In a significant move to enhance disaster preparedness and public health resilience, the NCB Foundation, in collaboration with UNICEF Jamaica, has donated 400 Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Shelter Kits to the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM). Valued at J$14.8 million, the kits were officially handed over during a ceremony at ODPEM’s headquarters last Tuesday. This initiative is part of the broader Strengthening WASH Resilience to Climatic Events Post-Hurricane Beryl Programme, a J$43.8 million project aimed at supporting vulnerable communities across Jamaica. Perrin Gayle, CEO of NCB Foundation, emphasized the importance of compassion and preparedness in disaster recovery, stating that clean water and sanitation are critical for rebuilding efforts. Food for the Poor (FFTP), the executing partner, sourced the kits, which include essential items like disinfectants, soap, and sanitary supplies. Nakhle Hado, Director of Operations at FFTP, highlighted the life-saving impact of ensuring clean water and sanitation in shelters. Michelle Edwards, Acting Deputy Director General of ODPEM, expressed gratitude for the donation, noting its role in safeguarding lives during crises. The kits will be distributed to municipal corporations for allocation to shelters island-wide. UNICEF Jamaica, serving as a technical advisor, is working with local parish councils to ensure sustainable management of these resources. Mohammad Mohiuddin, UNICEF Jamaica’s Officer-in-Charge, underscored the initiative’s alignment with global sustainability goals, particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). The project, funded by NCB Foundation, reflects a commitment to climate-smart, inclusive development and national disaster resilience.
标签： Jamaica
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US defence chief announces another attack on alleged drug-running boat
In a decisive move against international drug trafficking, the United States has executed a targeted strike on a suspected narcotics vessel, resulting in the elimination of three individuals identified as ‘narco-terrorists.’ The operation, announced by US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth via a post on X, took place on Friday in international waters under the jurisdiction of the US Southern Command, which manages military activities across Latin America. The vessel, reportedly linked to Colombia’s ELN guerrilla group, was intercepted along a well-documented drug-smuggling route and was found to be carrying significant quantities of illegal narcotics. While Hegseth did not disclose the precise location of the strike, he emphasized the operation’s success in disrupting a critical node of the global drug trade. This action underscores the US government’s ongoing commitment to combating transnational organized crime and narco-terrorism in the region.
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Robbers steal French crown jewels from Louvre in 7 minute heist
In a brazen daylight robbery, thieves armed with power tools targeted the Louvre Museum in Paris on Sunday, making off with some of France’s most valuable crown jewels. The audacious heist, which lasted a mere seven minutes, saw the culprits flee the scene, leaving behind a damaged 19th-century gem-encrusted crown near the museum. Authorities have launched a manhunt, but the perpetrators remain at large. The incident forced the immediate closure of the Louvre, the world’s most-visited museum, which houses iconic treasures such as the Mona Lisa. Armed soldiers patrolled the area around the museum’s glass pyramid entrance, while evacuated visitors and tourists were kept at bay behind police tape. Witnesses described the scene as reminiscent of a Hollywood movie. The robbers reportedly used a powered, extendable ladder—typically employed for moving furniture—to access the gilded gallery housing the crown jewels. The stolen crown, belonging to Empress Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III, is adorned with 1,354 diamonds and 56 emeralds. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez confirmed that three or four thieves targeted two displays in the museum’s ‘Galerie d’Apollon,’ though the full extent of the stolen items remains unclear. The Louvre’s management stated that the closure was necessary to preserve evidence for the ongoing investigation. Experts fear the stolen jewels may be dismantled for their precious materials, as they would be ‘completely unsellable’ in their current state. This incident highlights a growing concern over museum security in France, following a series of high-profile thefts in recent months. French President Emmanuel Macron has pledged to enhance the Louvre’s security as part of a broader renovation plan.
