KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican national football team, known as the Reggae Boyz, has made strategic changes to their starting lineup for their crucial World Cup Concacaf Group B qualification match against Bermuda. The game is set to take place at the National Stadium in Kingston on Tuesday. Strikers Kaheim Dixon and Shamar Nicholson have been promoted to the starting XI, replacing Bailey Cadamarteri and Tyreece Campbell, who featured in the previous match against Curacao. Additionally, midfielders Kasey Palmer and Isaac Hayden have returned from suspensions, taking the places of Ian Fray and Jonathon Russell. Greg Leigh will also start at left back, replacing Amari’i Bell. The Reggae Boyz are aiming to bounce back from their recent loss to Curacao with a decisive victory against Bermuda, who are yet to secure a point in the competition. Jamaica previously dominated Bermuda with a 4-0 win in the first round and hopes to replicate that performance. The starting lineup includes Andre Blake, Dexter Lembikisa, Ethan Pinnock, Richard King, Kasey Palmer, Kaheim Dixon, Bobby Reid, Shamar Nicholson, Isaac Hayden, Renaldo Cephas, and Gregory Leigh.
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Clinical psychologist highlights workplace stressors that undermine mental well-being
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jesutofunmi Simpson, a clinical psychologist at Bellevue Hospital, is shedding light on the often-ignored workplace stressors that are significantly impacting the mental health of the working-class population. Simpson identifies economic pressures, job dissatisfaction, and micromanagement as primary contributors to employee stress and unhappiness. ‘When your income doesn’t cover your expenses, stress is inevitable. This financial strain, coupled with a lack of fulfillment at work, creates a challenging environment,’ Simpson explained in a recent interview with JIS News. She emphasized that job satisfaction goes beyond workload, highlighting the importance of employees feeling that their work has a meaningful impact. The discussion on mental health was particularly relevant during Mental Health Awareness Week (October 5-12) and Global Mental Health Day (October 10), as Jamaica faces a concerning rise in suicides, with 44 reported cases between January and September 2025. Simpson advocates for building workplace resilience to combat daily stressors. ‘Resilience is about adaptability and bouncing back from challenges. In the workplace, this means navigating difficulties and understanding that recovery is possible,’ she said. To foster resilience, Simpson recommends emotional regulation, stress management, and maintaining a clear boundary between work and personal life. She also encourages employees to engage in hobbies, seek support, and utilize their full breaks. For managers and business owners, she stresses the importance of flexible work arrangements and a collaborative culture to reduce burnout. Burnout, characterized by emotional and physical exhaustion, is a severe consequence of chronic workplace stress. Simpson advises individuals to prioritize rest, practice relaxation techniques, and set boundaries. From an organizational perspective, she calls for proactive stress prevention measures, such as fostering a supportive work environment and encouraging employees to stay connected with loved ones.
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Cristiano Ronaldo becomes all-time top World Cup qualifying scorer
LISBON, Portugal — In a historic moment for football, Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has cemented his legacy by becoming the all-time leading goalscorer in World Cup qualifying history. At the age of 40, Ronaldo achieved this milestone during Portugal’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Hungary on Tuesday. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner netted his 40th and 41st qualifying goals, surpassing the previous record of 39 goals held by retired Guatemalan striker Carlos Ruiz, who set the mark between 1998 and 2016. Ronaldo opened his account in the 22nd minute, skillfully finishing a cross from Nelson Semedo to level the score. He struck again before halftime, capitalizing on a setup by Nuno Mendes to give Portugal a 2-1 lead. This victory could secure Portugal’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup, to be hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Ronaldo, who already holds the record for the most international goals with 143, is now eyeing a sixth World Cup appearance, further solidifying his status as one of football’s greatest legends.
