KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Agri-Business Investment Forum (JAIF 2025), held recently in Montego Bay, St. James, marked a significant milestone in fostering sustainable growth and investment opportunities in Jamaica’s agriculture and community-based tourism sectors. The event, sponsored by the Jamaica Social Investment Fund’s Rural Economic Development Initiative II (JSIF-REDI II), showcased the transformative impact of the US $40 million initiative funded through a partnership between the Government of Jamaica and the World Bank. The forum, themed ‘Sustainable Agri-Business: Global Reach, Local Impact,’ attracted approximately 500 participants from diverse sectors, highlighting its role as a catalyst for innovation and collaboration. Orville Hill, JSIF’s General Manager for Finance, Procurement, and Standards, emphasized the initiative’s success in creating an enabling environment for enterprises to thrive, despite challenges posed by Hurricane Beryl and the COVID-19 pandemic. Beneficiaries, including the Ujima Natural Farmers Market and the Content Greenhouse Cluster, praised the program for its support in expanding market access and rebuilding after natural disasters. Kilara Suit, the World Bank’s Senior Agriculture Specialist, underscored the program’s achievements in capacity-building, job creation, and fostering inclusive growth. The forum also introduced a ‘Deal Book’ featuring 10 investment-ready opportunities, signaling potential projects worth billions of dollars. Vivion Scully, Chairman of the Forum and CEO of the Agro-Investment Corporation, hailed the event’s success and announced plans for a second forum in 2027, further solidifying its role as a cornerstone of Jamaica’s agri-business development.
标签： Jamaica
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Shift focus from rectal exam for prostate cancer screening, says urologist
A prominent Jamaican urologist, Dr. Colette Antoine, is advocating for a significant shift in prostate cancer screening practices, urging a move away from the traditional digital rectal examination (DRE) towards the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. Dr. Antoine highlights the DRE’s limited sensitivity in detecting early-stage prostate cancer, emphasizing the PSA test’s superior ability to identify potential issues before symptoms manifest. Prostate cancer remains the leading cause of death among Jamaican men and the most prevalent cancer in the country. The PSA test measures levels of prostate-specific antigen in the blood, with elevated levels often indicating the presence of cancer. In contrast, the DRE involves a physical examination of the prostate through the rectum, which can miss cancers located on the front wall of the gland. Dr. Antoine’s stance aligns with the British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS), which recently criticized the DRE as an outdated and ineffective method. Historically, the DRE has been more widely promoted in Jamaica due to its cost-effectiveness compared to the PSA test, which is more expensive. However, Dr. Antoine stresses that combining both tests offers the most comprehensive screening approach. Despite the social stigma surrounding the DRE, particularly in Jamaica where homophobic attitudes are prevalent, urologist Dr. Dean Wong notes that many men privately consent to the exam without hesitation. Dr. Antoine observes that asymptomatic men are increasingly receptive to screening, partly due to her being a woman, while symptomatic men are more likely to agree due to the urgency of their condition. Younger men, in particular, are becoming more proactive, often opting for multiple screenings annually.
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Kaana Pitch Football League Scores big for youth and community development
Once a derelict space in Poor Man’s Corner, St Thomas, overrun with garbage and unfulfilled potential, has been revitalized into a thriving community centerpiece. Kaana Pitch, a synthetic football turf developed by Roger Gordon and Anika Gordon of Jam Flooring and Outdoor Supplies, now hosts the annual Kaana Pitch Football League. This event attracts teams and spectators from St Thomas, Bull Bay, and Kingston, fostering unity and excitement. The 2023 league, concluding on September 21, saw 21 teams compete, with El Chapo clinching the $100,000 grand prize, TT Money securing second place with $50,000, and Red Hills taking third with $25,000. Beyond the thrill of competition, the league has become a catalyst for community bonding and youth development. Players like Andrew from Red Hills highlighted the joy and camaraderie the event brings, while El Chapo’s coach, Tommy Ricketts, emphasized its role in instilling discipline and positive behavior among young participants. The league’s grand finale also included a back-to-school initiative, providing students with essential supplies. Roger Gordon, one of the organizers, underscored the importance of engaging youth through sports, noting its impact in reducing street violence and fostering community spirit. Kaana Pitch has evolved into more than a football venue; it’s a weekend gathering spot for events, exercise, and social interaction. The Gordons’ vision to repurpose the abandoned lot into a recreational space has been a resounding success, with plans to expand facilities to include a pickleball court for seniors and a netball court. Supported by sponsors like Klesing Industrial Supplies Ltd and Romax Auto Parts, the league aims to grow further, with hopes of attracting more sponsors for future editions. Kaana Pitch stands as a testament to the transformative power of community-driven initiatives.
