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  • Mariah Carey says music video coming for Sugar Sweet featuring Shenseea, Kehlani

    Mariah Carey says music video coming for Sugar Sweet featuring Shenseea, Kehlani

    Grammy-winning artist Mariah Carey has announced that she is currently in the process of creating a music video for her hit single, ‘Sugar Sweet,’ which features collaborations with Kehlani and Jamaican dancehall sensation Shenseea. During a recent appearance on the podcast ‘Baby, This is Keke Palmer,’ Carey shared insights into the creative process and the challenges of coordinating schedules for the project.

    Carey expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, ‘It was good, I mean we’re still trying to get all together in one place at the right time…We’re all trying to come together and make it work, but we got them on the records.’ She further revealed, ‘We’re making a little video,’ hinting at the upcoming visual treat for fans.

    The release of Carey’s latest album, ‘Here For It All,’ sparked some controversy when rumors circulated that Shenseea and Kehlani had been quietly removed from the ‘Sugar Sweet’ track. Fans speculated about the reasons behind the alleged change, leading to widespread discussion. However, it has since been clarified that the collaboration remains intact on the digital versions of the album. Carey did release a solo version of ‘Sugar Sweet’ on the physical album, but the original track featuring the guest artists is still available for streaming and download.

  • PAHO launches new initiative to deal with high rate of NCDs

    PAHO launches new initiative to deal with high rate of NCDs

    Health leaders from across the Americas, including the Caribbean, have unanimously endorsed a groundbreaking 2025–2030 Action Plan aimed at curbing the rising tide of Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs). This initiative, ratified during the 62nd Directing Council of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), seeks to address the region’s leading causes of death and disability, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory conditions. The plan underscores the urgent need to fortify primary health care systems to enhance the quality of life for millions affected by these ailments. Dr. Anselm Hennis, PAHO’s Director of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health, hailed the plan as a transformative step toward building resilient, community-centered health systems. The strategy revolves around three core pillars: mitigating NCD risk factors, embedding NCD management into primary health care, and bolstering surveillance mechanisms. NCDs currently claim an estimated six million lives annually in the Americas, with nearly 40% of these deaths occurring prematurely before the age of 70. Alarmingly, 240 million individuals in the region are impacted by these conditions. Despite progress in reducing tobacco use, other risk factors such as harmful alcohol consumption, poor diet, physical inactivity, and obesity remain pervasive. For instance, over 35% of adults are physically inactive, and one in three lives with obesity. Access to diagnosis and treatment is also limited, with only 36% of hypertensive patients having controlled blood pressure and over 40 million diabetics lacking adequate care. The action plan advocates for a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach, emphasizing fiscal policies to reduce consumption of harmful products, front-of-package warning labels on ultra-processed foods, and stricter marketing regulations. It also prioritizes integrating NCD prevention and treatment into primary care, alongside innovative digital tools to enhance data surveillance and evidence-based policymaking. Key initiatives include HPV vaccination, cervical cancer screening, and the use of advanced technologies to monitor progress. PAHO will support countries in mobilizing resources, with biennial reviews scheduled for 2028 and a final report in 2031.

  • Distress calls

    Distress calls

    In September, Jamaica’s Ministry of Health witnessed an overwhelming surge in calls to its mental health and suicide prevention helpline, with over 500 distress calls recorded in a single month. Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton revealed that the 24/7 free and confidential service provided counselling or referrals based on individual needs. This disclosure came in response to inquiries from the Jamaica Observer, following a Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) report highlighting a mid-year spike in suicides, particularly in St. Catherine North. The helpline, staffed by psychologists, offers crisis intervention, psychological support, and referrals for those experiencing suicidal tendencies or mental health challenges. To bolster mental health care, the ministry has trained 47 non-psychiatric healthcare workers under the World Health Organization’s Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP), with more training sessions planned. Additionally, the School Mental Health Literacy Programme, set to resume this month, aims to reduce stigma and improve mental health awareness among students. At the community level, Problem Management Plus providers are being deployed to address mild emotional distress and adverse challenges, with 45 active providers currently in the field. Public mental health clinics, including over 150 adult clinics and 20 for children and adolescents, continue to operate islandwide. Despite a 17% overall decline in suicides from 2024 to 2025, the JCF report noted significant variations across months, parishes, and gender categories. A mid-year surge in July and August, coupled with geographic hotspots like St. Catherine North, underscores the need for dynamic, nuanced prevention strategies. The report calls for enhanced early detection, community engagement, and support networks to address these challenges effectively.

