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KINGSTON, Jamaica – A transformative urban culture initiative is set to roll across Jamaica as the Jamaica Skate Culture Foundation (JSC) launches its national skateboarding tour with a three-day inaugural event in downtown Kingston from December 19-21.

The groundbreaking event will commence at 10:00 AM on Water Lane, featuring an innovative mobile skate park installation designed to provide structured, safety-equipped skateboarding activities at no cost to participants. With particular emphasis on engaging inner-city youth, the program aims to democratize access to recreational sports while fostering community development.

Friday and Saturday programming will specifically target young residents from urban neighborhoods, offering beginner-level skateboarding initiation sessions, supervised group activities with comprehensive protective gear, skate demonstrations, and street art workshops. The initiative takes an interdisciplinary approach to youth engagement through urban culture.

On Sunday, the mobile skate park will integrate with Kingston Creative’s Grand Market – one of the city’s premier cultural events – by installing the facility at the intersection of Church Street and Water Lane. This strategic placement positions skateboarding within a broader creative ecosystem during the market hours.

The Sunday schedule from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM will feature an institutional ceremony attended by distinguished representatives including Kevin Brown, President of the University of Technology, Jamaica (home to the Corporate Area’s sole skate club), alongside diplomatic officials from France and Germany.

This Kingston launch initiates a nationwide tour continuing through 2026, with planned expansions to Portmore, Ocho Rios, Port Antonio, Montego Bay, Negril, Mandeville, and Treasure Beach.

Established in 2020 as a registered charitable organization, the Jamaica Skate Culture Foundation employs skateboarding and urban culture as vehicles for youth development, educational advancement, social inclusion, and violence prevention. The foundation has secured international support, with France funding initial skate park development and instructor training, while Germany enables national mobility through support of the mobile facility.

Beyond immediate youth engagement, the tour serves as an advocacy platform encouraging municipal governments and institutions to invest in permanent public skate parks as sustainable infrastructure for community development. According to foundation founder Remy Walter, the initiative operates ‘at the intersection of sport, education, culture, and social impact’ through international partnerships aimed at building ‘a better Jamaica.’

KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Jamaican athletic community is mourning the loss of revered nonagenarian runner Roy Thomas, who passed away at age 97. Thomas, a fixture in the island’s running scene, was celebrated for his extraordinary longevity and dedication to the sport.

The Reggae Marathon, Jamaica’s premier distance running event, officially announced Thomas’s passing in Kingston through a heartfelt social media tribute on Thursday. The organization honored his legacy as both a perennial participant and fervent supporter, highlighting his role as an inspirational figure for generations of athletes.

Historical participation records indicate Thomas successfully completed numerous marathon and half-marathon events throughout his exceptional running career, demonstrating remarkable physical conditioning and mental determination well into his advanced years.

The tribute concluded with poignant remembrance: “Daddy Roy/ Roy Thomas/ Uncle Roy 1928 – 2025. Gone but never forgotten!” – a testament to the multiple generations of runners who held him in affectionate esteem. His passing marks the conclusion of an era for Jamaica’s fitness community, though his legacy as an exemplar of lifelong wellness and athletic commitment endures.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaican fire safety authorities have issued an urgent public advisory regarding the proper use of household electrical equipment, highlighting significant fire risks associated with common practices. The Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) has intensified its safety campaign following concerns about widespread misuse of extension cords and power devices that could lead to dangerous overheating and residential fires.

Emeleo Ebanks, Public Education Officer and Superintendent at JFB, delivered crucial technical guidance during a recent JIS Think Tank session. He emphasized that standard extension cords, particularly those with two-prong configurations, lack the capacity to handle substantial electrical loads. “Extension cords featuring only two prongs should be avoided entirely,” Ebanks stated. “Consumers must insist on three-prong designs incorporating negative, positive, and grounding connections for basic safety.”

The fire official specifically addressed the dangerous practice of physically altering three-prong plugs to fit outdated two-prong outlets. “Modifying plugs by removing the grounding prong with tools creates immediate fire hazards,” Ebanks warned. “If your electrical outlets cannot accommodate three-prong plugs, they require professional upgrading rather than makeshift solutions.”

Kitchen environments received particular attention in the safety briefing. Ebanks explained that manufacturers intentionally design kitchen appliances with short power cords to discourage extension cord use. High-wattage devices like blenders and mixers demand substantial energy transfer that most extension cords cannot safely conduct, leading to dangerous heat accumulation.

For enhanced protection, authorities recommend specialized equipment including refrigerator guards and certified surge protectors rather than conventional power strips. “Consumers must distinguish between genuine surge protectors and basic power distribution strips,” Ebanks clarified, urging careful product selection during purchases.

The JFB continues to reinforce electrical safety awareness through public education initiatives, aiming to reduce preventable residential fires across Jamaican communities.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In an inspiring display of community solidarity, renowned Jamaican selector Marlon ‘Boom Boom’ Wizard has reimagined his personal birthday celebration into a substantial humanitarian campaign for communities devastated by Hurricane Melissa. The initiative received significant backing from Boom Energy Drink, which contributed over one million Jamaican dollars (approximately $6,400 USD) in essential relief supplies.

