The United Nations Security Council is set to vote on Tuesday on a pivotal proposal to transform the current UN-backed security mission in Haiti into a robust, full-scale force. This initiative aims to address the escalating gang violence that has plunged the Caribbean nation into chaos. Currently, the Multinational Security Mission (MSS) comprises 1,000 police officers, predominantly from Kenya, who are assisting the overwhelmed Haitian police force. However, the mission, established in 2023, has yielded inconsistent results. Laurent Saint-Cyr, head of the Haitian Transitional Presidential Council, recently highlighted the dire situation at a UN diplomatic gathering, describing Haiti as a ‘country at war’ and a ‘human tragedy on America’s doorstep.’ He emphasized the urgent need for international intervention, citing the displacement of over a million people and the destruction of entire neighborhoods. The proposed expansion, spearheaded by the United States and Panama, would increase the force to a maximum of 5,500 personnel, including both police and military units, for an initial one-year period. Kenya’s President William Ruto expressed confidence that with adequate resources and logistics, Haiti’s security could be restored. The plan also includes establishing a UN support office to provide logistical and financial backing. US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau underscored the mission’s mandate to proactively target gangs and restore stability. However, the resolution faces potential opposition, with China and Russia expressing skepticism about the mission’s effectiveness without political reforms in Haiti. Both countries abstained from the initial vote, and their positions remain uncertain ahead of Tuesday’s decision. Haiti, the poorest nation in the Americas, has been plagued by violent gangs, political instability, and a lack of elections since 2016. The situation deteriorated further in early 2024 when gangs forced Prime Minister Ariel Henry to resign, leaving the country under the leadership of a Transitional Presidential Council.
标签： Jamaica
牙买加
-
Nepal defeat West Indies by 90 runs – 2nd T20I
In a stunning display of cricketing prowess, Nepal triumphed over the West Indies by a commanding 90 runs in the second T20I of the Unity Cup at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Monday. Nepal posted a formidable total of 173-6 in their allotted 20 overs, thanks to standout performances from Asif Sheikh, who remained unbeaten with 68 runs, and Sundeep Jora, who contributed a solid 63. The West Indies’ bowling attack, led by Akeal Hosein (2-21) and Kyle Mayers (2-26), struggled to contain Nepal’s aggressive batting. In response, the West Indies faltered, managing only 83 runs in 17.1 overs. Jason Holder top-scored with 21, but the team was dismantled by Nepal’s bowlers, particularly Mohammad Aadil Alam, who claimed 4-24, and Kushal Bhurtel, who took 3-16. With this victory, Nepal now leads the 3-match series 2-0, showcasing their growing strength in international cricket.
-
‘We are keeping hope alive’
MANCHESTER, Jamaica—The administration of Manchester High School in Mandeville has renewed its appeal for the safe return of Jayden Smith, a 12-year-old student who has been missing since Friday. The school’s principal, Jasford Gabriel, expressed deep concern in an audio statement released on Sunday, emphasizing the anxiety gripping the school community and the wider Jamaican diaspora.
Jayden was last seen leaving school on Friday evening after prayers, reportedly spotted in Mandeville around 5:00 pm. However, conflicting reports from the Alligator Pond police suggest he was last seen at home earlier that morning, dressed in his khaki uniform and brown shoes. The police have since activated a high alert and are urging the public to assist in locating the boy, described as having a dark complexion, slim build, and standing approximately 152 centimetres (5 feet) tall.
Principal Gabriel described Jayden as a quiet yet brilliant student who had recently joined Manchester High School with an exceptional primary exit profile average of over 90%. He emphasized the school’s efforts to collaborate with law enforcement and other agencies to ensure Jayden’s safe return. The principal also called for national and international support in the search efforts, expressing hope and faith in Jayden’s safety.
Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the Alligator Pond police at 876-224-3113, the police emergency number 119, or the nearest police station. The community remains united in its prayers and efforts to bring Jayden home safely.
