A month into the new academic year, student leaders at The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, and the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech) are celebrating the transformative impact of the Jamaica Urban Transit Company’s (JUTC) dedicated bus service. The initiative has significantly reduced travel costs and enhanced safety for students, garnering widespread praise. Roshaun Wynter, UWI Mona Guild president, highlighted the overwhelmingly positive feedback from students, emphasizing the service’s role in providing secure transportation for those attending late-night classes. Launched on July 31, the service connects key locations such as Half-Way-Tree, Portmore, Spanish Town, and Old Harbour. Prime Minister Andrew Holness further bolstered the initiative by announcing free JUTC bus travel for students from September to October, a move Wynter described as a financial lifeline for many. Despite minor concerns about route expansion, the service has been lauded for its punctuality and reliability. Notably, the bus system has enabled some students to move off-campus, easing financial burdens associated with housing. UTech Students’ Union President Percival Johnson echoed these sentiments, noting the service’s popularity among early and late commuters. The initiative has also gained traction on social media, with students sharing their positive experiences on platforms like TikTok. Looking ahead, Wynter expressed hope for fleet and route expansions to further support commuting students, particularly those in rural areas.
标签： Jamaica
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Venezuela at UN seeks support against US ‘threat’
Venezuela’s Foreign Minister Yvan Gil Pinto delivered a scathing critique of the United States during a speech at the United Nations General Assembly on Friday, denouncing what he described as an unjustified military threat. Pinto accused the US of fabricating baseless allegations to justify its aggressive actions in the Caribbean, including the deployment of warships and a nuclear-powered submarine under the guise of combating drug trafficking. He emphasized that Venezuela lacks weapons of mass destruction or nuclear capabilities, rendering the US claims as “vulgar and perverse lies.” Pinto also expressed gratitude to global governments and citizens, including those in the US, for opposing what he termed an attempt to provoke war. Recent US military operations in the Caribbean have resulted in the destruction of at least three suspected drug boats and the deaths of over a dozen individuals, actions condemned by UN experts as “extrajudicial executions.” The US has further rejected calls for dialogue from Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, whose legitimacy remains unrecognized by Washington due to allegations of electoral irregularities. Maduro, a prominent leftist leader, has not attended this year’s UN meetings, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio labeling him a fugitive following a US indictment on drug-trafficking charges.
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Supreme Court allows Trump admin freeze of $4b in foreign aid
In a significant development, the US Supreme Court has granted the Trump administration’s request to temporarily halt the disbursement of over $4 billion in foreign aid funds appropriated by Congress. The decision, issued on Friday, underscores the ongoing tension between the Executive and Legislative branches over the control of federal spending. The conservative-majority court emphasized that the president’s authority in foreign affairs appears to outweigh the potential harm to the intended recipients of the aid. However, the court clarified that this emergency order does not represent a final ruling on the case’s merits but merely allows for a temporary freeze while the matter is litigated in lower courts. The three liberal justices dissented, with Justice Elena Kagan arguing that the decision undermines the separation of powers by enabling the Executive branch to unilaterally withhold funds allocated by Congress. Kagan highlighted the lack of thorough deliberation, noting that the order was issued without extensive briefing, oral arguments, or conference discussions. The funds in question are part of USAID’s global humanitarian efforts, which support health and emergency programs in approximately 120 countries. Since taking office, President Trump has sought to exert greater control over federal spending, even enlisting billionaire Elon Musk to assist in downsizing government operations. This case raises critical questions about the balance of power between the Executive and Congress in managing public expenditures.
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Assata Shakur, wanted Black Liberation Army member, dies in Cuba
Assata Shakur, a prominent figure in the Black Liberation Army (BLA) and a convicted murderer in the 1973 killing of a New Jersey state trooper, has passed away in Cuba at the age of 78. Shakur, also known as Joanne Chesimard, was found guilty of first-degree murder for the death of Trooper Werner Foerster during a shootout on the New Jersey Turnpike. In 1979, after serving two years of a life sentence, she escaped from a New Jersey prison with the assistance of fellow BLA members and sought refuge in Cuba, where she was granted asylum by then-President Fidel Castro. Her presence in Cuba has been a persistent source of tension between the Cuban and U.S. governments. Shakur remained a high-profile fugitive, securing a permanent place on the New Jersey state police’s most wanted list and later becoming the first woman on the FBI’s most wanted terrorists list. According to the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs, she died in Havana due to health complications and advanced age. Shakur’s life was marked by her activism against sexism and racism prior to her conviction, making her a polarizing figure—condemned by law enforcement yet revered by certain activist groups.
