Jamaica has reaffirmed its commitment to combating climate change by submitting its updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) 3.0 to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This move aligns with the Paris Agreement’s mandate for countries to revise their climate action plans every five years, ensuring increased ambition and alignment with global temperature goals. Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness announced the submission during his address at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, emphasizing Jamaica’s leadership in climate action. The updated NDC 3.0 builds on previous commitments, expanding its scope to include energy, transport, industry, forestry, and land use. Key targets include a 25.4% unconditional reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, with a conditional target of 28.5%. Additionally, Jamaica aims to achieve 12% electric vehicle adoption in private fleets and 16% in public fleets by the same year. Holness highlighted the disproportionate impact of climate change on small island developing states like Jamaica, stressing the urgent need for enhanced adaptation and mitigation measures. The updated NDC is grounded in Jamaica’s Vision 2030, Climate Change Policy Framework, and Long-Term Low-Emission Strategy, reflecting a comprehensive and realistic approach to climate resilience.
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Aya Bleu joins Soul II Soul, releases new single Pressure
Soul II Soul, the British musical collective that dominated the charts and dancefloors from the late 1980s to the early 1990s with hits like ‘Back to Life (However Do You Want Me)’, ‘Keep On Movin’’, and ‘Joy’, has welcomed a new voice to its ranks. Aya Bleu, a rising star with Jamaican heritage, has joined the group as a background vocalist, marking a fresh chapter for the multi-platinum-selling band. Born in Manchester, England, to a Jamaican father and a white British mother, Bleu brings a unique blend of cultural influences to the group. Her journey with Soul II Soul began in 2024 when she met the legendary Jazzie B at the MOBO Awards. After expressing her desire to join the band, she was introduced to Chris Brown, the group’s musical director, and quickly became part of the ensemble. Bleu’s addition to Soul II Soul comes at a time when the band is exploring new creative directions. Her solo work, including the single ‘Pressure’, has already garnered significant attention, with its official video surpassing one million views on YouTube. Inspired by a forbidden connection, ‘Pressure’ showcases Bleu’s ability to blend R&B, pop, and reggae influences, reflecting her deep connection to her Jamaican roots. Bleu’s father, who passed away in 2008, played a pivotal role in shaping her musical identity. Her first trip to Jamaica in 2024 was a transformative experience, reinforcing her commitment to incorporating her heritage into her music. As Soul II Soul continues to evolve, Bleu’s presence promises to infuse the group with fresh energy and a renewed sense of cultural diversity.
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Amazon reaches $2.5b settlement over Prime enrollment practices
In a landmark settlement, Amazon has agreed to pay $2.5 billion to resolve allegations brought by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regarding deceptive practices in enrolling consumers into its Prime subscription service and complicating the cancellation process. The lawsuit, filed in a federal court in Seattle, accused Amazon of intentionally misleading customers during checkout, making it challenging to decline the $139-per-year Prime membership while prominently featuring sign-up options. The FTC highlighted that crucial details about pricing and automatic renewals were often obscured or buried in fine print. Amazon’s internal cancellation system, nicknamed ‘Iliad’—a reference to Homer’s epic about the prolonged Trojan War—was described as deliberately convoluted. As part of the settlement, Amazon is required to overhaul its enrollment and cancellation processes, ensuring transparency and ease of use. Additionally, the company must implement new disclosure requirements before charging consumers. The court had previously ruled that Amazon Prime subscriptions fall under consumer protection laws, emphasizing that Amazon collected billing information without fully disclosing subscription terms. Amazon neither admitted nor denied wrongdoing in the settlement proposal, which was submitted before the third day of testimony in Seattle. This case is part of a broader bipartisan effort to regulate the growing influence of U.S. tech giants, marking a significant shift in government oversight.
