The government has unveiled plans to relocate the Coast Guard from St. John’s Harbour to Camp Blizzard, a move aimed at facilitating the expansion of the port. Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications, made the announcement during the weekly Cabinet press briefing on Thursday. He emphasized that the Ministry of Works has been tasked with preparing the new site, which already features a dock. The relocation will proceed once office spaces and living quarters for staff are completed at Camp Blizzard. Merchant highlighted that this initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance St. John’s port’s capacity and solidify its position as a key regional transshipment hub. The announcement comes on the heels of the recent acquisition of a US$6.2 million mobile harbor crane, which is expected to significantly boost the port’s operational efficiency, enabling it to handle over 60 containers per hour when integrated with existing infrastructure. The government’s long-term vision focuses on modernizing the port to attract more international trade and bolster economic growth.
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UWI’s Pelican Pride Episode 4 (FINALE): The Change Maker – Cozier Frederick
In the final episode of ‘The Change Maker,’ we spotlight Wynante Adrien-Roberts, a distinguished legal professional whose life and career are deeply rooted in her faith and love for family. Known for her humility and unwavering commitment, Adrien-Roberts has navigated numerous challenges with grace, consistently serving her community with integrity and excellence. Her expertise and wisdom have made her an indispensable figure in the legal landscape of our region. This profile not only celebrates her professional achievements but also highlights her personal values that inspire those around her.
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Digicel begins roll-out to solarise half its mobile network
Digicel Jamaica has embarked on a groundbreaking initiative to solarize more than half of its 930 cell sites across the country. This multimillion-dollar project, executed in collaboration with U.S.-based Caban Energy, aims to enhance network resilience against weather-related disruptions and frequent power outages while reducing reliance on diesel generators. Over the next 12 months, 511 sites will be equipped with solar panels and battery systems, providing a robust backup power solution to meet the ever-growing demand for mobile data. The initiative was officially launched at a ribbon-cutting ceremony near Kingston’s Norman Manley International Airport, attended by Digicel executives and country managers from across the Caribbean. The move comes in response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Beryl in July 2023, which left large sections of the island without power for weeks. Digicel Jamaica CEO Stephen Murad emphasized the project’s alignment with the government’s call for telecom providers to strengthen service continuity during crises. Caban Energy’s technology will generate electricity onsite and store excess power in battery packs, significantly reducing downtime and fuel costs. Digicel estimates the initiative will produce over 15,000 megawatt hours of clean energy annually and cut carbon emissions by approximately 38,000 tonnes. Caban Energy CEO Alexandra Rasch Castillo highlighted the project’s dual focus on sustainability and resilience, noting the Caribbean’s vulnerability to severe weather. While Jamaica is the first market to benefit, the partnership will expand to Digicel’s 25 other markets across the region, setting a new standard for clean, reliable, and future-ready telecom infrastructure.
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JWN Foundation prepares scholarship recipients for the world of work
Over 50 scholarship recipients from the J Wray & Nephew (JWN) Foundation recently participated in a transformative workshop aimed at equipping them with essential skills for their academic and professional journeys. The event focused on effective communication, wardrobe essentials, and business etiquette, preparing students for the transition from high school to university and from university to the workplace. The one-day session also emphasized self-care and personal development, ensuring participants are well-rounded individuals ready to face life’s challenges. Corporate and image consultant Althea Laing, a trailblazer in the fashion industry and Jamaica’s first supermodel, delivered an inspiring presentation on the importance of first impressions, professionalism, and self-confidence. Laing, who defied stereotypes in her career, encouraged the students to celebrate their uniqueness and build meaningful networks. The workshop also included professional headshots by LH Multimedia, enhancing the recipients’ online professional presence. JWN Foundation General Manager Garfene Grandison highlighted the initiative’s goal to leave a lasting impact on students, particularly those from underserved and rural communities. The day concluded with an awards ceremony, marking the first time the foundation hosted a workshop of this nature. Makeup artist Shanique Ellington and her team provided glam makeovers, while Ellington emphasized the value of versatility in business and entrepreneurship. Participants, including Ruth-Ann Alexander and Tisayra Jones, expressed gratitude for the invaluable lessons and experiences gained. The event underscored JWN Foundation’s commitment to empowering young individuals to excel in their personal and professional lives.
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‘Deliver real change’
In a powerful address at the 80th United Nations (UN) General Assembly debate, Jamaican Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness condemned the failure of developed nations to fulfill their climate finance commitments and criticized the global financial system for marginalizing vulnerable states. Holness emphasized the urgent need for reforms to make the UN more inclusive and responsive to the needs of smaller nations, particularly those grappling with the escalating impacts of climate change.
Holness highlighted Jamaica’s significant strides in fiscal discipline, reducing its debt-to-GDP ratio from 144% to 62%, yet underscored the persistent challenges in accessing affordable financing. Despite limited resources, Jamaica has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and is on track to meet its renewable energy target of 50% by 2030. However, the Prime Minister lamented that these efforts are hampered by a flawed global financing system that imposes high borrowing costs on reforming economies while ignoring their vulnerabilities.
He called out wealthy nations for repeatedly failing to deliver on their $100 billion annual climate finance pledge, describing the $800 million initial capitalisation of the COP28 loss and damage fund as grossly inadequate. Holness advocated for a new approach to measuring countries’ needs through the multidimensional vulnerability index, which would ensure fairer access to affordable loans. He also endorsed innovative financing mechanisms, such as debt-for-climate swaps and mixed funding, to attract private investment and alleviate debt burdens.
