KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the aftermath of a devastating incident that claimed the lives of five individuals, including four-year-old Shannon Gordon, Police Commissioner Dr. Kevin Blake has issued a fervent appeal for moral clarity and unified action. The tragic event, which occurred in a St. Catherine community, has reignited concerns over escalating violence and the societal narratives surrounding it.
标签： Jamaica
牙买加
-
Tracking travel
A groundbreaking smart card system is set to revolutionize the safety and efficiency of Jamaica’s Rural School Bus Programme, offering parents real-time tracking of their children’s journeys to and from school. Developed by El Hydro, the technology partner for the initiative, the system will notify parents instantly via SMS or a dedicated app when their child boards or exits a school bus. This feature aims to bolster confidence in the programme, which is still in its developmental stages.
-
19-y-o student cops Miss Jamaica World Beach Beauty title
In a dazzling display of grace and charisma, 19-year-old Nevaeh Allen, a business finance student at the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC), was crowned the 2025 Miss Jamaica World Beach Beauty on Sunday. The event, held at Fort Clarence Beach in Portmore, is a pivotal fast-track competition in the annual Miss Jamaica World pageant. Allen’s victory not only earned her the prestigious title but also guaranteed her a spot in the top ten of the grand finals, scheduled for November 2 at the Karl Hendrickson Auditorium at Jamaica College.
-
Witnesses to be called in fraud trial of Ruel Reid, co-accused
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The high-profile trial of former Jamaican Education Minister Ruel Reid and his co-accused is set to resume on Thursday, with 10 to 16 witnesses expected to testify this week. The case, which could involve up to 92 witnesses in total, centers on allegations of a multi-million-dollar corruption scheme involving the misappropriation of government funds from the Ministry of Education and the Caribbean Maritime University (CMU) between 2016 and 2019. Reid is accused alongside his wife Sharen Reid, daughter Sharelle Reid, former Jamaica Labour Party councillor Kim Brown Lawrence, and former CMU President Fritz Pinnock.
Parish Court Judge Sanchia Burrell ruled on Monday that the trial must proceed, granting an order of indictment despite objections from the defense. Attorney Hugh Wildman, representing the defense, argued that the prosecution relied on statements allegedly obtained illegally, a claim supported by other defense lawyers. Wildman also contended that the Financial Investigations Division (FID) Act prohibits FID officers from sharing gathered information and lacks authority to arrest or charge individuals.
The prosecution countered that Wildman’s objections were premature, emphasizing that the admissibility of evidence should be addressed during the trial itself. While the crown acknowledged the FID’s limited investigative powers, it maintained that Jamaica Constabulary Force officers designated as FID agents retained their full legal authority, including the power to arrest.
Judge Burrell dismissed the defense’s request to adjourn the trial for 10 weeks to review crown disclosures, stating that such matters fall outside her jurisdiction at this preliminary stage. The trial’s continuation marks a critical juncture in a case that has drawn significant public and political attention, with implications for Jamaica’s fight against corruption.
-
5 years, no progress
Five years after the Mental Health (Offenders) Inquiry Committee, commissioned by Chief Justice Bryan Sykes, urged the Jamaican Ministry of Health to establish dedicated facilities for mentally ill individuals in conflict with the law, no such space has been identified. Hundreds of these individuals remain detained in correctional institutions, often for decades, with half still awaiting trial. The committee, comprising representatives from the judiciary, human rights organizations, and health and correctional services, highlighted the systemic failure to address the therapeutic needs of these detainees. Dr. Kevin Goulbourne, consultant psychiatrist and director of Mental Health and Substance Use at the ministry, recently confirmed that efforts are ongoing to create a more humane environment outside the prison system. The 2020 report emphasized that correctional facilities are ill-equipped to handle mental health care, a responsibility historically shifted from Bellevue Hospital to the Department of Correctional Services in the 1970s. Justice Georgiana Fraser, the committee chair, stressed the urgency of designating appropriate facilities, noting that many detainees have not been tried or found guilty. The report also criticized successive health ministers for failing to address this issue. Goulbourne acknowledged the challenges, including the lack of early assessments and the absence of a forensic psychiatric unit. Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton emphasized the need for collaboration between health, justice, and security sectors to improve mental health support for incarcerated individuals. Chief Justice Sykes has called for systemic reforms to ensure timely court appearances and appropriate care for mentally disordered defendants, who currently cannot be discharged without a trial verdict.
-
Americans feel the squeeze as government gridlock grinds on
The United States government shutdown has now extended into its third week, with Congress remaining deadlocked over spending disputes. The impasse has already led to significant job losses and widespread uncertainty among federal employees. President Donald Trump has intensified pressure on Democrats by threatening to cut programs perceived as aligned with the opposition party, while also vowing to ensure military personnel receive their paychecks despite the ongoing crisis. Over 4,000 federal employees were reportedly laid off last Friday, with key departments such as the Treasury, Health, Education, and Housing bearing the brunt of the cuts. The shutdown has also impacted military families, with food banks reporting a surge in demand. Trump announced plans to redirect funds to pay troops, though the legality of this move remains unclear. Meanwhile, Democratic leaders Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries have dismissed the layoffs as reversible through legal challenges. The stalemate continues as Republicans refuse to include Democratic demands for extending health insurance subsidies in the funding resolution. With Congress on recess for a federal holiday, the shutdown is set to persist, further straining public services and increasing delays at airports due to unpaid Transportation Security Administration workers. The Smithsonian Institution has also closed its National Zoo and museums, adding to the growing list of shutdown-related disruptions.
