In a significant development following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica Public Service (JPS) President and CEO Hugh Grant announced a dramatic improvement in the island’s electricity restoration efforts. Speaking at a press conference in St James on Thursday, Grant revealed that power service has jumped from 23% to 67% within just two weeks. Over 310,000 customers have now been reconnected to the grid, a feat attributed to meticulous preparation, resilient infrastructure, and strategic partnerships.
标签： Jamaica
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Special Olympics Jamaica targets podium finish at historic regional basketball tournament
The Special Olympics Jamaica (SOJ) basketball team is poised to make history as they prepare to compete in the inaugural Special Olympics 3×3 unified basketball tournament in Guadeloupe, scheduled for November 14-15. Head coach Elfema Williams expressed confidence in her team’s ability to secure a podium finish, citing their strong preparation and unity.
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Point to prove
In a tense and challenging World Cup Qualifier match held on Thursday night, Jamaica’s national football team, the Reggae Boyz, managed to secure a valuable point against Trinidad and Tobago. The game, played in a hostile environment, tested the team’s resilience and determination. Despite their recent unconvincing performances, the Reggae Boyz now face a critical showdown on Tuesday against Curacao, who remain unbeaten in the tournament. The upcoming match, set to take place at Jamaica’s National Stadium in St Andrew, is a must-win for the team to keep their World Cup hopes alive. Fans and analysts alike are eagerly awaiting this high-stakes encounter, which could define Jamaica’s journey in the qualifiers. For a detailed match report, readers can refer to Pages 34 & 35.
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Residents urged to avoid direct contact with rising floodwaters in Content
MANCHESTER, Jamaica — The Manchester Health Department (MHD) has issued a stern warning to the public, urging them to avoid direct contact with floodwaters in the Content and Williamsfield areas of Manchester. In a media release on Friday, the department highlighted the severe health risks associated with the rising floodwaters, which may be contaminated with harmful bacteria, sewage, and other pollutants. The MHD emphasized that these waters could lead to vector-borne and water-borne diseases, including leptospirosis, particularly as underground sewage systems may have been compromised. Residents in affected areas are advised to prepare for potential emergency evacuations and take immediate precautions to safeguard their health. The MHD is actively monitoring the situation, conducting field assessments, and performing laboratory analyses to mitigate health risks. Additionally, the department is providing health education to the public and encouraging residents to stay informed through official channels. Anyone experiencing symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle aches, or jaundice is urged to report to the nearest health facility promptly.
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Health ministry warns against contaminated water as suspected cases of leptospirosis on the rise
Health authorities in Jamaica are sounding the alarm over a potential surge in leptospirosis cases, a deadly bacterial infection, as communities battle stagnant floodwaters left in the wake of Hurricane Melissa. Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie, the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), emphasized the heightened risk during a recent interview on Radio Jamaica’s Hotline program. She warned that the current conditions—standing water contaminated with animal waste—create an ideal breeding ground for the disease. The Ministry of Health has already identified suspected cases, which are being treated as confirmed under protocol. Leptospirosis, which can escalate rapidly into a life-threatening illness, is transmitted through contact with contaminated water, particularly through cuts or abrasions on the skin. Dr. Bisasor-McKenzie urged the public to take preventive measures, including wearing protective footwear, avoiding exposure to dirty water, and ensuring proper garbage disposal. She stressed the importance of personal responsibility, noting that while health teams are working to address the crisis, individual vigilance is critical to curbing the spread of the disease. The CMO’s call to action underscores the urgent need for community-wide efforts to mitigate the risk of infection and prevent further health complications.
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Doctors in England launch strike over pay and jobs
In a significant escalation of ongoing labor disputes, thousands of junior doctors in England initiated a five-day strike on Friday, marking the 13th such walkout since March 2023. The strike, organized by the British Medical Association (BMA), centers on demands for a 26% pay increase and an expansion of training posts, which doctors argue are essential to address declining real wages and career progression challenges. Health Minister Wes Streeting criticized the strike, accusing the BMA leadership of prioritizing confrontation over patient care. He emphasized that the government cannot revisit pay discussions, citing a 28.9% pay rise over the past three years and the highest public sector pay awards in recent years. The strike has further strained the National Health Service (NHS), already grappling with long patient waiting times and repeated industrial actions. Streeting also highlighted the imbalance in training post applications, with two-thirds of candidates being overseas-trained doctors, and pledged urgent reforms to prioritize homegrown talent. The strike occurs against the backdrop of a prolonged cost-of-living crisis that has triggered widespread strikes across various sectors in the UK, including healthcare, education, and transportation.
