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标签： Jamaica

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  • Jamaicans urged to know their data rights

    Jamaicans urged to know their data rights

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaican citizens possess enforceable legal entitlements to ascertain what personal data entities maintain about them, according to recent clarifications from the Office of the Information Commissioner (OIC). This right is enshrined in the nation’s Data Protection Act and its complementary Data Protection Regulations of 2024.

    Andree Holness, Director of Complaints Resolution and Compliance at the OIC, emphasized that while individuals may seek comprehensive disclosure of information retained about them, the legislation establishes a formalized procedure for submitting such inquiries. “The framework mandates a specific request mechanism—designated as Form Two—which explicitly delineates the categories of information that a data subject can legally demand from a data controller,” Holness stated during a recent installment of the Jamaica Information Service’s ‘Get the Facts’ series.

    The scope of accessible information encompasses numerous dimensions, including the specific types of personal data stored, the purposes for which it undergoes processing, and whether it is disseminated to third parties as part of these operations. Holness further detailed that Sections 6 through 8 of the Data Protection Act, in conjunction with Part V and the Second Schedule, provide explicit guidelines governing the manner and circumstances under which access to personal data must be granted.

    Significantly, the definition of personal data under the act extends beyond fundamental identifiers such as names and birth dates to include opinions formed and decisions rendered about individuals. This broad interpretation ensures greater transparency in how personal information is utilized across various sectors.

    The OIC continues its initiatives to promote public awareness and adherence to the Data Protection Act, underscoring the shared responsibility of both individuals and organizations in protecting sensitive personal information against misuse and ensuring privacy rights are upheld.

  • Denzel McKenzie leaves Cavalier FC for Chapelton Maroons

    Denzel McKenzie leaves Cavalier FC for Chapelton Maroons

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—In an unexpected mid-season move, promising 19-year-old midfielder Denzel McKenzie has completed a transfer from reigning Jamaica Premier League champions Cavalier SC to Chapelton Maroons. The transition was officially confirmed this Friday through an announcement made by Craig Butler, who serves as both head of Phoenix Academy and technical director for Chapelton Maroons.

    Butler utilized the club’s Instagram platform to share the news, emphasizing the emotional significance of McKenzie’s return by stating: “He is back home with family, the team that loves him, and we are happy to have him back. When you love your players, nothing is good enough.” The announcement highlighted the deep-rooted connection between the player and his new club, suggesting the move was motivated by personal value and belonging rather than purely competitive considerations.

    The young athlete’s developmental journey reveals strong ties to Butler’s Phoenix Academy, where McKenzie spent six formative years beginning at age twelve before his time at Mona High. This background establishes Chapelton Maroons as a familiar environment for the midfielder.

    McKenzie expressed his perspective on the transfer in a video statement, simply noting: “It is a good feeling to go where you are valued.” This comment subtly underscores the personal motivation behind his departure from the league champions after just six months.

    Despite his brief tenure with Cavalier SC, McKenzie made notable contributions since signing in July. The midfielder appeared in twelve matches, secured nine starts, and netted two goals during his time with the championship squad. His previous season was spent with Vere United before joining Cavalier.

    The transfer places McKenzie with a Chapelton Maroons team currently positioned eighth in the JPL standings. The club has faced recent challenges, suffering consecutive defeats and managing only sixteen goals across nineteen matches—the second lowest scoring record in the league, ahead only of bottom-placed Spanish Town Police FC.

  • Fire forces evacuation at KPH

    Fire forces evacuation at KPH

    A pre-dawn fire emergency triggered the full-scale evacuation of Kingston Public Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Department on Friday morning. The incident originated on the facility’s first floor shortly before 5:00 AM, prompting immediate emergency protocols.

  • ‘Home Alone’ star Catherine O’Hara dies at age 71

    ‘Home Alone’ star Catherine O’Hara dies at age 71

    LOS ANGELES—The entertainment industry mourns the loss of Catherine O’Hara, the acclaimed Emmy-winning actress renowned for her roles in iconic productions including ‘Schitt’s Creek’ and ‘Home Alone,’ who passed away at 71. Her management agency confirmed the news on Friday, though specific details regarding the circumstances were not immediately disclosed.

