BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Tropical Storm Jerry is gaining strength as it moves closer to the Leeward Islands, prompting weather warnings across the region. According to the latest update from the National Hurricane Center in Miami, the storm’s center was positioned near latitude 15.9 North, longitude 59.1 West at 11:00am local time. Jerry is currently advancing west-northwest at approximately 18 mph, with a predicted shift toward the northwest by late Thursday. A slower northward trajectory is expected to follow on Friday and Saturday. Forecasts indicate that the storm’s center will likely pass near or northeast of the northern Leeward Islands later Thursday. Maximum sustained winds have reached 65 mph, with higher gusts reported. Meteorologists anticipate further intensification, potentially elevating Jerry to hurricane status by late Friday or Saturday. In response, the government of Antigua and Barbuda has issued a Tropical Storm Warning for Barbuda. Additionally, a Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Antigua, Anguilla, St. Kitts, Nevis, Montserrat, St. Barthelemy, St. Martin, Sint Maarten, Saba, St. Eustatius, Guadeloupe, and surrounding islands. A Tropical Storm Warning signifies that tropical storm conditions are expected within the specified area within 12 hours, while a Watch indicates possible conditions within 48 hours. The National Hurricane Center advises residents in the northern Leeward Islands, as well as the British and U.S. Virgin Islands, to closely monitor Jerry’s progression.
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Ricki Di Lova pushes new track
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the vibrant world of dancehall music, where the 1980s saw the rise of controversial figures like Shabba Ranks and Ninjaman, Ricki Di Lova found inspiration in the lighthearted artistry of Professor Nuts and Lieutenant Stitchie. The Florida-based toaster now channels this playful spirit into his latest single, ‘Stand Pipe,’ produced under his label, Turbulence Intl Productions. Embracing the tradition of double entendre, Ricki Di Lova crafts an uptempo track designed to bring joy and laughter to dancehall enthusiasts. ‘Too much dark songs inna di dancehall. We are already living in trying times. ‘Stand Pipe’ brings a buzz! When di people hear it, dem get lively. It makes people feel good an’ stand up an’ rock!’ he exclaimed. Growing up in Kingston during the 1970s, Ricki Di Lova was immersed in the sounds of roots-reggae and hardcore dancehall. However, it was the emergence of humorous tracks like Professor Nuts’ ‘Inna di Bus’ and Lieutenant Stitchie’s ‘Wear yuh Size’ in the 1980s that reshaped his musical perspective. These songs not only dominated dancehall scenes but also secured consistent radio play. Ricki Di Lova believes ‘Stand Pipe’ carries the same versatility and appeal. ‘This song is perfect for di summer and all-year long. Di riddim brings a get up an’ dance vibe an’ di lyrics are fun. I’m trying to bring some humour into dancehall so people can ‘fulljoy’ themselves,’ he said. Through ‘Stand Pipe,’ Ricki Di Lova aims to inject a dose of levity into a genre often overshadowed by darker themes, offering listeners a chance to revel in the lighter side of life.
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Students urged to use social media for growth and development
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Shanika Crosdale, a former Deputy Head Girl at Edwin Allen High School in Clarendon, is calling on students to harness the power of social media for their academic and personal growth. Now a sixth-form student, Shanika emphasizes the importance of using platforms like TikTok and YouTube as educational tools rather than mere sources of entertainment. In an interview with JIS News, she highlighted the availability of online tutors, past papers, and other resources that can significantly aid in learning. Shanika, who excelled in all seven of her CSEC subjects, credits her success to the strategic use of social media. She urges students to balance their time between entertainment and education, ensuring they make the most of the opportunities available to them. Shanika also stresses the importance of honoring parental investments in education by focusing on academic achievements. Another student, Rickoy Thomas, who passed eight CSEC subjects, echoes this sentiment, advising students to remove distracting apps if they hinder their studies. The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth, and Information supports these efforts by providing online resources through its website and the e-Resources app, offering a wealth of learning materials for students, teachers, and parents. Additionally, the ministry collaborates with platforms like Google Play and BookFusion to provide approved digital reading materials and educational resources. Shanika and Rickoy’s insights underscore the potential of social media as a valuable educational tool when used responsibly.
