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  • Hurricane chaser committed to keeping global spotlight on Jamaica’s recovery

    Hurricane chaser committed to keeping global spotlight on Jamaica’s recovery

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Renowned hurricane chaser Josh Morgerman has made an exceptional return visit to Jamaica months after Category 5 Hurricane Melissa devastated the island, focusing particularly on the hardest-hit parishes of St Elizabeth and Westmoreland. Partnering with Mandeville’s Golf View Hotel, Morgerman hosted a fireside chat designed to maintain international awareness and support during the prolonged rebuilding phase.

    Morgerman, who experienced Melissa’s full force in St Elizabeth, explained his unusual decision: “Typically I don’t revisit countries after hurricanes. The only precedent was following the devastating 2013 Philippines typhoon. Having witnessed both the destruction and remarkable resilience of Jamaicans during this supreme hurricane, I felt compelled to contribute further.”

    His mission centers on preventing global attention from fading before recovery concludes. Through appearances on WeatherNation, Morgerman aims to keep the Jamaican diaspora and potential donors informed about ongoing efforts. “Recovery requires sustained time and effort,” he emphasized. “Without visible international coverage, people forget about disasters like Melissa, and crucial relief funding diminishes.”

    During his presentation, which included footage from his YouTube documentary, Morgerman analyzed structural vulnerabilities exposed by the storm. “Wood frame structures proved completely inadequate against Melissa’s fury. Roofing systems emerged as particularly critical weaknesses,” he stated, advocating for concrete roofing systems and describing hurricane-resistant construction as “a new religion” for vulnerable regions.

    While acknowledging the Meteorological Service of Jamaica’s adequate and frequent warnings, Morgerman noted widespread public skepticism about the hurricane’s severity. “Many disregarded the extreme warnings, but post-Melissa, I believe credibility issues regarding hurricane warnings will be eliminated for generations.”

    Audience members challenged this optimism, suggesting skepticism would return once the “9-day wonder” of the hurricane faded. This sparked recommendations for a national public education campaign to improve hurricane preparedness and response to early warnings.

    Golf View Hotel co-owner Kemilee Mclymont-Campbell endorsed this initiative, stating: “We hosted this dialogue to contribute to national disaster readiness and resilience. Sharing experiences and building recovery partnerships delivers tremendous value.”

  • James Van Der Beek, star of ‘Dawson’s Creek,’ dies at 48

    James Van Der Beek, star of ‘Dawson’s Creek,’ dies at 48

    NEW YORK — James Van Der Beek, the acclaimed actor renowned for his portrayal of Dawson Leery in the iconic teen drama “Dawson’s Creek,” has passed away at the age of 48. His family confirmed his peaceful passing on Wednesday following a courageous confrontation with colorectal cancer.

    A heartfelt announcement posted on the actor’s official Instagram account conveyed the somber news to his global fanbase. “Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace,” the statement read, accompanied by a recent photograph of the actor smiling warmly in a white top and cardigan. The post was jointly shared by his wife, Kimberly.

    The performer’s cancer diagnosis, which he had publicly disclosed earlier in 2024, culminated in a battle fought with characteristic dignity. Van Der Beek is survived by his spouse and their six children, who have requested privacy during this period of profound grief.

    While the Connecticut-born actor achieved international recognition through his seminal role in the WB network’s coming-of-age series (1998-2003), his subsequent career demonstrated remarkable versatility. Memorable performances in films including “Varsity Blues” and “The Rules of Attraction” showcased his range beyond the iconic character that launched his career.

    In a 2011 interview with Page Six, Van Der Beek reflected philosophically on his association with the Dawson character, stating: “Overall, I’ve worn my past with pride rather than seeing it as something to get rid of.” This perspective characterized his approach to an entertainment career that spanned over two decades across television, film, and theater.

    The family’s statement concluded with a promise of future communications: “There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come.” For now, the entertainment community and fans worldwide mourn the loss of an artist who defined a generation of television storytelling.

