KINGSTON, Jamaica – Dr. Christopher Tufton, Jamaica’s Minister of Health and Wellness, has publicly acknowledged the findings of the Integrity Commission’s (IC) investigation into Market Me Consulting Limited, expressing relief over the report’s conclusions. The probe, which spanned three years, examined allegations of procurement irregularities and conflicts of interest involving contracts worth nearly $80 million awarded to Market Me by the health ministry. The report, tabled in Parliament on Tuesday, found no evidence of wrongdoing by Dr. Tufton or Lindsay McDonnough, Market Me’s co-managing director. However, the IC criticized both parties for failing to disclose their personal friendship, which the commission suggested could have influenced the contract awards. Dr. Tufton addressed the prolonged public scrutiny, stating, ‘This matter has cast unfair doubt on my integrity and the reputations of others involved. I regret any hurt or reputational damage caused but am pleased the IC found no illegality.’ He emphasized his commitment to advancing Jamaica’s public health agenda and serving with integrity. Market Me, in a brief statement, affirmed that the report validates their professionalism and the value of their work.
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Single Lane Traffic on Valley Road North and Anchorage Road
The Ministry of Works’ Project Implementation Management Unit (PIMU) has announced the implementation of single-lane traffic on Valley Road North and Anchorage Road to facilitate critical infrastructure repairs. The temporary traffic arrangement, effective daily from 8:00 a.m., is part of the Second Road Infrastructure Rehabilitation Project undertaken by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda. On Valley Road North, the work includes road markings, drainage systems, headwalls, concrete swales, and asphalt repairs. Similarly, Anchorage Road will see the completion of road markings, drainage, and sidewalks. Flag persons will be stationed to guide motorists, ensuring safe passage amidst heavy-duty equipment operations. While the repairs may cause delays, all businesses in the area remain open. C.O. Williams Ltd., the contractor overseeing the project, has expressed regret for any inconvenience caused and urges stakeholders to adjust their travel plans accordingly. The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing road infrastructure for improved safety and efficiency.
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There is a high chance of a tropical depression forming during the next few days
A significant weather disturbance is brewing in the tropical central Atlantic, with meteorologists predicting a high likelihood of a tropical depression forming in the coming days. As of 8:00 AM EDT on October 6, 2025, a broad area of low pressure associated with a low-latitude tropical wave has been observed, producing widespread disorganized showers and thunderstorms. Environmental conditions are favorable for gradual development, and the system is expected to move rapidly west-northwestward, potentially approaching the northern Leeward Islands by the end of the week. The National Hurricane Center has issued advisories, urging residents in the region to closely monitor the system’s progress. The probability of cyclone formation stands at 50% within the next 48 hours and increases to 70% over the next seven days. This developing weather event underscores the importance of preparedness as the Atlantic hurricane season remains active.
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Police, Family Appeal for Help in Locating Missing Teen Dejahnique Charles
Authorities and family members are urgently seeking the public’s help in locating Dejahnique Charles, a teenager from Barnes Hill who has been reported missing. According to reports, Dejahnique left her home at approximately 1:40 p.m. on Saturday to attend the Mega Bounce event. While she was seen at the venue, she has not returned home since.
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Former WI U19 player Tarrique Edward looks to kick on in senior cricket
Transitioning from junior to senior ranks in sports is often a challenging journey, and Tarrique Edward, a former youth cricket standout, is determined to prove his mettle in senior competition. At just 21 years old, Edward is focused on making a strong comeback after an injury-riddled 2024 season. His goal is to showcase his all-round abilities and cement his place in the cricketing world.
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Police Probe Two Separate Suicide Attempts in Freetown and Ottos
In a distressing turn of events, two separate suicide attempts were reported in Freetown and Ottos on Saturday, prompting police investigations and urgent medical interventions. The incidents, occurring hours apart, involved a woman from Freetown and a man from Ottos, both of whom are now recovering at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre.
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The magic and miracle of education
On September 27, 2025, Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell delivered a compelling speech at the United Nations under the theme “Better Together.” Mitchell emphasized the transformative power of education, describing it as a “lifeline” and a “bridge between limitation and possibility.” His address highlighted the critical role education plays in empowering individuals and communities, a sentiment deeply rooted in Grenada’s history and its leaders’ vision for national development. Mitchell’s speech underscored the significant strides made in Grenada’s education sector under the current NDC administration, including the removal of administration fees, technological upgrades for schools, and support for institutions impacted by Hurricane Beryl. Education, he argued, is not merely a tool for social mobility but a cornerstone for creating active, informed citizens and fostering global unity. Mitchell also aligned his vision with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 4, which advocates for inclusive and equitable quality education worldwide. He particularly emphasized the importance of educating women and girls, noting its potential to elevate them from the margins to leadership roles within communities. While Grenada has made commendable progress in eradicating illiteracy and improving school attendance, challenges such as educational inequality, financial barriers, and limited adult education opportunities remain. Mitchell called for a transformative approach to education, one that integrates formal, informal, and community-based learning to ensure lifelong access for all. He also acknowledged the vital contributions of NGOs like GRENED and NEWLO, which have worked tirelessly to provide resources and opportunities to disadvantaged individuals. Despite these efforts, Mitchell stressed the need for systemic change to make education truly universal and empowering. His speech served as both a celebration of Grenada’s achievements and a call to action for continued progress in the nation’s educational journey.