    Born in Toronto in 1954, O’Hara’s illustrious career began on the stages of the legendary Second City comedy theater. It was there she forged a lasting creative partnership with fellow comedian Eugene Levy, a collaboration that would span decades and culminate in the critically adored television series ‘Schitt’s Creek.’

    Her cinematic debut arrived in 1980 with the film ‘Double Negative,’ featuring Levy and the late John Candy. O’Hara’s versatility shone through her diverse filmography, which included a memorable turn as Winona Ryder’s stepmother in Tim Burton’s 1988 supernatural comedy ‘Beetlejuice.’

    However, it was her 1990 performance as Kate McCallister, the frantic mother of Macaulay Culkin’s character in the blockbuster film ‘Home Alone,’ that cemented her status as a household name recognized by audiences worldwide. Her recent work included a role in Apple TV’s Hollywood satire ‘The Studio,’ demonstrating her enduring talent and relevance in the industry. The phone confirmation of her passing from her manager Marc Gurvitz’s office marked the somber conclusion to a storied career that brought laughter and joy to millions.

  • UN Security Council extends mandate of BINUH in Haiti

    UN Security Council extends mandate of BINUH in Haiti

    The United Nations Security Council has unanimously voted to prolong the operational mandate of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) through January 2027. This decision arrives amidst escalating condemnation of Haitian authorities for insufficient advancement in facilitating a stable political transition. The Council issued a forceful denunciation of the severe violence surging across the Caribbean nation, highlighting grave human rights abuses, rampant sexual violence affecting all demographics, child abductions, and extensive criminal operations run by armed factions.

    The resolution, jointly sponsored by the United States and Panama, represents a consolidated international effort to address Haiti’s multifaceted crisis. U.S. Ambassador Jennifer Locetta characterized the move as a decisive step toward national stabilization, reiterating unwavering U.S. support for Prime Minister Fils-Aimé’s leadership as integral to combating terrorist gangs. The Haitian representative welcomed the resolution, acknowledging its reflection of a more integrated understanding of the challenges and the urgent need for concrete outcomes to protect civilians, restore the rule of law, and achieve institutional stability.

    However, significant concerns were voiced during the proceedings. Trinidad and Tobago, speaking for CARICOM, expressed apprehension that internal disputes within Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council—including attempts to oust the prime minister—are complicating an already fragile governance process. China’s delegate raised alarms about the persistent influx of illegal weapons into Haiti, urging source countries to enforce stricter border controls and weapon regulations.

    The enhanced BINUH mandate tasks the mission with six critical objectives, executed in an integrated manner with all UN entities on the ground. These include facilitating national dialogue, supporting the organization of elections by 2026, assisting in community violence reduction and disarmament programs, and strengthening judicial and penitentiary systems. The mission is also directed to monitor and report on gang violence and human rights violations, maintaining dedicated protection advisory capacity.

    This renewal aligns with the upcoming deployment of the new Gang Suppression Force (GSF), with initial contingents expected in April. Authorized last September, the GSF aims to supplant the previous Kenya-led mission, focusing on restoring state authority, securing critical infrastructure, and reducing gang territorial control. BINUH is instructed to work in close coordination with this force and international organizations to help Haitian institutions address prolonged pretrial detention and handle high-risk individuals appropriately.

    The UN’s deep engagement in Haiti traces back to 1986, following the departure of President Jean-Claude Duvalier, and has continued through various peacekeeping and political missions. Established in 2019, BINUH’s core function is to bolster political stability, good governance, the rule of law, and human rights, while coordinating international assistance.

  • Digicel calls network vandalism and theft a national crisis

    Digicel calls network vandalism and theft a national crisis

    Jamaica’s telecommunications sector is confronting a severe national emergency as systematic vandalism and theft of critical infrastructure escalate, triggering widespread service disruptions and posing substantial public safety hazards. During a recent webinar hosted by the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR), Digicel Business Marketing Lead Brithney Clarke revealed that criminal attacks on network facilities have evolved from isolated incidents into coordinated operations targeting the nation’s essential communications systems.

