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  • Climate-smart push aims to secure Jamaica’s food supply

    Climate-smart push aims to secure Jamaica’s food supply

    The Jamaican government has initiated a groundbreaking climate resilience program designed to provide direct, practical support to the nation’s agricultural sector. Agriculture Minister Floyd Green announced the ADAPT Jamaica programme, which will deliver advanced training, climate-smart tools, and improved financing access to approximately 700,000 beneficiaries, with particular emphasis on women, youth, and smallholder farmers.

    Funded by a substantial $50 million approval from the Green Climate Fund, this comprehensive initiative will concentrate on six central parishes that collectively account for roughly 70% of domestic food production. These regions have historically suffered from repeated exposure to drought, severe storms, land degradation, and limited access to irrigation and financial services.

    Minister Green articulated a fundamental shift in approach during a press conference at the Office of the Prime Minister, stating that resilience can no longer merely involve post-disaster recovery. Instead, the programme represents a strategic opportunity to address deeper structural weaknesses within Jamaica’s agricultural framework.

    The programme’s four-pillar strategy includes: implementing climate-resilient agricultural practices and reducing food loss (currently estimated at 30-40% of production); strengthening climate information services; enhancing policy and institutional frameworks; and developing investment-ready financing solutions.

    Geographic focus areas—Clarendon, Trelawny, Manchester, St Ann, St Catherine, and St Elizabeth—were selected based on historical losses associated with recent hurricanes, including Melissa (October 2023) and Beryl (July 2024).

    The implementation will emphasize practical, visible, and scalable solutions at the farm level. This includes developing model farms and farm clusters that demonstrate climate-resilient technologies in real-time, such as solar-powered irrigation systems, storm-resistant reinforced greenhouses, and efficient water management systems including drip irrigation.

    A critical component involves improving the flow of weather and crop information to farmers through a dedicated climate information system, enabling better decision-making amid increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.

    Financing accessibility receives particular attention, with portions of funds being routed through the Development Bank of Jamaica to ensure smallholder farmers can access capital for agricultural investments.

    The programme incorporates targeted inclusion strategies to ensure equitable access for traditionally underserved groups, including women and youth. Additional components are specifically tailored to address damage from Hurricane Melissa, including cash transfers, cash-for-work initiatives, and development of major irrigation systems.

    While implementation will unfold over several years—with baseline data collection in year one, active implementation in years two through four, and monitoring and evaluation thereafter—Jamaica Social Investment Fund Managing Director Omar Sweeney indicated farmers could begin seeing benefits during the initial year. The programme builds upon groundwork established through the Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI).

    The initiative represents one of Jamaica’s most significant climate-focused agricultural investments to date, involving collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, JSIF, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, and the Development Bank of Jamaica.

  • Three Colombians charged after $1.65 billion in cocaine seized off St Elizabeth

    Three Colombians charged after $1.65 billion in cocaine seized off St Elizabeth

    In a landmark bust that marks the largest single drug seizure in Jamaica’s documented history, three Colombian nationals are now facing a raft of serious drug and immigration charges after law enforcement intercepted a cargo of cocaine worth more than $11 million USD (equivalent to J$1.65 billion). The high-stakes operation unfolded in the early hours of Saturday, March 21, off the Jamaican coast, according to official statements from Jamaican security agencies.

    The three defendants, all working fishermen from different regions of Colombia, have been identified as 39-year-old Lucio Henry from San Andres, 34-year-old Arith Lopez from Barranquilla, and 22-year-old Klein Sinclair from Providence. Each faces six separate charges: possession of cocaine, trafficking of cocaine, importation of cocaine, dealing in cocaine, conspiracy to traffic cocaine, and illegal entry into Jamaican territory.

    Authorities from the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) first intercepted the unregistered fishing vessel roughly an hour before dawn on March 21, when the boat was operating off the coast of Alligator Pond in the parish of St Elizabeth. Search teams found all three Colombian men on board the vessel, alongside 99 tightly knitted fabric bags hiding the contraband. After the interception, the JDF Coast Guard escorted the vessel and its seized cargo to the service’s base in Port Royal, Kingston. Later that same day, the case and evidence were transferred to investigators from the Firearms and Narcotics Investigations Division (FNID) for further processing.