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She’s still got it!
Shericka Jackson, the Jamaican sprinting sensation, demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination at the recently concluded World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. Despite failing to defend her 200m title, which she had won consecutively in 2022 and 2023, Jackson secured a bronze medal with a time of 22.18 seconds, trailing behind American winner Melissa Jefferson-Wooden and Great Britain’s Amy Hunt. The 31-year-old athlete, who missed the 2024 Paris Olympics due to injury, made a commendable comeback in Japan, finishing fourth in the 100m with a season’s best of 10.88 seconds and clocking 21.99 seconds in the 200m semi-finals, the second-fastest time at the championships. Former world champions Donovan Bailey and Justin Gatlin have expressed their confidence in Jackson’s ability to remain a dominant force in the sprints. Bailey, who won 100m gold for Canada at the 1995 World Championships and the 1996 Olympics, believes Jackson’s podium finish is a testament to her resilience and will serve as a foundation for her future success. Gatlin, a multiple-time world champion, praised Jackson’s mental strength and strategic approach to the competition. In a social media post, Jackson reflected on her challenging year, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to recover and compete, and reaffirming her belief in her potential for future success. Jackson’s season concluded a day earlier than planned as she missed the 4x100m relay final, in which Jamaica won silver.
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Youth have key role to play in ensuring a sustainable future says Cox
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Damian Cox, Senior Director of the Access to Information Unit (AIU), emphasized the critical role of environmental education in shaping a sustainable future during his keynote address at the AIU’s Right to Know Week 2025 Conference. Held at the AC Hotel by Marriott in Kingston, the event underscored the importance of equipping young people with the knowledge and skills necessary to address environmental challenges.
Cox highlighted that youth, as future leaders, must be empowered through education to foster sustainable practices. He referenced the United Nations General Assembly’s affirmation that Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is a vital component of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in achieving quality education and enabling other global objectives.
The AIU, under the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, has collaborated with the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) and the Jamaica Environment Trust (JET) to implement programs engaging students in sustainable environmental initiatives. Cox stressed that young people are the innovators of tomorrow, and their success is pivotal to the nation’s progress.
Addressing the conference theme, ‘Ensuring Access to Environmental Information in the Digital Age,’ Cox acknowledged the digital revolution’s potential to facilitate information sharing and foster intergenerational solutions. However, he cautioned against challenges such as the digital divide, data privacy concerns, and misinformation, which require careful navigation.
Cox called for collective efforts to bridge these gaps, ensuring inclusive and equitable access to education and information. He reiterated the AIU’s commitment to providing the public with access to environmental and legal information, aligning with its mission to promote transparency and democratic engagement.
The Right to Know Week 2025 concluded on September 28, coinciding with the International Day for Universal Access to Information, a UNESCO initiative advocating for public access to information held by governmental bodies.
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Aubyn Foundation gifts scholarships to deserving students
The Aubyn Foundation has once again demonstrated its commitment to fostering education and sustainable development by sponsoring scholarships for four deserving students at the Morgan’s Family Foundation back-to-school event on August 17 in Curatoe Hill, Clarendon. Each student received $50,000 to support their academic pursuits. The foundation’s chairman, Aubyn Henry, and CEO Toni-Ann Gayle were present to personally deliver the awards.
