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  • Gov’t identifies lands in Black River for post-hurricane relocation and reconstruction

    Gov’t identifies lands in Black River for post-hurricane relocation and reconstruction

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican Government has initiated a landmark resettlement strategy targeting communities severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa in the Black River region of St. Elizabeth. Prime Minister Andrew Holness has confirmed the identification of viable land parcels for a comprehensive reconstruction program designed to relocate both residential and commercial properties away from high-risk coastal zones.

    During his address to the House of Representatives on March 19 as part of the 2026/27 Budget Debate, Holness outlined that the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) will lead acquisition talks with affected landowners starting early next month. The government plans to conduct community consultations and awareness sessions to engage residents along the vulnerable corridor in Black River.

    The Prime Minister emphasized that geographic vulnerability necessitated the relocation, citing scientific risk assessments that indicate persistent threats from swamp proximity and rising sea levels. “The most viable solution, based on all risk maps, is relocation,” Holness stated. “We acknowledge the complexity of this process and commit to handling it with utmost sensitivity and transparency. Our objective is to ensure no resident suffers economic loss, and that all livelihoods are ultimately enhanced.”

    While recognizing the protracted nature of such large-scale relocations, Holness called for public patience, underscoring that the program’s ultimate goals are safeguarding citizens, reinforcing infrastructural resilience, and ensuring sustainable community development in climate-vulnerable regions.

  • Venezuelan says he acted alone in bombing that killed 6-y-o

    Venezuelan says he acted alone in bombing that killed 6-y-o

    In a dramatic courtroom development, Daniel Alexander Ramirez Poedemo, the primary suspect in a deadly 2025 terrorist bombing in Guyana, has confessed to acting alone and absolved his co-accused of any involvement. The 33-year-old Venezuelan national made his declaration during Paper Committal proceedings at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, presided over by Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty.

    The case stems from the October 26, 2025 explosion at the Mobil Fuel Station on Regent and King Streets in Georgetown, which claimed the life of six-year-old Soraya Bourne. Poedemo faces terrorism charges alongside three other defendants—Alexander Bettencourt (44), Jhonny Boodram (27), and Kystal LaCruz (33)—while three additional individuals face related charges in the Leonora Magistrates’ Court.

    Through a court-appointed interpreter, Poedemo delivered his unexpected confession, stating: “He wants to admit to everything. He was the person. A Guyanese-Venezuelan or Venezuelan-Guyanese gave him the stuff and he did what he had to do. He placed the stuff where he had to place it.” The defendant emphatically maintained that his co-accused were completely uninvolved and expressed his desire for their exoneration.

    Poedemo’s legal representative, attorney Shellon Boyce, initially disclosed her client’s intentions to the court, prompting Acting Chief Magistrate McGusty to seek direct confirmation from the accused regarding his willingness to cooperate fully. Prosecutor Mandel Moore subsequently requested a formal proposal from the defense to present to the Director of Public Prosecutions’ office.

    The judicial process has been adjourned until April 20, 2026, pending submissions from both the defense and prosecution teams. Poedemo was originally apprehended days after the bombing when surveillance footage captured an individual—allegedly the defendant—planting the explosive device before fleeing the scene. The precise motivation behind the attack remains undetermined by authorities.

    The tragic incident occurred when young Soraya Bourne was traveling in a vehicle with family members at the time of the detonation. The case has drawn significant attention due to its cross-border implications and the severity of the charges involved.

  • UPDATE: Colombia military aircraft crashes with 125 aboard, many feared dead

    UPDATE: Colombia military aircraft crashes with 125 aboard, many feared dead

    A Colombian Air Force Hercules C-130 transport plane carrying 125 military personnel crashed during takeoff from Puerto Leguizamo on Monday, resulting in significant casualties near the nation’s southern border with Ecuador. The aircraft, designated FAC 1016, went down shortly after departure, scattering burning wreckage across the jungle terrain below.

    Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez confirmed the tragedy, expressing ‘deep sorrow’ over the incident while noting that military response units had immediately deployed to the crash site. Initial reports indicated approximately 48 survivors had been located, though a military source suggested the death toll might reach 80 individuals. The exact number of casualties and the cause of the accident remain under investigation.

    The ill-fated flight was transporting 114 troops and 11 crew members between military outposts in the Amazon region, an area that has witnessed intensified military operations against drug trafficking organizations and armed militias in recent weeks. Visual evidence from the scene depicted civilians navigating through debris near the aircraft’s severed tail section as smoke continued to rise above the canopy.

