Mexico is grappling with a catastrophic flood crisis as torrential rains have claimed at least 37 lives and caused widespread destruction across the nation. The federal government reported on Saturday that intense rainfall has affected 31 out of 32 states, leading to overflowing rivers, submerged villages, landslides, and collapsed infrastructure. The central state of Hidalgo has borne the brunt of the disaster, with 22 fatalities, 1,000 damaged homes, and 90 communities cut off from rescue operations. Neighboring Puebla state has recorded nine deaths, while Veracruz and Queretaro have reported five and one fatality, respectively. Over 80,000 individuals in Puebla alone have been impacted by the extreme weather. President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on X that thousands of troops, alongside boats, planes, and helicopters, have been mobilized to assist in rescue and recovery efforts. More than 5,400 military personnel have been deployed to distribute aid and restore essential services. Shelters have been established to accommodate those displaced by the floods. The Sierra Madre Oriental mountain range, home to numerous small communities, has emerged as the epicenter of the disaster, with many areas rendered inaccessible due to landslides. Meteorologist Isidro Cano attributed the heavy rainfall to a seasonal shift and cloud formation driven by warm, humid air from the Gulf of Mexico, compounded by a cold front from the north. Authorities are also monitoring Tropical Storm Raymond and the remnants of Hurricane Priscilla, which have caused additional damage in western states. Raymond is expected to weaken to a tropical depression by Sunday as it approaches southern Baja California.
标签： Jamaica
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Come back home, Tufton urges health professionals
In a bid to address critical staffing shortages in its healthcare system, Jamaica is rolling out a comprehensive strategy to attract specialized health professionals who have migrated overseas. Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton announced the initiative during a press conference at S Hotel in Montego Bay, emphasizing the government’s commitment to incentivizing the return of skilled Jamaicans to fill vacant positions in medical facilities across the country.
Dr. Tufton highlighted the severity of the issue, revealing that 27% of positions in the Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA) — one of Jamaica’s four health regions — remain unfilled. To tackle this, the government is collaborating with bilateral partners such as India, the Philippines, and Nigeria, while also launching targeted advertising campaigns in the United States to appeal to Jamaican expatriates.
The minister underscored the improvements in Jamaica’s infrastructure, ongoing hospital upgrades, and efforts to reduce crime as key factors making the country an increasingly attractive place to live and work. He cited the construction of new medical facilities, including Cornwall Regional Hospital and the Western Children and Adolescents Hospital, as evidence of better working conditions on the horizon.
In addition to recruiting overseas professionals, the government is implementing measures to retain existing healthcare workers. These include a housing program for staff, discussions with the National Housing Trust, and enhanced training opportunities. Dr. Tufton also addressed the challenges of filling specialized roles in less attractive locations, noting that staffing gaps have led to overworked employees and compromised service quality.
The minister urged regional health authorities to adopt proactive and creative recruitment strategies to alleviate the burden on current staff and ensure the healthcare system operates efficiently. ‘We are saying to Jamaicans in the Diaspora: Come back home. We have a place for you,’ Dr. Tufton concluded, expressing hope that the incentives and improvements would encourage many to return.
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UNESCO, JTC host AI workshop for teachers
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a landmark initiative, over 400 educators, school leaders, and education stakeholders convened in Montego Bay on October 10 for Jamaica’s inaugural Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education Workshop. Organized by the UNESCO Office for the Caribbean in collaboration with the Jamaica Teaching Council (JTC), an arm of the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information (MoESYI), the event marked the first of a two-part series designed to empower teachers with the tools, skills, and ethical frameworks necessary to integrate AI into classrooms effectively.
Eric Falt, Director of the UNESCO Office for the Caribbean, underscored the importance of ethical and inclusive innovation in education. ‘Technology must serve humanity, not the other way around. Teachers are the torchbearers of this transformation, shaping how the next generation interacts with and benefits from technology,’ he remarked.
The workshop, guided by UNESCO’s AI Competency Framework for Teachers, delved into practical applications of AI in lesson planning, student assessment, and classroom management. Participants engaged in hands-on exercises and exchanged strategies to implement AI responsibly within their schools and communities. The event emphasized the need for inclusive and personalized learning experiences, ensuring that technology enhances rather than replaces the role of educators.
