Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, was reportedly connected remotely to a London court hearing on Wednesday, marking the latest chapter in his ongoing legal confrontation with British media outlets. The hearing is part of a broader case against Associated Newspapers, the publisher of the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday, which Harry and six other high-profile individuals accuse of serious privacy violations.
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SMEs gain bold insights at CEO luncheon
KINGSTON, Jamaica—Small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) operators in Jamaica are being encouraged to adopt a global perspective and implement strategies to enhance their competitiveness on the international stage. This advice was delivered by industry leaders Michelle Chong, CEO of Honey Bun, and Robert Scott, CEO of Lifespan Distributor, during the Honey Bun Foundation’s CEO Luncheon at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel. The event highlighted the importance of thinking beyond local markets and exploring opportunities for export and collaboration, regardless of the industry. Both CEOs emphasized the need for SMEs to adopt a mindset akin to that of larger corporations, focusing on scalability and operational excellence. Scott particularly stressed the value of strategic networking, urging attendees to move beyond merely collecting contacts and instead focus on building meaningful relationships and exchanging services. He highlighted the underutilized potential of bartering, which can be mutually beneficial for businesses. Chong reinforced the idea of thinking big, encouraging SMEs to adopt a franchise mindset, which involves creating standardized operating procedures (SOPs) to transition from business owners to quality control managers. Integrity and reputation were also underscored as critical components for success, especially in a small, interconnected market like Jamaica.
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WATCH: 29 Knox College students escape serious injuries in Manchester bus crash
MANCHESTER, Jamaica—A group of 29 students from Knox College in Spalding narrowly avoided serious injuries when their Coaster bus veered off the Content to Williamsfield main road on Wednesday morning. The incident occurred shortly before 8:00 am, according to local police reports. Sergeant Florizel Williams, head of the Manchester Traffic Department, stated that the driver swerved left to avoid colliding with a vehicle that had abruptly stopped in front of the bus. This sudden maneuver caused the driver to lose control, resulting in the bus running off the road. Fortunately, only minor injuries were reported among the students. While most of the students proceeded to school, some were left traumatized and were picked up by their parents to return home. Sergeant Williams emphasized the importance of dash cameras in vehicles to clarify responsibility in such incidents. He urged motorists to install dash cams and suggested that insurance companies make their use mandatory to ensure clarity in accident investigations. Williams highlighted that dash cameras would help eliminate ambiguity in determining fault and improve overall road safety.
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Police treating death of parish judge as suspected suicide
TRELAWNY, Jamaica — Authorities are currently investigating the death of Parish Court Judge Ruth Lawrence as a suspected suicide. Lawrence was pronounced dead on Tuesday evening at the Falmouth Public General Hospital. Acting Commissioner of Police (ACP) Glendon Miller, overseeing the Area One Police Division, stated that the preliminary investigation points to suicide, though the inquiry remains in its early stages. ‘Our investigative team, led by Superintendent Jermaine Anglin, is meticulously gathering all necessary information to ensure a thorough examination,’ ACP Miller emphasized. Forensic investigations commenced last night and are ongoing, with statements being collected to piece together the circumstances surrounding her death. Lawrence was found unresponsive at her Coral Spring residence in Trelawny and was rushed to the hospital around 7:50 pm. Preliminary reports indicate no visible signs of physical injury on her body. The case continues to unfold as investigators work to confirm the cause of death.
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Shein picks France for its first permanent stores
In a significant move to expand its global footprint, Asian fast-fashion powerhouse Shein announced on Wednesday that it will open its first permanent physical stores in France this November. The inaugural store will be located at the iconic BHV Marais department store in Paris, followed by five additional outlets in Galeries Lafayette stores across Dijon, Reims, Grenoble, Angers, and Limoges. This expansion is facilitated through a strategic partnership with Societe des Grands Magasins (SGM), the retail property group that owns BHV Marais and several Galeries Lafayette locations. Shein emphasized that this initiative aims to rejuvenate French city centers, revitalize department stores, and create 200 direct and indirect jobs in the country. While Shein has previously experimented with temporary pop-up shops in cities like Paris, this marks its first foray into permanent physical retail. Donald Tang, Shein’s executive chairman, highlighted France’s status as a global fashion capital and its creative spirit as key reasons for choosing the country for this venture. Founded in China and now headquartered in Singapore, Shein has built its empire on affordable fashion, extensive product offerings, and aggressive marketing. However, the company faces growing scrutiny over its environmental practices, labor conditions, and alleged exploitation of EU customs exemptions. Despite these challenges, Shein continues to expand, employing 16,000 people globally and generating $23 billion in revenue in 2022.
