KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Works Agency (NWA) has announced a temporary closure of Central Avenue in St Andrew to carry out critical drainage improvement works. The road will be shut down for 10 hours each day on Saturday and Sunday, from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. Central Avenue, a vital thoroughfare connecting Constant Spring Road to West Avenue and providing access to Queens High School, will be inaccessible to vehicular traffic during this period. Residents needing to access their properties will be permitted entry via West Avenue. Stephen Shaw, Manager of Communication and Customer Services at the NWA, emphasized that the project aims to mitigate frequent flooding issues along Central Avenue, particularly during heavy rainfall. The works are scheduled for the weekend of October 4 and 5. Motorists are urged to exercise caution, adhere to flagmen’s instructions, and follow posted warning signs to ensure safety during the closure.
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Facebook, Instagram to offer paid ad-free UK subscriptions
In a significant move to align with regulatory requirements, Meta has announced that Facebook and Instagram users in the United Kingdom will soon have the option to purchase ad-free subscriptions. This initiative, set to roll out in the coming weeks, mirrors a model already implemented across the European Union. UK users can opt out of personalized ads by paying a monthly fee of £2.99 ($4) via the web or £3.99 through iOS and Android apps. The company emphasized that this subscription model offers users greater control over their ad preferences, aligning with recent UK regulatory guidance. Notably, the UK pricing is more affordable compared to the EU, where ad-free subscriptions start at 5.99 euros ($7) per month. Meta first introduced this ad-free option in the EU in late 2023 to comply with stricter regulations aimed at curbing the influence of big tech companies. Historically, Meta has relied heavily on selling user data to advertisers, a practice that has sparked numerous disputes with regulators over data privacy concerns. Last year, the European data regulator mandated that Meta cannot compel users to pay for data protection, prompting the company to revise its approach. While Meta criticized what it termed as regulatory ‘overreach’ in the EU, it praised the ‘constructive approach’ of the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). The ICO acknowledged that the subscription model would enable Meta to adhere to UK data protection laws.
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Technology outage impacting several services at VM Building Society branches
KINGSTON, Jamaica — VM Building Society, a prominent financial institution in Jamaica, experienced significant service disruptions on Friday due to a widespread technology outage. The incident forced the delayed opening of all branches until 10:00 am, with extended operating hours until 4:00 pm to accommodate affected customers. The outage impacted critical services, including online banking, ABM access, and point-of-sale transactions, rendering them temporarily unavailable. The bank assured members that updates on service restoration would be provided by 10:00 am. Customers visiting branches were advised to anticipate longer wait times due to the disruption. VM Building Society issued an apology for the inconvenience, expressing gratitude for members’ patience and continued support as their technical team worked diligently to resolve the issue.
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Caribbean is a zone of peace, says Dominica’s president
Amid escalating tensions due to the growing presence of United States naval forces near Venezuela’s coast, Dominica’s President Sylvanie Burton has reaffirmed the Caribbean as a zone of peace. Speaking at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Burton emphasized the need for diplomatic solutions to resolve disputes between the US and Venezuela. She warned that any military conflict in the region would have devastating consequences for the Caribbean and Latin America, urging global powers to seek alternative paths to peace. The US has justified its naval buildup as part of efforts to combat drug trafficking in the Caribbean. However, recent US strikes on alleged drug boats have raised concerns about potential aggression toward Venezuelan territory. Venezuela has accused the US of conducting an undeclared war and has called for a UN investigation into the strikes, which reportedly killed over a dozen alleged drug traffickers. The situation underscores the fragile geopolitical dynamics in the region and the urgent need for dialogue to prevent further escalation.
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Dominica reiterates solidarity with Haiti
During the 80th Session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly Debate on Thursday, Dominica’s President Sylvanie Burton reaffirmed her nation’s unwavering support for Haiti, Cuba, and Venezuela, emphasizing the need for sovereignty, justice, and international solidarity. Burton highlighted Haiti’s historical significance in the fight for freedom and justice, stating that the current crisis in Haiti transcends regional boundaries and demands a united global response. She called for a Haitian-led transition process, supported by the UN, to achieve lasting peace and stability. Burton also condemned the long-standing economic embargo against Cuba, describing it as unjust and outdated, and urged its immediate revocation. She reiterated Dominica’s solidarity with Cuba, emphasizing its right to self-determination. Additionally, Burton denounced external interference in Venezuela’s internal affairs and the imposition of sanctions, advocating for respect for its sovereignty. She also expressed concern over the presence of US military assets in the Caribbean, urging restraint and adherence to international law. As the UN marked its 80th anniversary, Burton called for systemic reforms to ensure small and developing nations have a meaningful voice in global decision-making. She emphasized the importance of diplomacy, shared values, and a rules-based international order to promote peace, development, and human rights.
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Tourism minister highlights importance of youth engagement in sectoral developments
KINGSTON, Jamaica—In a bid to shape the future of tourism, Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett has emphasized the critical need for industry stakeholders to actively involve the nation’s youth in meaningful conversations about the sector’s evolution. This call to action was highlighted during the World Tourism Day 2025 Youth Forum, held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St. James, which saw the participation of over 300 students from across the island. Organized by the Tourism Ministry and its affiliated agencies, the event aimed to engage students, particularly members of Tourism Action Clubs (TAC), in substantive discussions on tourism’s role in national and global developments. This year’s forum, commemorating World Tourism Day on September 27, focused on the theme ‘Tourism and Sustainable Transformation.’ Minister Bartlett, speaking to JIS News, stressed that the event was designed to foster intellectual exchange between tourism stakeholders and the youth, encouraging them to explore sustainability in both action and thought. He highlighted the importance of young people generating innovative ideas and processes that align with sustainability practices. The Minister also praised TAC members for embracing sustainability principles, which are rooted in the pillars of planet, people, and prosperity. Donovan White, Tourism Director at the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), underscored the pivotal role of youth in the industry’s future. He noted that the forum provides a platform for students to learn about tourism, interact with experts, and dispel misconceptions about careers in the sector. White emphasized that tourism encompasses a diverse range of high-paying and skilled professions, including doctors, engineers, architects, and entrepreneurs, all of whom contribute to the industry’s ecosystem. The forum featured panel discussions, interactive sessions, and creative showcases, offering students a comprehensive understanding of the sector’s potential.