Dr. Winsome Gordon, CEO of the Jamaica Teaching Council, highlighted the workshop’s mission to empower teachers. ‘This initiative is not about replacing teachers with technology; it’s about equipping them to inspire, guide, and transform the learning experience for every child,’ she stated.
The workshop is a component of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Joint Programme on Digital Transformation for Education in Jamaica, funded by the European Union and Spain. Jamaica’s adoption of UNESCO’s AI Readiness Assessment Methodology further cements its commitment to ethical and sustainable AI integration in education.
The second workshop, scheduled for October 17 in Kingston, will provide additional educators with the opportunity to develop AI competencies and explore innovative teaching methodologies.
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Trueace buoyed by Reggae North Music Awards win
Trueace, the rising recording artiste, is basking in the glory of his recent victory at the 2025 Reggae North Music Awards. Held at the prestigious Rose Theater in Brampton, Ontario, Canada, on September 28, Trueace clinched the award for Top Traditional Dancehall Song (Male) with his hit single ‘Badman Rock.’ This track is part of his debut EP, ‘Grandeza,’ a six-track project that was released in 2024.
Reflecting on his nomination and win, Trueace shared, ‘Being nominated, I felt both special and grateful; it shows that my work doesn’t go unnoticed. When I was announced as the winner, I was so shocked that it felt like my mind stepped away from reality. That moment had me both excited and overwhelmed.’ This accolade is a testament to his growing influence in the reggae and dancehall music scene.
Trueace also emphasized the importance of perseverance and self-belief for aspiring artistes. ‘I want this moment to inspire other artistes, no matter where they are in their respective journeys. My advice is to keep believing in your craft and remember that consistency is key, despite what others may think,’ he stated.
Currently, Trueace is promoting another single from his EP, ‘Better Days,’ and is gearing up for the next phase of his career, which promises more music, visuals, awards, and entertainment for his fans. He expressed his gratitude to his team, including AktiveRecord and Wallstreet Records, for their support in making this achievement possible. ‘Big shout out to the team 1flameXGorillaz. We are always active and nothing beats time, as a wise man once said, so keep supporting and look out for a lot more, especially new collaborations,’ he added.
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Broken-down trailer slows traffic on Winston Jones Highway
MANCHESTER, Jamaica — Commuters traveling along the Winston Jones Highway near Russell Place are experiencing disruptions due to a trailer breakdown that has partially blocked the roadway. The incident has forced traffic to merge into a single lane, prompting authorities to advise drivers to exercise caution and follow the directions of traffic personnel on site. The trailer in question was reportedly involved in a tragic three-vehicle collision earlier today, which claimed two lives. Emergency services are working diligently to remove the trailer and restore full access to the highway as quickly as possible. This incident underscores the importance of road safety and the need for swift response mechanisms to mitigate such disruptions.
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‘We want some closure’
The search for 12-year-old Jayden Smith, a missing schoolboy from Newport, Manchester, has escalated, with authorities deploying advanced resources including drones, cadaver dogs, and specialized personnel. Despite these efforts, no significant leads have been uncovered, leaving Jayden’s family in a state of distress and fear. Omar Thompson, Jayden’s uncle-in-law, has expressed his anguish over the situation, revealing that the family has been subjected to threats and misinformation since the boy’s disappearance on September 26. Thompson, who has been actively cooperating with the police, emphasized that the family has nothing to hide and is desperate for closure. He recounted Jayden’s last moments, recalling how he gave the boy lunch money before he left for school, only to vanish without a trace. Jayden, described as a bright and helpful child, was the valedictorian at his primary school’s graduation, a fact that adds to the family’s heartbreak. Ann-Marie Thompson, Jayden’s aunt, clarified misconceptions about the boy’s savings, stating that he had only withdrawn a small amount from a personal savings box to buy pizza. Meanwhile, law enforcement officials have warned the public against harboring missing children, emphasizing that such actions are punishable by law. The community remains on edge as the search continues, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward.