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PAHO launches new initiative to deal with high rate of NCDs
Health leaders from across the Americas, including the Caribbean, have unanimously endorsed a groundbreaking 2025–2030 Action Plan aimed at curbing the rising tide of Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs). This initiative, ratified during the 62nd Directing Council of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), seeks to address the region’s leading causes of death and disability, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory conditions. The plan underscores the urgent need to fortify primary health care systems to enhance the quality of life for millions affected by these ailments. Dr. Anselm Hennis, PAHO’s Director of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health, hailed the plan as a transformative step toward building resilient, community-centered health systems. The strategy revolves around three core pillars: mitigating NCD risk factors, embedding NCD management into primary health care, and bolstering surveillance mechanisms. NCDs currently claim an estimated six million lives annually in the Americas, with nearly 40% of these deaths occurring prematurely before the age of 70. Alarmingly, 240 million individuals in the region are impacted by these conditions. Despite progress in reducing tobacco use, other risk factors such as harmful alcohol consumption, poor diet, physical inactivity, and obesity remain pervasive. For instance, over 35% of adults are physically inactive, and one in three lives with obesity. Access to diagnosis and treatment is also limited, with only 36% of hypertensive patients having controlled blood pressure and over 40 million diabetics lacking adequate care. The action plan advocates for a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach, emphasizing fiscal policies to reduce consumption of harmful products, front-of-package warning labels on ultra-processed foods, and stricter marketing regulations. It also prioritizes integrating NCD prevention and treatment into primary care, alongside innovative digital tools to enhance data surveillance and evidence-based policymaking. Key initiatives include HPV vaccination, cervical cancer screening, and the use of advanced technologies to monitor progress. PAHO will support countries in mobilizing resources, with biennial reviews scheduled for 2028 and a final report in 2031.
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Supreme Court blocks Trump from immediately firing Fed governor
In a significant legal development, the US Supreme Court has temporarily halted former President Donald Trump’s efforts to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook from her position. The court announced on Wednesday that it would defer the case until oral arguments are presented in January 2026, ensuring Cook remains in her role until then. Trump had sought to dismiss Cook earlier this year, accusing her of falsifying statements on her mortgage agreements—a claim Cook has vehemently denied. She subsequently filed a lawsuit challenging her dismissal, asserting she was not given a fair opportunity to address the allegations. A White House spokesperson responded to the court’s decision by stating the administration had acted lawfully and expressed confidence in prevailing during the Supreme Court hearing. Cook, the first Black woman to serve on the Fed’s governing board, was appointed by President Joe Biden and confirmed by the Senate. Her term is set to last until 2038. The Supreme Court’s intervention marks a notable moment of resistance from the conservative-leaning bench, which has often aligned with Trump’s administration. The case has drawn widespread attention, with nearly 600 economists signing a letter in support of Cook and the Federal Reserve’s independence. Legal experts, including University of Richmond professor Carl Tobias, view the court’s decision as a positive but cautious step for Cook, emphasizing the importance of the Fed’s autonomy. The Federal Reserve, which operates under a congressional mandate to manage inflation and employment, recently voted to lower interest rates, a decision Cook supported. The delay in the case underscores the broader implications of political interference in the central bank’s operations.
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‘Every child is our child,’ says Senator Morris Dixon
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Senator Dana Morris Dixon, Minister of Education, Youth and Information, has called on all Jamaicans to take collective responsibility for the safety and well-being of the nation’s children. Her statement comes as authorities intensify efforts to locate Jayden Smith, a 12-year-old student from Manchester High School, who has been missing since last Friday.
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WATCH: Tension in Seaton Crescent after fatal police shooting
WESTMORELAND, Jamaica — The quiet community of Seaton Crescent in Westmoreland has been plunged into turmoil following the alleged fatal shooting of a local laborer by police on Tuesday. The victim, identified as Desmond Montaque, was reportedly at his residence when the incident occurred, though the exact circumstances surrounding the shooting remain shrouded in uncertainty.
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Daley calls for greater support and respect for Jamaica’s elders
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Denise Daley, the Opposition Spokesperson on Gender, the Elderly, and Persons with Disabilities, has called on Jamaicans to reaffirm their dedication to safeguarding and supporting the nation’s elderly population. Her appeal coincides with the global observance of the International Day of Older Persons on Wednesday. In a heartfelt statement, Daley lauded older persons as “the backbone of our society,” emphasizing their indispensable roles as educators, caregivers, cultural custodians, and contributors to nation-building. However, she also drew attention to the persistent challenges they face, including neglect, abuse, social isolation, and insufficient support systems. Daley remarked, “This year’s observance serves as a poignant reminder of the invaluable contributions our elders make in shaping our communities and preserving our values, even as they navigate increasingly complex challenges.” She urged Jamaicans to critically evaluate not only their personal treatment of elders within households but also the effectiveness of national policies and institutions in addressing their needs. Daley emphasized that respecting and protecting older persons is both “a moral obligation” and “an investment in the values of justice, compassion, and continuity that bind our nation together.” She envisioned a Jamaica where elders are fully integrated into national life, provided with adequate care, and celebrated for their wisdom and resilience. Concluding her statement, Daley expressed gratitude and admiration for the elderly, stating, “To all our elders: we thank you, we honour you, and we pledge to stand with you.”