    Clarke disclosed staggering financial impacts, with Digicel suffering approximately US$3.9 million in direct losses between 2023 and 2024. This period witnessed the theft of over 450 batteries, vandalism of nearly 100 generators, damage to equipment shelters, and compromised operations at about 300 critical sites. Notably, criminals are deliberately destroying fiber-optic cables and other infrastructure with minimal resale value, indicating motives beyond mere theft that intentionally undermine network redundancy and continuity.

    The consequences extend throughout Jamaican society, affecting emergency response capabilities, business operations, and economic productivity. Clarke emphasized that service failures directly endanger lives by hampering police, fire, and ambulance services while simultaneously disrupting supply chains and commercial activities. The vulnerability of communications infrastructure particularly jeopardizes disaster management during hurricanes and other emergencies when reliable coordination is paramount.

    Repeated attacks are eroding public trust and discouraging investment in Jamaica’s telecommunications framework. Companies are being forced to redirect resources from network expansion and community development toward constant repairs, stagnating technological progress. Clarke urgently called for enhanced legislative measures, stricter penalties reflecting the national security implications, and a coordinated response involving government agencies, law enforcement, industry stakeholders, and public vigilance in reporting crimes.

    ‘This constitutes a major act with national repercussions affecting healthcare, education, elections, and emergency response systems,’ Clarke stated, urging swift amendments to telecommunications legislation and characterizing the crisis as the ‘mindless minority holding the nation hostage.’

  • Suriname records nearly 150 cases of chikungunya virus cases

    Suriname records nearly 150 cases of chikungunya virus cases

    Suriname’s Health Minister André Misiekaba has issued an urgent public health alert following the confirmation of the nation’s first chikungunya-related fatality and 134 laboratory-confirmed cases of the mosquito-borne virus. Addressing the National Assembly, Minister Misiekaba revealed the epidemiological profile of the outbreak, with confirmed infections spanning ages from 11 months to 85 years. The most affected demographic groups are adults aged 25-44 (27 cases) and 45-64 (38 cases).

    The deceased individual, who had serious underlying health conditions, is currently under investigation by the Public Health Bureau (BOG). The outbreak has been confirmed in three regions including the capital city of Paramaribo, prompting immediate government action.

    Minister Misiekaba emphasized the severity of the situation by noting that internationally, one confirmed death typically indicates at least a thousand actual infections in the community. ‘I’m not saying this to cause panic but to call on society to be vigilant, because Suriname is dealing with a serious outbreak,’ the Minister stated during his address.

    A multidisciplinary task force comprising experts from the Health Ministry, BOG, Medical Mission, and Regional Health Service has been mobilized to implement comprehensive communication strategies and community engagement initiatives.

    The Health Ministry identified high-risk groups including seniors, young children, chronically ill individuals (particularly those with diabetes and heart conditions), and pregnant women in their final trimester.

    Current containment efforts focus on eliminating mosquito breeding grounds in the most affected areas, with plans to expand these operations progressively. Insecticide spraying operations are pending as necessary supplies remain in transit.

    Health authorities have issued specific preventive guidelines urging citizens to eliminate stagnant water sources, cover water storage containers, apply mosquito repellent, wear protective clothing, and use mosquito nets while sleeping.

    Stephanie Cheuk A Lam, Acting Head of the Environmental Inspectorate at BOG, projected the outbreak peak could persist for three to four months, emphasizing that ‘Without the commitment of every citizen, we remain vulnerable.’ Minister Misiekaba reinforced this message, stating unequivocally that ‘The government cannot do this alone. Society must help to control this outbreak.’

  • Cubans queue for fuel as Trump issues energy ultimatum

    Cubans queue for fuel as Trump issues energy ultimatum

    HAVANA, Cuba – Long queues formed at gasoline stations across the Cuban capital Friday as citizens confronted an escalating fuel shortage following President Donald Trump’s executive order imposing punitive tariffs on nations supplying oil to the island nation. The move has been characterized by Cuban authorities as an economic stranglehold designed to destabilize the country.