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Senior citizens feted on National Grandparents Days
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Senior citizens from across Jamaica gathered for a festive celebration of National Grandparents Day, marked by camaraderie, entertainment, and heartfelt appreciation. The event, now in its third year, took place on Sunday, September 21, at the Verandah at Juici Patties Empowerment Park in Clarendon. Organized by Juici Patties in partnership with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and the National Council for Senior Citizens (NCSC), the occasion highlighted the importance of honoring the elderly in society. Attendees enjoyed cocktails, a delectable meal, and lively music from the 1960s to the 1980s, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. Activities included joke-telling, riddle-solving, and friendly competitions, with prizes awarded for the most grandchildren and special recognition for the oldest male and female grandparents. Audrey Deer-Williams, Chief Technical Director at the Ministry, emphasized the event’s goal of promoting active and healthy aging. She praised seniors as custodians of history and culture, underscoring their continued contributions to society. Deer-Williams also highlighted government initiatives to ensure seniors are treated with dignity and respect. Edith Chin, Custos Rotolorum for Clarendon and Director of Juici Patties, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to host the event and foster intergenerational learning. She lauded the seniors for their legacy and service to the nation, reaffirming the community’s commitment to their well-being.
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RATINGS UPGRADE
S&P Global Ratings has elevated Jamaica’s sovereign credit rating from ‘BB-’ to ‘BB’, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s financial recovery. This upgrade, announced on Thursday, underscores Jamaica’s decade-long commitment to fiscal discipline, which has drastically reduced its debt-to-GDP ratio from nearly 145% in 2013 to approximately 62% today. Despite this achievement, the agency’s analysis highlights the pressing challenge of stimulating economic growth in the aftermath of the debt crisis. The ‘BB’ rating, while still within the speculative-grade tier, represents a notable improvement in creditworthiness, signaling reduced default risk. S&P also affirmed Jamaica’s ‘B’ short-term rating and assigned a positive outlook, suggesting the potential for another upgrade within 18 months if fiscal progress continues. The report praised Jamaica’s unique fiscal achievements, including maintaining an annual primary fiscal surplus above 3% of GDP for ten consecutive years—a feat unmatched by any of the 141 sovereigns rated by S&P. However, the agency cautioned that Jamaica’s growth prospects remain constrained by high security costs, low productivity, and vulnerability to external shocks. Policymakers now face the dual challenge of sustaining fiscal credibility while fostering economic expansion. The upgrade reflects Jamaica’s institutional resilience, bolstered by initiatives like its proactive disaster risk framework and strengthened financial institutions. Yet, the path forward hinges on translating fiscal stability into sustainable growth, a task that will define Jamaica’s next chapter.
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Loaded fight card for Saturday’s Wray & Nephew Fight Night in Olympic Gardens
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Boxing Association (JBA) has unveiled an electrifying lineup for the upcoming Wray & Nephew Fight Night, set to commence at 7:00 pm on Saturday at the Cling Cling Oval in Olympic Gardens. The event promises to be a celebration of boxing talent, community spirit, and entertainment.
Earlier this week, the JBA hosted a media briefing at the Suga Olympic Gym, where several boxers on the card expressed their confidence and determination to deliver a memorable performance. The association, along with sponsor Wray & Nephew, emphasized their commitment to creating an unforgettable experience that highlights local talent while introducing international competition.
The fight card features 14 bouts, including 11 amateur and 3 professional matches. The main event will showcase rising star Juzier Heron, who will face Robert Martinez of the Dominican Republic in a welterweight clash. Another highlight includes the professional debut of Police Campbell, who will take on Kevin ‘Bus Boy’ Hylton in a welterweight showdown. Additionally, a late addition to the card pits cruiserweight Jermaine Bowen against Jaden ‘Mad Slug’ Eccleston of the Cayman Islands, promising an explosive encounter.
Heron exuded confidence, predicting a decisive victory in the third or fourth round. Campbell, equally self-assured, highlighted his eight-month preparation for the fight, vowing to showcase his talent. Hylton, on the other hand, emphasized his preference for action over words, asserting his readiness to conquer his opponent.
Stephen ‘Bomber’ Jones, president of the JBA, underscored the significance of the event, noting Jamaica’s deep-rooted passion for boxing. He emphasized the role of boxers as community ambassadors and expressed optimism about the turnout and support from the Olympic Gardens community.
Kerry Ann Bryan of Wray & Nephew echoed these sentiments, describing the event as a platform to reignite Jamaica’s love for boxing. She highlighted the broader impact of Fight Night, which extends beyond sports to celebrate community, opportunity, and the indomitable spirit of Jamaicans. Fans can anticipate an action-packed evening featuring both professional and amateur fights, supported by Wray & Nephew’s commitment to fostering talent and engaging the community.