Significant progress has been made in the expansion and modernization of the Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital in Westmoreland, Jamaica. During a recent press briefing at the S Hotel in Montego Bay, Dr. Christopher Tufton, Minister of Health and Wellness, provided updates on the project, which aims to enhance healthcare services and alleviate overcrowding. The initiative, now in the procurement phase, focuses on expanding the Accident and Emergency (A&E) Department and upgrading other critical facilities.
标签: Jamaica
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Submachine gun seized in St Andrew South Police Division
In a significant early morning operation on Tuesday, law enforcement officers from the St Andrew South police division in Kingston, Jamaica, successfully seized a high-powered Mac 11 9mm submachine gun. The operation, led by detectives from the Hunts Bay Criminal Investigations Branch (CIB), took place around 6:10 am near the Oak Glades Health Centre in Kingston 13. During a thorough search of an open lot, the firearm was discovered hidden inside an old refrigerator. The weapon was loaded with a magazine containing two live 9mm rounds. While no arrests were made in connection with the seizure, authorities have confirmed that investigations are actively ongoing to uncover further details about the firearm’s origin and intended use. This operation highlights the continued efforts of Jamaican law enforcement to combat illegal firearms and enhance public safety.
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Jamaica ranks #1 for most likely to help strangers
Jamaica has emerged as the global leader in altruism, securing the top spot for its citizens’ willingness to assist strangers, as revealed in the World Happiness Gallup Report 2025. The Caribbean nation is closely trailed by Liberia and Sierra Leone, both of which also exhibit remarkable levels of generosity toward unfamiliar individuals. However, despite their commendable acts of kindness, these countries rank significantly lower in terms of charitable donations, with Jamaica, Liberia, and Sierra Leone positioned more than 80 places behind in global charity contribution rankings. The report identifies a similar trend in Nigeria and Kenya, which also feature in the top 10 for helping strangers but struggle with financial contributions to organizations. These nations, along with Jamaica, grapple with issues of institutional trust, particularly in their interactions with law enforcement, which often results in a diminished reliance on formal systems. This phenomenon underscores a broader societal pattern: in regions where institutional frameworks are perceived as unreliable or inaccessible, individuals tend to seek support from one another rather than from formal entities. In Jamaica and similar contexts, generosity transcends mere moral obligation, evolving into a tangible manifestation of trust and solidarity among neighbors and strangers alike. This preference for personal, human-centered assistance over formal charitable mechanisms highlights the unique social dynamics at play in these societies.
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UN, Red Cross demand opening of all Gaza crossings to let in aid
In a joint appeal on Tuesday, the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) emphasized the urgent need to open all crossings into Gaza to facilitate the delivery of essential humanitarian aid to the Israeli-blockaded Palestinian territory. The call comes as the region grapples with severe famine and catastrophic living conditions, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict.
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Canadian trade mission arrives in Guyana
A high-profile Canadian business delegation has arrived in Georgetown, Guyana, for a four-day visit aimed at bolstering trade and investment ties between the two nations. The delegation, comprising representatives from Bionetix International, Sprig Learning Inc., 4Pay Inc., FreeBalance Inc., and E-Magic Solutions, spans diverse sectors including financial technology (FinTech), information and communications technology (ICT), infrastructure, education, and sanitation. Organized by the High Commission of Canada, the visit is part of a broader strategy to enhance commercial cooperation with Guyana and the wider Caribbean region. The delegation’s agenda includes market knowledge sessions, high-level meetings with government officials, and a business-to-business (B2B) program designed to connect Canadian firms with local enterprises. A key feature of the visit will be on-the-ground site tours, offering participants firsthand insights into Guyana’s rapidly evolving infrastructure and investment landscape. These visits aim to bridge the gap between theoretical discussions and practical understanding of opportunities and challenges across various sectors. Canada’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Sebastien Sigouin, emphasized the initiative’s focus on aligning Canadian innovation with Guyanese opportunities. He highlighted the long-standing relationship between the two countries, rooted in trust, cooperation, and mutual respect. The visit underscores Canada’s commitment to supporting Guyana’s development priorities through partnerships that promote innovation, knowledge transfer, and sustainable growth. The High Commission also noted that the mission is not solely about advancing Canadian business interests but also about fostering inclusive, long-term benefits for both nations. The delegation’s presence reflects Canada’s confidence in Guyana’s economic trajectory and the value of building transparent, sustainable, and mutually prosperous partnerships. This visit marks a significant step in strengthening Canada-Guyana commercial relations and unlocking shared opportunities for a resilient and innovative future.
