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标签： Jamaica

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  • Two gov’t employees arrested in cocaine bust at Sangster airport

    Two gov’t employees arrested in cocaine bust at Sangster airport

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – In a significant anti-narcotics operation, authorities at Sangster International Airport have apprehended two high-ranking government officials attempting to traffic approximately 9.25 kilograms of cocaine with an estimated street value of $5.4 million. The dramatic Friday midday interception occurred as the male and female suspects, whose identities remain protected pending ongoing investigations, attempted to board a New York-bound flight.

    Security personnel from port authorities and the Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division (FNID) discovered the illicit substance concealed within sophisticated false compartments in the suspects’ luggage during routine checkpoint screening. Additionally, officers recovered an unspecified amount of United States currency from a handbag during the search.

    Following the initial arrests, FNID investigators executed follow-up operations at both suspects’ residences, uncovering further evidence including a Glock 19 pistol, thirteen rounds of ammunition, and an additional ounce of cocaine. In a concerning development, one suspect disclosed having ingested over seventy cocaine pellets, requiring immediate medical hospitalization under police supervision.

    Superintendent Patrae Rowe, Director of FNID, emphasized the operation’s significance in Jamaica’s broader campaign against organized crime. “This operation underscores the intensified investigations by the Jamaica Constabulary Force to maintain the integrity of our borders and hold all individuals accountable, regardless of their professional standing or social status,” Rowe stated. “We are continuing our mission to further dismantle the networks that facilitate the trafficking of illicit drugs and firearms.”

    The case represents a notable success in Jamaica’s ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking networks that often exploit official positions and transportation infrastructure. Law enforcement officials confirm investigations remain active as they work to identify potential accomplices and broader criminal connections.

  • UK-Caribbean Healthcare Mission strengthens UK-Jamaica partnership

    UK-Caribbean Healthcare Mission strengthens UK-Jamaica partnership

    In a significant development for regional healthcare cooperation, Jamaica and the United Kingdom have substantially strengthened their partnership in medical regulation and system development following Jamaica’s active participation in the groundbreaking UK-Caribbean Healthcare Mission. This pioneering initiative, designed to foster more resilient and effective healthcare infrastructures throughout the Caribbean, represents a new chapter in international health collaboration.

    The mission convened high-level representatives from Jamaica alongside delegates from Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Guyana, and St. Lucia, creating an unprecedented platform for knowledge exchange and strategic alignment. The collaborative effort focused extensively on enhancing healthcare delivery mechanisms, elevating regulatory standards, and promoting innovation throughout the regional health sector.

    British High Commissioner to Jamaica Alicia Herbert emphasized the historic nature of the initiative, stating: ‘This mission represented a first-of-its-kind collaboration with a unified objective – fortifying healthcare systems and building sustainable resilience for future challenges. Through sharing British expertise in life sciences, medical technology, and regulatory frameworks, we’ve established a robust foundation for UK-Jamaica partnership addressing shared health priorities.’

    Delegates engaged in comprehensive examinations of the UK’s internationally acclaimed healthcare and pharmaceutical regulatory systems, with particular attention to practical methodologies for Caribbean system improvement. Critical discussion areas included streamlining medication registration procedures, digital transformation of regulatory architectures, enhancing safety protocols and quality assurance measures, combating illicit pharmaceutical imports, and harmonizing with global standards.

    The program additionally facilitated exploration of cross-sector partnerships, professional capacity building, and regulatory equivalence applications to accelerate access to safe, effective medications.

    Participants gained invaluable insights through sessions with prestigious UK institutions including the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), King’s College London, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI), and the Centre for Innovation in Regulatory Science (CIRS). These engagements provided exposure to advanced governance models, health technology assessment methodologies, and international regulatory benchmarks directly relevant to Jamaica’s healthcare objectives.

    This mission underscores the UK’s sustained commitment to supporting Jamaica’s healthcare advancement through cooperative innovation and expertise sharing, forming part of broader British engagement in Caribbean health, development, and regulatory cooperation. Both nations anticipate building upon these outcomes through continued collaboration with Jamaica and regional partners to strengthen healthcare systems that deliver improved outcomes for communities across Jamaica and the wider Caribbean.