-
Ramona Samuels celebrates milestone of Voicebox brand
Ramona Samuels, a dynamic broadcaster and media entrepreneur, exudes an unmistakable aura of quiet confidence and determination. Her journey with Voicebox, a pioneering voice-over and personality brand, marks a significant 15-year milestone, celebrating her relentless drive and innovative spirit. Since its inception on September 2, 2010, Voicebox has become synonymous with professionalism, creativity, and international appeal, carving a niche in Jamaica’s media landscape. Samuels’ vision extended beyond offering a service; she aimed to create a sustainable platform where voice talent could thrive as a standalone business. Her early career as a voice artist saw her lend her distinctive voice to campaigns for global brands like Heineken UEFA Champions League, ATI, and Kingston Restaurant Week, as well as international clients in the Cayman Islands, Russia, the USA, and Canada. Recognizing the potential to monetize her talent, Samuels transformed her voice work into a multifaceted business model. Over the years, Voicebox has evolved into a comprehensive media outlet, offering voice-over services, event hosting, production coverage, and content creation. The brand’s tagline, “The Voicebox Makes You Heard,” encapsulates its mission to amplify voices and stories. Today, Voicebox is not only a trusted name in voice-over production but also a content powerhouse through Ramona Samuels TV on YouTube, which boasts over 3,000 followers. The platform delivers independent coverage of cultural events, entertainment stories, and social commentary, all infused with a distinctly Jamaican perspective. Samuels has also ventured into public relations, leveraging her experience and insights to provide strategic counsel in a noisy marketplace. Looking ahead, Voicebox aims to expand its digital footprint, foster international collaborations, and remain steadfast in its mission to elevate voices and brands. Samuels’ entrepreneurial journey offers valuable lessons: treat clients’ resources with care, focus on impactful strategies, and embrace ideas from all sources. She emphasizes the importance of integrity in PR, a profession that, while unregulated, demands the highest ethical standards. Samuels’ story is a testament to the power of innovation, resilience, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
-
TRACING THE J’CAN BLUEPRINT
WILLEMSTAD, Curacao — Amid growing concerns over Jamaica’s football program, Gilbert Martina, President of the Curacao Football Federation, has hailed Jamaica as a regional benchmark. Martina is determined to leverage Jamaica’s expertise to elevate Curacao’s football standing in the Caribbean. Since gaining independence in 2011 following the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles, Curacao has made significant strides in international football. Their 2017 Caribbean Cup victory over Jamaica propelled them to 68th in the FIFA rankings, and they reached the quarter-finals of the 2019 Concacaf Gold Cup. Despite falling short in previous World Cup campaigns, Curacao is now closer than ever to qualifying for the global tournament, thanks to a recent 2-0 win over Jamaica in a crucial Concacaf World Cup Qualifier. This victory placed them atop Group B with seven points, surpassing Jamaica’s six. Martina, a seasoned businessman, has been instrumental in addressing financial and organizational challenges since assuming the federation’s presidency earlier this year. He has secured sponsorships, including Corendon Airlines, and revived the national football league after a three-year hiatus. Martina is also collaborating with Jamaican officials to replicate their successful professional league model and integrate Jamaica’s physical and technical strengths into Curacao’s gameplay. With three games remaining, Curacao aims to maintain its lead in the qualifiers, with Martina believing that World Cup qualification would be a transformative moment for the nation, inspiring hope and pride among its youth.
-
Caribbean Airlines appoints acting successor after CEO steps down
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Caribbean Airlines has announced the appointment of Chief Operating Officer (COO) Nirmala Ramai as its acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO), following the unexpected resignation of Garvin Medera. The airline’s board of directors confirmed the decision on Monday, emphasizing that the move is designed to maintain operational continuity, stability, and accountability. The board assured stakeholders that the airline’s full schedule would remain unaffected during this transition period. In a formal statement, the board expressed gratitude to Medera for his contributions and leadership. Medera, in turn, extended his thanks to employees, partners, and customers, wishing the company continued success. To facilitate a smooth transition, the board outlined five strategic priorities: employee support, operational efficiency reviews, enhanced customer service, the development of a sustainable growth plan, and comprehensive audits of departments and processes. Additionally, Caribbean Airlines reiterated its commitment to promoting internal candidates for career advancement before considering external hires. The board also pledged to maintain transparent communication with employees and stakeholders throughout this period of change.
-
WATCH: JFF, KSAMC sign MOU to waive advertising fees for matches in Kingston
In a landmark move to bolster national football development, the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) and the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) have formalized a partnership through a memorandum of understanding (MOU). Signed on Monday at the KSAMC office in downtown Kingston, the agreement stipulates that the municipality will waive all advertising fees for football matches held in the Corporate Area. This initiative is expected to provide significant financial relief to the JFF, which previously faced costs of approximately $1 million per match. JFF President Michael Ricketts expressed his enthusiasm, describing the collaboration as a pivotal step forward for the sport. Mayor Andrew Swaby emphasized that the waiver transcends financial support, symbolizing a commitment to Jamaica’s national teams and their potential. He urged citizens to rally behind the Reggae Boyz and Reggae Girlz, who represent the nation’s culture and determination. The agreement comes at a crucial time as the Reggae Boyz prepare for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers, with Ricketts reaffirming the team’s resolve to secure a spot in the 2026 tournament.