In a historic move, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the OPEC Fund for International Development have inked a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to bolster cooperation and expedite sustainable development across the Caribbean region. The agreement, signed during the International Monetary Fund-World Bank Annual Meetings in Washington, DC, outlines a comprehensive framework for collaboration in critical sectors including climate resilience, renewable energy, food security, infrastructure development, and youth empowerment. This partnership aims to facilitate joint financing initiatives, technical assistance, and knowledge sharing, enabling Borrowing Member Countries (BMCs) to access innovative resources and solutions. CDB President Daniel Best hailed the MOU as a transformative step toward reshaping the region’s development trajectory. He emphasized that strategic alliances between multilateral development banks are essential for addressing global challenges and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The collaboration will focus on project preparation, regional dialogues, and capacity building, with priority areas such as climate-smart agriculture, water security, digital connectivity, and private sector expansion. Best highlighted the unique synergy between CDB’s regional expertise and the OPEC Fund’s global reach, which he said would unlock unprecedented opportunities for Caribbean nations. The partnership will also support youth empowerment, technical and vocational training, and innovative financing mechanisms like debt-for-sustainability swaps and blue economy projects, further cementing the Caribbean’s role as a leader in climate resilience and sustainable development.
标签： Jamaica
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Eltha ‘Paulette’ Brown was not a household name but she was a Jamaican heroine
On the day following what would have been Eltha Brown’s 68th birthday, family, friends, and colleagues gathered to honor her remarkable life and legacy. A woman of modest stature but immense impact, Brown’s contributions to Jamaica and the world were profound, particularly through her work with the United Nations (UN), which touched countless lives across the globe. Born in Granville, St. James, on September 19, 1957, Brown was the youngest of six children. Her early academic excellence at Montego Bay High School, where she served as head girl and achieved nine distinctions in her GCE exams, foreshadowed her future accomplishments. Brown’s career spanned agriculture, finance, and international development, with significant roles at the Ministry of Agriculture, the National Commercial Bank, and the Commonwealth Secretariat. Her 16-year tenure at the UN-affiliated Common Fund for Commodities in Amsterdam saw her travel to 50 countries, embodying her Afrocentric pride and dedication to global progress. Despite health challenges, Brown returned to Jamaica, continuing her service with the UN Development Programme. Her brother Wemley Brown fondly recalled her generosity, humility, and unwavering commitment to family and community. Eltha Brown’s life was celebrated at the Boulevard Baptist Church in St. Andrew, where tributes highlighted her magnetic passion, tenacity, and the indelible mark she left on all who knew her. She passed away on September 7, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, leadership, and global impact.
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Keith & Tex in the consideration for reggae Grammy
Nearly six decades after their debut, reggae legends Keith & Tex are in the running for a Grammy Award. Their latest album, *Gun Fire*, has been shortlisted among 73 contenders for Best Reggae Album at the 2026 Grammy Awards. Produced by Spain’s Roberto Sanchez and released in March by Liquidator Music, the album showcases their enduring talent and dedication to the genre. The duo, known for timeless hits like *Stop That Train* and *Tonight*, expressed their gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing their 57-year journey and their role as one of the few surviving acts from the 1960s still actively creating music. Keith Rowe, based in Tampa, Florida, and Phillip Texas Dixon, residing in Toronto, Canada, have collaborated with European musicians to craft *Gun Fire*, featuring original tracks such as *Country Living*, *Simple Man*, and *On The Streets*. The Recording Academy unveiled the provisional list on October 3, with official nominees set to be announced on November 7. The awards ceremony will take place on February 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Keith & Tex began their careers in the early 1960s as part of a five-member group, later transitioning to a duo under Derrick Harriott’s Crystal label, where they produced iconic hits like *Tonight* and *Stop That Train*. After migrating to North America in the 1970s, they returned to music in 1997 with *Back Together Again*, cementing their legacy in reggae history.
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PNP mourns passing of theatre pioneer Yvonne Brewster
The Jamaican cultural landscape is in mourning following the passing of Yvonne Brewster, a trailblazing actress, director, and cultural visionary. The Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) joined the artistic community in honoring her legacy, which has profoundly shaped Jamaican and Caribbean theatre. Brewster’s contributions, the PNP noted, have been instrumental in defining the trajectory of the region’s performing arts.