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High demand for Vineyard Town, Howard Avenue apartments
The National Housing Trust (NHT) has witnessed an unprecedented surge in applications on the opening day of its three-day registration period for the Vineyard Town and Howard Avenue apartment projects. This overwhelming response underscores the pressing demand for affordable housing in Jamaica’s Corporate Area. According to Dwayne Berbick, Assistant General Manager for Corporate Communications and Public Affairs at the NHT, the Vineyard Town development received over 2,100 applications, while the Howard Avenue project attracted more than 2,600 submissions on the first day alone. Berbick described the turnout as “definitely above expectations,” attributing the high interest to the urban nature of the projects. He emphasized that the NHT is actively working to address the housing shortage by planning to construct 43,000 starter homes across Jamaica. The Howard Avenue apartments, priced at $9.9 million and spanning 300 square feet, are tailored for low-income earners, with 20% of the 245 units reserved for applicants aged 36 and under. Similarly, the Vineyard Town studio apartments, priced at $15 million and covering 430 square feet, are designed to help young adults enter the housing market. Berbick highlighted the flexibility of the new initiative, which allows homeowners to sell their units back to the NHT after five years, enabling them to upgrade or access non-homeowners’ loans. Despite the oversubscription, Berbick anticipates further applications in the coming days, humorously noting Jamaicans’ tendency to act at the last minute.
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Dr Saphire Longmore bids farewell to Senate after two terms of service
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Dr Saphire Longmore, a distinguished psychiatrist and former Government Senator, has concluded her nine-year tenure in the Upper House of Parliament, expressing profound gratitude for the opportunity to serve the Jamaican people from 2016 to 2025. In a heartfelt statement issued on Thursday, Dr Longmore reflected on her contributions to advancing the nation’s vision and her unwavering commitment to public service.
Dr Longmore emphasized that while she will not be returning to the Senate in the new session, her dedication to Jamaica’s progress remains steadfast. ‘Public service is not defined by a single role or title — it is a team effort and a mission we all share,’ she stated. She also shared her plans to focus on personal and professional growth, working alongside her family to chart the next chapter of her career.
The former senator extended her congratulations to the newly appointed senators and reaffirmed her readiness to collaborate with them and the administration in pursuing Jamaica’s development. She also highlighted her continued role as a consultant psychiatrist at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI), expressing gratitude to her colleagues for their unwavering support.
Dr Longmore, a former president of the Jamaica Psychiatric Association and chair of the Jamaica Psilocybin Technical Committee, has long been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness and policy reform. She used the occasion to address the tragic passing of Tyra Spaulding, a 26-year-old former Miss Universe Jamaica contestant, whose death is being investigated as a suspected suicide.
Describing the incident as ‘an unfortunate reality,’ Dr Longmore pledged to continue leveraging her expertise to support mental wellness in Jamaica. ‘This is a collective developmental task which is bigger than any one person or role,’ she remarked, paying tribute to Spaulding with the words, ‘May her soul rise in peace.’
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Meta activates Facebook ‘teen accounts’ worldwide
PARIS, France (AFP) – Meta announced on Thursday the global rollout of its enhanced “teen accounts” for Facebook and Messenger users aged 13 to 17. This initiative, initially launched in major English-speaking countries earlier this year, aims to provide additional safeguards for adolescent users. The company revealed in a blog post that hundreds of millions of teens have already been transitioned to these accounts across Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger.
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Yaksta Living It Up
Jamaican artiste Yaksta has unveiled his latest single, ‘Living It Up,’ a vibrant celebration of life, ambition, and positive energy. Released on September 5, 2025, the track is infused with Caribbean rhythms, uplifting lyrics, and Yaksta’s signature blend of wisdom and wit. Rooted in an authentic Jamaican sound, the song is crafted to resonate with a global audience. ‘Living It Up’ serves as the lead single from ‘Destiny Volume 3,’ the latest installment in the acclaimed reggae/dancehall EP series ‘Destiny.’ Scheduled for release on November 14, 2025, the EP features five original tracks produced by Jeremy Whittaker and Ryan Chin under the Grasshopper Music Entertainment label. Yaksta, born Kemaul Martin, is renowned for his genre-blending style, socially conscious themes, and motivational anthems. His breakout hit ‘Ambition’ solidified his status as a modern roots icon, and his ability to merge reggae, dancehall, and acoustic elements continues to captivate listeners worldwide, from Kingston to Lagos.