  • Naughty NLA

    Naughty NLA

    A damning revelation from Jamaica’s Auditor General has uncovered severe financial governance failures at the National Land Agency (NLA), where basic accounting safeguards were neglected for nearly eight years. The 2024/25 Annual Report from Auditor General Pamela Monroe Ellis details how the agency responsible for managing Jamaica’s land administration system failed to perform regular bank account reconciliations, creating conditions where errors and potential fraud could remain undetected for years.

    The audit examination of the NLA’s 2011/2012 financial statements uncovered that reconciliation statements for five bank accounts were delayed by up to 92 months, with three statements completely undated, preventing verification of management review or approval. This critical lapse violated Section 8.7.1 (vi) of the Government’s Financial Instructions, which mandates monthly reconciliations to ensure cash balances match bank records.

    Beyond reconciliation failures, the investigation identified significant weaknesses in physical asset tracking. While the NLA maintained a master inventory valuing assets at $93.4 million, the system failed to incorporate additional acquisitions worth $10.6 million during the review period. This omission breached the Government’s Comprehensive Asset Management Policy, creating vulnerability to loss, theft, or misappropriation of public property.

    The NLA, which holds central responsibility for land titles, surveys, valuation services, and geographic data supporting Jamaica’s property ownership system, now faces heightened scrutiny over its financial controls. These deficiencies potentially undermine public accountability and confidence in the management of government assets.

    In response to the findings, the Auditor General recommended immediate strengthening of internal controls and full compliance with financial regulations. The NLA has indicated plans to address identified issues through process automation targeted for March 2027, though auditors caution that existing obstacles including unresolved reconciling items must first be resolved for successful implementation.

  • Higher food prices drive 1.3 per cent increase in December CPI, says STATIN

    Higher food prices drive 1.3 per cent increase in December CPI, says STATIN

    Jamaica’s economic landscape closed 2025 with persistent inflationary pressures as official data revealed a concerning uptick in consumer prices. The Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) documented a 1.3 percent monthly increase in the All Jamaica Consumer Price Index (CPI) for December 2025, pushing the annual inflation rate to 4.5 percent.

    The primary driver behind this inflationary surge emerged from the critical ‘food and non-alcoholic beverages’ category, which experienced a substantial 7.1 percent annual increase. Within this sector, produce prices demonstrated particularly sharp elevations, with the ‘vegetables, tubers, plantains, cooking bananas and pulses’ category soaring by 8.4 percent and the ‘fruits and nuts’ class rising by 5.6 percent. STATIN’s analysis directly attributed these agricultural price hikes to the lingering aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which continued to disrupt local food supplies and distribution networks.

    Parallel to the food inflation, housing costs presented another significant challenge for Jamaican consumers. The ‘housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels’ division recorded a 2.6 percent monthly increase, contributing to a 3.5 percent annual rise. This escalation stemmed predominantly from elevated electricity rates and increased rental costs, compounded by a 3.7 percent increase in water supply and sewage rates.

    The restaurant and accommodation services sector further exacerbated the inflationary trend with a 3.9 percent annual increase, reflecting the broader impact of rising operational costs across the service industry. Notably, every subcategory within the food and beverage division recorded price increases throughout the measurement period, indicating widespread inflationary pressure rather than isolated incidents.

    Seafood prices emerged as another area of concern, with the ‘fish and other seafood’ category matching the 8.4 percent increase seen in vegetable prices. This surge was primarily driven by higher costs for staple protein sources including salted fish, sardines, mackerel, and sliced fish, affecting both household budgets and commercial food services.

    The cumulative effect of these increases positions Jamaica’s economy at a critical juncture, with the December 2024 to December 2025 inflation period consistently maintaining the 4.5 percent rate, suggesting sustained rather than transient price pressures across multiple essential commodity sectors.