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US lawmakers open to talks as government shutdown looms
In a high-stakes political standoff, US lawmakers have indicated a willingness to engage in discussions to prevent an imminent federal government shutdown. The Trump administration has escalated tensions by warning of mass federal firings if an agreement is not reached by the September 30 fiscal deadline. President Donald Trump, a Republican, is locked in a contentious battle with congressional Democrats over spending plans, with key services at risk of being cut if no resolution is found. Trump, who canceled a meeting with senior opposition leaders last week, is now scheduled to meet with them on Monday. House Speaker Mike Johnson, the top Republican in Congress, stated on CNN that Trump is ‘open to discussion’ and ‘wants to operate in good faith,’ though he remained noncommittal about the potential for negotiations during the upcoming meeting. The White House has further intensified the situation by directing government agencies to prepare for layoffs that would exceed the typical temporary furloughs seen during past shutdowns. This move follows large-scale firings earlier this year orchestrated by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Democratic House leader Hakeem Jeffries expressed cautious optimism on ABC, stating he was ‘hopeful’ a deal could be reached before the Tuesday deadline. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer echoed this sentiment on NBC, emphasizing that any progress would hinge on the Republicans’ willingness to engage in serious negotiations. The last government shutdown occurred in March, when Republicans refused to negotiate with Democrats over Trump’s proposed budget cuts and layoffs of federal employees. Lawmakers narrowly avoided a shutdown then by passing a temporary funding measure with hours to spare.
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WATCH: Culture Minister underscores importance of Jamaica Food and Drink Festival
The Jamaica Food and Drink Festival has emerged as a cornerstone event for celebrating the island’s rich culinary traditions, according to Culture and Entertainment Minister Olivia Grange. Speaking at the media launch for the 2025 edition at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel, Grange emphasized the festival’s role in uniting Jamaicans through food and drink. ‘This festival has become a signature moment where we gather to celebrate our identity as Jamaicans,’ she remarked. ‘While we often focus on music, dance, and language, food is equally vital in preserving and expanding our heritage.’ The 2025 festival is scheduled for November 13–16, marking its 11th anniversary. The event showcases the nation’s finest food and drink offerings in a lively, community-driven setting. Grange also highlighted the government’s new Jamaica Entertainment and Creative Sector Insurance, urging attendees from the creative industry to enroll and benefit from the initiative. ‘This insurance plan, covering life, accident, and health, is designed for you,’ she said, addressing the creative community. ‘It’s an opportunity you shouldn’t overlook.’
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Trump hints at ‘something special’ in Middle East talks
WASHINGTON, United States — In a significant development, US President Donald Trump hinted at a potential breakthrough in the Middle East crisis on Sunday, just ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s scheduled visit to the White House. Trump expressed optimism in a post on his Truth Social platform, stating, “We have a real chance for GREATNESS IN THE MIDDLE EAST. ALL ARE ON BOARD FOR SOMETHING SPECIAL, FIRST TIME EVER. WE WILL GET IT DONE!!!”
Earlier on Friday, Trump had suggested to reporters in Washington that a deal on Gaza was imminent. “I think we have a deal,” he said. “A deal that will secure the release of hostages and bring an end to the war.”
Netanyahu’s meeting with Trump on Monday follows the US president’s recent unveiling of a 21-point plan aimed at resolving the conflict in the Palestinian territory. This plan was discussed during talks with Arab and Muslim leaders on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. The timing of the meeting is critical, as Israel faces increasing international isolation, with countries like Britain, France, Canada, and Australia officially recognizing Palestinian statehood, diverging from the long-standing US-led diplomatic stance.