  • Gas prices up $0.75, $0.77, diesel up $2.94

    Gas prices up $0.75, $0.77, diesel up $2.94

    Motorists across the region are set to experience a mixed bag of fuel price changes starting Thursday, October 2, as Petrojam, the national oil refinery, has released its latest ex-refinery cost updates. The adjustments reflect a combination of increases and decreases across various fuel types, signaling a dynamic shift in the energy market. Notably, 90-octane gasoline will see a rise of $0.75, bringing its price to $166.60 per litre. In contrast, 87-octane gasoline will experience a slight reduction of $0.77, settling at $159.55 per litre. Diesel fuels are also subject to significant hikes, with automotive diesel increasing by $2.94 to $170.41 per litre and ultra-low sulphur diesel (ULSD) rising by $3.06 to $176.79 per litre. Meanwhile, kerosene prices have dropped by $3.06, now available at $155.08 per litre. These changes are expected to impact both individual consumers and businesses reliant on fuel for operations, prompting a closer look at budgeting and energy consumption strategies.

  • Post-election training for MPs

    Post-election training for MPs

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a bid to enhance legislative efficiency and governance, Members of Parliament (MPs) in Jamaica are set to participate in a comprehensive post-election training programme. This initiative, organized by the Houses of Parliament in collaboration with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), aims to equip both newly elected and returning MPs with essential skills and knowledge to fulfill their constitutional and parliamentary roles effectively.

  • Shein picks France for its first permanent stores

    Shein picks France for its first permanent stores

    In a significant move to expand its global footprint, Asian fast-fashion powerhouse Shein announced on Wednesday that it will open its first permanent physical stores in France this November. The inaugural store will be located at the iconic BHV Marais department store in Paris, followed by five additional outlets in Galeries Lafayette stores across Dijon, Reims, Grenoble, Angers, and Limoges. This expansion is facilitated through a strategic partnership with Societe des Grands Magasins (SGM), the retail property group that owns BHV Marais and several Galeries Lafayette locations. Shein emphasized that this initiative aims to rejuvenate French city centers, revitalize department stores, and create 200 direct and indirect jobs in the country. While Shein has previously experimented with temporary pop-up shops in cities like Paris, this marks its first foray into permanent physical retail. Donald Tang, Shein’s executive chairman, highlighted France’s status as a global fashion capital and its creative spirit as key reasons for choosing the country for this venture. Founded in China and now headquartered in Singapore, Shein has built its empire on affordable fashion, extensive product offerings, and aggressive marketing. However, the company faces growing scrutiny over its environmental practices, labor conditions, and alleged exploitation of EU customs exemptions. Despite these challenges, Shein continues to expand, employing 16,000 people globally and generating $23 billion in revenue in 2022.

  • Digicel expands solar project

    Digicel expands solar project

    Digicel Jamaica has embarked on a multimillion-dollar solar power initiative, not to hike customer rates but to safeguard revenues by maintaining service continuity during grid failures. CEO Stephen Murad emphasized that the 12-month collaboration with U.S.-based Caban Energy is designed to ensure uninterrupted services across all parishes, whether during hurricanes, Jamaica Public Service (JPS) outages, or even routine incidents like road accidents. Murad clarified that the investment is not a cost passed on to customers but a strategic move to strengthen the company’s reliability. The project, which began earlier this month, involves installing solar and battery systems at 511 of Digicel’s 930 sites, with teams working on 30 to 40 sites monthly. Caban Energy CEO Alexandra Rasch highlighted that approximately 180 local personnel are engaged in logistics, finance, and construction. The initiative also extends beyond cell towers, encompassing Digicel’s downtown headquarters and regional data centers, which handle critical traffic. Murad described the investment as part of a broader technology upgrade program, including recent fiber builds in Montego Bay. While Jamaica is the first market for this project, other regions like Haiti, the Cayman Islands, and Dominica are already preparing to follow suit. Digicel, operating in 25 markets across the Caribbean, Central America, and the Pacific, serves nearly nine million customers through mobile, home, and business services, with significant operations in Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Haiti.