    This incident marks the second catastrophic crash involving a C-130 Hercules aircraft in South America within a month, following a Bolivian military cargo plane accident on February 27th that resulted in 24 fatalities. The Lockheed Martin-built turboprop aircraft is renowned for its versatility in operating from rudimentary airstrips and remains a workhorse for military transport operations globally.

  • Island Car Rentals donates $1m to Titchfield High

    Island Car Rentals donates $1m to Titchfield High

    PORTLAND, Jamaica — In a significant boost for educational development, Titchfield High School has received a substantial JMD $1 million donation from Island Car Rentals, a prominent member of the ICR Holdings Group. The contribution is strategically allocated to enhance both the Sports Department and the Schools’ Challenge Quiz program, creating expanded avenues for student advancement in athletic pursuits and academic excellence.

    The formal presentation occurred on March 6th by Ryan Parkes, Group CEO of ICR Holdings Limited, during a National Environment Week workshop hosted by the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) on the school campus. Mr. Parkes, a distinguished alumnus of Titchfield High, articulated a profound personal connection to the institution, crediting it as a foundational pillar in his subsequent business achievements.

    Emphasizing the donation’s deeper significance, Parkes stated, ‘This contribution from Island Car Rentals transcends mere corporate social responsibility. It represents a conscious investment in preserving and empowering an institution that has been instrumental in shaping the trajectories of myself and countless other ambitious Jamaicans over many years.’

    The NEPA-led workshop, which provided the backdrop for the ceremony, assembled roughly 80 participants, including students, educators, and environmental club coordinators from various schools across Portland and St. Thomas. The event focused on promoting environmental stewardship, active youth involvement, and sustainability projects within the Jamaican educational system.

    The occasion was graced by several dignitaries, notably Matthew Samuda, Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change; Leonard Francis, CEO of NEPA; Richard A. Thompson, Principal of Titchfield High; alongside senior ICR executives Opal Brown-Parkes, Group Chief of People and Culture, and Nichole Brackett Walters, Group Chief of Marketing and Sales.

  • Researcher urges action to cut emissions in Jamaica

    Researcher urges action to cut emissions in Jamaica

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Alarming new research reveals that Jamaica’s major urban centers are experiencing dangerously high levels of air pollution that consistently exceed World Health Organization safety standards. The findings have prompted urgent calls for comprehensive intervention strategies to address this growing public health crisis.

    Dr. Adrienne Williams, a leading researcher from the University of the West Indies Mona Campus, presented these concerning results following an extensive analysis of Jamaica’s air quality from 2010 to 2023. Her groundbreaking study, which earned the Best Overall Poster award at the 16th National Health Research Conference in February, demonstrates that particulate pollution in several Jamaican cities has reached levels known to exacerbate respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.

    The comprehensive research, conducted in collaboration with Dr. Warren Mullings, an endoscopic sinus surgeon at Kingston Public Hospital, analyzed data collected by the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) from monitoring stations across the island. The investigation focused primarily on urban centers including Spanish Town, Kingston, St. Andrew, Portmore, Montego Bay, Mandeville, and May Pen.

    Researchers employed two key indicators of particulate pollution that measure concentrations of fine particles capable of penetrating deep into human lungs. The results showed disturbing trends, with Spanish Town recording the highest eight-year average concentration at 22.3 micrograms per cubic meter—more than double the WHO’s recommended threshold. Montego Bay followed at 13.5 micrograms, while Kingston and St. Andrew measured 10.34 micrograms at the Constant Spring monitoring site.

    Dr. Williams identified multiple contributing factors to Jamaica’s air quality challenges, including seasonal Saharan dust events during summer months, vehicle emissions, traffic congestion, open burning of rubbish, and fires. She particularly emphasized that urban centers struggle with pollution because they “were not originally designed to accommodate today’s volume of vehicles and traffic, leading to visible smoke and smog in densely populated zones.”

    The researcher stressed that establishing reliable baseline data is essential for guiding public policy and shaping future environmental interventions. “This research provides critical baseline data for Jamaica,” Williams explained during a recent Jamaica Information Service ‘Think Tank’ session. “It helps us understand the current state of air quality and offers evidence that can inform public policy, future research, and environmental management strategies.”