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MPower hosts groundbreaking wellness event to empower Jamaican women ahead of World Menopause Day
In anticipation of World Menopause Day on October 18, MPower, a Jamaican women-led advocacy group, is set to host an empowering event titled ‘MPower Yourself.’ Scheduled for Saturday, October 11, at 5:30 PM at the Scotiabank Corporate Learning Centre in Kingston, the evening will focus on education, storytelling, and community connection for women experiencing perimenopause and menopause. The event will feature the screening of the internationally acclaimed documentary *The M Factor*, which delves into the physical, emotional, and professional challenges women face during menopause, including hot flashes, anxiety, weight changes, and workplace stigma. The film includes expert commentary from renowned medical professionals such as Dr. Sharon Malone, Dr. Mary Jane Minkin (Yale), Dr. Wen Shen (Johns Hopkins), and Dr. Stephanie Faubion (Mayo Clinic and The Menopause Society), with a particular focus on the unique experiences of women of colour. Following the screening, attendees will engage in a live Q&A session with a panel of women’s health specialists, including Dr. Kudzai Dombo, Dr. Dainia Baugh, and Dr. Michelle Bailey, who will address culturally relevant insights and critical health issues related to menopause. MPower, co-founded by Sacha Chung, Jodi Mair, and entrepreneurs Elena Diedrick-Lynch and Leisha Wong, aims to reshape the conversation around menopause in the Caribbean, emphasizing education, support, and empowerment. The event is sponsored by companies committed to holistic wellness and women’s empowerment, including Chop’d, WATA, and Pure Country Juices.
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White House says Nobel Trump omission was ‘politics over peace’
The White House has strongly criticized the Norwegian Nobel Committee following its decision to award the 2024 Peace Prize to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, bypassing U.S. President Donald Trump. Steven Cheung, the White House Director of Communications, expressed his disapproval on social media platform X, stating, ‘The Nobel Committee has demonstrated that they prioritize politics over peace.’ Cheung further praised Trump, asserting that the President would continue his efforts to broker peace agreements, end conflicts, and save lives, describing him as a humanitarian with unparalleled determination. Since his re-election in January, Trump has repeatedly claimed he deserved the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in resolving multiple global conflicts, a claim many experts have dismissed as exaggerated. On the eve of the prize announcement, Trump highlighted his recent involvement in brokering a ceasefire in Gaza, which he described as the eighth war he had ended. Despite his assertions, Trump downplayed the significance of the award, stating, ‘Whatever they do is fine. I know this: I didn’t do it for that, I did it because I’ve saved a lot of lives.’ Nobel Prize experts in Oslo had previously indicated that Trump’s ‘America First’ policies were inconsistent with the ideals of the Peace Prize, as outlined in Alfred Nobel’s 1895 will.
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Anna-Lisa Guthrie named creative director of Yard Mas Carnival 2026
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Yard Mas Carnival has unveiled Anna-Lisa Guthrie as its new Creative Director for the highly anticipated 2026 carnival season. The announcement precedes the official band launch scheduled for late November 2025, which the organization claims will usher in a transformative era of design innovation, inclusivity, and artistic excellence for the Yard Mas brand.
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Progress on Noel Holmes Hospital operating theatre
Jamaica’s healthcare infrastructure is set for significant improvements as the government moves forward with long-awaited projects, including a new operating theatre at the Noel Holmes Hospital in Hanover and upgrades to the Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital in Westmoreland. Regional Director for the Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA), St Andrade Sinclair, announced that the tender process for the operating theatre will commence this Saturday. The project, which has been in the pipeline for over a decade, aims to replace the hospital’s original theatre, which has been non-operational for nearly 30 years. Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton emphasized the government’s commitment to funding the initiative, which is expected to begin in 2024. In addition to the theatre, plans are underway to address overcrowding and space limitations at the Savanna-la-Mar Hospital through a $1-billion project to construct a new accident and emergency (A&E) department. The three-phase initiative will include a diagnostic area, laboratory, and expanded bed spaces. Minister Tufton also highlighted efforts to resolve a non-functioning sewage system installed in 2016, with procurement for a new contractor currently in progress. The government aims to finalize the contract by the end of the year, ensuring the hospital’s facilities are fully operational.