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Antigua welcomes ceasefire between Israel, Hamas
ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – The government of Antigua and Barbuda has expressed its support for the recently announced ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, facilitated through the mediation efforts of the United States, with backing from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey. In a statement released on Thursday, the government aligned itself with the United Nations Secretary-General, France, China, and Saudi Arabia in advocating for an immediate and sustainable cessation of hostilities, alongside unimpeded humanitarian access to affected regions.
The government emphasized that this ceasefire represents a critical opportunity to address urgent humanitarian needs, restore essential services, secure the release of hostages and detainees, and ensure the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied Palestinian territories, including Gaza. These measures, the statement noted, are fundamental to achieving long-term security and stability in the region.
Furthermore, Antigua and Barbuda urged all parties to seize this fragile moment to forge a credible political pathway toward a just and comprehensive peace. The government reiterated its commitment to the two-state solution, envisioning an independent and sovereign Palestinian state coexisting peacefully alongside Israel. The statement concluded by affirming the nation’s dedication to supporting these efforts in accordance with international humanitarian law.
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Forex: $161.53 to one US dollar
In the latest financial update from Kingston, Jamaica, the US dollar experienced a minor decline in value on Thursday, October 9. According to the Bank of Jamaica’s daily exchange trading summary, the US dollar concluded the trading day at $161.53, marking a decrease of eight cents from its previous rate. This subtle dip reflects ongoing fluctuations in the global currency market. On the other hand, the Canadian dollar showed a slight upward trend, closing at $116.10, up from $116.06. Similarly, the British pound also saw an increase, ending the day at $216.53 compared to its earlier rate of $215.80. These movements highlight the dynamic nature of currency exchange rates and their responsiveness to various economic factors.
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48-hour curfew extended in sections of St Andrew
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Authorities have announced the extension of a 48-hour curfew in specific areas of the St Andrew South Police Division for an additional 48 hours. Initially implemented on Wednesday, October 8, at 6:00 pm, the curfew will now remain in effect until Friday, October 10, at 6:00 pm. The restricted zone is demarcated by imaginary lines: to the east, from Chisholm Avenue/Maxfield Avenue southward to East Avenue intersecting Marcus Garvey Drive; to the south, from the coastline at Marcus Garvey Drive near East Avenue to the Duhaney River; to the west, from the Duhaney River to Kingston Harbour; and to the north, from the Happy Grove community to the Chisholm Avenue/Maxfield Avenue intersection, following the divisional boundary. Residents within these boundaries are mandated to stay indoors during curfew hours unless granted explicit permission by the ground commander.
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Chronixx releases new album ‘Exile’
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Renowned reggae artist Chronixx has officially launched his eagerly awaited album, ‘Exile,’ marking a significant milestone in his musical journey. The ‘Smile Jamaica’ hitmaker took to Instagram on Thursday to announce the release, sharing two posts that captivated his fans. The first post featured a striking image of the artist seated in a chair, holding a guitar just out of frame. The caption revealed the album’s 17 tracks, including ‘Exile,’ ‘Market,’ ‘Sweet Argument,’ ‘Survivor,’ ‘Family First,’ ‘I Know What You Feeling,’ ‘Saviour,’ ‘Keep on Rising,’ ‘Hurricane,’ ‘Genesis,’ ‘Don’t Be Afraid,’ ‘I and I,’ ‘Never Give Up,’ ‘Pain in Your Heart,’ ‘Resilient,’ ‘Scheming,’ and ‘Love is on a Mountain.’ In a subsequent post, Chronixx emphasized the production of ‘Track 9,’ titled ‘Hurricane,’ crediting yardmanflo for its creation. The album, which has been highly anticipated by fans and critics alike, showcases Chronixx’s signature blend of reggae, soul, and conscious lyrics, solidifying his position as a leading voice in contemporary Jamaican music.