    When forensic teams unpacked the sealed bags, they uncovered more than 2,400 individual parcels of cocaine, with a total gross weight exceeding 6,000 pounds. This tonnage sets a new record for the largest single cocaine seizure ever recorded in Jamaica, according to law enforcement officials.

    FNID Director Superintendent of Police Patrae Rowe framed the historic bust as proof of the effectiveness of cross-agency collaboration in Jamaica’s war on illegal drug trafficking. “Our efforts are paying off, our strategies are working, our targeted approach in terms of our operational output and our stakeholder engagement has improved sufficiently that we are seeing the kind of results that we are seeing,” Rowe said in an official statement following the charges.

    The legal process moved forward steadily after the seizure: the accused men underwent formal questioning on March 24, with their legal representatives and a certified interpreter present. Formal charges were officially filed against all three on March 31. The trio is scheduled to make their first court appearance before the Kingston & St Andrew Parish Court on April 7. Jamaica has long been a key transshipment point for cocaine traffickers moving product from South America to North American and European markets, making large seizures like this a critical priority for disrupting regional criminal networks.

  • Huawei reports slowing revenue growth in 2025

    Huawei reports slowing revenue growth in 2025

    SHANGHAI — Huawei Technologies reported a significant deceleration in revenue growth for 2025, with annual figures revealing the impact of China’s sluggish consumer market and ongoing geopolitical pressures. The tech giant’s financial results, released Tuesday, show total revenue reaching 880.9 billion yuan ($126 billion), representing a modest 2.2% increase from the previous year’s 862 billion yuan.

    The growth rate marks a dramatic slowdown from the 22% surge recorded in 2024, primarily driven by stagnation in the company’s consumer devices division. Despite reclaiming its position as China’s leading smartphone vendor, Huawei’s consumer business revenue reached 344.5 billion yuan in 2025—a mere 1.6% increase compared to the previous year’s 38.3% expansion. This slowdown occurred against the backdrop of a contracting domestic smartphone market, as reported by International Data Corporation.

    Rotating Chairwoman Meng Wanzhou acknowledged the challenges, stating the company had ‘worked to overcome formidable challenges’ while navigating ‘a future that is full of uncertainty.’

    The telecommunications infrastructure segment similarly experienced moderated growth, with revenue increasing 2.6% year-on-year compared to 4.9% in 2024. Company officials attributed this deceleration to cyclical investment patterns within the industry.

    Huawei’s performance continues to be shaped by the prolonged technological standoff between China and the United States. Since 2019, American sanctions have restricted the company’s access to critical US-made components and technologies, compelling strategic diversification.

    In response to these challenges, Huawei dramatically increased its research and development investment, allocating 192.3 billion yuan—representing 21.8% of total revenue—toward innovation initiatives. This substantial investment has been channeled primarily into developing computing products designed for artificial intelligence applications.

    The company’s net profit showed resilience, rising 8.7% to 68 billion yuan from 2024’s 62.6 billion yuan, indicating improved operational efficiency despite revenue headwinds.

  • New Medellin to MoBay route to further increase Jamaica’s Latin American arrivals, says Bartlett

    New Medellin to MoBay route to further increase Jamaica’s Latin American arrivals, says Bartlett

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaica’s tourism sector is marking a major milestone in its regional expansion strategy, with senior officials announcing a groundbreaking new nonstop air link between Colombia’s Medellín and Jamaica’s popular tourist hub Montego Bay, set to launch in 2026.

    Operated by Colombian low-cost carrier Wingo Airlines, the new service is scheduled to commence operations on June 23, 2026, a move that tourism leaders say will cement Jamaica’s position as a top vacation choice for Colombian leisure travelers and open the door to increased visitor flow from across the Latin American region.

    Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, emphasized that the new route represents a critical leap forward for the country’s long-term tourism development goals. “Today we are seeing a concrete outcome of our targeted strategy to deepen our connections with Latin American markets,” Bartlett stated during the announcement. “This new route does more than add a new destination to regional flight networks; it directly answers the rising demand from Colombian travelers eager to visit Jamaica’s shores, and it underscores our unwavering commitment to making Jamaica more accessible to visitors from across Latin America.”

    The service will operate on a consistent weekly schedule, with three flights departing every week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. This regular timetable is designed to accommodate both leisure travelers planning getaways and travel industry professionals arranging itineraries for clients, offering unmatched flexibility and convenience for travel between the two cities.