    The study serves as a precursor to further investigation into how prolonged exposure to polluted air may influence long-term respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic sinus disease. Without immediate targeted interventions backed by continuous monitoring and expanded studies in collaboration with NEPA and the Ministry of Health and Wellness, experts warn that air pollution levels risk remaining persistently above recommended standards, potentially creating a public health emergency.

  • iPrint donates $7m to support Melissa recovery at Park Mountain Primary

    iPrint donates $7m to support Melissa recovery at Park Mountain Primary

    In a significant development for educational recovery, Park Mountain Primary and Infant School in St. Elizabeth has received a substantial $7 million donation from the iPrint Group of Companies. This contribution, facilitated through the National Education Trust (NET), represents a major step forward in restoring the institution’s hurricane-damaged infrastructure and learning environments.

    The philanthropic initiative comes as a direct response to the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, which severely disrupted educational activities across Jamaica. The funding will specifically target the rehabilitation of critical facilities, ensuring the school can reestablish safe and effective teaching conditions for both students and staff.

    Stephen Steele, Chairman of iPrint Group, articulated the company’s philosophical approach to corporate social responsibility during the presentation ceremony. “Recognizing the hurricane’s disruptive impact on education, we determined that supporting recovery efforts represented both an ethical imperative and strategic investment in national development,” Steele stated. He further praised Principal Carlene Williams-Heath’s resilient leadership throughout the crisis period.

    The iPrint executive additionally issued a compelling call to action for broader private sector involvement, emphasizing that contributions could extend beyond financial support to include expertise, resources, or volunteer time.

    Official remarks from NET’s Director of Donor and Partnership Management, delivered by Projects Coordinator Danielle Drummond, contextualized the donation within Jamaica’s larger educational landscape. The statement highlighted the “significant damage” sustained by multiple institutions and stressed the necessity of collaborative recovery approaches involving government, private entities, and diaspora communities.

    Principal Williams-Heath characterized the donation as both timely and transformative for the institution’s restoration timeline. “This support arrives at our most critical juncture and will substantially accelerate our rebuilding initiatives,” she noted. The educational leader emphasized the direct correlation between physical infrastructure and learning outcomes, confirming the funds would help maintain environments where students can continue their academic development without disruption.

  • Colombia says 80 troops on crashed aircraft, many feared dead

    Colombia says 80 troops on crashed aircraft, many feared dead

    A Colombian Air Force C-130 Hercules transport aircraft crashed moments after takeoff from Puerto Leguizamo on Monday, triggering a massive emergency response amid conflicting casualty reports. The aircraft, carrying approximately 80 military personnel, went down in a forested area near the southern border with Ecuador, with initial reports indicating potential survivors among the wreckage.

    Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez confirmed the tragedy through official channels, expressing ‘profound sorrow’ while emphasizing that exact casualty figures and crash causation remain under investigation. Military rescue units were immediately dispatched to the remote crash site, where television footage depicted a severely damaged fuselage engulfed in flames within a jungle clearing.

    The incident occurred in a strategically sensitive region where Colombian and Ecuadorian armed forces have intensified counter-narcotics operations against drug trafficking organizations and armed militias. The area has witnessed elevated military activity in recent weeks as both nations collaborate to combat transnational criminal enterprises.

    This marks the second catastrophic incident involving a C-130 Hercules in South America within a month, following the February 27 crash of a Bolivian military cargo plane that resulted in 24 fatalities during landing procedures near La Paz. The Hercules aircraft, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, represents one of aviation’s most enduring transport platforms, renowned for its short-field capabilities and versatility in transporting troops and equipment to remote locations.

    Aviation safety investigators are expected to examine multiple factors including mechanical failure, operational conditions, and potential external threats in determining the crash’s etiology. The four-engine turboprop remains a workhorse for military operations worldwide despite this recent tragedy.

  • NWC announces water regulations areas of Kingston, effective Monday

    NWC announces water regulations areas of Kingston, effective Monday

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Water Commission (NWC) has enacted stringent service restrictions for communities dependent on the Constant Spring System, implementing an alternating 12-hour water supply schedule effective immediately. This emergency measure responds to critically declining water levels at the Hermitage Dam, which continue to diminish despite recent rainfall and now approach the dangerous threshold of 65 percent capacity.

    The NWC’s regulatory division has strategically segmented the Constant Spring network into two distinct operational zones. Upper Constant Spring encompasses areas situated above the Ministry of Justice, while Lower Constant Spring covers regions below this geographical marker.

