Breast cancer continues to be a leading cause of death among women in Jamaica, particularly in the western region where Westmoreland has the highest incidence. The Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA) is spearheading efforts to combat this crisis through prevention campaigns, enhanced awareness, and improved diagnostic resources. Health officials across the island emphasize that early detection is critical to saving lives, a message reinforced by Dr. Christopher Tufton, Jamaica’s Minister of Health and Wellness. He has urged women to prioritize early screening to ensure the disease is caught at its most treatable stage. In Westmoreland, the situation is dire, with many patients presenting at advanced stages, limiting treatment options. Dr. Lincoln Cox, a general surgeon at Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital, highlighted the challenges of inadequate diagnostic tools and the financial burden of accessing radiological investigations in Montego Bay. The Misty Blue Foundation, supported by the Sandals Foundation, has been pivotal in driving awareness and providing screenings. Their efforts have expanded to include health education in schools, aiming to empower the next generation with knowledge about prevention and early detection. The recent Faith Gifford Breast Cancer Symposium, endorsed by the Ministry of Health and Wellness, underscored the importance of aligning national policies with local action to address this public health crisis. As Breast Cancer Awareness Month is observed in October, Jamaica remains committed to reducing mortality rates through education, accessible screening, and timely treatment.
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Failure to implement national breast cancer screening leaves Bahamian women at risk
The Bahamas faces a critical health challenge as the absence of a national breast cancer screening policy continues to expose women to the risks of late diagnoses, warns Consultant Surgical Oncologist Dr. Wesley Francis. Despite some stabilization in recent years, the country still records some of the highest breast cancer rates in the region. Dr. Francis’s remarks coincide with Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, which highlights the urgent need for early detection and intervention. Data from the Bahamas National Cancer Registry reveals that the incidence rate peaked at 103.6 per 100,000 in 2018 and 101 in 2019, before dropping to 71 in 2020 due to reduced screenings during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rates have since stabilized between 65 and 77 per 100,000. Dr. Francis emphasized that while the registry’s data collection has improved, breast cancer screening in the Bahamas remains opportunistic, with no formal guidelines mandating mammograms at specific ages. This lack of policy leaves many women unscreened until they discover lumps, shifting the focus from prevention to diagnosis. Dr. Francis called for stronger public education and a nationwide screening program to ensure earlier detection, particularly as breast cancer in the Bahamas tends to affect younger women, often between 40 and 50 years old, compared to 60 to 70 in the United States. He attributed this trend to genetic factors prevalent in the country. A survival analysis of 960 cases diagnosed since 2018 revealed a median age of diagnosis at 57, with 68% of patients over 50. At the time of review, 22% of patients had died, with an average survival of 62 months and a five-year survival rate of 74%. The study underscored that while breast cancer remains a significant national concern, improving early detection and treatment access could enhance outcomes.
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WATCH: Manchester farmer killed by gunmen posing as police
In a shocking act of violence, a 30-year-old Manchester farmer, Ojay Gooden, was fatally shot during a home invasion in the Canewood district of Comfort Hall, Manchester, in the early hours of Tuesday. According to police reports, the assailants, posing as law enforcement officers, forcibly entered Gooden’s residence around 1:05 am and unleashed a barrage of gunfire, leaving him with multiple gunshot wounds. Following the attack, the perpetrators set ablaze Gooden’s grey 2003 Toyota Corolla, further intensifying the tragedy. Authorities are currently investigating whether this incident is connected to a previous murder that occurred in the same area on October 12. Local Councillor Rohan Kennedy, representing the People’s National Party in the Mile Gully Division, expressed deep concern over the incident, noting that Canewood is typically a peaceful community. This brutal killing has sent shockwaves through the region, raising questions about safety and security in rural areas.
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Murally appointed Carib managing director
In a landmark appointment, Leesa Murally has been named the first female managing director of Carib Brewery Ltd, a subsidiary of the Ansa McAL group, effective November 1. This historic move underscores the company’s commitment to diversity and leadership excellence. Murally, who currently serves as the beverage sector’s chief financial officer and corporate secretary to the board of Caribbean Development Company Ltd (CDC), brings a wealth of experience in finance, risk management, and corporate governance. Her career spans key roles at CDC and Witco, and she currently sits on the boards of CDC, Bayside Towers, and Community Chest. Murally’s academic credentials include an MBA in strategic planning from Heriot-Watt University, and she is a Fellow of the ACCA and a Certified Internal Auditor. Known for her people-centered leadership style, Murally has a proven track record of driving continuous improvement, fostering data-driven decision-making, and enhancing governance and cybersecurity. In addition to Murally’s appointment, Ansa McAL announced David Welch as the new managing director of AMCO, effective November 1. Welch, with over 25 years of experience in the FMCG industry, previously served as managing director of Carib Brewery and marketing director at CBL. The group expressed confidence that both leaders will play pivotal roles in advancing the beverage and distribution sectors’ growth and success.