  • Pledges end protest

    Pledges end protest

    Medical personnel at Cornwall Regional Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Department suspended their industrial action on Friday following concrete commitments from health authorities to address critical infrastructure and operational challenges. The protest highlighted severe overcrowding, rodent infestations, and hazardous working conditions that have compromised both staff welfare and patient care.

    Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton acknowledged the crisis, attributing the extreme overcrowding to concurrent factors: ongoing renovation works that have reduced available space, a seasonal surge in respiratory illnesses, and residual impacts from Hurricane Melissa which struck in late October 2025. “The challenge is the overcrowding, primarily, and it is being amplified by the renovation,” Minister Tufton stated, confirming that staff are operating under exceptionally demanding circumstances.

    Clinical staff provided harrowing accounts of the conditions. Nursing representative Lattar Burke described scenes of patients receiving resuscitation care on floors due to bed shortages, with over 100 patients crammed into a space designed for 35. Anonymous medical professionals reported using beach chairs as makeshift beds and detailed dangerous incidents, including a needlestick injury to a pregnant physiotherapist caused by severely constrained working areas.

    Patient Dominic Prince, a resident of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, expressed outrage after signing himself out of the facility, declaring, “I am a human being, not a dog.”

    Following emergency meetings, hospital administrators presented a detailed action plan. Clinical Coordinator Dr. Delroy Fray announced the imminent installation of a temporary dome structure within two weeks to accommodate 100-150 additional beds, aiming to restore total capacity to 350 beds. CEO Charmaine Williams Beckford committed to providing staff with regular progress updates over the coming one to three weeks.

    Simultaneously, St James public health parish manager Lennox Wallace unveiled a comprehensive rodent eradication program. The $50-million initiative includes extensive baiting and a major cleanup operation in the surrounding Mount Salem community on November 23-24 to address waste accumulation fueling the infestation. Wallace emphasized this would be a sustained six-month program, not a temporary measure.

    With these assurances and specific timelines for improvement, medical staff demobilized their protest and returned to their posts, though they maintain vigilance regarding the implementation of promised reforms.

  • Kishane Thompson, Tia Clayton win 60m at Puma JAAA Fuller-Anderson Meet

    Kishane Thompson, Tia Clayton win 60m at Puma JAAA Fuller-Anderson Meet

    The Puma JAAA Fuller-Anderson Development Meet at GC Foster College witnessed a spectacular display of sprinting prowess this Saturday, headlined by two of Jamaica’s most promising track stars. Olympic and World Championship silver medalist Kishane Thompson and World Championship relay medalist Tia Clayton emerged victorious in their respective 60-meter dash events, signaling strong early-season form.

    In a tightly contested men’s final, Kishane Thompson of MVP Track Club delivered a commanding performance. Launching from lane five, Thompson exhibited formidable power and acceleration to cross the finish line in 6.52 seconds, despite a significant tailwind of +2.8 meters per second. He narrowly edged out a fierce challenge from Sprintec’s Odaine McPherson, who clocked 6.53 seconds. Adding to the race’s prestige, World Championship 200m bronze medalist Bryan Levell of Uptimum Track Club secured third place with a time of 6.54 seconds.

    The competition’s intensity was further highlighted in the preliminary heats, where a notable upset occurred. World Indoor 60m bronze medalist Ackeem Blake of Dynamic Track Club was surprisingly defeated, finishing third in his heat with a time of 6.70 seconds. The heat was instead dominated by MVP teammates, with Nishon Ebanks claiming victory in 6.61 seconds and Rohan Eatson following closely in second at 6.63 seconds.

    On the women’s side, Tia Clayton delivered a breathtaking performance, executing a flawless race from start to finish. She blazed to a new personal best of 7.02 seconds (aided by a +1.2 m/s wind), decisively shattering her previous record of 7.14 seconds. Clayton faced relentless pressure from her clubmate, Jonielle Smith, who also achieved a personal best of 7.06 seconds to secure the runner-up position.