-
Lives and economies at risk from weak primary healthcare in region — report
A groundbreaking report released on Monday by the World Bank and the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) has issued a stark warning: the lack of resilience in primary healthcare (PHC) systems across Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) could result in catastrophic losses, both in human lives and economic stability. The report, titled “No Time to Wait: Resilience as the Cornerstone of Primary Health Care in Latin America and the Caribbean,” was unveiled during PAHO’s 62nd Directing Council, attended by health ministers and high-level delegates from the region. The study highlights that a 25–50 per cent reduction in PHC delivery due to a health emergency, such as a pandemic or natural disaster, could lead to up to 165,000 preventable deaths and economic losses ranging from US$7 to 37 billion over one to five years. Among the projected fatalities are 11,300 maternal deaths, 10,000 child deaths, and over 149,000 deaths from noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), alongside 14 million unintended pregnancies. Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, PAHO Director, emphasized that building robust PHC and resilience are inseparable. “Without resilient PHC, the next crisis will disproportionately affect the poorest and most marginalized communities,” he stated. The report defines resilience as the ability of health systems to maintain essential services equitably before, during, and after shocks, including pandemics, hurricanes, and floods. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the region’s vulnerabilities, with LAC accounting for 30 per cent of global COVID-19 deaths despite representing only 8.5 per cent of the world’s population. Essential services like maternal care, childhood immunization, and chronic disease treatment plummeted by up to 50 per cent, with some countries experiencing gaps for over two years. The region, prone to hurricanes, floods, and vector-borne outbreaks, remains heavily reliant on hospital-centered, fragmented health systems with insufficient investment in PHC. Jaime Saavedra, World Bank’s Director of Human Development for LAC, stressed that strengthening PHC is one of the region’s greatest health challenges. The report outlines a five-point action plan to build resilience, including expanding equitable care models, embedding public health functions within PHC, and ensuring sustainable financing. PAHO urges health leaders to prioritize PHC resilience as a political and economic imperative.
-
Court date rescheduled in battle of neurosurgeons
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The legal case involving Dr. Carl Bruce, the medical chief of staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI), and his colleague, neurosurgeon Dr. Roger Hunter, faced an adjournment on Monday. The delay was requested by Dr. Bruce’s legal team, who cited insufficient time to prepare after receiving case documents recently. Dr. Hunter’s attorney, Hugh Wildman, expressed no objection to the postponement but emphasized his client’s readiness to proceed. ‘We could have started today if they were prepared,’ Wildman remarked. Dr. Hunter voiced his disappointment, highlighting concerns over the efficient use of judicial resources. ‘We are surprised by their lack of readiness, especially since the police have been involved since November last year,’ he stated. Dr. Bruce faces charges of malicious destruction of property and assault following an alleged incident during Dr. Hunter’s surgical preparations in April. The case, which Dr. Hunter previously declined to mediate, is set to resume on February 9.
-
Montego Bay United whip Spanish Town Police to retake JPL lead
Montego Bay United delivered a commanding performance on Sunday, securing a resounding 4-0 victory over newly promoted Spanish Town Police at the Montego Bay Sports Complex. This triumph propelled them back to the summit of the Jamaica Premier League standings with 13 points, two ahead of Racing United, who were held to a goalless draw against Tivoli Gardens for the second consecutive match. Portmore United and Chapelton Maroons trail closely, both tied on 10 points but having played one fewer game than the league leaders. The match was marred by disciplinary issues for Spanish Town Police, as two of their players received red cards. Anil Ferguson was sent off in the 88th minute, while Shevan James, already substituted, was dismissed from the bench. Montego Bay United showcased their attacking prowess, with three of their four scorers netting their first goals of the season. Josiah Trimmingham opened the scoring in the eighth minute with a header from a corner, followed by Timar Lewis doubling the lead in the 28th minute with another header. Deonjay Brown, a second-half substitute, capitalized on a swift counterattack in the 74th minute, and Jahmari Clarke, returning from injury, sealed the victory with his third goal of the season in the 85th minute.