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Breast cancer scare
A dire shortage of functioning mammogram machines in western Jamaica has left over 100 women indefinitely waiting for breast cancer screenings they have already paid for. The region, managed by the Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA), currently has only one operational mammogram machine at Cornwall Regional Hospital, severely limiting access to early detection services. This crisis has disrupted the annual mammogram drive organized by the Misty Blue Cancer Care Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to cancer education and prevention in Westmoreland. Despite securing sponsorships from the Sandals Foundation, American Friends of Jamaica, and Scotiabank Jamaica to cover the costs of 115 mammograms, the foundation has been unable to proceed due to the lack of available equipment. Dorothy Satchwell, the foundation’s founder and chair, expressed frustration over the situation, emphasizing the growing morbidity and mortality rates of breast cancer in the region. She revealed that 1,350 Westmoreland residents died from cancer in 2023, with approximately 24 deaths attributed to breast cancer. The issue is further exacerbated by the absence of screening mechanisms, leading to late-stage diagnoses among younger women. Dr. Lincoln Cox of Savanna-la-Mar General Hospital shared alarming data showing a steady increase in breast cancer surgeries over the past five years, with 47 cases recorded in 2024 alone. In response, Misty Blue Foundation is exploring long-term solutions, including the possibility of acquiring a mobile mammogram unit with future sponsorships. The foundation has been a pivotal force in cancer awareness since its inception in 2015, conducting community health fairs and educational programs in partnership with local health departments. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the organization traditionally runs month-long campaigns, heavily supported by the Sandals Foundation. Satchwell hopes to expand these efforts to include broader health awareness initiatives, particularly in schools. The recent Faith Gifford Symposium, endorsed by the Ministry of Health and Wellness, highlighted the foundation’s commitment to advancing cancer care at the parish level. Attendees, including students and educators, praised the event for its informative and impactful presentations. As the foundation continues its advocacy, it aims to honor the legacy of Faith Gifford, a founding member remembered for her unwavering support of cancer patients.
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US Embassy issues security alert for Americans in T&T
The US Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago has issued a critical security alert, urging American citizens to exercise heightened caution during the Divali holiday weekend. In a statement released on Saturday, the embassy advised US nationals to avoid visiting all US government facilities in the twin-island republic due to an elevated state of alert. The embassy emphasized the importance of vigilance, encouraging Americans to remain aware of their surroundings, stay updated through reliable news sources, and promptly report any suspicious activities to local authorities. This advisory comes as the region prepares for the vibrant Divali celebrations, a significant Hindu festival of lights. While the specific nature of the threat remains undisclosed, the embassy’s warning underscores the need for precautionary measures to ensure the safety of US citizens during this period.
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United Way of Jamaica announces 40th Anniversary Gala, ‘The Ruby Thread’
The United Way of Jamaica (UWJ) is set to commemorate its 40th anniversary with a grand gala titled ‘The Ruby Thread’ on November 8, 2025. The event, themed ‘Honouring the Hearts and Hands that Give,’ will be a black-tie affair held at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel in Kingston. This milestone celebration will honor four decades of resource mobilization and transformative impact across Jamaica, while also celebrating the nation’s culture of service and generosity.
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Is That A Fact favoured in ‘Big Sub’ Memorial race
The stage is set for an electrifying showdown in this afternoon’s $1.25-million Errol “Big Sub” Subratie Memorial Trophy, where Is That A Fact is widely regarded as the horse to beat. Despite an eight-race losing streak, his stellar performances in higher classes and recent strong workouts have solidified his status as a formidable contender. His impressive 2½-length second-place finish behind Legacy Isle in the None Such Sprint on September 6 remains a testament to his potential. Now, the question on everyone’s mind is whether he can reclaim his winning form.
