FALMOUTH, Trelawny — The Trelawny Municipal Corporation (TMC) is gearing up to host its second annual 5K run/walk event on November 23, aiming to raise funds to support the parish’s homeless population. Notably, the proceeds from last year’s inaugural event remain untouched due to the suspension of a planned chicken-rearing project at the homeless center, following concerns raised by the health department regarding potential risks. This year’s funds will be combined with last year’s to finance a new, yet-to-be-determined initiative for the shelter. The event is organized by the TMC’s Poor Relief Department and Disaster Management unit. Mayor of Falmouth, Councillor C Junior Gager, enthusiastically encouraged widespread participation during a recent TMC meeting, highlighting strong private sector support. One company has pledged full staff participation, underscoring the community’s commitment. Registration fees are set at $2,000 for adults and $1,000 for children, with all proceeds directly benefiting the homeless community.
标签： Jamaica
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Kintyre Holdings expands real estate portfolio with $110m Stony Hill investment
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Kintyre Holdings has made a significant move in the real estate sector with the acquisition of a prime property in Stony Hill, St Andrew, for $110 million. The purchase, executed through its subsidiary, Parallel Real Estate Ventures Limited, marks a strategic expansion of the company’s portfolio. The property is set to be transformed into a high-end residential development, featuring two luxury villa lots and three modern townhome lots. Each lot will come with pre-approved architectural plans and covenants, offering buyers turnkey investment opportunities or build-ready options.
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Jamaica moves to ratify key marine protection treaty under Cartagena Convention
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica is on the verge of ratifying the Protocol Concerning Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife (SPAW), a pivotal move under the Cartagena Convention, signaling its unwavering commitment to environmental preservation. This development underscores the nation’s dedication to protecting marine biodiversity and enhancing environmental governance across the Caribbean region.
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Advocate.Pioneer.Prodigy
The transformative impact of Allan ‘Skill’ Cole on Jamaica’s music landscape was celebrated during a heartfelt thanksgiving service at the National Arena on October 11. Kay Osbourne, a close friend of Cole for over six decades and former general manager at Television Jamaica, highlighted his pivotal role in breaking barriers for reggae and Rastafari music on Jamaican radio in the 1970s. At a time when such genres were shunned by mainstream media, Cole’s relentless efforts ensured that the music of The Wailers, including Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Bunny Wailer, found its way onto airwaves, particularly through the Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation. This marked a significant shift in the cultural and musical identity of Jamaica. Cole, a prodigy who represented Jamaica in football at just 15, was deeply intertwined with the music scene. His defiance of societal norms and his advocacy for Rastafari messages through music were instrumental in the roots-reggae explosion of the era. The service featured tributes from prominent artists such as Beenie Man, Junior Reid, and Stephen Marley, underscoring Cole’s enduring legacy. Cole, who managed Bob Marley during his final U.S. tour in 1980, epitomized the social awakening of Jamaica in the 1960s and 1970s. His contributions to music and culture were honored by industry figures, including Marcia Griffiths, Olivia Grange, and Mark Golding, who gathered to pay their respects.
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US issues warning to Caribbean countries ahead of IMO vote on net-zero shipping framework
The United States has issued a stern warning to countries, including those in the Caribbean, ahead of a crucial vote later this month on the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) proposed Net-Zero Shipping Framework (NZF). The framework aims to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the maritime sector by 2050. However, the US has labeled the initiative as a ‘European-led neocolonial export of global climate regulations’ and vowed to impose economic penalties on nations that support it.
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Scholarship opens doors for aspiring mathematician
KINGSTON, Jamaica — At just 12 years old, Sutay Kameka, a gifted and ambitious student, has already carved out a path toward her dream of becoming a mathematician. Recognized for her exceptional performance in the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examinations, Sutay was one of 14 students awarded a scholarship by the JN Foundation, a program dedicated to nurturing young talent. With an overall PEP score of 363.6, she secured the parish scholarship for St Thomas, a milestone she describes as both thrilling and transformative.
