标签： Jamaica

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has publicly expressed profound sorrow following the passing of renowned American civil rights pioneer Reverend Jesse Jackson, who died Tuesday morning. In an official statement released the same day, Holness memorialized Jackson as an extraordinarily influential figure whose advocacy reshaped social justice movements across two centuries.

The Prime Minister emphasized that Jackson’s lifelong dedication to advancing economic parity, racial equality, and social justice created transformative impacts extending far beyond U.S. borders. His empowerment initiatives for Black communities, minority groups, and working-class citizens generated worldwide resonance that will endure for generations, Holness noted.

Holness characterized Jackson as an inspirational communicator whose powerful oratory captured the attention of global power structures. “Humanity owes Reverend Jackson a debt of gratitude,” the statement continued, highlighting his unique capacity to influence policymakers and consciousness leaders internationally.

The Jamaican leader placed Jackson within an exceptional group of civil rights pioneers including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., applauding their selfless commitment to humanitarian principles despite significant personal risks. Holness specifically noted their shared prioritization of universal justice over self-interest.

Describing Jackson’s death as a historic moment, Holness credited the activist with restoring virtues of kindness, justice, and equality during periods when these principles faced erosion. The Prime Minister concluded by extending official condolences to Jackson’s family, friends, and supporters worldwide during their time of grief.

KINGSTON, Jamaica – In a significant move to strengthen national food security, the Jamaican government has distributed agricultural resources worth approximately $30 million to thirty-three farmers operating at the Parnassus Agro-Park. This initiative forms part of the first phase of the Southern Plains Agricultural Development Project (SPAD) Matching Grant Scheme, designed to equip local agriculturists with essential tools for enhanced productivity and enterprise sustainability.

The provision includes comprehensive one-acre irrigation systems, extensive fencing materials, diverse seeds and seedlings, specialized crop inputs for both one-acre and half-acre plots, along with practical small tools like mist blowers and sprayers. This strategic support aims to directly increase crop yields, fortify farmers’ economic livelihoods, and substantially contribute to reducing Jamaica’s reliance on food imports.

Managed by the Agro-Investment Corporation (AIC), an agency under the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, the project receives funding from the United Kingdom Caribbean Infrastructure Fund (UKCIF) and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), totaling a $100-million investment. While initially benefiting farmers in Clarendon and St. Catherine—specifically in areas like Amity Hall and Bridge Pen—the scheme specifically prioritizes support for small to medium-scale operations, including those run by youth and women.

During the official handover ceremony at the Clarendon agro-park on February 11, Minister Floyd Green emphasized the government’s commitment. “This matching grant represents a $30 million investment in our agricultural entrepreneurs. We are investing in the farmers so they can invest in their enterprises, ensuring we get the food needed for a food-secure Jamaica,” he stated. Minister Green further highlighted that the support extends beyond financial input, incorporating crucial training programs to build long-term capacity.

The Parnassus Agro-Park itself is a hub of diverse agricultural production, with farmers actively cultivating hot pepper, sweet pepper, pumpkin, sweet potato, watermelon, callaloo, sweet corn, cucumber, okra, onion, and pak choi. Through this injection of resources and the overarching work of the AIC, the project underscores a dedicated national effort to modernize agricultural practices, mobilize sector finance, and promote sustainable socio-economic development across rural communities.

LOS ANGELES – In a significant development for the 2028 Summer Olympics organization, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has publicly called for Casey Wasserman to resign from his position as chief organizer. The demand follows revelations about Wasserman’s past communications with convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell.

During a CNN interview on Monday, Mayor Bass expressed her position clearly, stating, “My opinion is that he should step down,” while acknowledging this view contrasted with that of the LA28 board. Bass characterized the ongoing support for Wasserman from Olympic organizers as “unfortunate” given the emerging details about his historical connections.

The controversy stems from flirtatious email exchanges between Wasserman and Maxwell that occurred approximately two decades ago, before Maxwell’s criminal activities were publicly known. Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for trafficking underage girls for financier Jeffrey Epstein, who died in custody in 2019 in what was ruled a suicide.

This political pressure follows earlier calls from other Los Angeles city officials for Wasserman’s resignation earlier this month. Initially, Mayor Bass had declined to take a position on the matter, stating it should be decided by the LA28 board.

The LA28 Olympics executive committee had previously reaffirmed their support for Wasserman on February 11. In response to the growing backlash, Wasserman announced last week his decision to sell the major sports and entertainment agency he founded.

The International Olympic Committee has distanced itself from the decision-making process, with spokesperson Mark Adams telling journalists, “This is a matter for the board of LA28 still at this stage.” Adams noted that a law firm had investigated the matter and that numerous conversations were ongoing regarding Wasserman’s position.

Notably, Wasserman, 51, has not been accused of any criminal wrongdoing related to the Epstein scandal. He issued an apology last month, emphasizing that his communications with Maxwell predated public knowledge of her crimes.

The developments come amid the continued release of documents from the Epstein investigation, with the U.S. Justice Department last month unveiling over three million documents, photos, and videos related to the case.

PAWTUCKET, Rhode Island — A targeted shooting erupted during a high school ice hockey game at Dennis M. Lynch Arena on Monday evening, resulting in two fatalities and three individuals sustaining critical injuries. Law enforcement authorities have confirmed the incident appears to stem from a domestic dispute.

Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves addressed reporters, stating, “We have three deceased—the suspect and two victims—with three additional individuals transported to area hospitals in critical condition.” The alleged shooter was among the deceased, though official identification of all parties remains pending.

Eyewitness accounts and unverified social media footage depict a scene of chaos as players, students, and spectators scrambled for safety upon hearing an estimated 12 gunshots. One participant on the ice recounted to local broadcaster WJAR, “After the gunshots, my teammates and I ran directly to the locker room. We barricaded the door and remained sheltered inside.”

The tragedy marks the second significant shooting incident within proximity in recent months, occurring merely 3.5 miles from Brown University, where another mass shooting transpired two months prior.

This event adds to the alarming statistics of gun violence in the United States. According to the Gun Violence Archive, which defines mass shootings as incidents involving four or more casualties excluding the perpetrator, the nation witnessed over 400 such occurrences in 2025. Overall, firearm-related fatalities—excluding suicides—totaled at least 14,703 lives last year, highlighting the persistent public safety challenges posed by lenient gun legislation and widespread weapon accessibility.