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EU hits Gucci, Chloe, Loewe with 157-mn-euro fines for price fixing
In a significant move to uphold fair competition, the European Union has levied fines totaling over €157 million ($182 million) against luxury fashion giants Gucci, Chloe, and Loewe for engaging in resale price-fixing practices. The European Commission, following surprise raids in April 2023 and a formal antitrust investigation launched in July 2024, found that the brands had restricted independent retailers from setting their own prices both online and in physical stores. This anticompetitive behavior, according to the EU, not only inflated prices but also limited consumer choice.
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Cristiano Ronaldo becomes all-time top World Cup qualifying scorer
LISBON, Portugal — In a historic moment for football, Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has cemented his legacy by becoming the all-time leading goalscorer in World Cup qualifying history. At the age of 40, Ronaldo achieved this milestone during Portugal’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Hungary on Tuesday. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner netted his 40th and 41st qualifying goals, surpassing the previous record of 39 goals held by retired Guatemalan striker Carlos Ruiz, who set the mark between 1998 and 2016. Ronaldo opened his account in the 22nd minute, skillfully finishing a cross from Nelson Semedo to level the score. He struck again before halftime, capitalizing on a setup by Nuno Mendes to give Portugal a 2-1 lead. This victory could secure Portugal’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup, to be hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Ronaldo, who already holds the record for the most international goals with 143, is now eyeing a sixth World Cup appearance, further solidifying his status as one of football’s greatest legends.
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Israel identifies hostage bodies, returns 45 Palestinian dead
In a significant development, the Israeli military announced on Tuesday that the remains of four hostages returned by Hamas have been identified. Among them is Bipin Joshi, a 22-year-old Nepalese agriculture student, and Guy Iluz, a 26-year-old Israeli sound technician. The identities of the other two victims remain undisclosed at their families’ request. The remains were part of a broader exchange facilitated by the United States, which also saw the return of 45 Palestinian bodies to Gaza. This exchange aligns with ongoing efforts to de-escalate the Gaza conflict, as outlined in President Donald Trump’s peace plan. Guy Iluz, who was attending the Nova music festival during the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack, was injured and abducted alive. He later succumbed to his injuries due to inadequate medical care while in captivity. Bipin Joshi, part of a Nepalese agricultural training group, was abducted from Kibbutz Alumim and is believed to have been murdered during the early months of the war. The Israeli military stated that the exact causes of death for all four hostages will be determined following forensic examinations.
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Clinical psychologist highlights workplace stressors that undermine mental well-being
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jesutofunmi Simpson, a clinical psychologist at Bellevue Hospital, is shedding light on the often-ignored workplace stressors that are significantly impacting the mental health of the working-class population. Simpson identifies economic pressures, job dissatisfaction, and micromanagement as primary contributors to employee stress and unhappiness. ‘When your income doesn’t cover your expenses, stress is inevitable. This financial strain, coupled with a lack of fulfillment at work, creates a challenging environment,’ Simpson explained in a recent interview with JIS News. She emphasized that job satisfaction goes beyond workload, highlighting the importance of employees feeling that their work has a meaningful impact. The discussion on mental health was particularly relevant during Mental Health Awareness Week (October 5-12) and Global Mental Health Day (October 10), as Jamaica faces a concerning rise in suicides, with 44 reported cases between January and September 2025. Simpson advocates for building workplace resilience to combat daily stressors. ‘Resilience is about adaptability and bouncing back from challenges. In the workplace, this means navigating difficulties and understanding that recovery is possible,’ she said. To foster resilience, Simpson recommends emotional regulation, stress management, and maintaining a clear boundary between work and personal life. She also encourages employees to engage in hobbies, seek support, and utilize their full breaks. For managers and business owners, she stresses the importance of flexible work arrangements and a collaborative culture to reduce burnout. Burnout, characterized by emotional and physical exhaustion, is a severe consequence of chronic workplace stress. Simpson advises individuals to prioritize rest, practice relaxation techniques, and set boundaries. From an organizational perspective, she calls for proactive stress prevention measures, such as fostering a supportive work environment and encouraging employees to stay connected with loved ones.
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Singer Irie, Ian Sweetness collaborate on ‘Real Friends’
After decades of moving in the same musical circles, reggae artists Singer Irie and Ian Sweetness have finally joined forces to release their first collaborative track, ‘Real Friends,’ on September 2. The song, produced by the UK-based independent label One Harmony Records, marks a significant milestone in their careers.