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‘A bullfrog the Epworth people dem up there a drink,’ says PNP councillor
In St Ann, Jamaica, Councillor Ian Bell of the People’s National Party has raised concerns over the delayed response by the St Ann Municipal Corporation to address the contamination of the main water catchment tank in the Epworth community. The tank, which serves as the sole source of potable water for the area, has been compromised by the presence of dead frogs, rendering the water unsafe for consumption. Bell voiced his frustrations during the monthly meeting of the St Ann Municipal Corporation on Thursday, emphasizing that repeated reports to the authorities have yielded no significant action. Two weeks prior, Saad Williams, the chief engineering officer, inspected the site to assess the damage and estimate repair costs. Williams acknowledged the urgency but stated that full restoration would require more time. He outlined a phased approach, beginning with immediate remedial measures such as covering the tank with zinc sheets to prevent further contamination, followed by cleaning and patching. Extensive repairs are planned for a later stage. Mayor Michael Belnavis of St Ann’s Bay assured residents that the initial cleaning would be completed promptly, likely before the weekend. The ongoing delay has left the community grappling with a critical water shortage, underscoring the need for swift and effective intervention.
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Health ministry developing training manual for school cooks
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant move to promote healthier eating habits among students, Jamaica’s Ministry of Health and Wellness, supported by UNICEF funding, is spearheading the development of a comprehensive curriculum and training manuals for school cooks. This initiative aims to equip cooks with essential knowledge and skills in nutrition and healthy meal preparation. State Minister Krystal Lee announced that standardized recipes will also be introduced to ensure consistency and quality across schools. Speaking at the Heart Foundation of Jamaica’s media campaign launch for the National School Nutrition Policy, Lee revealed that over 200 cooks will receive specialized training from nutritionists and an executive chef between 2026 and 2027. The ministry has already conducted assessments in more than 200 schools, evaluating food safety, hygiene, nutritional quality, and administrative practices. Collaborating with the Ministry of Education and UNICEF, the ministry will revise existing recipe manuals to align with national nutrition standards. The revision process begins this month, with recipe testing scheduled for December 2025, student taste testing in January 2026, and nutrient lab testing by February 2026. Finalized recipes are expected by March 2026. Lee emphasized that this policy is a blueprint for a healthier generation, ensuring children have access to nutritious meals that support learning and growth. She highlighted the broader societal impact, noting that good nutrition is a cornerstone of national development. The policy also encourages daily physical activity, fostering a culture of wellness in schools. Lee concluded that this initiative marks the beginning of a cultural shift, transforming schools into hubs of health and empowering children to thrive.
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US grants Trinidad permit to explore Venezuela gas field
In a significant development, the United States has authorized Trinidad and Tobago to proceed with the exploration of the Dragon gas field, located in Venezuelan waters near the maritime border of the Caribbean nation. The announcement was made by Trinidadian authorities on Thursday, marking a pivotal moment in regional energy cooperation. The Dragon field, which holds an estimated 120 billion cubic meters of natural gas, is a critical resource for Trinidad and Tobago, the Caribbean’s second-largest natural gas producer. The US Treasury Department’s approval comes six months after Washington revoked the initial permit, allowing Trinidad and Tobago to negotiate with Venezuela without breaching US sanctions imposed on Caracas in 2019. This decision follows a series of fluctuating US policies regarding Venezuelan energy operations, including the suspension of licenses for oil companies in March and the subsequent authorization of limited operations by Chevron. The Dragon field’s proximity to Trinidadian fields operated by Shell underscores its strategic importance. Despite heightened regional tensions, including a major US naval deployment near Venezuela, the permit signals a potential easing of restrictions, offering Trinidad and Tobago a lifeline to bolster its declining gas production.