Beyond climate finance, Holness addressed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, condemning the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel while expressing deep concern over Israel’s counteroffensive. He called for a diplomatic resolution, urging adherence to UN Security Council Resolution 242 and a ceasefire agreement that includes the release of hostages.
Turning to Haiti, Holness, who chairs the Caribbean Community (Caricom), urged UN member states to act on the Secretary-General’s recommendations by establishing a stronger hybrid mechanism to address the crisis. He stressed that security operations alone are insufficient and called for rebuilding democratic institutions, ensuring free elections, and expanding humanitarian relief once stability is restored.
Holness also highlighted the global threat posed by transnational criminal gangs, describing them as global syndicates with resources rivaling nation-states. He called for a coordinated international campaign to combat organized crime, urging full implementation of the UN’s program on small arms and light weapons.
Concluding his speech, Holness challenged the global community to address pressing issues such as climate change, debt, poverty, conflicts, and crime through collective action. “Jamaica stands ready to work with all member states in partnership and solidarity to create a future defined by peace, prosperity, and dignity for all,” he declared.
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Bellefield High sets sights on ending shift system
MANDEVILLE, Manchester — Bellefield High School is making significant strides toward eliminating its shift system, a long-standing challenge for the institution. The recent inauguration of an eight-classroom block, constructed at a cost of $75 million through independent funding, marks a pivotal step in this journey. Principal Paul Grant emphasized the need for an additional 16 classrooms to fully transition to a whole-day operation mode for its 1,400 students.
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Apology to Fesco and CEO Mr Jeremy Barnes
The Jamaica Observer has issued a formal apology for incorrectly attributing a statement about Fesco’s market position to Mr. Jeremy Barnes, the company’s CEO, in a recent BusinessWeek article titled ‘Fesco Fuel Sales Surge 7.4%’. The publication acknowledged that Mr. Barnes did not make the quoted remark and expressed regret for the error and any resulting confusion among its readers. As part of its corrective measures, the Observer has removed the misattributed quote from all its published materials. This incident highlights the importance of accurate reporting and the potential consequences of misinformation in business journalism. The Observer has reaffirmed its commitment to upholding journalistic integrity and ensuring the reliability of its content moving forward.
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West Indies cricket back in the spotlight
The West Indies cricket team embarks on a packed schedule in the final quarter of 2025, spanning all formats of the game. Ranked sixth in Twenty20 (T20) cricket, the Caribbean side, led by new captain Akeal Hosein, combines seasoned players with promising young talent. Their first challenge is a three-match T20 series against 18th-ranked Nepal, a team that cannot be underestimated given the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket and the West Indies’ historical vulnerabilities across formats.
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Goodbye CRH
MONTEGO BAY, St James — After decades of dedicated service at Cornwall Regional Hospital (CRH), Richard Lawrence and Sharon McLean are stepping into retirement, leaving behind a legacy of commitment and resilience. The duo, along with 31 other retirees from various regions, were honored at a luncheon hosted by the Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA) on Thursday. Lawrence, who served as a senior security supervisor for 42 years, expressed his bittersweet feelings about retiring before the hospital’s ongoing rehabilitation project is completed. ‘It was my dream to see the hospital open while I was working,’ he shared. ‘But I know when the time comes, they might invite me to see the progress.’ Lawrence, who spent over 25 years as a senior supervisor, reflected on his career with pride, emphasizing how his work enabled him to support his family and nurture his children’s successful careers. ‘All this came through the work at Cornwall Regional Hospital,’ he said. ‘I don’t have any regrets.’ His colleague, Sharon McLean, a chief medical technologist with 40 years of service, also shared her mixed emotions. McLean, who endured health challenges due to the hospital’s mold-infested environment, expressed relief that future staff will not face the same hardships. ‘I was there suffering for a long time,’ she recalled. ‘But I am happy that people will not experience what we had experienced.’ McLean, whose motto is ‘By our skills, we save lives,’ takes pride in her contributions to saving lives through her laboratory work. Both retirees are now looking forward to new chapters in their lives, with Lawrence expressing gratitude for his family’s support and McLean planning to channel her energy into new endeavors. The luncheon concluded with the presentation of plaques and heartfelt appreciation from WRHA Manager Simone Douglas-Cluney, who praised the retirees for their unwavering dedication and service.
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No contest
The People’s National Party (PNP) of Jamaica has unveiled its leadership lineup for the upcoming political cycle, with Natalie Neita Garvey, Member of Parliament for St Catherine North Central, emerging as the only new addition to the party’s top echelons. The announcement came in a media release on Friday, confirming that nominations for the positions of president and vice-presidents closed with just five candidates, eliminating the need for an internal election. Mark Golding, who has led the PNP since November 2020, was uncontested for the presidency, securing another two-year term. His leadership has been credited with the party’s improved performance in the recent general election. Neita Garvey joins incumbent vice-presidents Mikael Phillips (Manchester North Western MP), Ian Hayles (Westmoreland Western MP), and Norman Scott, Chairman of the St Catherine Municipal Corporation. The PNP also expressed gratitude to Senator Donna Scott-Mottley, who chose not to seek re-election as vice-president, acknowledging her significant contributions to the party. The upcoming National Executive Council (NEC) meeting is scheduled for October 4–5, followed by regional conferences and officer elections. The party’s annual conference will conclude with a private session on November 30, 2025. The PNP reaffirmed its commitment to advancing justice, inclusion, and progress for the Jamaican people.