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Huge crowds as body of revered Kenya politician Odinga heads home
KISUMU, Kenya — Tens of thousands of mourners gathered in western Kenya on Saturday to pay their final respects to Raila Odinga, a revered political figure whose death has left the nation in profound grief. The massive turnout in Kisumu, Odinga’s political stronghold, marked the climax of a week-long mourning period that has already claimed at least five lives. As his coffin arrived by helicopter at the city stadium, the crowd erupted in emotional chants of “Baba” (father) and “We are orphans,” reflecting the deep connection Odinga had with his supporters. Odinga, 80, passed away on Wednesday in India from a suspected heart attack, sparking nationwide sorrow, particularly among the Luo community, which he championed. Despite the overwhelming crowd, the event in Kisumu was relatively orderly compared to earlier ceremonies in Nairobi, where security forces resorted to lethal measures to control surging crowds. A medical source reported that 74 people were treated for fainting and dehydration at the stadium. Odinga’s legacy as a key architect of Kenya’s multi-party democracy and the 2010 constitution remains undisputed, though his death leaves a leadership vacuum in the opposition. His pragmatic alliances, including a recent deal with President William Ruto, had alienated some young voters. As Kenya prepares for potentially turbulent elections in 2027, the future of Odinga’s political movement remains uncertain.
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France’s ex-president Sarkozy goes to jail
PARIS, France — Nicolas Sarkozy, the former French president, is set to begin his prison sentence on Tuesday, marking a historic moment as he becomes the first former head of state from an EU country to be incarcerated. Sarkozy, who led France from 2007 to 2012, was convicted in late September for his involvement in a criminal conspiracy to secure illegal campaign funding from the late Libyan dictator Moamer Kadhafi during his 2007 presidential bid. Despite appealing the verdict and decrying it as an “injustice,” Sarkozy will be held at La Sante prison in Paris. In a defiant statement following his conviction, Sarkozy declared, “If they absolutely want me to sleep in prison, I will sleep in prison — but with my head held high.” This makes him the first French leader to face imprisonment since Philippe Petain, the Nazi-collaborating head of the Vichy regime, who was jailed after World War II. Sarkozy is expected to be placed in solitary confinement, occupying a nine-square-meter cell to minimize interaction with other inmates and prevent unauthorized photography. The presiding judge, Nathalie Gavarino, emphasized the “exceptional gravity” of the offenses, ordering his incarceration even as he appeals. Sarkozy’s legal team is likely to seek his release immediately, but the court retains the authority to deny it if there are concerns about evidence tampering or witness intimidation. If released, he could be placed under judicial supervision or house arrest with an ankle tag. Sarkozy’s legal troubles have mounted since his 2012 re-election loss, including a prior graft conviction. In the Libyan case, prosecutors alleged that his aides struck a deal with Kadhafi in 2005 to fund his campaign, with promises to restore Kadhafi’s international image. However, the court acquitted Sarkozy of charges related to embezzlement, corruption, and illicit campaign financing. Despite losing his Legion of Honour distinction, Sarkozy retains some support on the French right, with his son Louis Sarkozy urging supporters to rally outside their family home. The case has also sparked controversy, with the presiding judge receiving death threats, prompting President Emmanuel Macron to condemn such actions as “unacceptable.” La Sante prison has housed notable figures, including Venezuelan militant Carlos the Jackal and French model agent Jean-Luc Brunel, who was found dead in his cell in 2022.
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Melodii singing the right tune
Emerging recording artist Melodii is captivating audiences with his heartfelt vocals and meaningful lyrics. His latest track, *Stages*, produced by Stocks An Bondz Recordz, has garnered significant attention. The song reflects his personal journey in the music industry, blending his experiences from various events and daily life. Born and raised in Clarendon, Jamaica, Melodii, whose real name is Roderick Baker, discovered his passion for music at the tender age of 10 while attending Foga Road High School. His growing fan base is a testament to his previous releases, including *Legends*, *Darkness*, and *Learn*. Unlike many dancehall artists, Melodii takes pride in creating music free of explicit content, a choice that has resonated positively with listeners. He attributes his inspiration to legendary artists like Bob Marley, Beres Hammond, Christopher Martin, and Romain Virgo, who share his commitment to conscious and clean music. Looking ahead, Melodii is eager to collaborate with artists such as Beres Hammond, Masicka, and Nhance, whose motivational tracks fuel his ambition. With his latest release on August 31, he aims to cater to diverse age groups and hopes to perform at major festivals like Reggae Sumfest and Rebel Salute. Melodii remains steadfast in his mission to spread positivity through his music, encouraging his audience to elevate themselves alongside him.