Born in Jamaica, Brewster studied and taught drama before returning to her homeland in the mid-1960s. Alongside playwright Trevor Rhone, she co-founded The Barn Theatre in Kingston, Jamaica’s first professional theatre company. This institution became a crucible for nurturing local talent and a stage for authentic Jamaican narratives. Shadow Minister of Creative Industries, Culture, and Information, Nekeisha Burchell, emphasized that Brewster’s work provided a platform for stories told in the unique voice of the Caribbean.
In the early 1970s, Brewster relocated to the United Kingdom, where her career flourished across stage, screen, radio, and television. She directed and acted in iconic productions such as *The Harder They Come*, *Smile Orange*, and *The Marijuana Affair*. Her directorial prowess was also showcased in BBC Television projects like *Maybury*, *The Fight Against Slavery*, and *My Father Sun Sun Johnson*. These works cemented her international reputation as a creative force dedicated to portraying Caribbean life with authenticity and dignity.
Brewster later co-founded the Talawa Theatre Company, now recognized as one of the UK’s most esteemed black theatre institutions. From 2000 to 2001, she reached broader audiences as Ruth Harding in the BBC drama *Doctors*, further amplifying Jamaican talent on the global stage.
The PNP paid tribute to Brewster for her courage and enduring contributions to Jamaica’s national identity. Burchell remarked, ‘Yvonne Brewster was one of the architects of modern Jamaican theatre and a bridge between our island and the wider world. She demonstrated that Jamaican stories, told in our language and from our perspective, deserve a place on every stage. Her legacy reminds us that culture is not only who we are but also how we evolve.’
Brewster’s vision continues to inspire efforts to bolster Jamaica’s creative industries and uphold the integrity of local storytelling as a driver of development. The PNP extended its condolences to her family, colleagues, and the global theatre community she influenced. ‘Jamaica has lost a remarkable cultural pioneer, but her example will continue to inspire generations of artists and cultural workers. May her soul rest in peace,’ Burchell concluded.
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Cayman Islands releases sweeping immigration reform bill
The Cayman Islands Government has unveiled a comprehensive set of proposed amendments to its immigration laws, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s policy framework. The reforms, now open for public consultation until mid-November, aim to realign the immigration system with the priorities of Caymanians while maintaining the islands’ competitiveness and social cohesion. Among the key changes is the extension of the residency requirement for spouses or civil partners of Caymanians or permanent residents from 15 to 20 years before they can apply for naturalization or permanent residency. Additionally, the amendments introduce stricter measures for work-permit holders, including a two-year restriction on changing employers and a mandatory one-year departure from the islands before reapplying for a permit. The bill also imposes annual declaration requirements for individuals granted Caymanian status, with non-compliance potentially leading to revocation. Other notable changes include age limits for specialist caregiver certificates and financial standing requirements for surviving spouses or civil partners with dependents. Minister for Caymanian Employment and Immigration Michael Myles emphasized the importance of public consultation in crafting a fair and transparent immigration system that reflects the needs and aspirations of the Caymanian people.
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Selena Whyte’s St Thomas no longer the forgotten parish for business
St Thomas, often referred to as Jamaica’s ‘forgotten parish,’ is undergoing a significant transformation, emerging as a vibrant hub for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). Spearheaded by the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC), the parish is witnessing a surge in entrepreneurial activity, particularly in sectors like cosmetology, skincare, aromatherapy, and retail. Located at 49 Queen Street in Morant Bay, the JBDC Business Centre serves as a pivotal resource for local entrepreneurs, offering a range of support services to help them formalize and scale their operations. Selena Whyte, a dedicated business development officer at the centre, has been instrumental in this shift. With years of experience and a deep understanding of the parish’s cultural and economic landscape, Whyte provides hands-on coaching, formalization support, and access to critical resources. Despite the parish’s potential, entrepreneurs in St Thomas face significant challenges, particularly in securing funding. Many MSMEs start with minimal capital, relying on personal savings or family support. Whyte emphasizes that while funding is a major hurdle, other obstacles like marketing, packaging, and market research also impede growth. To address these issues, the JBDC offers a structured program that guides entrepreneurs through business registration, market validation, pricing strategies, and regulatory compliance. Whyte’s commitment to fostering business development is deeply personal, rooted in her own journey from assisting her mother’s corner shop to becoming a trusted advisor at JBDC. She believes that empowering local businesses is key to transforming St Thomas and its communities. Entrepreneurs interested in tapping into this growing business ecosystem can contact Selena Whyte at 876-516-8158 or 876-436-3925 for a consultation.