-
Windscreen wiper charged after stealing over $200,000
KINGSTON, Jamaica – In a recent development, 45-year-old Conroy Grant, alias ‘Snack,’ has been formally charged with simple larceny by detectives from the St Andrew South Police Division. The charges stem from a theft incident that unfolded on Waltham Park Road in Kingston 13. The Hunt’s Bay Police reported that the crime occurred at approximately 6:45 am on August 25. A woman had parked her vehicle outside a local business establishment, leaving a bag containing $230,000 inside. Upon her return, she discovered the money had vanished. Surveillance footage later identified Grant, a windscreen wiper residing on Delacree Lane in Kingston 11, as the individual who removed the cash from the bag. After a thorough investigation, Grant was apprehended by authorities. Police officials confirmed that he admitted to the crime and provided a caution statement in the presence of his legal counsel. Grant is set to face the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on October 14, where he will answer to the charges brought against him.
-
‘My car became an ambulance’
Latoya Minott Smikle, a mother of five, has turned her personal tragedy into a mission to support others battling sickle cell disease. During her fourth pregnancy, Smikle discovered that her newborn son, Aiden-Jon Amir Hall, had sickle cell anaemia, a severe genetic blood disorder. She also learned that she, her partner, and their three other children were carriers of the sickle cell trait. After a courageous five-and-a-half-year battle, Aiden-Jon passed away in 2022 due to complications from the disease. In his memory, Smikle established the Aiden-Jon Amir Hall Foundation, aiming to raise $1 million this year to provide financial aid to six individuals living with sickle cell disease and to raise awareness about the condition. Smikle’s journey began when she lived next to a family affected by the disease, witnessing their struggles firsthand. She never imagined she would face the same reality. Aiden-Jon’s diagnosis was followed by the shocking revelation that her entire family carried the trait. The disease, which causes red blood cells to become rigid and crescent-shaped, leads to severe pain, anaemia, and organ damage. Smikle’s life became a cycle of late-night hospital visits, financial strain, and emotional turmoil as she cared for her son while balancing work and family responsibilities. She highlighted the lack of empathy and systemic gaps in support for sickle cell patients and their families. The Sickle Cell Unit at the University of the West Indies, Mona, provides essential services but remains underfunded. Smikle’s foundation seeks to address these challenges by offering financial assistance and building a supportive community. She has identified six beneficiaries, including the child of a single father needing surgery. A fundraising dinner in October aims to meet the $1 million target. Smikle believes her son’s life, though short, had a profound impact, and she is determined to continue his legacy by helping others. ‘I want to help someone else’s child live longer and healthier,’ she said, reflecting on her mission to bring hope to those in need.
-
St Catherine man charged after breaking into church
In a startling incident in St. Catherine South, Jamaica, a 39-year-old man has been charged with sacrilege following an alleged break-in at a local church. Robert Barnett, also known as “Mogo,” residing on North Edgewater Avenue in Portmore, was apprehended after he reportedly forced his way into a church on Cecile Avenue, Edgewater, on September 13. According to police reports, Barnett entered the premises around 11:30 pm by prying open a window. Once inside, he allegedly stole a bag containing $3,000 and a Samsung keyboard valued at $175,000. However, the church’s security system was activated, prompting a private security team to respond swiftly. Barnett was discovered inside the building, detained, and later handed over to law enforcement. After being interviewed in the presence of his attorney, Barnett was formally charged on September 27. His court appearance date remains pending.
-
‘Mr Nose’, ‘Ms Petal’ take TikTok by storm
In a digital landscape often criticized for its superficiality, Adonique “Mr Nose” Cole and Melanie “Ms Petal” Welsh have emerged as standout talents on TikTok. Known for their spontaneous and humorous skits, particularly their ‘nosey landlord versus problematic tenant’ series, the duo has captivated a growing audience and set their sights on long-term careers in the performing arts. Their journey, marked by resilience and creativity, serves as an inspiring narrative of turning rejection into opportunity.