  • Crawford commends police for apprehension of suspect in connection with three murders in Manchester

    Crawford commends police for apprehension of suspect in connection with three murders in Manchester

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – Manchester Central Member of Parliament Rhoda Moy Crawford has publicly commended the Jamaica Constabulary Force for their rapid response in apprehending a suspect linked to multiple homicide cases, including a February 1 double murder that had shaken local communities.

    In an official statement released Wednesday, Crawford expressed both relief and encouragement following the law enforcement breakthrough, noting that additional persons of interest have been identified and urged to surrender voluntarily. The recent violent incidents had generated widespread concern and anxiety among Manchester residents, creating an atmosphere of unease throughout the parish.

    Crawford specifically recognized Manchester Division Commanding Officer Carey Duncan and his team for their coordinated efforts, highlighting their professional conduct and steadfast dedication to restoring public order. “The prompt response from JCF has provided substantial reassurance to our communities during this difficult time,” the parliamentarian stated.

    Emphasizing the collaborative nature of public safety, Crawford called for continued cooperation between citizens and law enforcement authorities. She urged residents to share any potentially relevant information that could assist ongoing investigations into the violent crimes.

    The MP concluded with a message of regional resilience: “Manchester possesses inherent strength. Through collective vigilance and partnership, we will not only overcome this challenging period but emerge with safer, more unified communities.”

  • US top official in Venezuela for oil talks after leader’s ouster

    US top official in Venezuela for oil talks after leader’s ouster

    CARACAS, Venezuela — In a significant diplomatic overture, United States Energy Secretary Chris Wright conducted high-level discussions in Caracas on Wednesday with Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez and key oil industry executives. The landmark meeting focused on strategies to revitalize Venezuela’s enormous crude oil reserves, which rank as the world’s largest.

    This visit represents the most senior Trump administration official to enter Venezuela since US special forces orchestrated the overthrow of socialist leader Nicolás Maduro on January 3. President Trump has conditionally endorsed Rodríguez as interim leader, contingent upon her administration complying with Washington’s requirements including granting US access to Venezuelan petroleum resources and reducing state-sponsored repression.

    The US Embassy publicly welcomed Wright’s arrival via social media, stating: “Your visit is key to advancing @POTUS’s vision of a prosperous Venezuela.” The embassy further emphasized that American private sector involvement would be “essential to boost the oil sector, modernize the electric grid, and unlock Venezuela’s enormous potential.” Official photographs captured Wright’s arrival at Maiquetía International Airport alongside Laura Dogu, the newly appointed US chargé d’affaires in Venezuela.

    According to the US Department of Energy, Wright’s itinerary included inspections of Venezuelan oil fields as part of efforts to “advance President Trump’s mission to restore prosperity, safety, and security for Venezuela, the United States, and the entire Western Hemisphere.”

    Venezuela’s oil industry presents both extraordinary potential and formidable challenges. The nation possesses proven reserves exceeding 303 billion barrels—approximately one-fifth of global oil reserves—according to OPEC data. However, years of chronic underinvestment, economic mismanagement, and international sanctions have crippled production capabilities. By 2024, Venezuela’s output had dwindled to merely one percent of worldwide crude production.

    Recent developments have created new opportunities for cooperation. The Trump administration relaxed sanctions on Venezuelan oil last month following Rodríguez’s implementation of legislation opening the state-controlled energy sector to private investment. President Trump has articulated ambitions for US oil corporations to rapidly reconstruct Venezuela’s energy infrastructure and increase production by millions of barrels daily.

    Trump has proposed a profit-sharing arrangement, stating: “We’re going to be selling a lot of oil, and we’ll take some, and they’ll take a lot. They’re going to make more money than they’ve ever made, and it’s going to be beneficial to us.”

    Energy Secretary Wright praised Venezuela’s newly enacted hydrocarbons law in recent comments to Politico, describing the legislation as “a gesture of improvement already very early on in this new relationship between the US and Venezuela.” He added that both governments “want to see investment coming into Venezuela.”

    The US Treasury Department reinforced this diplomatic shift on Tuesday by issuing licenses permitting certain transactions involving Venezuela’s government and state oil company PDVSA. These authorizations specifically enable provisions of goods, technology, and software essential for oil and gas exploration, development, and production.

