As the Concacaf World Cup qualifiers heat up, Curacao’s national team captain, Leandro Bacuna, has expressed unwavering confidence ahead of their pivotal clash against Jamaica this Friday at the Ergilio Hato Stadium. Despite acknowledging the formidable challenge posed by the Reggae Boyz, Bacuna remains optimistic about his team’s chances in what he describes as a decisive match.
标签： Jamaica
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At-risk youth, parents see life-changing gains from ‘Agents of Transformation’ programme at Charlie Smith High
KINGSTON, Jamaica—A groundbreaking initiative, the Agents for Transformation programme, has delivered life-changing outcomes for at-risk students at Charlie Smith High School in Trench Town. This collaborative effort between Sterling Asset Management Limited and the Joy Town Community Development Foundation, which ran from August 2022 to March 2023, targeted 30 third-form students at risk of expulsion, suspension, gang involvement, and other detrimental behaviors. Of these, 23 students successfully completed the programme, which integrated life skills training, academic support, counseling, case management, and parental engagement to foster positive change. Additionally, 13 parents received positive parenting training to reduce household violence and enhance support for their children. The results were transformative: the school’s pass rate in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) English exams surged from 13.1% to 75%. Michelle Valentine, AVP of Marketing and Communications at Sterling Asset Management, emphasized the programme’s dual focus on academic and real-world skills, equipping students to make better decisions and envision brighter futures. Students also engaged in career-focused life skills sessions hosted by the University of Technology (UTech), the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), and HEART/NSTA Trust, which broadened their horizons and inspired goal-setting. Camille Johnson, Programme Manager at Joy Town Community Development Foundation, highlighted the holistic impact on families and communities. Academically, students showed marked improvements in vocabulary, reading, comprehension, and mathematics, with 100% reporting enhanced reading skills and 90.5% valuing education more. Kasheina Allison, a 17-year-old graduate and President’s Award recipient, credits the programme with helping her manage anger and improve her grades. Now working in retail and preparing to study food and nutrition, Allison aspires to become a chef and serve in the JDF, urging others to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.
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Digicel steps up turnaround under new CEO after debt restructuring
Digicel, the Caribbean-based telecommunications giant, is undergoing a significant transformation under the leadership of its new CEO, Marcelo Cataldo. Appointed in early 2024, Cataldo, a seasoned executive with a background at Millicom, is steering the company toward financial stability and growth after years of grappling with substantial debt. Founded in 2001 by Irish entrepreneur Denis O’Brien, Digicel expanded rapidly across 25 markets in the Caribbean, Central America, and the Pacific, but its aggressive growth strategy left it burdened with a debt load that once peaked at $7 billion. Following a 2022 debt-for-equity swap that reduced its liabilities by $1.7 billion, the company has successfully refinanced its remaining obligations, bringing its total debt down to approximately $2.7 billion. Cataldo’s strategy focuses on three key areas: enhancing mobile services, expanding fibre-optic networks, and boosting enterprise solutions. With 10 million customers across its markets, Digicel aims to transition users from feature phones to smartphones, thereby increasing average revenue per user (ARPU). The company also plans to extend its fibre network, which currently reaches about 900,000 households, with significant expansions underway in Guyana and Curaçao. Additionally, Digicel is leveraging its expertise in ICT solutions, including cloud computing and data centers, to strengthen its enterprise services. Cataldo emphasized the importance of collaboration with regulators to accelerate digital adoption in the region. Despite challenges such as stagnant population growth in the Caribbean and the high cost of smartphones for many households, Cataldo remains optimistic about Digicel’s ability to drive digital transformation and achieve long-term growth. The company’s recent partnership with Caban Energy to provide clean power for its operations in Jamaica underscores its commitment to sustainability. Cataldo concluded that while it is still early in his tenure, Digicel is on track to meet its financial targets and deliver on its promises to stakeholders, positioning itself as a key player in connecting the Caribbean to the digital world.