  • World Championship medallist Stacey-Ann Williams gets grand welcome home

    World Championship medallist Stacey-Ann Williams gets grand welcome home

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Stacey-Ann Williams, the World Championship silver medallist, was warmly celebrated upon her return to Jamaica. The elite jewellery company Artwell and Co. hosted a special event to honor her remarkable achievements in athletics. Williams, who was part of the quartet that secured silver in the 4x400m relay at the 2025 World Athletics Championships, was presented with a custom gold and diamond pendant during the ceremony. Her boyfriend, Olympic bronze medallist Rasheed Broadbell, joined her in this moment of recognition. Andre Artwell, director of Artwell and Co., emphasized the importance of celebrating Jamaica’s talented individuals, stating, ‘Jamaica is blessed with colourful and talented people who often don’t get their flowers while they are alive. I want to be an agent of change in that regard. Stacey has done so much for Brand Jamaica, so I definitely think she truly deserves to be honoured. This is just Artwell and Co’s way of saying thank you, we are proud of you.’ Williams expressed her gratitude for the love and recognition she received, sharing the special moment with Broadbell, who is also an accomplished athlete in the sprint hurdle event.

  • Police treating death of parish judge as suspected suicide

    Police treating death of parish judge as suspected suicide

    TRELAWNY, Jamaica — Authorities are currently investigating the death of Parish Court Judge Ruth Lawrence as a suspected suicide. Lawrence was pronounced dead on Tuesday evening at the Falmouth Public General Hospital. Acting Commissioner of Police (ACP) Glendon Miller, overseeing the Area One Police Division, stated that the preliminary investigation points to suicide, though the inquiry remains in its early stages. ‘Our investigative team, led by Superintendent Jermaine Anglin, is meticulously gathering all necessary information to ensure a thorough examination,’ ACP Miller emphasized. Forensic investigations commenced last night and are ongoing, with statements being collected to piece together the circumstances surrounding her death. Lawrence was found unresponsive at her Coral Spring residence in Trelawny and was rushed to the hospital around 7:50 pm. Preliminary reports indicate no visible signs of physical injury on her body. The case continues to unfold as investigators work to confirm the cause of death.

  • TJH makes partial pref share redemption

    TJH makes partial pref share redemption

    TransJamaican Highway Limited (TJH) has commenced the partial redemption of its cumulative redeemable preference shares as part of its strategic growth initiatives. The company recently redeemed 5% of the principal amount of its 2.7 billion preference shares, equivalent to 135 million shares or US$1.35 million, based on a US$0.01 par value. This redemption, executed on July 14, coincided with the quarterly dividend payment. TJH’s preference shares offer an 8.0% dividend yield. The Jamaica Central Securities Depository (JCSD) facilitated the redemption process, ensuring pro-rata distribution among shareholders. Despite receiving a query, TJH reported no objections to the transaction. The company has since aligned its redemption schedule with the original terms, adjusting the maximum optional redemption amount to 15% by January 30, 2026, with quarterly redemptions tied to dividend payments. TJH initially issued these preference shares in January 2020, raising US$27 million. The shares, listed at $1.41 in September 2020, are set to mature by January 2028. TJH retains the right to redeem up to 20% of the shares after the sixth anniversary of issuance. The company’s Q2 2024 report highlighted a carrying value of US$23.88 million for the preference shares, with US$22.26 million classified as non-current. Early redemptions free up cash for ordinary shareholders, with TJH announcing a $0.1292 dividend totaling $1.62 billion, payable on October 24. This marks a 35% increase from 2024, reflecting TJH’s robust financial performance. Additionally, TJH updated its dividend payment structure to accommodate USD shareholders. The company is set to launch Phase 1C of Highway 2000 East-West in October, projected to generate US$9.5 million in revenue. TJH’s 2024 revenue reached US$82.82 million, driven by increased toll volumes, with net profit rising 28% to US$17.78 million. The company also adjusted toll rates and streamlined T-Tag acquisition processes, enhancing customer convenience. TJH’s asset base stood at US$295.44 million, with total equity closing at US$72.99 million. Despite a 13% decline in JMD share price, TJH remains focused on its expansion and operational efficiency.