    Despite these developments, significant obstacles remain. Potential investors face persistent political instability, security concerns, and the substantial capital requirements needed to restore production capacity in a deteriorated energy sector.

  • ‘Don’t chicken out’

    ‘Don’t chicken out’

    Amid the global upheaval of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, Nekeisha Graham made a life-altering decision to redirect her educational funds toward entrepreneurial ambitions, establishing Niki’s Yolk poultry operation. The 38-year-old Jamaican entrepreneur has navigated a complex business landscape over five years, transforming challenges into opportunities while building a thriving agricultural enterprise.

    Graham’s inspiration emerged from dual sources: a poultry-farming coworker whose daily egg deliveries captured her imagination, and her father’s agricultural background. When pandemic conditions forced educational institutions online and left her tuition unpaid, she strategically repurposed these resources to launch her business with approximately $1 million initial investment.

    The venture faced unconventional startup hurdles, with labor shortages and bird sourcing proving more problematic than capital acquisition. Graham established operations in her native St. Ann parish, relying on family support systems when commercial labor proved scarce. Her mother assumed daily management responsibilities while Graham coordinated logistics from Kingston, transporting essential supplies weekly and participating hands-on during visits.

    While the pandemic era provided relative stability, subsequent environmental challenges tested the business’s resilience. After relocating operations to Kingston in April 2024, Hurricane Beryl’s July arrival caused production disruptions through bird trauma and laying cessation. The compounding impact of Hurricane Melissa in October 2025 further damaged infrastructure, particularly at the St. Ann location, while power outages crippled egg production cycles dependent on nightly electrical access.

    Global market forces introduced additional complexity, with avian flu outbreaks in the United States creating regional bird shortages that constrained restocking efforts. Despite these multidimensional challenges, Graham maintains determined recovery efforts, noting: “We have managed to slowly build back… with the little that we have we are trying to maintain them.”

    Although profitable, the business has delayed Graham’s academic ambitions. Rather than resuming graduate studies, she has reinvested earnings into additional business ventures. Holding an undergraduate degree in tourism, hospitality and entertainment management, she now contemplates legal or business administration education to enhance her entrepreneurial capabilities.

    As a female industry pioneer, Graham describes overwhelmingly positive reception, crediting social media engagement for expanding her reach to nearly 200,000 TikTok followers (@nekeishagraham/Niki’s Yolk), including substantial African audiences offering encouragement and support. Current priorities include securing land ownership through governmental channels like the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) to transition from leased properties to self-owned operational bases.

    Her advice to aspiring poultry farmers emphasizes determined incremental progress: “Don’t let anything stop you. It’s a good business to go in to. Just be focused… You don’t need to start big, start small… Go for it, it will work.”

  • Jamaica to produce avocados year-round with new grafting process

    Jamaica to produce avocados year-round with new grafting process

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica stands on the precipice of an agricultural revolution as advanced tree grafting techniques promise to transform the nation’s avocado industry. Through a strategic collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining and the Trees that Feed Foundation, researchers have successfully introduced three innovative avocado cultivars specifically engineered to eliminate seasonal production gaps.

    The groundbreaking horticultural work, currently underway at the Bodles Research Station, represents the culmination of extensive international scientific cooperation. Over more than twelve months, researchers navigated complex quarantine protocols and coordinated with agricultural experts from the Dominican Republic to secure these specialized varieties.

    This scientific breakthrough carries significant implications beyond mere seasonal availability. The initiative fundamentally strengthens Jamaica’s food security infrastructure while providing substantial economic opportunities for local farming communities. By developing agricultural resilience through these improved cultivars, Jamaica positions itself for enhanced export capabilities in international markets.

    The research foundation emphasized that following successful completion of the current experimental phase, these innovative avocado varieties will be distributed to agricultural producers across the island. This dissemination strategy ensures that both small-scale farmers and larger agricultural enterprises can benefit from these scientific advancements, potentially transforming Jamaica’s agricultural landscape and economic prospects.