    According to the published timetable, upper sector communities including Duhaney Park, Patrick City, Pembroke Hall, and sections of Havendale and Meadowbrook will receive water provision from 6:00 pm to 6:00 am daily. Conversely, lower sector areas such as Half Way Tree, Hagley Park Road, Maxfield Avenue, and Cockburn Gardens will have access from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.

    Commission officials revealed that approximately 133 water supply systems across Jamaica currently demonstrate vulnerability to arid conditions, with potential for additional restrictions if hydrological conditions deteriorate further. Monitoring data indicates several systems are experiencing lower inflow rates compared to the same period last year, necessitating proactive conservation measures.

    The Mona Reservoir system remains stable at approximately 85 percent capacity, allowing normal operations to continue for its service areas. The NWC urges affected residents to diligently observe the regulation schedule, implement water conservation practices, and store adequate supplies during their allocated service windows.

    Recommended conservation measures include promptly repairing household leaks, installing water-saving devices, reusing grey water for non-potable purposes, and practicing continuous water preservation. The Commission maintains its commitment to ongoing system surveillance and will provide public updates as hydrological conditions evolve.

  • OECS welcomes first direct flight to Africa

    OECS welcomes first direct flight to Africa

    CASTRIES, St. Lucia — A new chapter in South-South cooperation has commenced as the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) celebrates the inaugural large-scale commercial flight directly connecting the Caribbean to the African continent. The landmark journey departed from Robert Bradshaw International Airport in St. Kitts, carrying a high-level delegation of over 100 dignitaries from eight Caribbean nations.

    The Nigeria-based Aquarian Consult Limited orchestrated this transformative flight, which transported prominent business leaders, government officials, and cultural icons directly to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Sunday. The OECS Commission, headquartered in St. Lucia, hailed this achievement as a monumental step toward regional integration and economic empowerment.

    Aisha Maina, Managing Director of Aquarian Consult, encapsulated the historical significance: “We are no longer just dreaming of a bridge between our two regions; we are flying over it. This flight carries the future of Afri-Caribbean trade, tourism, and shared prosperity.”

    This pioneering route establishes a direct transatlantic connection that dramatically reduces travel time from over 30 hours to a single hop, bypassing traditional layovers in Europe or North America. The OECS emphasized that this flight represents more than mere transportation—it symbolizes a “Reverse Middle Passage” that asserts direct economic and cultural ties between the regions.

    The flight serves as the official prelude to the upcoming Afri-Caribbean Investment Summit (AACIS), scheduled from March 23–28 at Abuja’s Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre. Delegates will engage in high-level bilateral discussions focusing on agricultural innovation, blue economy collaboration, cultural exchange, and transformative investment opportunities.

    This breakthrough establishes a primary economic corridor between the OECS and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), significantly cementing diplomatic and trade relations while demonstrating the commercial viability of permanent air links between the Global Africa family.

  • St George’s appoints alumnus Andrew Price as technical director of football

    St George’s appoints alumnus Andrew Price as technical director of football

    In a strategic move to revitalize its football program, St George’s College (STGC) has announced the landmark appointment of Andrew Price, a revered alumnus and decorated coach, as its new Technical Director. This appointment represents a significant homecoming for Price, a two-time ‘Triple Champion’ for the institution’s ‘Light Blues’ team.

    Set to commence his tenure on April 1, 2026, following the closure of the ongoing schoolboy football season, Price will provide comprehensive leadership across all tiers of the STGC football ecosystem. His mandate encompasses the Under-14 and Under-16 squads, extending to the flagship Manning Cup team. A primary objective is to institute a cohesive and unified playing philosophy while championing the holistic development of student-athletes.

    The school’s principal, Margaret Campbell, publicly expressed enthusiasm regarding the appointment. Campbell characterized the decision as a strategic initiative designed to positively influence youth development. She articulated high expectations for Price’s leadership in synchronizing training methodologies and cultivating an entrenched culture of excellence in both athletic and academic pursuits.

    Price arrives with an illustrious portfolio boasting over three decades of success spanning school, premier club, and international football coaching. His most recent role was as head coach of the Calabar High School football program. His contributions to Jamaican football have been nationally recognized with the prestigious Order of Distinction (OD).

    Reflecting on his return to the North Street institution, Price described the opportunity as a ‘profound honour.’ He outlined an ambitious vision centered on the implementation of a detailed 3-5 year development plan. This strategy aims not only to restore St George’s College to the apex of competitive schoolboy football but also to focus on mentoring emerging talent, shaping them into well-rounded student-athletes and committed patriots.