    The field was exceptionally deep, with pre-race favorite Natasha Morrison, who held the season’s fastest entry time of 7.09 seconds, ultimately finishing third in 7.21 seconds. She was followed by Trinidad and Tobago’s Shaniqua Bascome of Uptimum, who set her own personal best of 7.22 seconds. In Section B of the women’s event, the powerful Theianna Lee Terrelonge, a former Edwin Allen High School standout now representing Uptimum, triumphed with a time of 7.23 seconds, which ranked as the sixth-fastest overall on the day, ahead of Utech’s Krystel Sloley (7.31 seconds).

  • Supreme Ventures vows to stand by staff on road to recovery

    Supreme Ventures vows to stand by staff on road to recovery

    In response to the catastrophic impact of Category 5 Hurricane Melissa that struck last October, Supreme Ventures Corporation has executed a multi-faceted relief initiative focused entirely on employee welfare and long-term recovery. The Jamaican gaming and entertainment company has deployed substantial resources to assist staff members whose homes and livelihoods were severely disrupted by the natural disaster.

    The comprehensive assistance program encompasses two completed phases of care package distributions, benefiting over 45 employees with essential supplies during their most critical time of need. Beyond immediate relief, the company established a formal Staff Disaster Relief Policy that provides structured support through three primary channels: emergency care packages, recovery grants, and low-interest loan options. This policy framework enables affected employees to address pressing expenses, undertake home restoration, and gradually regain financial stability.

    With 28 team members reporting significant property damage, Supreme Ventures has adopted a personalized approach to assistance, tailoring support according to individual circumstances. Employees sustaining severe damage receive dedicated recovery grants, while those with moderate impacts obtain calibrated assistance matching their specific requirements.

    Tanya Smith-Anderson, Chief People Officer at Supreme Ventures, emphasized the company’s human-centric philosophy: “Our business begins and ends with people. Following Hurricane Melissa, our immediate priority was ensuring team members felt visibly supported and reassured they wouldn’t face this challenge alone. These initiatives demonstrate our deep commitment to employee well-being beyond workplace parameters.”

    The company’s proactive outreach has generated appreciative responses from beneficiaries. One supported employee noted: “The hurricane created overwhelming devastation. Company assistance through care packages and relief support was profoundly appreciated, confirming genuine concern for our circumstances beyond work responsibilities.” Another recipient acknowledged: “This disaster relief enabled me to begin reconstruction efforts—I couldn’t have managed independently so rapidly. Employer understanding and intervention made a tangible difference.”

    Supreme Ventures has further reinforced its commitment by physically locating employees who became communicationally isolated post-hurricane, ensuring all staff感受到 organizational presence and protection. The corporation continues monitoring evolving needs as Jamaica’s recovery progresses, preventing employees from being overlooked during the rebuilding phase.

  • Carrick magic dents Man City title bid as Arsenal extend lead

    Carrick magic dents Man City title bid as Arsenal extend lead

    The English Premier League witnessed a significant shift in dynamics this weekend, headlined by a stunning result at Old Trafford. Michael Carrick, commencing his second interim tenure as Manchester United’s manager, masterminded a commanding 2-0 victory over arch-rivals Manchester City. The win, fueled by second-half goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu, showcased a revitalized United squad that thoroughly outplayed the reigning champions.

    This outcome proved highly beneficial for Arsenal, who nonetheless failed to capitalize fully. The league leaders were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by a resilient Nottingham Forest, missing a chance to extend their lead at the summit. The Gunners’ attack was stifled despite controlling possession, leaving them with a seven-point advantage over a chastened City.

    Elsewhere, the pressure intensified for Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank. His side suffered a demoralizing 2-1 home defeat to a struggling West Ham United, prompting audible calls for his dismissal from the Spurs faithful. The loss, sealed by a stoppage-time winner from Callum Wilson, leaves Tottenham languishing in 14th place.

    Liverpool also faced disappointment, dropping two critical points in a 1-1 draw with lowly Burnley at Anfield. Despite taking the lead through a Florian Wirtz strike, the Reds conceded a second-half equalizer to Marcus Edwards, a result midfielder Wirtz described as ‘feeling like a defeat.’