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Canadian trade mission arrives in Guyana
A high-profile Canadian business delegation has arrived in Georgetown, Guyana, for a four-day visit aimed at bolstering trade and investment ties between the two nations. The delegation, comprising representatives from Bionetix International, Sprig Learning Inc., 4Pay Inc., FreeBalance Inc., and E-Magic Solutions, spans diverse sectors including financial technology (FinTech), information and communications technology (ICT), infrastructure, education, and sanitation. Organized by the High Commission of Canada, the visit is part of a broader strategy to enhance commercial cooperation with Guyana and the wider Caribbean region. The delegation’s agenda includes market knowledge sessions, high-level meetings with government officials, and a business-to-business (B2B) program designed to connect Canadian firms with local enterprises. A key feature of the visit will be on-the-ground site tours, offering participants firsthand insights into Guyana’s rapidly evolving infrastructure and investment landscape. These visits aim to bridge the gap between theoretical discussions and practical understanding of opportunities and challenges across various sectors. Canada’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Sebastien Sigouin, emphasized the initiative’s focus on aligning Canadian innovation with Guyanese opportunities. He highlighted the long-standing relationship between the two countries, rooted in trust, cooperation, and mutual respect. The visit underscores Canada’s commitment to supporting Guyana’s development priorities through partnerships that promote innovation, knowledge transfer, and sustainable growth. The High Commission also noted that the mission is not solely about advancing Canadian business interests but also about fostering inclusive, long-term benefits for both nations. The delegation’s presence reflects Canada’s confidence in Guyana’s economic trajectory and the value of building transparent, sustainable, and mutually prosperous partnerships. This visit marks a significant step in strengthening Canada-Guyana commercial relations and unlocking shared opportunities for a resilient and innovative future.
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Jamaica ranks #1 for most likely to help strangers
Jamaica has emerged as the global leader in altruism, securing the top spot for its citizens’ willingness to assist strangers, as revealed in the World Happiness Gallup Report 2025. The Caribbean nation is closely trailed by Liberia and Sierra Leone, both of which also exhibit remarkable levels of generosity toward unfamiliar individuals. However, despite their commendable acts of kindness, these countries rank significantly lower in terms of charitable donations, with Jamaica, Liberia, and Sierra Leone positioned more than 80 places behind in global charity contribution rankings. The report identifies a similar trend in Nigeria and Kenya, which also feature in the top 10 for helping strangers but struggle with financial contributions to organizations. These nations, along with Jamaica, grapple with issues of institutional trust, particularly in their interactions with law enforcement, which often results in a diminished reliance on formal systems. This phenomenon underscores a broader societal pattern: in regions where institutional frameworks are perceived as unreliable or inaccessible, individuals tend to seek support from one another rather than from formal entities. In Jamaica and similar contexts, generosity transcends mere moral obligation, evolving into a tangible manifestation of trust and solidarity among neighbors and strangers alike. This preference for personal, human-centered assistance over formal charitable mechanisms highlights the unique social dynamics at play in these societies.
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Expansion of Savanna-la-Mar hospital at procurement stage
Significant progress has been made in the expansion and modernization of the Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital in Westmoreland, Jamaica. During a recent press briefing at the S Hotel in Montego Bay, Dr. Christopher Tufton, Minister of Health and Wellness, provided updates on the project, which aims to enhance healthcare services and alleviate overcrowding. The initiative, now in the procurement phase, focuses on expanding the Accident and Emergency (A&E) Department and upgrading other critical facilities.
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PSA head eyes 10% settlement by Xmas
Public Service Association (PSA) President Felisha Thomas has announced the union’s goal to finalize public sector wage negotiations by Christmas, ensuring workers receive long-awaited payments. Speaking during a live Facebook media conference on October 14, Thomas addressed what she termed ‘misinformation from the Opposition’ regarding the recent ten per cent wage offer proposed by Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo during the October 13 budget presentation. Thomas emphasized the PSA’s commitment to resolving negotiations swiftly, stating, ‘We are serious about your business. Our aim is to have your negotiation settled by Christmas so that your money will be in your pockets.’
Thomas criticized former Finance Ministry official Brian Manning for his public call for clarification on the government’s offer, urging him to ‘stay quiet, sit down, and stay out of public servants’ business.’ She accused the Opposition of spreading ‘lies’ to undermine the PSA’s recent achievements on behalf of civil servants, statutory authority workers, and Tobago House of Assembly (THA) employees. Thomas referenced a May 19, 2022, memorandum of agreement from the chief personnel officer (CPO), highlighting past wage proposals under the previous government, which she described as ‘disrespectful.’