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Antigua and Barbuda to Add Two Million Gallons of Water Per Day by the end of the month
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced a significant upgrade to Antigua and Barbuda’s water infrastructure, with plans to increase daily water production by an additional two million gallons. This initiative aims to strengthen the nation’s water resilience and ensure a reliable supply throughout the year. Speaking on the Browne and Browne Show on Pointe FM, Browne revealed that the expansion will be achieved through the construction and upgrading of reverse osmosis (RO) plants, including facilities at Barnacle Point and Bethesda. ‘We’re adding another two million gallons of water per day,’ Browne stated. ‘We’ve already addressed water shortages; now, we’re building redundancy to maintain system reliability.’ The prime minister emphasized that the government’s goal extends beyond meeting current demand. Instead, the focus is on creating a robust system capable of sustaining production even during plant maintenance or drought conditions. ‘We’re not just meeting demand — we’re getting ahead of it,’ Browne explained. ‘The aim is to ensure that even if one plant goes down, there’s no disruption.’ This investment is part of a broader strategy to enhance national infrastructure resilience, complementing ongoing efforts to improve roads, electricity supply, and public facilities. The additional production capacity will elevate Antigua and Barbuda’s total water output well above domestic and commercial needs, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s long-standing battle against water scarcity. Browne described this development as ‘a turning point’ in the nation’s journey toward water security.
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West Indies all-rounder Bernard Julien dies at 75
Bernard Julien, the celebrated West Indies all-rounder and a key figure in the team’s triumph at the inaugural Cricket World Cup in 1975, has passed away at the age of 75. Julien’s illustrious career spanned 36 matches for the West Indies, including 24 Test caps, where he scored 866 runs at an average of 30.92 and took 50 wickets. In One-Day Internationals (ODIs), he claimed 18 wickets at an impressive average of 25.72. Known for his left-arm swing bowling and composed batting, Julien played a pivotal role in the 1975 World Cup, delivering standout performances against Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and Australia in the final at Lord’s. Cricket West Indies paid tribute to Julien, emphasizing his enduring legacy and the profound impact he had on the sport. Dr. Kishore Shallow, President of Cricket West Indies, highlighted Julien’s calm temperament and thoughtful approach to the game, which were instrumental in the team’s success. Julien’s career also included a stint with Kent County Cricket Club from 1970 to 1977, where he made significant contributions, helping the team secure multiple trophies. Kent Cricket remembered him as one of the most effective left-arm swing bowlers of his generation. Julien’s passing marks the end of an era for cricket, but his contributions to the sport will continue to inspire future generations.
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OP-ED: Big Tobacco calls it harm reduction, Caribbean youth calls it profiting from addiction
The Caribbean has become a focal point for lobbying efforts by groups such as the World Vapers’ Alliance, Smoke Free Sweden, and We Are Innovation, as the region is strategically targeted to weaken tobacco control measures ahead of the 11th Conference of the Parties (COP11) to the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC). These campaigns, supported by tobacco and related industries, promote electronic cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and heated tobacco products as ‘harm reduction’ tools, despite evidence highlighting their risks, particularly for youth. Recent articles and social media campaigns in Barbados and Trinidad have attempted to frame these products as safe, ignoring their addictive nature and uncertain long-term health impacts. Nicotine, a key component of these products, is highly addictive and linked to cardiovascular disease, cancers, and impaired brain development in adolescents. The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the tobacco industry is using these products to undermine public health policies while aggressively marketing them to children and non-smokers. Dr. Arthur Phillips, Deputy Chief Medical Officer in Barbados, emphasized the vulnerability of Small Island Developing States to the long-term costs of tobacco and nicotine addiction. The Barbados National NCD Commission has also highlighted the rise of vaping as a serious threat, particularly to youth, who are targeted with sweet flavors and bright packaging. Caribbean governments, as parties to the WHO FCTC, must resist industry interference and defend evidence-based tobacco control policies. Mrs. Barbara McGaw of the Heart Foundation of Jamaica urged governments to act urgently, applying WHO’s MPOWER package to counter the spread of electronic nicotine delivery systems. Youth e-cigarette use in the region is alarming, with rates as high as 17.2% in Trinidad and Tobago. Dr. Asante LeBlanc of the Trinidad and Tobago Cancer Society emphasized the importance of campaigns like ‘Clear the Air’ to protect youth from nicotine addiction. As a youth tobacco control advocate, Dorial Quintyne, MPH, called for Caribbean governments to unite at COP11, reject industry interference, and champion effective tobacco control measures.