As the 323rd day of 2025 unfolds, the world reflects on a tapestry of historical milestones and significant events that have shaped societies across the globe. Today marks the establishment of the Castleton Botanical Gardens in St Mary, Jamaica, in 1862, a testament to the enduring beauty of nature and human ingenuity. In 1915, the execution of labour organiser and songwriter Joe Hill by Utah state officials cemented his legacy as a folk hero in the American labour movement. The Soviet Government’s formal abolition of radio broadcasting by foreign correspondents in 1946 highlighted the tightening grip of state control during the Cold War era. A landmark moment in religious history occurred in 1965 when the ecumenical council adopted a declaration affirming freedom of conscience as Church doctrine, a decision that continues to resonate in theological discourse. The completion of the 12.9-kilometre Confederation Bridge in 1996, the longest bridge over ice-covered waters, stands as a marvel of engineering and a symbol of unity between Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick. In 1998, a historic moment unfolded as South Korean tourists entered North Korea for the first time since the division of the Korean Peninsula, marking a tentative step towards reconciliation. The release of the Nintendo Wii in 2006 revolutionised the gaming industry, while Amazon.com’s introduction of the Kindle in 2007 transformed the way people read and access literature. A 2009 study published in Nature revealed alarming trends in the world’s oceans’ ability to absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide, underscoring the urgency of addressing climate change. In 2010, the US Transportation Safety Administration exempted uniformed airline pilots from new screening procedures, a decision that sparked debates over security and privacy. The untimely death of New Zealand rugby legend Jonah Lomu in 2015 left the sports world in mourning, while Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe’s refusal to resign in 2017 marked a tumultuous chapter in the nation’s political history. The Weeknd’s 2019 hit single Blinding Lights achieved unprecedented success, becoming the longest-charting song on Billboard’s Top 100. Meanwhile, protests in Iran resulted in significant casualties, with Amnesty International reporting 106 deaths over five days. A 2020 inquiry exposed unlawful killings by elite Australian troops in Afghanistan, casting a shadow over the nation’s military operations. Austria’s 2021 decision to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations marked a bold step in pandemic response, while Malaysia’s 2022 general elections produced the country’s first-ever hung Parliament. In 2023, Brazil recorded its highest-ever temperature of 112.6°F, a stark reminder of the escalating climate crisis. Today also celebrates the birthdays of notable figures such as Ferdinand de Lesseps, Calvin Klein, Savion Glover, and Winston “Merritone” Blake, whose contributions have left indelible marks on their respective fields.
标签： Jamaica
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Caribbean-American congresswoman votes to release Epstein files
In a significant move, Caribbean-American Democratic Congresswoman Yvette Clarke has announced her support for the US House of Representatives’ resolution to release documents related to the alleged sexual abuse and trafficking of underage girls by Jeffrey Epstein. Clarke, representing New York’s 9th Congressional District, emphasized that the vote marked the end of a prolonged effort to obstruct the release of these files. The resolution passed almost unanimously in the House, with only one Republican objection, and was swiftly approved by the Senate, paving the way for President Donald Trump’s signature. Clarke, who chairs the Congressional Black Caucus, accused Trump and his Republican allies of deliberately delaying the process, describing their eventual support as a tactical retreat rather than a genuine change of heart. She asserted that the release of the Epstein files is crucial for holding accountable those involved in the heinous crimes and ensuring justice for the victims. Democratic Congressman Adriano Espaillat, the first Dominican Republic-American in the House, echoed Clarke’s sentiments, labeling the situation a White House cover-up and stressing the importance of transparency. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer also highlighted the resolution’s role in exposing Epstein’s enablers and providing closure for survivors. The move has reignited debates about accountability and the influence of powerful figures in obstructing justice.
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Golfview Hotel hosts job fair as part of recovery efforts for hospitality sector
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact on central Jamaica, the Golfview Hotel in Mandeville took a proactive step towards recovery by organizing a job fair on Wednesday. The event aimed to provide employment opportunities for individuals affected by the hurricane, particularly those in the hospitality sector, which suffered significant disruptions. The job fair featured openings in various roles, including front office, security, maintenance, housekeeping, and food and beverage services. This initiative is part of Golfview Hotel’s broader strategy to foster economic recovery and stability in the region. Letesha Whyte, the hotel’s marketing and sales manager, emphasized that the recovery process extends beyond physical repairs. ‘National recovery after Hurricane Melissa is about more than fixing buildings; it’s about restoring livelihoods and providing stability for families,’ she stated. By creating job opportunities, Golfview Hotel seeks to empower households to rebuild their incomes, regain security, and contribute to Jamaica’s economic resurgence. Whyte also highlighted the hospitality industry’s critical role as a driver of employment and local commerce in central Jamaica. Through this effort, the hotel aims to enhance individual well-being and strengthen community resilience in the face of adversity.
