed away over a week ago after a valiant months-long battle with illness. Capleton, renowned as “The Fireman,” commemorated his brother’s life with a traditional nine-night service held at his Corporate Area residence earlier this week.

    In an emotional tribute, Capleton described his brother as a selfless and genuine individual. “Garry would do anything for anyone, without expecting anything in return. He wasn’t motivated by money, fame, or validation—he was just different. If you asked him to do something, you never had to worry about it getting done. He was one of the realest people I’ve ever known,” Capleton shared.

    Capleton also highlighted the profound impact Garry had on those around him. “Some of my friends cried as if they were his siblings. They were more emotional than I was, which shows just how much he meant to everyone. Garry had no enemies; he was one of the humblest souls.”

    Despite his grief, Capleton is channeling his energy into his music, using it as a source of healing and a way to honor his brother’s legacy. His manager and partner, Suzanne Bennett, echoed these sentiments, describing Garry as a devoted father, incredible uncle, and loyal friend who brought joy to everyone he met. “His passing leaves an immeasurable void, but his memory will live on through the lives he touched,” Bennett said.

    Capleton remains committed to his upcoming performances, viewing the stage as a place of strength and spiritual renewal. Notable events include a show in Costa Rica on October 17, 2025, the Seafood Festival on Sharkies Beach on October 20th, a performance at Jack Sprat in Treasure Beach on November 8th, and the Legends Are Forever event in Clarendon on November 29th.

    The Bailey family has requested fans and well-wishers to keep Capleton and his family in their thoughts and prayers during this challenging time.

  • Junior Benjamin set to act as CoP

    Junior Benjamin set to act as CoP

    Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Junior Benjamin is set to assume the role of acting Commissioner of Police for the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), as indicated in the Order Paper for the House of Representatives’ session on October 10. The document, published online on October 9, also revealed that Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Curt Simon will temporarily fill Benjamin’s position as DCP. The first agenda item for the House session involves a paper to be presented by Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander, which includes the nomination of Benjamin for the acting Commissioner role and Simon’s confirmation as acting DCP. Speculation surrounds the duration of these appointments and the reasons for the absence of substantive Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro, who could not be reached for comment on October 9. The Order Paper also outlines two motions for these nominations, to be debated by Members of Parliament (MPs). The motions reference Section 123 of the Constitution, which grants the Police Service Commission (PSC) the authority to appoint individuals to act as Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner. The PSC forwards nominees to the President, who issues notifications subject to parliamentary approval. President Christine Kangaloo issued Benjamin’s notification on October 3, with similar provisions for Simon. Additionally, Attorney General John Jeremie, SC, will introduce The Administration of Justice (Indictable Proceedings) (Amendment) Bill, 2025, for debate. The House will also review reports from the Auditor General’s office, led by Jaiwantie Ramdass, concerning the delayed submission of annual financial statements by three regional corporations. Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo will present these reports and propose their referral to the Public Accounts Committee.

  • White House says Nobel Trump omission was ‘politics over peace’

    White House says Nobel Trump omission was ‘politics over peace’

    The White House has strongly criticized the Norwegian Nobel Committee following its decision to award the 2024 Peace Prize to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, bypassing U.S. President Donald Trump. Steven Cheung, the White House Director of Communications, expressed his disapproval on social media platform X, stating, ‘The Nobel Committee has demonstrated that they prioritize politics over peace.’ Cheung further praised Trump, asserting that the President would continue his efforts to broker peace agreements, end conflicts, and save lives, describing him as a humanitarian with unparalleled determination. Since his re-election in January, Trump has repeatedly claimed he deserved the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in resolving multiple global conflicts, a claim many experts have dismissed as exaggerated. On the eve of the prize announcement, Trump highlighted his recent involvement in brokering a ceasefire in Gaza, which he described as the eighth war he had ended. Despite his assertions, Trump downplayed the significance of the award, stating, ‘Whatever they do is fine. I know this: I didn’t do it for that, I did it because I’ve saved a lot of lives.’ Nobel Prize experts in Oslo had previously indicated that Trump’s ‘America First’ policies were inconsistent with the ideals of the Peace Prize, as outlined in Alfred Nobel’s 1895 will.