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Portland health official cautions public on unsafe coconut water bottling practices
MORANT BAY, Jamaica — Lorenzo Hume, the Chief Public Health Inspector for Portland, has issued a stern warning to the public regarding the potential health hazards associated with improperly bottled coconut water. Speaking at the recent Portland Municipal Corporation monthly meeting in Port Antonio, Hume emphasized the high susceptibility of coconut water to contamination, which can lead to severe food-borne illnesses if not handled correctly.
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‘Sleepy’ in the slammer after alleged breaches of the Firearms Act
In St Ann, Jamaica, a 32-year-old construction worker, Richard Levy, known locally as ‘Sleepy,’ has been arrested and charged following an alleged gun threat incident. The charges against Levy include unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon and assault at common law. The incident reportedly occurred on October 4 around 6:40 PM at a bar on Main Street in Priory, St Ann. According to police reports, an argument escalated between Levy and another individual, prompting Levy to leave the bar briefly and return armed with a firearm. He allegedly pointed the weapon at the complainant, leading to immediate concerns and a subsequent police report. Authorities swiftly apprehended Levy, who now awaits a court date that is currently being finalized. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about public safety and illegal firearm possession in the region.
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Barbados PM urges Commonwealth to play leading role in safeguarding democracy
In a compelling address at the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference Emilia Lifaka Memorial Lecture, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley emphasized the critical role of democracy in fostering peace, prosperity, and human dignity, even in the face of mounting global pressures. Speaking to the 56-member Commonwealth grouping, Mottley highlighted the challenges democracies face today, including debt, distrust, digital division, and societal fatigue. She underscored the resilience of democratic systems, citing recent events in France and the recognition of a Palestinian state as examples of how democracies navigate dissent and decision-making under one roof. Mottley called for a renewed commitment to democracy, urging the Commonwealth to lead by example and ensure that democratic principles are accessible to all, not just a privileged few. She stressed the importance of building strong institutions, fostering civic culture, and addressing systemic issues such as judicial accountability, global inequality, and the climate crisis. Mottley also highlighted the Caribbean’s unique position as a laboratory for democratic innovation, advocating for the export of good governance alongside goods and talent. Her message was clear: democracy is not a static ideal but a dynamic, ongoing effort that requires collective action and vigilance.
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Vaz mourns passing of JUTC bus driver
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The nation is in mourning following the untimely death of Dwayne Mullings, a dedicated bus driver for the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC). Mullings tragically lost his life after the bus he was operating veered off the road and crashed into a ditch on Wednesday. The incident has sent shockwaves through the transport sector and the wider community. Minister of Energy, Transport and Telecommunications, Daryl Vaz, expressed profound grief over the loss, extending heartfelt condolences to Mullings’ family, friends, and colleagues. Minister Vaz highlighted Mullings’ unwavering professionalism and pride in serving the commuting public, noting that public transport operators like him are indispensable to the daily functioning of Jamaica. “The JUTC family and the entire transport sector are deeply affected by this tragic loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mullings’ loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” Vaz stated. The minister also reaffirmed the ministry’s unwavering support for the JUTC, emphasizing solidarity as they navigate this period of sorrow.
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Gov’t to establish institute for cultural practitioners and creatives
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican government has announced the creation of the Institute for Cultural Practitioners, Innovators, Entertainers, and Creatives (ICPIEC), a groundbreaking initiative aimed at fostering innovation and excellence in cultural and heritage-focused programming. The institute will offer advanced, flexible education and professional development across diverse creative fields, including the arts, digital technology, archaeology, gastronomy, and creative entrepreneurship.
Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport, Olivia Grange, unveiled the plan during a statement to the House of Representatives on Tuesday. She presented a Green Paper on the National Policy for Culture, Entertainment, and the Creative Economy, outlining the government’s vision for the sector.
Grange emphasized that the ICPIEC will leverage partnerships with local and international institutions, including universities and colleges, to champion human development and strengthen Jamaica’s creative ecosystem. ‘We are building an institutional framework that values our cultural identity, manages cultural resources effectively, nurtures talent, and prepares creatives for global competition,’ she stated. The institute will also introduce a micro-credentialing model, enabling cultural practitioners to earn certifications while continuing their professional work.