  • Gov’t steps up monitoring as Cuban outages disrupt Jamaican students

    Gov’t steps up monitoring as Cuban outages disrupt Jamaican students

    The Jamaican government has escalated its daily monitoring of the deteriorating situation in Cuba, where widespread blackouts are severely disrupting essential services and education. Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson Smith revealed during a post-Cabinet briefing that concerns are mounting for over 300 Jamaican students facing suspended classes, unreliable online learning, and dwindling access to basic necessities due to Cuba’s severe fuel shortages.

    Minister Johnson Smith detailed that ‘frequent, lengthy and unpredictable electricity interruptions’ are crippling daily life, impacting not only education but also the availability of food, medical supplies, and transportation. The crisis has forced some educational institutions to close for extended periods, while others struggle with virtual instruction hampered by chronic internet failures.

    Of the Jamaican student population in Cuba, 44 are government scholarship recipients while 256 are privately funded. At least 13 private students have already returned home. To enhance coordination, the Foreign Ministry established a dedicated WhatsApp group connecting approximately 320 students with officials in Kingston and the Jamaican Embassy in Havana. This initiative has successfully registered previously undocumented private students, creating comprehensive awareness of all Jamaican students in Cuba.

    The embassy has formally contacted Cuban authorities through diplomatic channels seeking guidance on student facilitation measures, including the critical question of academic transcript availability should students need to transfer institutions. While an official response remains pending, informal advice suggests students must negotiate directly with their individual universities.

    Compounding the crisis, international travel to Cuba faces potential suspension as airlines receive notifications about jet fuel shortages. Air Canada has already announced flight suspensions, prompting Jamaican authorities to advise students to consult with families and prepare for emergency departure if necessary.

    The Jamaican Cabinet is evaluating support mechanisms for scholarship students facing prolonged disruption, while exploring whether local tertiary institutions could accommodate privately funded students seeking transfers. The government maintains continuous communication with students while monitoring the evolving situation closely.

  • 97.5% customers restored, fewer than 17,000 still without power, says JPS boss

    97.5% customers restored, fewer than 17,000 still without power, says JPS boss

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s national power provider has entered the conclusive phase of its extensive recovery operation following October’s devastating Hurricane Melissa. Jamaica Public Service (JPS) CEO Hugh Grant confirmed that 97.5% of the utility’s customer base—representing over 673,000 households—has been successfully reconnected to the electrical grid. The announcement came during a national press briefing on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone in the country’s rebuilding efforts.

    Grant detailed the coordinated multinational response that enabled this rapid restoration, highlighting collaborations between local crews, international emergency teams, government agencies, and community leadership. The CEO emphasized that this achievement resulted from strategic infrastructure investments, technological enhancements, and meticulous disaster preparedness protocols rather than accidental success.

    Current data indicates fewer than 17,000 customers remain without electricity, primarily concentrated in the hardest-hit parishes of Westmoreland (9,341 customers) and St. Elizabeth (6,370 customers) where hurricane damage inflicted severe infrastructure destruction.

    The power company has established an ambitious timeline to reconnect approximately 7,000 additional customers by February’s conclusion, which would reduce the total without power below 10,000. Grant simultaneously acknowledged technical challenges, noting many properties require structural repairs before safe electrical reconnection can occur.

    Addressing affected residents directly, the CEO stated: “We see you, we hear you, we care about you. Work will not cease until every household is restored.” JPS has projected final reconnections will occur between March and April 2026, contingent upon individual property readiness assessments.

    Grant concluded with a firm commitment: “Success for us is every household once again being able to live, work and care for family with the dignity, comfort and opportunity that reliable electricity provides.”

  • ‘Always listening’ AI pendants debut in Europe to skepticism

    ‘Always listening’ AI pendants debut in Europe to skepticism

    PARIS – The controversial AI-powered pendant from tech startup Friend has arrived in Europe, generating significant privacy concerns under the European Union’s stringent data protection regulations. Following a contentious launch in the United States, the always-listening wearable device now faces scrutiny from European authorities and public skepticism.

