KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ), a prominent advocacy group, has extended its congratulations to Claudette Thompson on her recent appointment as the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). In a statement released on Friday, JFJ emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability within the justice system, urging Thompson’s office to publish comprehensive annual reports. These reports, JFJ suggested, should include detailed metrics such as the number of cases prosecuted, types of offenses, conviction rates, case processing times, and case dispositions. Additionally, the group recommended the inclusion of anonymized demographic data of defendants and victims, high-profile case prosecutions, resource allocation, victim and witness support data, appeals outcomes, alternative dispute resolution usage, and public engagement activities. JFJ believes that such measures would significantly enhance public trust in the justice system. The organization also praised Thompson’s early commitment to fostering open dialogue and collaboration with stakeholders while maintaining the independence of her office during her tenure as acting DPP. JFJ encouraged her to continue and expand public education initiatives and strategic media engagement to ensure ongoing transparency. While acknowledging an increase in prosecutions related to security force matters in recent years, JFJ stressed the need for further progress, particularly in cases involving state actors, to demonstrate a steadfast commitment to the rule of law. The group concluded by wishing Thompson success in her new role.
标签： Jamaica
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Psychiatrist says men do not have to suffer in silence
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Societal stigma surrounding mental health issues often deters men from seeking timely help, leading to critical situations and, in some cases, tragic outcomes. Dr. Bridget Opiavbe, a consultant psychiatrist at Bellevue Hospital, is urging men to break the silence and prioritize their mental well-being. ‘Men typically exhibit poorer health-seeking behaviors, associating strength with self-reliance and emotional control. Admitting to mental health struggles is often perceived as a sign of weakness, causing them to delay seeking help until a crisis occurs,’ Dr. Opiavbe explained in an interview with JIS News on Thursday. She emphasized that seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a demonstration of wisdom. Dr. Opiavbe highlighted the role of societal labels in perpetuating this issue. Men expressing vulnerability are often labeled as ‘soft’ or ‘unstable,’ leading to feelings of shame and reluctance to seek support. However, she noted a positive shift in recent years, with more men acknowledging their mental health challenges and exploring ways to address them. Social media has played a pivotal role in this change, with prominent figures openly discussing their mental health struggles, helping to normalize the conversation. Dr. Opiavbe pointed out that men often mask their distress through behaviors traditionally associated with masculinity, such as anger, irritability, overworking, or substance abuse. These behaviors, she explained, often conceal deep emotional pain. She urged loved ones to recognize these signs and gently encourage men to seek help. ‘Early intervention is crucial. Waiting until a crisis occurs can have devastating consequences,’ she stressed. Globally, men die by suicide up to four times more frequently than women, with Jamaica reflecting a similar trend. Dr. Opiavbe called for increased mental health education and open conversations to destigmatize seeking help. ‘We are all vulnerable, and help is available. We don’t have to suffer in silence,’ she concluded. Jamaica is observing Mental Health Awareness Week from October 5 to 12, with World Mental Health Day being marked today.
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Trevor Johnson’s triumphant return to the saddle
On Sunday, October 5, 2025, the Jamaican horse racing community witnessed a heartwarming comeback as veteran jockey Trevor Johnson returned to the track after a five-year absence. Johnson, who had been sidelined due to a debilitating health condition, made a triumphant return by steering Yorkist to a commanding victory in the fourth race of a 10-race card. Yorkist, owned by Mark Perry and trained by Colin Ferguson, clinched the maiden condition race for native-bred four-year-olds and upward, covering 5 furlongs (1,000m) in an impressive 1:03.2, winning by a staggering 8 ¼ lengths. Johnson’s victory was not just a testament to his skill but also a celebration of his resilience and determination. Reflecting on his journey, Johnson expressed profound gratitude to Perry and Ferguson for their unwavering support during his health struggles. He revealed that Perry had even financed his medical expenses, including an X-ray, which played a crucial role in his recovery. Johnson’s win underscored the deep bonds of trust and loyalty within Jamaica’s racing fraternity, marking a significant milestone in his career and inspiring many in the sport.
