KINGSTON, Jamaica — Dr. Christopher Tufton, Jamaica’s Minister of Health and Wellness, has issued a heartfelt appeal to citizens to prioritize mental health by checking in with loved ones and utilizing available mental health resources. Speaking against the backdrop of rising suicide rates and increased calls to the national Suicide Prevention Helpline (888-NEW-LIFE), Dr. Tufton emphasized the collective responsibility of addressing mental health challenges. ‘Every Jamaican must pause, observe their surroundings, and offer support to those in need. When personal efforts fall short, professional help through public health services, faith-based organizations, or safe spaces should be sought,’ he stated. The helpline recorded 633 calls last month, underscoring the urgency of the situation. Dr. Tufton’s remarks follow his participation in the United Nations General Assembly’s High-level Meeting on Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health Promotion. The Ministry of Health and Wellness is actively enhancing mental health services, including training non-psychiatric healthcare workers under the WHO’s Mental Health Gap Action Programme. Additionally, the School Mental Health Literacy Programme will resume in November, aiming to educate students on mental health awareness and coping strategies. Community-level initiatives, such as the Problem Management Plus providers, are also being expanded to support individuals facing emotional distress. With over 150 public mental health clinics islandwide, Jamaica continues to strengthen its mental health infrastructure. Other resources include the U-Matter Chatline for youth and a helpline for substance use-related mental health support.
标签： Jamaica
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‘Enjoy Your Jamaica’
The Urban Development Corporation (UDC) is extending a warm invitation to all Jamaicans to partake in a day of leisure, cultural immersion, and entertainment at the globally acclaimed Reach Falls in Portland this Heroes’ Weekend. On Friday, October 17, the gates of Reach Falls will be opened to Jamaicans free of charge, as part of the UDC’s ‘Enjoy Your Jamaica’ campaign, which aims to encourage locals to explore and appreciate their homeland’s natural beauty. Typically, admission costs $500 for Jamaican adults and $250 for children. Attendees will be greeted with a complimentary drink and can look forward to a vibrant schedule of entertainment and exciting giveaways. Additionally, local vendors will be present, offering a variety of food and refreshments for purchase. Sherlock Glenister, UDC Deputy General Manager, emphasized the initiative’s goal to allow Jamaicans to reconnect with one of the island’s most stunning natural wonders. He reiterated the UDC’s dedication to promoting local attractions and fostering a sense of pride in Jamaica’s natural heritage. This event is a component of the UDC’s broader strategy to showcase its diverse array of attractions across the island and to inspire Jamaicans to rediscover the exceptional experiences available within their own country.
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Jamaican-born beauty mogul launches PIMBY store in Georgia
Hundreds of enthusiastic customers gathered at the Mall of Georgia in Buford, Georgia, to celebrate the grand opening of the 10,000-square-foot flagship store of Playing in Makeup by Yolondo (PIMBY), founded by Jamaican-born beauty mogul Yolondo Salmon Thomas. The event, held on September 27, was a resounding success, drawing business and political leaders from Atlanta and surrounding areas, as well as members of the Jamaican diaspora and the Consulate of Jamaica. Thomas expressed her joy at the overwhelming response, stating, ‘The turnout was amazing. I love people, so it was great to share the moment with them. Seeing the joy on their faces as they explored the products was incredibly rewarding.’ PIMBY, one of the few independent black-owned flagship brands, offers over 100 products, including the market’s most viral concealer. The brand has already seen a steady stream of customers returning for the personalized experience, even on traditionally slow days. Thomas, who has built a multimillion-dollar cosmetics line with customers in over 150 countries, continues to expand her influence through her social media platforms, including Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram, where she has amassed millions of followers. This launch signifies a pivotal moment for Jamaican entrepreneurship in the global beauty industry.
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Off to a bumpy start
The constitutional reform process in Jamaica, aimed at transitioning the nation to a republic, has encountered a significant obstacle shortly after the new parliamentary term began. The reform, which was previously stalled due to disagreements between the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and the People’s National Party (PNP), faces renewed challenges as leaders clash over the approach to collaboration.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness, leader of the JLP, recently invited opposition leader Mark Golding to partner in completing the reform process. However, Golding expressed disappointment when Holness proposed that he meet with Justice Minister Delroy Chuck instead of engaging directly. In a public letter, Golding emphasized that such an approach undermines the spirit of partnership necessary for meaningful progress.
Golding highlighted the importance of bipartisan cooperation, noting that the government lacks a two-thirds majority in Parliament, making collaboration essential. He reiterated his commitment to achieving Jamaica’s full sovereignty by removing the British monarch as head of state and the Privy Council as the final court of appeal. While both parties agree on transitioning to a republic, they differ on the replacement for the Privy Council, with the PNP favoring the Caribbean Court of Justice and the JLP advocating for a domestic final court.
The issue of the final court has been a contentious point, leading the PNP to boycott parliamentary committee meetings earlier this year. Golding called for a return to the collaborative spirit demonstrated by past leaders, citing historical examples of bipartisan efforts in constitutional reform. He urged Holness to reconsider his approach to ensure the reform process does not become futile.