The collaborative effort brought together personnel from Wisynco, Boom Energy Drink, Boom Boom’s World Team Ent, and the Boom Sunday Crew, who assembled more than 200 comprehensive care packages on Tuesday. These vital supplies were strategically distributed to severely impacted residents in Clark’s Town, Trelawny, with additional allocations directed to Dromilly Basic School and Hampden Primary School to support educational recovery efforts.

Beyond the prepared packages, Wizard personally donated critical infrastructure equipment including power generators, cooking stoves, and a substantial water tank to address immediate recovery needs and strengthen community resilience in the hurricane-affected regions.

Khaleel Smith, Brand Manager at Boom Energy Drink, emphasized the initiative’s significance: ‘Boom Boom has transformed his birthday into a powerful demonstration of generosity. Our collaboration perfectly embodies the ‘Boom with Love’ initiative’s core mission—channeling our energy and resources to create meaningful impact during times of crisis. Bringing both Christmas cheer and essential support to Melissa-affected communities represents exactly the type of difference we strive to make.’

The relief effort arrives during Jamaica’s critical recovery period following Hurricane Melissa’s destructive path, highlighting how public figures and corporate entities can effectively combine resources to address emergency community needs.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant initiative to support agricultural recovery, Jamaica’s Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) will conduct a specialized livestock clinic this Friday, December 19, at its Westmoreland Parish Office in Llandilo. The event commences at 10:00 am, offering comprehensive animal health services at no cost to participants.

RADA Livestock Specialist Maxine Brown, in discussions with JIS News, emphasized the clinic’s critical role in providing professional veterinary care following Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact on local farming communities. “Livestock owners can bring their animals for immediate medical attention, receive expert guidance, and obtain practical solutions to enhance animal welfare and productivity,” Brown stated.

The clinic represents part of RADA’s broader post-hurricane response, with several similar events already conducted in severely affected parishes. Beyond direct animal care, veterinarians will consult with farmers unable to transport their livestock, diagnosing issues and providing necessary medications.

A notable public health component will address leptospirosis prevention, with the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) providing crucial information on protecting both animals and humans from the disease. This integrated approach underscores Jamaica’s commitment to holistic agricultural support.

The event will feature collaborative participation from multiple organizations, including the Jamaica Veterinary Medical Association and Baruch Distributors, creating a multidisciplinary support network for livestock farmers throughout Westmoreland and neighboring regions.

Brown reinforced RADA’s dedication to farmer support: “We remain committed to delivering accessible services that strengthen Jamaica’s livestock sector while safeguarding animal health and community wellbeing.”

Interested parties can contact the RADA Westmoreland Office at 955-2767 or 955-4446 for additional information regarding the clinic and its services.

KINGSTON, Jamaica – During the Christmas period, the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD) has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering ongoing assistance to individuals with disabilities affected by Hurricane Melissa. Executive Director Dr. Christine Hendricks emphasized the organization’s dedication to both immediate relief and long-term recovery, while also addressing the psychological toll of the disaster.

Dr. Hendricks called on the public to help identify vulnerable individuals who might not be registered with the council, stating, “We encourage anyone involved in relief efforts to notify us if they encounter persons with disabilities requiring support.”

The council has implemented psychosocial programs for both staff and affected individuals, including prayer sessions and trauma counseling, to address the widespread emotional distress caused by the unprecedented hurricane—which brought winds reaching 185 miles per hour. “Many have endured severe trauma,” Dr. Hendricks noted. “These sessions provide essential tools for recovery.”

In December, the JCPD also distributed funds through its Economic Empowerment Grant (EEG) program, which offers up to $200,000 for individual applicants and $400,000 for groups to start or expand businesses. However, Dr. Hendricks clarified that current grant funds are depleted, and new applications from hurricane-affected individuals cannot be processed until the new financial year begins in April or May.

For those in agriculture, the council is collaborating with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Mining to ensure farmers with disabilities receive necessary aid to rebuild their livelihoods. Additionally, UNESCO is assisting in procuring assistive devices for those in need.

The JCPD encourages registration through its “I Am Able – My JCPD” app, WhatsApp, social media, or website. Dr. Hendricks stressed that registration is essential for accessing financial benefits and grants, urging community and church leaders to help spread awareness.

A Jamaican law enforcement officer from the May Pen Police Station is facing serious disciplinary proceedings following an unauthorized operation of a police vehicle that resulted in a dramatic early-morning collision. The incident, which occurred in Clarendon, has raised questions about protocol adherence within the force.

Investigations reveal the constable, who lacked proper driving credentials, appropriated the service vehicle without obtaining mandatory authorization from the assigned officer. The illicit joyride commenced in the pre-dawn hours Thursday, shortly after 3:00 AM local time.

According to preliminary reports, the officer lost control of the vehicle while navigating a section of road in May Pen. The subsequent collision with a roadside wall propelled the car into a gully, where it overturned. While no injuries were reported in the single-vehicle accident, the police cruiser sustained extensive damage in the crash.

The incident has prompted internal reviews regarding vehicle management protocols and officer compliance with regulations. Police authorities have confirmed the constable is currently undergoing intensive questioning as part of standard investigative procedures following misuse of departmental resources.