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CAL provides 3,200 more seats for Tobago carnival
In response to the soaring demand for the Tobago Carnival, the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) has announced a significant increase in flight capacity to facilitate smoother travel for both locals and tourists. From October 22 to 29, Caribbean Airlines Ltd (CAL) will add 3,200 extra seats to its existing inventory, supplementing the already available 18,792 seats. To support this expansion, an additional Boeing 737 aircraft will be deployed to enhance the airbridge between Trinidad and Tobago, alleviating travel congestion and ensuring more people can partake in the festivities.
The decision to bolster air travel was the result of persistent advocacy by key figures, including Chief Secretary Farley Augustine, Tobago West MP Joel Sampson, Tobago East MP David Thomas, and Secretary for Culture and Antiquities Zorisha Hackett. In a media release on October 21, the THA also acknowledged the contributions of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, line minister Davendranath Tancoo, Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Eli Zakour, and the CAL board. Their collaborative efforts have led to a tangible improvement in airlift services during one of Tobago’s most cherished cultural events, ensuring a seamless experience for all attendees.
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Ministry: Minimal impact from tropical wave
The Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government reported that a tropical wave passing through Trinidad and Tobago on October 19 caused only short-term street flooding in some communities, with no significant widespread impact. By October 21, the weather system had moved away, and conditions across most areas had improved. The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS) discontinued its adverse weather alert, but disaster management units (DMUs) across all 14 municipal corporations remain on high alert, particularly in flood- and landslide-prone areas. Minister Khadijah Ameen praised the swift coordination of first responders, DMU personnel, and community volunteers, crediting their efforts and mitigation work by the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure (MOWI) for minimizing potential damage. She expressed gratitude for the absence of major losses and emphasized the ongoing commitment to citizen safety. The ministry urged residents to remain vigilant during the rainy season, secure their properties, and stay informed through official TTMS updates and DMU hotlines for assistance.
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Jones: Media executives should resign before entering politics
Wendall Jones, the Bahamas Ambassador to the United States, has emphasized the necessity for media executives to resign from their positions before entering politics to avoid conflicts of interest. Speaking on the growing trend of media professionals transitioning into public service, Jones highlighted the importance of maintaining ethical standards and credibility. He praised journalists who make the leap into politics but stressed that such moves must be executed with integrity and proper preparation. Jones, a seasoned broadcaster and former head of Jones Communications, pointed to successful examples of media figures turned politicians, including former ministers Obie Wilchcombe and Fred Mitchell, as well as U.S. President John F. Kennedy. He also noted the legacy of Sir Arthur Foulkes, a former Governor General who edited both The Tribune and The Bahamian Times before entering public life. However, Jones cautioned that aspiring politicians from the media must be better prepared than many current entrants, emphasizing the need for journalists to uphold ethics and independence. He lamented the ‘dumbing down’ of media in the Bahamas, criticizing the lack of preparedness among some reporters and their insufficient grasp of local and international issues. Jones urged media professionals to read widely and produce informed journalism to serve the public effectively.
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KFTL invests in modernisation to strengthen port operations
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Kingston Freeport Terminal Limited (KFTL) is making significant strides in its modernization and expansion efforts with the acquisition of two cutting-edge ship-to-shore cranes, valued at nearly US$24 million. This strategic move underscores KFTL’s commitment to establishing Jamaica as a premier logistics hub in the Caribbean region.
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Tropical storm watch now in effect for Jamaica
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Authorities in Jamaica have issued a tropical storm watch as a developing weather system in the central Caribbean threatens to escalate into a tropical cyclone. The alert, effective immediately, indicates that tropical storm conditions could impact the island within the next 48 hours.
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Akeal Hosein bowls West Indies to Super-Over victory over Bangladesh
In a nail-biting encounter at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium on October 21, the West Indies leveled their three-match One-Day International series against Bangladesh with a dramatic Super Over victory. The match, which ended in a tie at 213 runs apiece, saw left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein emerge as the hero for the Caribbean side. Hosein’s composed bowling in the Super Over restricted Bangladesh to 9/1, allowing the West Indies to secure a one-run win after posting 10/1 in their Super Over innings. The Windies’ trio of Shai Hope, Brandon King, and Sherfane Rutherford faced Mustafizur Rahman in the decisive over, while Hosein’s over was marked by wides and a no-ball but crucially no boundaries conceded. Earlier in the match, Bangladesh’s innings was anchored by opener Soumya Sarkar’s 45 and a blistering 39 not out from Rishad Hossain, who propelled the team past 200. West Indies’ bowling attack, led by Gudakesh Motie (3/65) and Alick Athanaze (2/14), kept the hosts in check. In response, the Windies’ chase was a rollercoaster, with Hope’s unbeaten 53 guiding them to a tie. The series decider will be played on October 23.