The public exchange underscores the challenges of navigating political divisions in pursuit of national transformation. As Jamaica seeks to redefine its constitutional identity, the path forward remains uncertain without genuine collaboration between its major political parties.
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Man who escaped police custody in St Mary urged to surrender
The St Mary Police Division in Jamaica is intensifying efforts to locate 29-year-old Herbie Ballentine, also known as ‘Junior Ballentine,’ following his dramatic escape from police custody on Friday. Ballentine managed to flee after overpowering officers from the Independent Commission of Investigations (Indecom) and local police, who had temporarily removed his handcuffs to allow him to sign a statement.
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‘SEIZE EVERY OPPORTUNITY’
Despite the absence of major international athletics championships in 2026, Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) President Christopher Samuda has called on the nation’s top athletes to embrace the opportunity to compete at the Commonwealth Games and the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games. The year 2026 marks a unique gap in the athletics calendar, following consecutive years of high-profile events such as the Olympic Games in 2021 and 2024 and the World Athletics Championships in 2022, 2023, and 2025. While some view this as a year for rest and recovery, Samuda emphasizes the importance of these regional competitions for athlete development and national pride. The Commonwealth Games will be held in Scotland from July 22 to August 2, while the CAC Games will take place in the Dominican Republic from July 24 to August 8. Although these events are not considered major championships, Jamaica has a strong history of participation, having secured 13 medals, including six gold, at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and seven medals, including one gold, at the 2023 CAC Games. Samuda stresses that athletes should seize every opportunity to represent their country, given the unpredictable nature of their careers. He highlights the value of national pride and the role of sport in showcasing Jamaica’s talent on regional and international stages. The JOA will oversee Jamaica’s delegations to both events, ensuring equal policy objectives and encouraging athletes to prioritize these opportunities as part of their self-development.
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TPDCo reaffirms commitment to quality, accountability in Negril roundabout project
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Tourism Product Development Company Limited (TPDCo) has reiterated its dedication to maintaining the highest standards of execution and accountability in the Negril Roundabout Beautification Project, addressing recent public concerns and stakeholder feedback. The $20 million initiative, launched in June 2025, aims to enhance the aesthetic and functional appeal of one of Negril’s busiest gateways, a key entry point to the resort town. Despite encountering delays due to contractor-related challenges, TPDCo has assured the public that the project is back on track and will be finalized before the peak winter tourism season.
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JTA rushes to the aid of critically ill educators
In response to the growing number of educators battling severe illnesses and facing financial hardships, the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) is intensifying its efforts to establish a robust Critical Illness Trust Fund. Newly appointed JTA President Mark Malabver emphasized the union’s commitment to this cause during a recent interview with the Jamaica Observer. Malabver highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that the fund aims to provide financial support to teachers diagnosed with critical illnesses such as cancer or those requiring expensive surgeries. The JTA is hosting a wine and cheese fundraiser at Shortwood Teachers’ College in St. Andrew, with the goal of raising $3 million this year. Malabver revealed that the union has already set aside a portion of its internal funds for this purpose, with the long-term ambition of accumulating $1 billion. The fund, officially launched in 2019 by former JTA President Dr. Garth Anderson, is managed by a dedicated board that evaluates applications and allocates resources based on need and availability. Malabver acknowledged the alarming number of educators falling ill, citing at least four requests for assistance since he assumed office in August. He shared a poignant example of a veteran high school teacher facing blindness and requiring costly surgery. While the initiative is not a core JTA activity, Malabver stressed the union’s moral obligation to support its members. The fundraiser, patronized by Metry Seaga, President of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica, requires a $15,000 contribution per attendee.
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Chuck urges JPs to be ambassadors of peace
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Delroy Chuck, Jamaica’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, has urged the nation’s Justices of the Peace (JPs) to embrace their role as ambassadors of peace. Speaking during a virtual sensitisation session on Thursday, Chuck emphasized the critical role JPs can play in curbing domestic violence and fostering harmony within communities.
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Cash-strapped CWI scales back development programmes
Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced significant changes to its regional competitions for the upcoming year, citing severe financial constraints as the primary reason. The governing body revealed on Wednesday that several tournaments, including the Under-17 competition, will be scrapped, while others, such as the women’s tournaments, will be merged. Additionally, the Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC) and the West Indies Academy have been removed from the men’s tournaments. These decisions were disclosed during CWI’s quarterly press conference by CEO Chris Dehring and Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe, who both acknowledged that 2026 will be a particularly challenging year for the organization due to a projected revenue decline. Dehring explained that the financial model of the International Cricket Council (ICC) does not favor the West Indies when hosting tours from countries like Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and Pakistan, which are scheduled for next year. He emphasized that the profits from co-hosting the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup have already been depleted, necessitating tough decisions to ensure the organization’s sustainability. Dehring outlined a four-pronged strategy to address the financial issues, including lobbying the ICC for a revised financial model, restructuring domestic tournaments, collaborating with Caricom, and seeking increased financial support from Caribbean companies. Bascombe noted that while the changes are significant, they have been designed to ensure that players still have ample opportunities to showcase their skills and compete for spots in the West Indies teams. Despite the cutbacks, the organization remains committed to maintaining a robust player pool and fostering talent development across the region.