    The Paris metro system has recently been saturated with provocative advertisements for the device, featuring promises of constant companionship such as ‘I’ll always be up for grabbing coffee with you.’ French-American founder Avi Schiffmann specifically targeted the French capital for this aggressive marketing campaign after similar efforts in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago.

    Schiffmann defended the controversial approach, telling AFP: ‘These provocative campaigns in the metro, especially when people react by writing on them or tearing them down, result in us having a conversation. It’s very cool to see.’

    The distinctive circular white device, designed to be worn around the neck, features an always-active microphone that continuously monitors both the user and their surroundings. This audio data provides context for Google’s Gemini AI model to generate responses on the user’s smartphone, often characterized by snarky commentary and unconventional humor.

    French journalist Charlotte Vautier, who tested the device ahead of its EU release, described the experience as ‘bewildering’ and noted: ‘Unlike other AIs, it’s quite cutting, it makes slightly strange jokes. It’s like an old buddy who’s honest with you and takes you down a peg or two.’

    Despite the aggressive marketing, the actual popularity remains unclear. Fortune magazine estimates only 3,000 devices were sold in the US, though Schiffmann claims over 200,000 active users without specifying device sales.

    The device’s arrival in Europe at a price point of €113 places it directly under GDPR scrutiny. Before use, users must consent to record people around them without obtaining permission from those individuals. The pendant cannot be switched off, and the indicator light remains permanently active, raising questions about continuous data collection even when the connected application is closed.

    Jeremie Iordanoff, a French Green Party MP, has called for an investigation by France’s CNIL data protection authority, stating there is ‘strong suspicion that Friend does not fulfill its obligations to respect users’ privacy.’

    The CNIL confirmed to AFP that the pendant raises significant questions regarding ‘how data is used, where it’s stored, how it’s secured and how it could be reused for training AI systems,’ and plans to contact the company about GDPR compliance.

    Public reaction in Paris has mirrored earlier responses in the US, with many posters being torn down or defaced with anti-AI messages. Digital expert Fabrice Epelboin described these actions as ‘a widespread neo-Luddite reaction,’ noting that ‘it’s easier to have a go at a poster in the metro than at a data center in a distant suburb.’

    Despite the controversy, the 23-year-old founder remains optimistic about AI companionship becoming defining technology for younger generations, comparing it to how social media shaped his own generation.

  • Instagram CEO denies addiction claims in landmark US trial

    Instagram CEO denies addiction claims in landmark US trial

    In a pivotal California courtroom confrontation, Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri offered a staunch defense against allegations that social media platforms deliberately engineer addiction in young users. Testifying in a bellwether trial that could reshape legal accountability for tech giants, Mosseri drew sharp distinctions between clinical addiction and what he termed “problematic use” of digital platforms.

    The high-stakes litigation names Meta (parent company of Instagram and Facebook) and Google’s YouTube as defendants, centering on claims that their platforms knowingly hook children for profit. The case specifically involves Kaley G.M., a 20-year-old who allegedly suffered severe mental health consequences after beginning her social media journey with YouTube at age six and Instagram at 11.

    Under rigorous questioning from plaintiff attorney Mark Lanier, Mosseri pushed back against characterizations of Instagram as a dopamine “slot machine” for vulnerable youth. “Protecting minors over the long run is even good for the business and for profit,” Mosseri asserted, rejecting the notion that Meta operates under a “move fast and break things” ethos that prioritizes revenue over safety.

    The testimony unfolded as Stanford University School of Medicine professor Anna Lembke, called by plaintiffs, presented countering evidence describing social media broadly as a “drug” and comparing YouTube to a “gateway drug” for children. She emphasized that underdeveloped adolescent brains predispose youth to take “risks that they shouldn’t.”

    With Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg scheduled to testify February 18 and YouTube CEO Neil Mohan the following day, the proceedings represent a critical juncture for an industry facing over a thousand similar lawsuits alleging platforms contribute to depression, eating disorders, and even suicide among young users. The trial’s outcome, expected by March 20, may establish legal precedents affecting nationwide litigation and regulatory approaches to social media design and accountability.