    To kick off the new route, Wingo has introduced introductory one-way base fares starting at just $159 USD, a price that already includes all applicable taxes and fees. Tickets are already open for booking through the airline’s official digital and in-person booking channels. Looking ahead, Wingo projects that the route will offer close to 32,000 seats per year for travelers, and the carrier will be the only airline offering a nonstop connection between the two cities, giving it exclusive access to this growing travel market.

    Donovan White, director of Jamaica’s tourism agency, framed the new route as a collective win for the country and its regional travel partners. “This is the result of years of collaborative work to open up new air routes across Latin America, a push that will help us diversify our visitor base and expand our overall tourism market share,” White explained. “This is a victory for Jamaica and for all of our longstanding partners who have invested time and effort to make this new connection a reality.”

    The upcoming Medellín route builds on the already strong momentum of Jamaica’s expanding partnership with Wingo. Just this week, the airline launched its first nonstop service between Bogotá and Montego Bay, which launched with two weekly flights. Due to unexpectedly high consumer demand, that route is already scheduled to increase frequency to three weekly flights as early as this coming June.

    Philip Rose, deputy director of the Jamaica Tourist Board, noted that the consecutive route launches send a clear signal about the growing appeal of Jamaica in the Colombian market and across Latin America. “The launch of the Bogotá service, paired with our announcement of the upcoming Medellín route, makes it impossible to miss that demand for Jamaica travel is rising rapidly across Colombia and the broader region,” Rose said. “Investing in stronger air connectivity is the foundation for unlocking new, high-potential tourism markets and driving consistent, sustainable growth in visitor arrivals over the long term.”

    Jorge Jiménez, vice-president of commercial and network planning at Wingo, expressed the carrier’s enthusiasm for the expansion into the Jamaican tourism market. “We are thrilled to grow our footprint in Jamaica with this exciting new route,” Jiménez said. “This connection creates mutually beneficial opportunities: it gives Colombians easier access to Jamaica’s world-famous beaches and culture, while also opening up the chance for Jamaican travelers to explore everything Colombia has to offer. Medellín and the surrounding regions offer a vibrant, one-of-a-kind travel experience that we’re excited to connect to Jamaica.”

  • $8-billion agriculture shield

    $8-billion agriculture shield

    In a landmark decision during its 44th board meeting in Songdo, South Korea, the Green Climate Fund (GCF) has greenlit a transformative US$50 million initiative to bolster climate resilience among small-scale farmers in Jamaica’s most vulnerable agricultural regions. The ADAPT Jamaica project, co-financed through a strategic partnership between international and local entities, represents the nation’s first single-country climate investment from the GCF.

    The funding structure comprises a substantial US$35 million grant from the GCF, supplemented by US$15 million in counterpart funding from the Jamaican Government. This collaborative effort brings together the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF), the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, and the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ) as executing partners.

    The initiative will concentrate its efforts across six central parishes—Clarendon, Manchester, St Ann, St Catherine, St Elizabeth, and Trelawny—which collectively produce approximately 70% of Jamaica’s domestic food supply. These regions face escalating climate vulnerabilities including intensified hurricane patterns, prolonged droughts, and increasingly erratic rainfall, all of which have significantly compromised agricultural yields and threatened rural livelihoods.

    Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change Matthew Samuda emphasized the project’s critical timing, noting recent devastating climate events including Hurricane Beryl (2024) which caused over US$30 million in losses, and Hurricane Melissa (2025)—the first Category 5 storm to make direct landfall in Jamaica—resulting in billions of dollars in damage.

    The comprehensive program will implement multifaceted interventions including climate-resilient farming practices, enhanced water management systems, post-harvest infrastructure, and improved climate information services. Demonstration sites will feature hurricane-resistant protected agriculture infrastructure capable of withstanding Category 4-5 storms, solar-powered irrigation and storage systems, and agroforestry practices to combat soil erosion.

    With an expected reach exceeding 736,000 beneficiaries—including 334,421 women—the project aims to significantly reduce post-harvest food losses (currently estimated at 30-40% for many crops) while stabilizing farmer incomes through strengthened market linkages and financial access.

  • WATCH: Jamaica College and Edwin Allen celebrate Champs victories

    WATCH: Jamaica College and Edwin Allen celebrate Champs victories

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s scholastic athletics scene witnessed spectacular victories as Jamaica College and Edwin Allen High School emerged triumphant at the recently concluded ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletics Championships. The prestigious event, held on Saturday, showcased exceptional talent and competitive spirit among the nation’s youth athletes.