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Brotha George giving thanks with new hit DNA
Over a quarter-century ago, George Wright experienced a profound spiritual transformation, dedicating his life to God and finding renewed focus. Now, the Connecticut-based gospel artist, known as Brotha George, expresses his gratitude through his latest single, ‘DNA,’ co-produced with New York-based producer Andre ‘Dretegs’ Hawthorne. Released on September 5, the upbeat track serves as a testament to his blessings and divine guidance during challenging times. ‘With God’s protection, I feel gracefully blessed,’ he shared with Observer Online. Dretegs, renowned for his work with artists like Sizzla and Jesse Royal, collaborated with veteran musician Sidney Mills on Brotha George’s upcoming album, ‘Secret Admirer,’ slated for release later this year. This marks Brotha George’s 12th album, following ‘Firm And Strong,’ which debuted in May 2023. ‘Secret Admirer’ features 10 tracks recorded over the years with Mills, a former keyboardist for the British band Steel Pulse. Though these songs were recorded years ago, Dretegs and Mills revitalized them to create a lovers rock collection. The album’s title track, ‘Secret Admirer,’ holds special significance as it was Brotha George’s first recording in 1978, produced by Ossie Hibbert at Kingston’s Channel One studio. The album promises to blend nostalgia with contemporary gospel and reggae influences, showcasing Brotha George’s enduring musical journey.
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Palestinian leader tells UN no role for Hamas in state
In a significant address to the United Nations General Assembly, Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas unequivocally rejected any future governance role for Hamas, distancing himself from the group’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. Speaking via video after being denied a U.S. visa to attend in person, Abbas emphasized that Hamas’s actions did not represent the Palestinian people’s struggle for freedom and independence. He also condemned antisemitism, asserting that solidarity with Palestine should not be conflated with anti-Jewish sentiment. Abbas’s speech, which received applause from delegates, highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, calling it one of the most tragic chapters of the 20th and 21st centuries. He proposed an interim committee led by the Palestinian Authority to temporarily govern Gaza, a region controlled by Hamas since 2007. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his opposition to Palestinian statehood, despite recent recognitions by several Western powers. U.S. President Donald Trump, a staunch ally of Netanyahu, has backed Israel’s stance while engaging in diplomatic efforts to end the conflict. French President Emmanuel Macron noted alignment with the U.S. on opposing annexation, and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto offered 20,000 troops to support peacekeeping efforts. Abbas’s Palestinian Authority, which governs parts of the West Bank under the Oslo Accords, faces mounting challenges as global powers debate the path to peace.
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GOLDEN BOY RETURNS!
Jamaican sprinter Oblique Seville returned to his homeland on Wednesday, arriving at Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston with little fanfare. However, the 24-year-old’s recent triumph at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo has cemented his status as the island’s newest athletic hero. Seville made history by clinching the 100m gold medal with a personal best time of 9.77 seconds, ending Jamaica’s three-year drought in individual sprinting events at major global championships. Despite the subdued reception at the airport, Seville’s achievement has been hailed as a national pride, marking Jamaica’s sole gold medal at the event. Reflecting on his victory, Seville expressed his gratitude and determination, stating, ‘It does make me feel special because I am the only gold medalist and I actually went out there and literally did my best.’ His win also signifies a new era for Jamaican athletics, as the last 100m champion from Jamaica was the legendary Usain Bolt, who dominated the event in 2015 and 2016. Seville is now focused on building on this success, emphasizing his potential to improve further if he remains injury-free. ‘Physically, yes, I can go faster,’ he asserted, signaling his ambition to continue making waves in the world of sprinting.