    In London, Chelsea secured a confident 2-0 win against Brentford under new manager Liam Rosenior, with goals from João Pedro and Cole Palmer. Sunderland edged Crystal Palace 2-1, while Leeds United secured a vital 1-0 victory over Fulham to bolster their survival hopes.

  • From classrooms to no careers

    From classrooms to no careers

    Jamaica’s Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon, is spearheading a national initiative to create a more inclusive society by advocating for equal educational access and improved employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. Speaking at the handover ceremony for the Jamaica Society for the Blind’s (JSB) refurbished headquarters on Thursday, the minister delivered a powerful address challenging systemic barriers faced by the disabled community.

    The minister criticized the prevailing lack of workplace accommodations that prevents qualified individuals with disabilities from securing employment. “If we truly want to hire the best, we have to make accommodations for persons living with disabilities. Too often those accommodations are not made,” Morris Dixon stated, addressing employers directly. She emphasized that many disabled individuals are “absolutely brilliant people” and “committed workers” whose potential remains untapped due to inadequate inclusive practices.

    Morris Dixon highlighted specific legal provisions available to support employed individuals with disabilities, particularly noting Section 12 of the Income Tax Act which provides exemption on emoluments for those with permanent physical or mental disabilities who are capable of gainful employment. She reminded employers and employees alike that those registered with the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities are eligible for this significant benefit.

    In the education sector, the minister outlined comprehensive efforts to strengthen support systems for learners with disabilities through appropriate assessments, learning accommodations, and specialized tools. She specifically mentioned monitoring accommodations provided for Primary Exit Profile (PEP) students, including those requiring Braille materials or special assistance during examinations.

    While acknowledging that Jamaica’s inclusivity systems “are not where I would want them to be,” Morris Dixon committed to daily improvements and welcomed collaboration with organizations like the Jamaica Society for the Blind to “push the envelope even more” in creating accessible classrooms. The refurbishment of the JSB headquarters, completed under the HEART/NSTA Trust’s National Development Project, represents a tangible step toward enhancing facilities used by the blind and visually impaired for personal, commercial, and social activities.

  • Top-ranked Alcaraz, Sabalenka headline Australian Open day one

    Top-ranked Alcaraz, Sabalenka headline Australian Open day one

    MELBOURNE — The Australian Open 2026 commenced on Sunday with a spectacular lineup of matches featuring top contenders and legendary veterans. World number one Carlos Alcaraz embarks on a historic campaign to complete his career Grand Slam, while defending women’s champion Aryna Sabalenka seeks redemption after last year’s final defeat.

    Alcaraz, the Spanish sensation who has already claimed titles at the US Open, Wimbledon, and Roland Garros, aims to become the youngest male player to achieve a career Grand Slam—surpassing his compatriot Rafael Nadal’s record. The 22-year-old expressed unwavering determination, stating, ‘I’m just hungry for the title, hungry to do a really good result here.’ He begins his quest against local hopeful Adam Walton on Rod Laver Arena.

    In the women’s draw, Belarusian powerhouse Sabalenka launches her campaign for a third Melbourne title in four years. Fresh off her victory at the Brisbane International, she faces French wildcard Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah. Sabalenka reflected on her strong season start, noting, ‘I can’t complain about my start of the season. I think I played some great matches there, showed great tennis.’

    The tournament also witnesses the remarkable return of 45-year-old Venus Williams, who becomes the oldest woman ever to compete at the Australian Open. Despite recent struggles and a current ranking of 576, the seven-time Grand Slam champion remains undaunted: ‘I love challenges, so I’m up for the challenge.’ She faces Serbia’s Olga Danilovic in a tough opening match.

    Other notable players include last year’s men’s finalist Alexander Zverev, who begins against Canada’s Gabriel Diallo, and women’s 12th seed Elina Svitolina, both entering the tournament with recent warm-up event victories.