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Epstein’s emails reveal network of powerful contacts
The latest release of emails from convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has unveiled the vast network of influential figures he maintained connections with, including a top adviser to former President Donald Trump and Britain’s disgraced Prince Andrew. The U.S. House of Representatives is set to vote next week on compelling the release of evidence gathered on Epstein by law enforcement, which may include the identities of individuals linked to his alleged sex trafficking ring. This week’s email disclosures have already shed new light on Epstein’s extensive associations. Among the revelations are multiple references to Donald Trump, who has dismissed calls for transparency as a ‘hoax’ while urging investigations into Epstein’s ties to others, including former President Bill Clinton. The emails, spanning from 2009 to 2019, were released by congressional Democrats and include exchanges with prominent figures such as Prince Andrew, former Trump adviser Steve Bannon, and former Obama treasury secretary Larry Summers. Epstein’s death in 2019, ruled a suicide, occurred while he was awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. The emails also reveal interactions with Kathryn Ruemmler, a former Obama adviser, and Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s associate convicted of sex trafficking. These communications highlight the breadth of Epstein’s influence and the ongoing scrutiny of his network.
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Two cops killed in Waltham Park shooting identified
In a shocking turn of events, two off-duty police officers were fatally shot on Waltham Park Road in St. Andrew, Jamaica, on Thursday evening. The victims have been identified as Charles Stewart from the Spanish Town Police and Jemarey Gordon from CTOC. The incident occurred around 7:30 PM at a local business establishment where the officers were reportedly involved in a confrontation. According to eyewitness accounts, two assailants opened fire on the officers, critically injuring them before fleeing the scene. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, both officers succumbed to their injuries and were pronounced dead. The Jamaica Constabulary Force has initiated a high-level investigation to apprehend the perpetrators and uncover the circumstances surrounding the tragic event. This incident has sent shockwaves through the community, raising concerns about the safety of law enforcement personnel even when off-duty.
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‘Tinder Swindler’ Simon Leviev freed in Georgia
TBILISI, Georgia — Simon Leviev, the infamous con artist whose elaborate romance scams were chronicled in the Netflix documentary *The Tinder Swindler*, has been released from custody in Georgia after German authorities withdrew their extradition request. Leviev, whose real name is Shimon Yehuda Hayut, had been detained for two months following his arrest on September 15 at Batumi airport on an Interpol red notice issued by Germany.
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Antigua partners with Guyana to cut cost of living
Antigua and Barbuda has announced a groundbreaking collaboration with Guyana to launch a new food import initiative aimed at reducing the cost of living for its citizens. The partnership seeks to secure affordable fruits, vegetables, and other essential produce for the local market, with the goal of driving down prices. Maurice Merchant, Antigua’s Director General of Communications, revealed that the Cabinet has tasked Agriculture Minister Anthony Smith Jr. with coordinating the arrangement with Guyana’s government. This initiative follows high-level discussions between Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister, Gaston Browne, and Guyana’s President, Irfaan Ali, during the COP30 conference in Brazil. Additionally, the Cabinet has decided to reduce the Common External Tariff (CET) on critical food items, including fresh produce, canned proteins, and infant foods. This measure, approved by the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED), will suspend CET on basic food commodities from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, to mitigate the impact of rising global food prices. Currently, nearly 90% of Antigua and Barbuda’s food imports originate from North America, leaving the nation vulnerable to global market fluctuations. The partnership with Guyana aims to diversify supply sources within Caricom and ensure lower import costs directly benefit consumers. Officials anticipate that the first shipments from Guyana could help stabilize supermarket prices by early 2026. This initiative aligns with Caricom’s “25 by 2025” goal, which seeks to reduce regional food import bills by 25% and strengthen agricultural ties among member states. In a related development, the government plans to introduce legislation in 2024 to curb sugary drink consumption as part of a broader strategy to promote healthier lifestyles and combat diet-related illnesses. Merchant emphasized that the proposed bill will complement recent food price interventions and encourage better dietary choices among citizens.