    Edwin Allen High School demonstrated extraordinary athletic prowess, accumulating an impressive 338.5 points to claim their eleventh championship title. The school has maintained a remarkable winning streak since initially securing the championship in 2012, establishing themselves as a dominant force in girls’ athletics.

    On the boys’ division, Jamaica College achieved an even more impressive milestone, securing their 23rd championship title with 345 points. This victory reinforces the institution’s longstanding legacy and continued excellence in track and field competitions.

    The celebrations extended beyond the championship venue as both institutions hosted special assemblies on Monday to honor their athletes. Jamaica College organized festivities within the Karl Hendrickson Auditorium, where the entire school community gathered to applaud their champions with enthusiastic support.

    Meanwhile, Edwin Allen High’s celebrations transformed their campus into a vibrant festival of joy and pride. The school community took a poignant moment to honor the memory of Taneisha ‘Tan Tan’ Gayle, a promising athlete who tragically passed away during training in September 2025. This tribute added a layer of profound significance to their victory, connecting present achievement with enduring legacy.

  • Sweden charges man for selling wife to 120 men

    Sweden charges man for selling wife to 120 men

    A landmark criminal case has sent shockwaves through Sweden as prosecutors bring unprecedented charges against a 62-year-old man for the systematic sexual exploitation of his vulnerable wife. The suspect, identified in local media as a former high-ranking member of the Hells Angels motorcycle group, faces multiple counts of aggravated pimping, rape, assault, and related offenses spanning more than three years of alleged abuse.

    According to the detailed indictment, the accused masterminded a sophisticated operation that commodified his spouse’s body for financial gain. The prosecution outlines how he created online advertisements, arranged client meetings, and maintained surveillance during sexual encounters while leveraging his wife’s drug addiction to maintain control. The suspect allegedly supplied her with narcotics while using violence and threats to enforce compliance.

    The case bears striking parallels to France’s notorious Pelicot affair, where Dominique Pelicot received a 20-year sentence in 2024 for similar crimes against his wife. Swedish authorities have identified approximately 120 individuals suspected of purchasing sexual services in connection with the case, with twenty-six already facing charges for buying sex—a criminal offense under Sweden’s unique prostitution laws that criminalizes the purchase but not the sale of sexual services.

    Prosecutor Ida Annerstedt clarified the complex dynamics of consent in the case, noting that while the victim had partially agreed to commercial sex work, her husband repeatedly violated established boundaries. “When he hasn’t respected them, when he has steamrolled her after she has said ‘no’, those are the situations when he is charged with attempted rape, or rape,” Annerstedt explained to AFP.

    The accused, who maintains his innocence, has been in custody since his arrest in October following his wife’s report to police in northern Sweden. The trial is scheduled to commence on April 13, with the victim’s lawyer Silvia Ingolfsdottir stating her client “now hopes to obtain justice” for the “serious and aggravated crimes” she endured.

    The case has provoked national outrage and prompted Sweden’s Minister for Gender Equality Nina Larsson to condemn the trafficking of women’s bodies, calling recent media reports “shocking and disgusting” in a public statement.

  • US Embassy pleased with support for mental health in Jamaican communities post-Hurricane Melissa through Project HOPE

    US Embassy pleased with support for mental health in Jamaican communities post-Hurricane Melissa through Project HOPE

    BARRETT TOWN, St James — The United States Embassy has publicly commended the critical mental health initiatives implemented by Project HOPE in Jamaica, specifically designed to aid recovery from Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact last October. During a recent site visit, Chargé d’Affaires Scott Renner emphasized the often-overlooked psychological dimension of disaster recovery, highlighting that true rehabilitation extends beyond physical reconstruction.

    Renner articulated that comprehensive rebuilding involves restoring individual mental well-being as a prerequisite for family and community recovery. His assessment followed direct observations at a Project HOPE Mobile Medical Unit in Barrett Town, where integrated health services are being delivered to affected populations. The diplomat revealed his particular focus on mental health evaluations during interactions with residents, noting that psychological trauma frequently remains concealed beneath surface normalcy.