    The directive, which effectively forces international partners to choose between trading with the United States or Cuba, arrives amid the Caribbean nation’s most severe economic crisis since the Soviet Union’s collapse in 1991. Current conditions include power blackouts extending up to 20 hours daily and critical shortages of food, medicine, and essential supplies.

    Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel condemned the measures as “fascist, criminal and genocidal” tactics employed by what he described as a US cabal intent on suffocating Cuba’s economy. The sentiment was echoed by citizens like Jorge Rodriguez, a 60-year-old IT specialist, who noted that ordinary Cubans would bear the brunt of these policies.

    This development follows the complete cessation of Venezuelan oil shipments after US special forces deposed Nicolás Maduro’s government in January. According to analyzed official statistics, Cuba generated merely half of its required electricity in 2025.

    The Trump administration, featuring several officials with strong ties to Florida politics including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has openly advocated for regime change in Havana. Trump himself declared “NO MORE OIL OR MONEY FOR CUBA: ZERO!” while labeling the nation an “extraordinary threat” to US national security—a designation that raises concerns about potential military escalation.

    Mexico faces particular complications as both a remaining oil supplier to Cuba and a nation deeply integrated with US trade networks. President Claudia Sheinbaum warned of impending humanitarian consequences while attempting to navigate the diplomatic challenge. Although China voiced opposition to the measures, neither it nor Cuba’s traditional allies have announced concrete support plans.

    Diaz-Canel confirmed no ongoing negotiations with Washington, vowing that Cuban citizens stand “ready to defend the homeland to the last drop of blood.”

  • Former CNN anchor Don Lemon arrested after church protest

    Former CNN anchor Don Lemon arrested after church protest

    Federal authorities took former CNN anchor Don Lemon into custody on Thursday following an investigation into a protest at a Minnesota church. The arrest, executed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Homeland Security Investigations, stems from an incident at Cities Church in St. Paul where demonstrators confronted church leadership over an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) official serving as one of its pastors.

    The development follows a recent federal appeals court decision that declined to compel a lower court judge to authorize arrest warrants for Lemon and four other individuals connected to the protest. While one judge identified probable cause for the arrests based on court documents, the specific charges against Lemon remain undisclosed at this time.

    This case emerges from a broader pattern of activism targeting ICE operations and personnel. Multiple individuals have already faced charges related to the church demonstration, which involved protesters entering the facility after learning about the pastor’s dual role as a federal immigration officer. The involvement of a grand jury indicates the complexity and escalated nature of the federal investigation.

  • Venezuela slams US ‘punitive’ measures against ally Cuba

    Venezuela slams US ‘punitive’ measures against ally Cuba

    CARACAS, Venezuela — The Venezuelan government has issued a forceful condemnation of the United States’ latest economic measures targeting nations that engage in energy trade with Cuba. This diplomatic rebuke follows President Donald Trump’s signing of a new tariff order on Thursday, which Caracas characterizes as an aggressive act of economic coercion.

    In an official statement released Friday, Venezuela’s foreign ministry decried the US policy as a set of ‘punitive measures’ designed to penalize sovereign states for maintaining ‘legitimate trade relations with the Republic of Cuba.’ The declaration comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Caracas, following recent political upheavals that saw a change in Venezuela’s leadership through US military involvement.

    The South American nation, itself struggling under severe economic sanctions, pledged unwavering ‘solidarity with the Cuban people’ who face potential energy shortages due to the restrictions. Venezuelan oil shipments to Cuba, a longstanding economic lifeline for the island nation, now fall under US regulatory control following recent geopolitical shifts.

    Venezuela’s foreign ministry called for ‘collective action by the international community’ to address what it described as the ‘humanitarian consequences’ resulting from such economic aggressions. The statement emphasizes the need for global cooperation to mitigate the impact of unilateral sanctions on civilian populations, positioning the conflict within broader debates about economic sovereignty and international law.