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Kemps Hill defeat Frome, join Cornwall College in D’Cup round of 16
In a thrilling culmination of the ISSA daCosta Cup round of 32 qualifiers, former champions Cornwall College and Kemps Hill High secured their spots in the round of 16 on Monday. Kemps Hill clinched their place with a decisive 2-0 victory over Frome Technical in a rescheduled Group 1 match at the Wembley Centre of Excellence. The game, originally slated for Saturday, was moved due to a waterlogged field at Foga Road, adding an extra layer of drama to the proceedings.
Robinho Rodney opened the scoring for Kemps Hill in the 10th minute, setting the tone for the match. Ricardo Dean then sealed the win with a penalty in the 49th minute after Shemar Daley was fouled in the 18-yard box. This victory marked a remarkable turnaround for Kemps Hill, who had lost their opening round of 32 game 2-0 to Cornwall College but rallied to win their next two matches, including a high-scoring 6-4 triumph over Cedric Titus on Wednesday.
Frome Technical, who had started strong with wins over Cedric Titus (3-2) and Cornwall College (2-1), needed only a draw to advance but fell short. Meanwhile, Cornwall College topped the group with a superior goal difference of +13, followed by Kemps Hill at +2 and Frome Technical at 0. Cornwall College had previously bounced back from their loss to Frome with a dominant 13-1 victory over Cedric Titus on Saturday.
The round of 16 will also feature Ocho Rios High and Maggotty High from Group 2; Christiana High and Mannings School from Group 3; STETHS and Maldon High from Group 4; Glenmuir High and Manchester High from Group 5; Dinthill Technical and Clarendon College from Group 6; Garvey Maceo High and Old Harbour High from Group 7; and McGrath High and William Knibb Memorial from Group 8. The stage is now set for an intense knockout phase as these teams vie for the coveted ISSA daCosta Cup.
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Box for a bed
For months, a 63-year-old man in downtown Kingston called a cardboard box his home. Shielded only by a discarded plastic mattress wrap, he endured the elements, with Kingston Harbour serving as his makeshift bathroom. Dependent on sporadic meals from charitable organizations, he lived in absolute poverty, uncertain of his next meal. His life took a dramatic turn in 2003 when he found refuge at The Lord’s Place, a sanctuary run by the Missionaries of the Poor. Today, he has a stable job in landscaping, a roof over his head, and the ability to assist others experiencing homelessness.
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Durant agrees to NBA Rockets two-year $90m extension — reports
NBA icon Kevin Durant has inked a two-year, $90 million contract extension with the Houston Rockets, as confirmed by multiple sources on Sunday. The 37-year-old forward, a two-time NBA champion with the Golden State Warriors, will now hold the record for the highest career earnings in NBA history, surpassing LeBron James’s $583.9 million with a staggering $598.2 million.
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MBU, Racing clash atop JPL table
The Jamaica Premier League (JPL) is set for a thrilling top-of-the-table clash as leaders Montego Bay United (MBU) take on the unbeaten Racing United at the Montego Bay Sports Complex tonight at 7:00 pm. With just four points separating the two teams, the stakes are high. MBU currently leads with 19 points from eight games, while Racing United, tied with Portmore United at 15 points, has played one fewer game. The encounter promises to be a test of skill and strategy as both teams aim to solidify their positions in the league standings. Racing United, in their second JPL season, has yet to score against MBU in their three previous meetings, losing twice and drawing once. However, with 14 goals scored this season, they are second only to MBU in offensive prowess. MBU, returning home after consecutive away victories, will look to break through Racing’s defense, which has not conceded a goal in four games. Key players like Jourdain Fletcher, Dwight Merrick, and Jahmari Clarke will be crucial for MBU, while Racing’s Giovanni Cunningham and Tajay Grant aim to extend their unbeaten streak. Earlier in the day, the league’s double-header at Drewsland will see defending champions Cavalier SC face Spanish Town Police at 3:00 pm, followed by Waterhouse FC hosting Dunbeholden United at 5:30 pm. At Turner’s Oval, Chapelton Maroons and Molynes United will battle at 3:00 pm, with both teams desperate for a win. The weekend’s fixtures will conclude with Monday’s games featuring Portmore United vs Harbour View FC and Arnett Gardens FC vs Tivoli Gardens FC. As the JPL season progresses, these matches could significantly shape the league’s standings and set the tone for the remainder of the competition.