    The program’s specialized attention toward children affected by the hurricane received particular praise. Renner observed that young survivors often experience compounded stress due to familial economic instability and developmental understanding limitations regarding natural disasters. This intervention forms part of a substantial $2 million partnership funded by U.S. taxpayers, embedded within a broader $22 million relief package allocated for Jamaican recovery efforts.

    Operational since November 6, the initiative has deployed 82 mobile medical units nationwide delivering multifaceted support including sanitation kit distribution, medical care, prescription services, and psychological counseling. Kemesha Swaby, Emergency Response Coordinator for Project HOPE Jamaica, explained the organization’s holistic methodology: “As a global health organization, we perceive health comprehensively—mental wellbeing is inseparable from physical health. Our integrated approach combines mental health specialists with mobile medical units to address overall wellness.”

    Local residents expressed profound appreciation for the program. Sattahue Grange from Barrett Town reported acquiring practical coping mechanisms for mental health challenges, while Avea Campbell of Spot Valley acknowledged the support received after losing her home and possessions. The Project HOPE initiative is scheduled to continue operations for an additional month, expanding its reach to more communities requiring post-disaster assistance.

  • WATCH: Warm welcome for Shanoya Douglas at Holland High after Champs victory

    WATCH: Warm welcome for Shanoya Douglas at Holland High after Champs victory

    HOLLAND HIGH SCHOOL, Trelawny — The campus of Holland High School erupted in celebration on Monday as the local community gave a hero’s welcome to track sensation Shanoya Douglas. The junior athlete returned to academic life following a historic performance at the 2026 ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletics Championships that has positioned her among Jamaica’s most promising sprint talents.

    Douglas achieved a spectacular double triumph at the national championships, first dominating the girls’ Class 1 100m event with a world-leading time of 10.98 seconds despite a modest 0.7m/s tailwind. This remarkable performance not only secured her the gold medal but also established her as the fourth-fastest Jamaican junior sprinter in history.

    The rising star further cemented her status during Saturday’s competition by shattering the national Under-20 200m record. Against a challenging headwind of -1.6m/s, Douglas blazed across the finish line in 22.36 seconds to claim her second championship gold medal, demonstrating exceptional technical proficiency under adverse conditions.

    The homecoming celebration saw teachers, classmates, family members, and friends creating an electric atmosphere of pride and support. The emotional reception highlighted how Douglas’s accomplishments have resonated beyond the track, inspiring her entire educational community and reinforcing Jamaica’s enduring legacy as a powerhouse of sprinting excellence.

  • Holland High School’s athletic programme receives financial boost from Glastonbury

    Holland High School’s athletic programme receives financial boost from Glastonbury

    TRALAWNY, Jamaica — In a significant boost for youth sports development, local meat distribution company Glastonbury has announced substantial financial backing for the athletic program at Holland High School. The commitment was formally declared by Hugh Gentles, who serves simultaneously as Trelawny’s custos and the Chief Executive Officer of Glastonbury, during a special ceremony held on Monday.

    The sponsorship announcement coincided with a celebratory event honoring Shanoya Douglas, the school’s track sensation who recently achieved national acclaim by securing dual gold medals in the Class One Girls’ 100 and 200 meter events at the prestigious ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championship held at the National Stadium.

    Glastonbury, which operates as a major supplier of meats, seafood, agricultural products, and frozen goods to commercial enterprises across Jamaica, has chosen to channel corporate support toward educational athletics. While the exact financial amount remains confidential, the investment signifies a robust commitment to nurturing athletic talent at the community level.

    Gentles articulated an ambitious vision for the program’s future, projecting that subsequent championships would feature multiple medalists from Holland High. “Next year when I return after Champs, it won’t be just one athlete that will be up here, it will be at least five,” he confidently stated during his address.

    The executive extended heartfelt commendations to the coaching staff and academic faculty for their instrumental role in developing student athletes. He specifically highlighted their “dedication and training” as critical factors in cultivating the talent evident within the student body, noting that Douglas’s accomplishments directly reflected their “care and commitment.”

    Beyond celebrating competitive achievements, Gentles emphasized the profound symbolic value of athletic pursuit. He praised the courage and drive demonstrated by students who push beyond conventional boundaries, noting their capacity to inspire peers toward greater aspirations. The ceremony concluded with an exhortation to maintain the palpable spirit of unity and mutual support observed within the school community, encouraging students to continually celebrate collective achievements.