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Tufton hoping to end stigma with Bellevue name change
For many Jamaicans, the mention of Bellevue Hospital evokes images of a ‘madhouse’ or ‘mad people,’ a perception deeply rooted in its history since its establishment in 1861 as the Jamaica Lunatic Asylum. This negative stigma has persisted for over a century, but Jamaica’s Health and Wellness Minister, Dr. Christopher Tufton, is determined to change this narrative. Speaking at a recent Jamaica Observer Monday Exchange, Tufton emphasized the need to rebrand the institution to foster a more positive public perception of mental health care. ‘The name Bellevue itself carries a stigma,’ Tufton stated, adding that renaming the hospital is a consideration he will recommend as part of broader reforms. The hospital is set for redevelopment, with plans to construct a 100-bed facility to address acute mental health cases. The 50-acre site will be segmented, with portions dedicated to mental wellness and other health-related purposes. Tufton stressed the importance of repositioning Bellevue as a place of healing and support, rather than a source of societal ostracism. Historically, Bellevue began as a mental health facility in the 1840s, evolving from the Jamaica Lunatic Asylum to its current name in 1946. Today, it serves approximately 400 patients across 23 wards and is the largest psychiatric institution in the English-speaking Caribbean. Since 2010, the hospital has undergone significant reforms, focusing on de-stigmatization, decentralization, and reducing long-term institutionalization. The goal is to rehabilitate patients swiftly and reintegrate them into their communities, marking a shift toward a more progressive approach to mental health care in Jamaica.
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Tad’s International eyes third Grammy nomination with ‘Just Giving Thanks’
Tad Dawkins Senior, the principal of Tad’s International Record, is placing high hopes on Glen Washington’s latest album, ‘Just Giving Thanks,’ to secure the label’s third Grammy nomination. The album is one of 73 contenders for the Best Reggae Album category at the 2026 Grammy Awards, as revealed in the provisional list released by the Recording Academy on October 3. Other notable albums in the running include Cham’s ‘Sherlock,’ Vybz Kartel’s ‘Heart & Soul,’ and Mr Vegas’ ‘Ghetto Reggae.’ The final nominees will be announced on November 7. Tad’s International Record has previously seen success with Gregory Isaacs’ ‘Brand New Me’ in 2010 and Etana’s ‘Reggae Forever’ in 2019, both of which were nominated for the same award. In an April interview with Observer Online, Dawkins expressed his confidence in ‘Just Giving Thanks,’ praising Washington as a ‘reggae gem’ with a dedicated fan base. The album, produced by Tad Dawkins Junior, features tracks like ‘Chant Them Down,’ ‘Oh, To Be Like Him,’ and ‘Loving You Forever.’ Washington, a Clarendon native, began his career in the 1970s as a drummer for bands like The Mighty Titans in Kingston before achieving his breakthrough as a singer with the 1996 album ‘Brother to Brother,’ produced by the legendary Clement Dodd. Dawkins also revealed that Washington’s second studio album is currently in production and is slated for release in the summer of 2027.
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Gov’t committed to strengthening services for the homeless
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Desmond McKenzie, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, has reiterated the Government’s dedication to enhancing rehabilitation and mental health programs within the poor relief system to improve the care and well-being of homeless individuals. His remarks were made during the Wellness in the Park event held at St William Grant Park in downtown Kingston on Friday, commemorating World Homeless Day. The event, organized by the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Wellness, offered homeless persons hot meals, grooming services, medical check-ups, care packages, and other essential services. Minister McKenzie praised municipal corporations and stakeholders across Jamaica for hosting similar events in honor of World Homeless Day. He emphasized the Government’s ongoing efforts to bolster support for the homeless, including a recent islandwide survey conducted by the Poor Relief Department. The findings from this survey are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping policies tailored to the needs of the homeless population. ‘This survey will enable us to plan effectively to address the demands of Jamaica’s homeless community,’ McKenzie stated. Additionally, he urged young attendees to embrace positive values and avoid negative influences that could lead to homelessness and social instability. ‘Students, I urge you to avoid bad company and adopt values that will make you better individuals. You are the future of Jamaica, and your contributions are crucial in eradicating the challenges we face,’ he added.
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West Indies rely on ‘application’ in fightback against Kuldeep-inspired India
In a display of determination, the West Indies cricket team ended day three of the second Test against India at 173-2 in their second innings, still needing 97 runs to force India to bat again. Despite being forced to follow-on after being bowled out for 248 in their first innings, the visitors showcased a spirited performance, particularly from opener John Campbell and Shai Hope, who remained unbeaten at 87 and 66 respectively. Their unbroken 138-run partnership stands as the highest for the West Indies in Tests this year. Earlier, India’s Kuldeep Yadav claimed five wickets, helping the hosts enforce the follow-on. Assistant Coach Ryan ten Doeschate defended the decision, stating it was a valuable test for the team. West Indies spinner Khary Pierre emphasized the importance of application, noting the deteriorating pitch could pose challenges for India’s batsmen. India had previously won the first Test in Ahmedabad by an innings and 140 runs.