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Senior citizens feted on National Grandparents Days
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Senior citizens from across Jamaica gathered for a festive celebration of National Grandparents Day, marked by camaraderie, entertainment, and heartfelt appreciation. The event, now in its third year, took place on Sunday, September 21, at the Verandah at Juici Patties Empowerment Park in Clarendon. Organized by Juici Patties in partnership with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and the National Council for Senior Citizens (NCSC), the occasion highlighted the importance of honoring the elderly in society. Attendees enjoyed cocktails, a delectable meal, and lively music from the 1960s to the 1980s, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. Activities included joke-telling, riddle-solving, and friendly competitions, with prizes awarded for the most grandchildren and special recognition for the oldest male and female grandparents. Audrey Deer-Williams, Chief Technical Director at the Ministry, emphasized the event’s goal of promoting active and healthy aging. She praised seniors as custodians of history and culture, underscoring their continued contributions to society. Deer-Williams also highlighted government initiatives to ensure seniors are treated with dignity and respect. Edith Chin, Custos Rotolorum for Clarendon and Director of Juici Patties, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to host the event and foster intergenerational learning. She lauded the seniors for their legacy and service to the nation, reaffirming the community’s commitment to their well-being.
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Assata Shakur, wanted Black Liberation Army member, dies in Cuba
Assata Shakur, a prominent figure in the Black Liberation Army (BLA) and a convicted murderer in the 1973 killing of a New Jersey state trooper, has passed away in Cuba at the age of 78. Shakur, also known as Joanne Chesimard, was found guilty of first-degree murder for the death of Trooper Werner Foerster during a shootout on the New Jersey Turnpike. In 1979, after serving two years of a life sentence, she escaped from a New Jersey prison with the assistance of fellow BLA members and sought refuge in Cuba, where she was granted asylum by then-President Fidel Castro. Her presence in Cuba has been a persistent source of tension between the Cuban and U.S. governments. Shakur remained a high-profile fugitive, securing a permanent place on the New Jersey state police’s most wanted list and later becoming the first woman on the FBI’s most wanted terrorists list. According to the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs, she died in Havana due to health complications and advanced age. Shakur’s life was marked by her activism against sexism and racism prior to her conviction, making her a polarizing figure—condemned by law enforcement yet revered by certain activist groups.
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Mark Golding to continue serving as PNP president
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Mark Golding has secured his position as the president of the People’s National Party (PNP) after the nomination process for the role officially concluded at noon on Friday. With no challengers emerging, Golding’s leadership remains unchallenged, ensuring continuity for the party. Additionally, the PNP announced that four individuals have been nominated for vice president positions: Mikael Phillips, Member of Parliament for Manchester Northwest; Ian Hayles, Member of Parliament for Westmoreland Western; Natalie Neita Garvey, Member of Parliament for St Catherine North Central; and Mayor Norman Scott, chairman of the St Catherine Municipal Corporation. Since all positions received sufficient nominations, the party confirmed that no elections will be necessary. The PNP also extended gratitude to Senator Donna Scott Mottley, who chose not to seek re-election as vice president. The party praised her distinguished service and pivotal role in recent election campaigns. Looking ahead, the PNP will hold its two-day National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on October 4–5, followed by annual regional conferences and the election of regional officers. The party’s calendar of activities will culminate in a one-day private session of the annual conference on November 30, 2025.
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Leiba takes helm of Jamaica Chamber of Commerce
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC) has announced Emile Leiba, managing partner at DunnCox, as its new president for the 2025/2026 term. This leadership transition follows the completion of two successful terms by outgoing president Phillip Ramson. Leiba, a seasoned attorney with over 20 years of expertise in corporate and commercial law, is set to bring a unique combination of legal proficiency and business insight to the role. His extensive experience in financial regulation, mergers and acquisitions, and governance aligns seamlessly with the chamber’s focus on advocacy and policy-driven initiatives.
During the annual general meeting, Warren McDonald, chair and director of elections, confirmed Leiba’s uncontested election, stating, ‘As Mr. Leiba is the only nominee, it is my duty to announce his election as president for the 2025/2026 term.’
The chamber also unveiled its new leadership team, including Martha Miller, CEO of National Rums of Jamaica, as first vice-president; Jonathan Swire, deputy chairman of Delta Supply Company, as second vice-president; Colonel (Retired) Jamie Ogilvie, vice-president at Jamaica Broilers, as third vice-president; and Janine Chin, a senior pharmaceutical executive, as fourth vice-president. John Butler, executive director at EY Jamaica, was appointed honorary treasurer to oversee financial matters.
Additionally, eight directors were elected to the board, representing a diverse range of industries and expertise. Outgoing president Phillip Ramson reflected on his tenure, highlighting achievements in advocacy, trade facilitation, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises. ‘It has been a true honour to serve as president of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce…This has been a journey of collaboration, resilience, and shared vision,’ he remarked.
Ramson expressed confidence in the chamber’s future, stating that it is ‘positioned for even greater impact’ under Leiba’s leadership. The transition comes as the JCC continues to advocate for tax reforms, improved public procurement access for SMEs, and enhanced support for businesses undergoing digital transformation.