To support this initiative, the government will establish the Jamaica Entertainment and Cultural Development Foundation, a registered charity designed to provide sustainable funding. The foundation will mobilize investments from the government, the diaspora, and private donors, focusing on infrastructure development, program funding, event execution, and institutional capacity-building.
Additionally, the Ministry is advancing the Entertainment, Culture, and Creative Economy Act, which aims to formalize the industry, safeguard creatives’ rights, foster private-sector collaboration, and incentivize sustainable growth. ‘This legislation will enable us to measure, monitor, and value the sector’s contributions while ensuring policies adapt to technological, economic, and social trends,’ Grange explained.
The policy also addresses the sustainability of Jamaica’s festival economy, which impacts community, national, regional, and international events. This comprehensive approach underscores the government’s commitment to positioning Jamaica as a global leader in the creative industries.
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Former FBI chief James Comey to make first US court appearance
In a dramatic turn of events, former FBI Director James Comey appeared at a federal courthouse in Alexandria, Virginia, on Wednesday to face felony charges. This development is widely perceived as a significant escalation in President Donald Trump’s ongoing campaign of legal retribution against his political adversaries. Comey, a prominent critic of Trump, was indicted last month by a grand jury on charges of making false statements to Congress and obstructing a congressional proceeding. The arraignment, presided over by District Judge Michael Nachmanoff, is expected to see Comey plead not guilty. The charges stem from his 2020 testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee, where he allegedly falsely claimed he had not authorized an FBI employee to act as an anonymous source in news reports. If convicted, Comey could face up to five years in prison. The indictment follows Trump’s public urging of Attorney General Pam Bondi to take action against Comey and others he views as enemies, a move that has raised concerns about the independence of the Justice Department. Trump, who has a history of targeting perceived enemies, hailed the indictment, calling Comey ‘one of the worst human beings this country has ever been exposed to.’ The case has sparked debate about the costs of standing up to Trump, with Comey asserting his innocence and stating that his family has long understood the repercussions of opposing the former president. The indictment also comes in the wake of the resignation of the US attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Erik Siebert, who reportedly found insufficient evidence to charge Comey. Trump replaced Siebert with Lindsey Halligan, a former personal lawyer, who subsequently secured the indictment. The case adds to the ongoing legal and political battles surrounding Trump, who has faced multiple investigations since leaving office in 2021, including probes into the mishandling of classified documents and attempts to overturn the 2020 election results.
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$231-m Troy bridge to be completed by year-end, says Minister Morgan
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The $231 million Troy Bridge project in Trelawny is progressing as planned and is expected to be completed by December 2025, according to Robert Morgan, the Minister responsible for works. During a site visit on Wednesday, Minister Morgan expressed his satisfaction with the ongoing construction, emphasizing the bridge’s critical role in alleviating the challenges faced by residents since its collapse in 2021.
Minister Morgan highlighted the significance of the project, stating, ‘I’m happy that Jamaica can see the work that we’ve done. While there is still some work left, we are confident that the people of this area will be very proud once the project is finished.’ He also announced that road rehabilitation on both sides of the bridge is slated to begin in January 2026, further enhancing accessibility for residents, students, and local businesses.
The collapse of the Troy Bridge in August 2021, during Tropical Storm Grace, had a severe economic impact on the region. Minister Morgan underscored the bridge’s importance as a vital economic hub for Trelawny, Manchester, and St Elizabeth. ‘For the past four years, the absence of this bridge has been devastating. We are committed to rehabilitating the roads to support farmers, students, residents, and businesses, aiming to reinvigorate Troy,’ he added.
The minister also emphasized the government’s dedication to modernizing Jamaica’s infrastructure. ‘This bridge dates back to the 1800s, which illustrates the immense task we face in rebuilding and rehabilitating our infrastructure. However, the government is fully committed to this mission,’ he concluded.