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Israel ceases fire and Gazans start to trek home
In a significant development, Israel announced a ceasefire in Gaza on Friday, initiating the withdrawal of its troops after two years of intense conflict. The truce, brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump, aims to facilitate the release of remaining Israeli hostages held in the Palestinian territory. The Israeli military confirmed the cessation of hostilities at noon (0900 GMT), marking the first step toward implementing the ceasefire agreement. Shortly after, the U.S. Pentagon announced that Israel had completed the initial phase of its troop pullback, as outlined in Trump’s peace plan. Despite the withdrawal, Israeli forces still control approximately 53% of Gaza. The ceasefire sets a 72-hour deadline for Hamas to release the hostages, while Israel has published a list of 250 Palestinian prisoners it plans to free, alongside 1,700 Gazans detained since the conflict escalated in October 2023. As the truce took effect, thousands of displaced Palestinians began returning to their devastated homes, many of which lie in ruins after years of bombardment. The EU mission at the Rafah border crossing announced plans to reopen a pedestrian route on October 14, further easing the humanitarian crisis. Under the agreement, Hamas is expected to hand over 47 hostages—both living and deceased—from the 251 abducted two years ago, along with the remains of another hostage held since 2014. While celebrations erupted in Israel and Gaza, unresolved issues, including Hamas’s disarmament and the proposed transitional authority for Gaza, remain contentious. Senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan rejected the transitional authority, emphasizing the group’s resistance to external governance. Meanwhile, Trump indicated that Hamas’s disarmament would be addressed in the second phase of the peace plan. As Israeli troops withdrew from key areas like Tel al-Hawa and Al-Shati camps in Gaza City, residents expressed a mix of joy and grief. Areej Abu Saadaeh, a mother who lost two children in the conflict, reflected the bittersweet sentiment: ‘I’m happy about the truce and peace, even though I grieve deeply for my children. Yet, returning to our homes brings joy.’
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Spain hailed as strategic partner in Jamaica’s economic development
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, has highlighted Spain’s significant role in supporting Jamaica’s economic development. Speaking at Spain’s National Day reception held at the Spanish Ambassador’s residence in St Andrew, Senator Johnson Smith underscored Jamaica’s emergence as a model of sound economic management over the past decade, fostering a business-friendly environment. She emphasized the importance of recognizing bilateral partners like Spain and Spanish companies for their contributions to Jamaica’s economic and national development goals. Investments in the tourism sector were cited as a prime example of this fruitful partnership. In January, both nations formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for International Cooperation on Tourism, aimed at enhancing collaboration in gastronomy, human capital development, and resilience, reflecting their shared commitment to sustainable growth. Senator Johnson Smith expressed gratitude for Spain’s continued partnership, noting that Spanish investment in Jamaica’s tourism sector has exceeded US$2.5 billion. Spanish companies are among Jamaica’s largest investors, with major projects underway, including the Grand Palladium Hotel in Hanover, which will add 950 new rooms and dedicated housing for 550 staff members. The minister highlighted the project’s green planning and design, which will boost energy efficiency and sustainability while creating thousands of jobs. Spain’s Ambassador to Jamaica, José María Fernández López de Turiso, reiterated Spain’s commitment to trade and investment, noting that Spain is the fastest-growing economy in the Eurozone and a leading investor in Jamaica’s tourism industry. He also emphasized Spain’s diversified investments in renewable energy, construction, healthcare, and logistics, showcasing confidence in Jamaica’s economic strength.
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Jamaica suffer shock defeat to Curacao in WCQ
Jamaica’s aspirations to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup suffered a significant setback after a 2-0 defeat to Curacao in their Concacaf Group B encounter at the Ergilio Hato Stadium in Willemstad on Friday. The match, coinciding with Curacao Day, a national holiday, saw the hosts capitalize on their limited opportunities to secure a crucial victory.
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EXPRESS CATERING’S US$5-M GAMBLE
Express Catering Limited (ECL), the company behind popular brands like Margaritaville and Bob Marley’s One Love at Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport (SIA), has undergone a remarkable transformation. What began as a simple airport concessionaire has evolved into a strategic brand consolidator, poised for a nationwide rollout. This shift is underscored by its impressive first-quarter results for the period ending August 31, 2025, which revealed a 50% surge in net profit to US$1.51 million, alongside a 5% increase in revenue to US$6.8 million.
