标签： Jamaica

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a bold move to revitalize cultural tourism and foster economic growth, Kingston Creative has unveiled the Mobay Creative initiative, a groundbreaking Creative Placemaking Programme set to transform Montego Bay into a vibrant cultural hub. This year-long project, centered in St James, aims to strengthen the synergy between the creative and tourism sectors while generating new income opportunities for local artists and entrepreneurs.

At the heart of the initiative are two large-scale murals designed to enhance Montego Bay’s visual appeal, complemented by a Creative Placemaking Training Programme. This training will empower local creatives and community leaders with the skills to organize cultural events and develop a thriving cultural district. The project will culminate in the Artwalk Festival, a grand celebration of music, food, and local artistry in Sam Sharpe Square.

Montego Bay’s Mayor, Richard Vernon, emphasized the transformative potential of the initiative, stating, ‘This project reflects our cultural pride, community resilience, and the creative power of our people. It is a visible step toward the inclusive, sustainable city we envision under Vision 2030.’ He highlighted the murals as symbols of the city’s stories, struggles, and aspirations, bringing beauty, opportunity, and dignity to overlooked spaces.

The initiative is expected to directly engage 25 creatives, create 20 paid opportunities, and involve 800 members of the public, while fostering partnerships with at least seven key stakeholders. Andrea Dempster Chung, Executive Director of Kingston Creative, noted, ‘This partnership goes beyond murals; it’s about arts for social and economic transformation. We are excited to collaborate with western creatives and encourage corporations in the region to join this movement.’

Supported by Target 8.9, with funding from the TUI Care Foundation’s TUI Colourful Cultures initiative, the project also enjoys backing from the S-Hotel Montego Bay, the Montego Bay Cultural Centre, and the city itself. Implementation is set to begin in October 2025, with $8.75 million already committed. Coral Purvil-Williams, Destination Manager at Target 8.9, remarked, ‘This partnership unlocks Montego Bay’s creative and economic potential, aligning with the goals of the TUI Colourful Cultures programme.’

ST CATHERINE, Jamaica – The tranquil community of St Catherine remains engulfed in a wave of anger and sorrow following the brutal rape of a seven-year-old girl, a student at Bermaddy Primary School. The incident, which has shaken the close-knit neighborhood to its core, marks an unprecedented act of violence in the area. Melbourne Thompson, the school’s principal, expressed the collective sentiment, stating, ‘The community is furious; if they could, they might have sought vigilante justice. But there’s also profound sadness, as nothing like this has ever happened here before.’ The attack occurred as the young girl was walking home from school. She was reportedly dragged into a bus by an assailant, sexually assaulted, and left for dead. Fortunately, the victim managed to raise an alarm, leading to the suspect’s apprehension by local residents as he attempted to flee in a taxi. He was promptly handed over to the police, who have since charged him. In response to the tragedy, Bermaddy Primary held a special devotion on Monday to provide solace to students and staff. The event saw the presence of St Catherine North Western Member of Parliament Damion Crawford, Senior Superintendent Hopeton Nicholson of the St Catherine North police, and representatives from the Office of the Children’s Advocate, all offering their support. Crawford proposed the introduction of walking wardens to accompany students on their daily commute home, a suggestion warmly welcomed by Thompson. The principal highlighted the poor road conditions near the school, which deter taxis from operating in the area, making the proposal a practical and much-needed solution. The community, while grappling with its grief, remains united in its demand for justice and measures to ensure the safety of its children.

In a landmark ruling on Tuesday, Andrew Wright, O’Neil Hope, and Rudolph Barnes were found guilty of multiple charges related to a massive fraud scheme targeting the Institute of Sport (InSports). The case, which dates back to 2017, involved the embezzlement of $222 million from the governmental agency. Supreme Court Justice Ann-Marie Lawrence-Grainger delivered the verdict, convicting Wright, a former financial controller at InSports and a well-known promoter of the French Connection and Chug It party series, on 13 counts of fraud. Barnes was found guilty of 11 counts, while Hope faced conviction on eight counts. Among the three women implicated in the case, Sherene Farquharson and Andrea Picton were acquitted, but Karita Davis, accused of facilitating the cashing of fraudulent cheques for Wright, remains at large. The three convicted men have been remanded in custody and are scheduled for sentencing on November 21. Further details on this high-profile case will be published in the Jamaica Observer on Wednesday.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Fisheries Authority (NFA) is urging participants of its Safety at Sea Training Programme to disseminate the knowledge they’ve acquired to fellow fishers within their communities. Launched in 2022 as part of a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the initiative has already reached numerous fishers across the island, equipping them with essential maritime safety techniques. Shellene Berry, Senior Director of Extension Services for the NFA’s Capture Fisheries Branch, emphasized the programme’s profound impact, despite the seemingly modest number of direct participants. She highlighted the ‘trainer of trainers’ approach, encouraging beneficiaries to educate their peers, crew members, and broader fishing communities. Berry spoke at a recent JIS Think Tank event held at the agency’s television department in Kingston. The programme aims to bolster the resilience of fishers and safeguard the sustainability of Jamaica’s fisheries resources. Berry noted that the ripple effect of knowledge-sharing fosters behavioural change, ensuring that safety practices are not only communicated but also implemented. Kyle Shaw, a facilitator in the programme and head of the Caribbean Maritime University’s Department of Professional Training and Certification, reported that fishers have been highly receptive to new safety knowledge. Participants have been introduced to basic medical equipment, first aid practices, and legal responsibilities, including the law of tort. Shaw explained that boat owners and captains have gained a deeper understanding of their liabilities and the importance of proper crew equipment and safety protocols. The programme comprises two components: safety at sea training administered by the Caribbean Maritime University and scuba diving open water certification through the University of the West Indies Marine Lab. Interested individuals can contact the NFA at 876-948-9014 for details on accessing the programme in their parish.