  • Flash flooding threat as Tropical Storm Jerry makes its way across the Leeward Islands

    Flash flooding threat as Tropical Storm Jerry makes its way across the Leeward Islands

    BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) — Tropical Storm Jerry, the 10th named storm of the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season, is projected to pass north of the Leeward Islands on Friday morning before moving away later in the day. The Miami-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued warnings for residents to prepare for potential flash flooding caused by heavy rainfall. Currently located approximately 80 miles north-northeast of the Northern Leeward Islands, Jerry boasts maximum sustained winds of 50 mph. A tropical storm warning is active for St Barthelemy, St Martin, Sint Maarten, Guadeloupe, and adjacent islands, while a tropical storm watch remains in place for Saba and St Eustatius. The government of Antigua and Barbuda has lifted warnings for Barbuda, Anguilla, Antigua, St Kitts, Nevis, and Montserrat. Jerry is moving northwest at 17 mph, with a northward turn expected tonight into Saturday, followed by a north-northeast trajectory through the weekend. The NHC forecasts four to six inches of rain for Barbuda and two to four inches for other Leeward and Virgin Islands, raising concerns of flash flooding in urban and steep terrain areas. Additionally, swells generated by Jerry are creating life-threatening surf and rip current conditions across the region, with impacts expected to spread to the Greater Antilles on Friday.

  • Seals, birds under threat in new ‘red list’ of endangered species

    Seals, birds under threat in new ‘red list’ of endangered species

    ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates — Arctic seals and bird populations are facing escalating threats primarily driven by climate change and human activities, according to the latest update from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The IUCN’s updated Red List, released on Friday, highlights the precarious status of these species, with habitat loss, global warming, and maritime traffic identified as key factors.

  • Digicel staff join buddy walk in support of inclusion

    Digicel staff join buddy walk in support of inclusion

    In a vibrant display of solidarity and support, over 40 Digicel employees and their families participated in the Buddy Walk 2025, an event organized by the Down Syndrome Family Network (DSFN) on October 5. The event, which has become a cherished annual tradition for the company, celebrated inclusion, awareness, and the unique abilities of individuals with Down syndrome.

  • Why we are struggling in crime war

    Why we are struggling in crime war

    In a heartfelt letter to the editor, Tesse Wilson of Marabella highlights the urgent need for a collective and apolitical approach to addressing crime in Trinidad and Tobago. Wilson argues that crime has become a political tool, exploited by the two main political parties, which distracts from the real suffering of victims and their families. She emphasizes that citizens must set aside political differences and demand that authorities act impartially to ensure swift justice for perpetrators. Wilson stresses that crime is a societal issue that affects everyone, particularly vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly, and calls for zero tolerance toward injustice. To effectively reduce crime, Wilson advocates for adequate resources for law enforcement, proactive policing, a fair judicial system, public cooperation, prison reform, and rehabilitation programs. Additionally, she underscores the importance of addressing community and family dynamics, as these environments shape individual character. Wilson concludes with a plea for the nation to uphold respect for law, order, and the sanctity of life, urging a united, God-fearing approach to tackling crime.

  • Road crash witnesses not reliable

    Road crash witnesses not reliable

    The recent hit-and-run incident on the Churchill-Roosevelt Highway near the O’Meara intersection has sparked urgent calls for improved road safety measures. The tragic event, which occurred at 6:30 am on October 5, claimed the life of Simone Rose, leaving her family and friends devastated. Witnesses reported that the vehicle involved was white, but no further details, such as the make, model, or registration number, were provided. Shockingly, even 36 hours after the incident, no additional information about the vehicle or the driver had surfaced. This lack of critical details underscores the pressing need for functional surveillance cameras at key intersections and major roads across the country. The absence of CCTV footage in this case has severely hindered the investigation, leaving authorities with limited leads. The incident also raises questions about the reliability of eyewitness accounts in such situations. A personal anecdote shared by the author highlights how crucial detailed observations can be in resolving such cases. The author emphasizes that law enforcement cannot solely depend on witness testimonies and must explore other means of gathering information, such as installing cameras and offering monetary rewards to jog the memory of potential witnesses. The tragic loss of Simone Rose serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proactive measures to prevent such incidents in the future.