According to a diplomatic source, Trump’s plan includes a permanent ceasefire, the release of hostages, an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and a substantial influx of humanitarian aid. Netanyahu, speaking on Fox News on Sunday, emphasized the urgency of the situation. “We want to free our hostages, dismantle Hamas rule, demilitarize Gaza, and establish a new future for both Gazans and Israelis, as well as the entire region,” he said.
While Arab and Muslim leaders have welcomed the proposal, they have also called for an immediate cessation of Israel’s military operations and any occupation of Gaza. One of the most contentious aspects of the plan is the proposed involvement of the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority in the future governance of Gaza. Netanyahu expressed skepticism about this, stating, “I don’t think it’s going to happen.”
Addressing the United Nations on Friday, Netanyahu reiterated his commitment to blocking the establishment of a Palestinian state while vowing to “finish the job” against Hamas. The conflict escalated following Hamas’s unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, mostly civilians, and the abduction of 251 hostages, 47 of whom remain in Gaza, including 25 declared dead by the Israeli military. Israel’s retaliatory offensive in Gaza has reportedly claimed the lives of at least 66,005 people, predominantly civilians, according to figures from the Hamas-run health ministry, which the United Nations considers reliable.
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FBI director urges Americans not to mourn over late black militant, Assata Shakur
FBI Director Kash Patel has urged Americans not to mourn the death of Assata Shakur, a prominent figure in the Black Liberation Army, whom he branded a ‘terrorist.’ Shakur, also known as JoAnne Chesimard, passed away last week in Havana, Cuba, where she had lived in exile for decades. She was convicted in the 1973 killing of New Jersey State Trooper Werner Foerster during a shootout at a routine traffic stop. Despite her claims of innocence, she was sentenced to life in prison in 1977 but escaped in 1979 and fled to Cuba, where she remained until her death at 78. In 2013, she was added to the FBI’s list of most wanted terrorists, with a $1 million reward offered for her capture. Patel criticized those mourning her, stating that doing so dishonors the memory of fallen officers. While Shakur is celebrated by some as a freedom fighter, Patel emphasized her criminal past and escape from justice.
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Skrillex and Damian Marley’s Make it Bun Dem certified gold in the UK
Big Beat, the renowned U.S. electronic and dance music record label established in 1986 by Craig Kallman, former president of Atlantic Records, has maintained a deep-rooted connection with reggae music over the decades. Initially distributed by Atlantic Records, Big Beat was integrated into the label in 1992 before being relaunched independently in 2010. Throughout its history, the label has been instrumental in promoting reggae artists such as Garnet Silk, Dawn Penn, and Inner Circle.
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WATCH: Man shot dead at St Toolies River
A tragic incident unfolded on Sunday afternoon near the St Toolies River, close to the Manchester/Clarendon border in Jamaica, where a young man was fatally shot by an unknown assailant. Authorities were swiftly dispatched to the scene, but the victim’s identity remains unconfirmed. Preliminary investigations suggest the man, believed to be in his early 20s, was visiting the area when he was pursued and attacked by the shooter. Local residents, deeply unsettled by the event, voiced their concerns, emphasizing that such violence starkly contrasts with the typically tranquil nature of their community. The incident has sparked unease among the populace, raising questions about safety in the region. Police are actively investigating the case, though no arrests have been made yet.
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ICE nabs illegal Haitian immigrant allegedly connected to criminal terrorist organisations
MIAMI, United States – The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has apprehended Dimitri Vorbe, an undocumented Haitian immigrant allegedly affiliated with criminal terrorist groups. Vorbe was arrested for breaching the Immigration and Nationality Act and for activities that reportedly contributed to the destabilization of Haiti. The investigation was a collaborative effort involving ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations, Enforcement and Removal Operations, the US Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, and the Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate of US Citizenship and Immigration Services. ICE stated that Vorbe’s presence in the United States posed significant risks to US foreign policy, citing his involvement in violent campaigns and gang support that exacerbated Haiti’s instability. Currently, Vorbe remains in ICE custody as removal proceedings are underway. ICE emphasized that this arrest reflects the Trump administration’s dedication to safeguarding American citizens, enhancing national security, and fostering regional stability.