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EU grills Apple, Snapchat, YouTube over risks to children
The European Union (EU) has ramped up its efforts to ensure the safety of minors in the digital sphere, demanding explanations from major tech platforms such as Snapchat and YouTube regarding their measures to protect children from online harm. This move comes as 25 out of 27 EU member states expressed openness to exploring restrictions on social media access for minors, inspired by Australia’s ban on social media for under-16s. The EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), a cornerstone of its regulatory framework, mandates platforms to tackle illegal content and safeguard children, though it has faced criticism from the US tech sector and threats of retaliation from former President Donald Trump. As part of its investigative actions under the DSA, the European Commission has requested detailed information from Snapchat on its strategies to prevent access for children under 13. Additionally, Apple’s App Store and Google Play have been asked to outline their measures to block the download of harmful apps, including those with gambling or sexual content. The EU is particularly focused on how these platforms prevent children from accessing tools that create non-consensual sexualized content, often referred to as ‘nudify apps,’ and how they enforce age ratings. Henna Virkkunen, the EU’s tech chief, emphasized the need for privacy, security, and safety, stating that the commission is tightening enforcement to ensure compliance. While requests for information can lead to probes and fines, they do not imply legal violations or immediate punitive actions. Snapchat has affirmed its commitment to safety, highlighting its existing privacy features, while Google has underscored its robust parental controls and protections for younger users. The EU is also investigating Meta’s Facebook and Instagram, as well as TikTok, over concerns about their addictive nature and insufficient measures to protect children. In parallel, EU telecoms ministers are discussing age verification on social media and broader strategies to enhance online safety for minors. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has personally endorsed these efforts, with 25 EU countries, alongside Norway and Iceland, supporting her initiative to study a potential bloc-wide digital majority age. Belgium and Estonia, however, did not sign the declaration, with Belgium advocating for open-minded approaches and Estonia prioritizing digital education over access bans. Denmark and France are also considering bans on social media for children under 15, signaling a growing trend toward stricter digital regulations for minors.
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Caricom expresses ‘cautious optimism’ on Gaza peace deal
GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC) – The Caribbean Community (Caricom), a 15-member regional bloc, expressed cautious optimism on Friday regarding the initial phase of a peace plan for Gaza. In an official statement, Caricom described the agreement as a pivotal step toward mitigating the suffering of Palestinians and ensuring the safe return of Israeli hostages. The ceasefire, declared by Israel, took effect at noon (0900 GMT) on Friday, with Israeli troops beginning their withdrawal from Gaza. Concurrently, thousands of displaced Palestinians started returning to their devastated homes. The United States Pentagon confirmed that Israel had completed the first phase of its military pullback, as outlined in President Donald Trump’s peace plan. Under the agreement, Hamas is set to release 47 hostages, both living and deceased, who were abducted two years ago. Additionally, the remains of another hostage held since 2014 are expected to be returned. Caricom emphasized the importance of the stipulated terms, including a sustained pause in hostilities, the withdrawal of military forces, the reciprocal release of hostages and prisoners, and the guarantee of immediate and safe humanitarian access. The regional body urged all signatories to fully honor their commitments, stressing that this initial phase should lay the groundwork for a permanent and unconditional ceasefire. Caricom reiterated its stance that a just and lasting peace, in line with international law, can only be achieved through a negotiated Two-State Solution, which addresses the legitimate security and dignity aspirations of both nations.
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Streetlights brighten communities in Guy’s Hill
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant move to bolster safety and security, 27 new streetlights have been installed across several communities in Guy’s Hill, St Catherine. The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, aims to enhance the national streetlight network over the next two years. Communities such as Meuse, Ragsville, Waterford, Bonnett, Burksville, Lime Hall, and Cheesefield are now benefiting from this project.
This effort is part of a broader plan to install 22,800 streetlights nationwide, with each of the 228 municipal divisions receiving 50 lights annually. Portfolio Minister Desmond McKenzie emphasized the collaborative work with the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) Company, stating that requests for streetlights are being promptly addressed and implemented.
Minister McKenzie also highlighted the importance of community involvement in protecting the newly installed lights, noting that the JPS has implemented strategies to deter theft. Residents like Llewellyn Francis, a small business owner from Bonnett, expressed their relief and increased sense of security, particularly when returning home at night.
Danette Lewis, another resident, praised the initiative for eliminating dark spots and improving the neighborhood’s aesthetics and safety. Councillor Joseph Johnson, who played a pivotal role in advocating for the project, urged residents to take responsibility for safeguarding the lights, with hopes for further installations in the future.
Community members and Members of Parliament can submit requests for additional streetlights to the ministry, ensuring that more areas can benefit from this safety-enhancing initiative.