She condemned the Opposition’s claims of a nine per cent offer during the same period, calling it an attempt to minimize the PSA’s victories. Thomas also recalled the previous government’s decision to refer the matter to a special tribunal, which she viewed as an effort to impose an inadequate four per cent wage increase. She praised civil servants as ‘the backbone of this nation,’ crediting them for sustaining the country during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thomas hailed the revised ten per cent offer as a turning point, restoring dignity to the negotiation process and marking a victory for workers.
Thomas confirmed that the CPO has acknowledged the PSA’s request to meet, and the union awaits a formal response to begin talks. She urged workers to rely solely on the PSA for accurate information on negotiations, warning against the Opposition’s attempts to ‘create mischief.’ During the budget presentation, Tancoo confirmed that Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC had instructed the CPO to submit the revised offer covering the periods 2014-2016 and 2017-2019 for civil servants, statutory authorities, and THA employees.
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South Africa beat Rwanda to qualify for 2026 World Cup
In a decisive match on Tuesday, South Africa triumphed over Rwanda with a commanding 3-0 victory in Mbombela, securing their place in the 2026 World Cup. Thalente Mbatha and Oswin Appollis delivered first-half goals, while Evidence Makgopa sealed the win with a second-half strike. This victory ensured South Africa topped Group C with 18 points, narrowly edging out Nigeria, who defeated Benin 4-0 in a concurrent match.
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Gambling commission: Crackdown on illegal operators will level playing field
In a significant move to combat illegal gambling and strengthen regulatory oversight, the Gambling (Gaming and Betting) Control Commission has proposed amendments to the Gambling and Betting Act. Corporate Communications Manager Shahad Ali emphasized that these changes, which include harsher penalties for illegal operators, aim to create a fairer playing field for licensed businesses and foster sustainable industry growth. Ali highlighted that the reforms prioritize responsible gaming practices and the protection of vulnerable groups, aligning with public expectations and regulatory mandates. Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo, during his 2025/2026 budget presentation, underscored the financial toll of illegal gambling, estimating a $9 billion illegal market that deprives the state of significant tax revenue and fuels criminal activities like money laundering and human trafficking. To address this, the amendments introduce penalties of up to $3 million and seven years’ imprisonment for illegal operators. Additionally, the National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB) will now make quarterly payments into the Consolidated Fund to enhance revenue oversight. These measures are part of a broader fiscal strategy to improve compliance and boost state revenue collection.
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New board appointed to TATT
The Ministry of Public Administration and Artificial Intelligence has officially inaugurated a new board of directors for the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT). The installation ceremony, held on October 10 in Port of Spain, marked a significant step in advancing the nation’s telecommunications and broadcasting sectors. The newly appointed board is led by Chairman Chris Seecharanm and Deputy Chairman Jerome Khan, alongside members Mentor Baptiste, Dr. Justin Koo, Avanti Supersad, Russel Romero, Suresh Boodoo, Dion Khan, and Danielle Pounder. Each member brings extensive expertise in telecommunications, law, entrepreneurship, and education, ensuring a diverse and capable leadership team. Minister Dominic Smith emphasized TATT’s critical role in ensuring equitable access to technological advancements for all citizens. He urged the board to focus on core regulatory functions, leverage artificial intelligence to enhance operations, and prioritize empathy in addressing citizens’ challenges. Drawing inspiration from Steve Jobs’ ‘signal versus noise’ theory, Smith encouraged the board to dedicate 80% of their efforts to purposeful execution while fostering innovation and agility. He stressed that technology must serve humanity, aligning with the government’s commitment to people-centered progress. TATT, as an independent regulatory body, is tasked with managing spectrum and numbering resources, setting service standards, promoting sector liberalization, and fostering investment to ensure nationwide access to reliable and affordable communications services. The ministry expressed confidence that the new board will uphold transparency, fairness, and excellence, driving innovation and sustainable growth in a sector vital to Trinidad and Tobago’s national development.