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JFP trims losses in Q3
JFP Limited, a leading commercial contract furniture and interior solutions manufacturer, is poised to make a pivotal decision regarding the allocation of multimillion-dollar proceeds from its recent property sale. CEO Metry Seaga emphasized that this decision will be instrumental in shaping the company’s strategic reset and bolstering its anticipated improved performance by 2026. Speaking to the Jamaica Observer, Seaga remained tight-lipped about specifics, stating, ‘We are on the right track, and I’m confident next year will be better — but I want to do more and say less.’
The decision comes on the heels of JFP’s improved financial performance in the third quarter of 2025. The company reported a narrowed net loss of $44.1 million, a significant improvement from the $75.4 million loss in the same period last year. This turnaround was driven by stringent cost controls and a one-time boost from the sale of land adjacent to its Spanish Town Road property. The sale significantly enhanced shareholders’ equity, which surged from $67.6 million to $329.9 million, while investments skyrocketed to $255.4 million from $7.6 million a year earlier.
Despite these gains, JFP continues to face challenges. Year-to-date revenue remains 23% lower at $257.8 million, attributed to sluggish project volumes and delayed contract executions. Total expenses for the nine-month period rose by 6%, primarily due to advisory and restructuring costs, resulting in a net loss of $56.7 million, down from $65.8 million in 2024.
In recent months, JFP has been collaborating with external consultants to reassess its business model and chart a path back to profitability. These efforts have already yielded operational improvements, including the introduction of new equipment aimed at enhancing production quality and reducing waste. Additionally, the company has embraced digital tools to streamline efficiency.
Originally established as Jamaica Fibreglass Products, JFP specializes in supplying seating, cabinetry, fitted furniture, and full-interior packages to hotel chains and restaurant operators across Jamaica and the Caribbean. As the company navigates its financial recovery, the upcoming board decision on the property sale proceeds will be critical in determining its future trajectory.
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Miss Universe Jamaica falls during evening gown preliminary competition
Dr. Gabrielle Henry, Jamaica’s representative at the 2025 Miss Universe pageant, is currently receiving medical attention at Paolo Rangsit Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand, following an unfortunate incident during the preliminary competitions. Henry reportedly fell from the stage shortly after participating in the evening gown segment on Wednesday. According to Mark McDermoth, the national director of the Miss Universe Jamaica Organisation, preliminary medical tests have confirmed that Henry is not suffering from any life-threatening injuries. McDermoth urged the public to keep Henry in their prayers during this challenging time. Henry was accompanied to the hospital by her sister, mother, and representatives from the Miss Universe organization. Earlier in the week, she had successfully competed in the national costume and swimwear preliminary rounds. The coronation of the 74th Miss Universe is set to take place on Thursday, November 20, at the Impact Challenger Hall Arena in Bangkok, with delegates from 120 countries vying for the prestigious title. Jamaica has a strong history in the pageant, with several contestants achieving top-ten placements, including Sandra Foster (1989), Kimberly Mais (1991), Nicole Haughton (1999), Christine Straw (2004), Yendi Phillips (2nd place, 2010), Kaci Fennell (2014), Davina Bennett (2017), and Miqueal Symone Williams (2020).
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Dominica Republic decriminalises same-sex relations in police, army
In a landmark decision, the Constitutional Court of the Dominican Republic has decriminalized same-sex sexual relations for members of the police and military, overturning a law that previously imposed up to two years in prison for such acts. The ruling, issued on Wednesday, marks a significant step forward in a nation where same-sex marriage remains illegal and the LGBTQ community faces widespread stigmatization. The court, the highest authority on constitutional matters in the country, declared that provisions in the legal codes of the police and armed forces referencing sodomy were “not in accordance with the Constitution” and ordered their removal. The court emphasized that these norms violated principles of reasonableness, unjustifiably discriminated based on sexual orientation, and infringed on privacy, personal development, and the right to work. It further stated that the Constitution mandates equal treatment and respect for all individuals, obliging public authorities to ensure dignified treatment for all Dominicans serving in the military. This decision, while limited in scope, is seen as a progressive move in a predominantly Catholic and conservative Caribbean nation.
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Colonies shattered; honey production in peril
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica’s beekeeping industry is grappling with unprecedented challenges. The Category 5 storm, which struck the island’s western region on October 28, 2025, has left a trail of devastation, particularly for local beekeepers like Duhjae Jennings and Hyacinth Wellington. Their apiaries, essential for honey production and bee colony maintenance, have suffered extensive damage, including collapsed structures, destroyed forage, and long-term setbacks in honey production.
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UK to ban concert ticket resales at inflated prices
The United Kingdom government has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative to prohibit the resale of event tickets—including concerts, sports matches, and other live performances—at prices exceeding their original face value. This move aims to curb the exploitative practices of ticket touts, who have long profited from inflating prices to the detriment of fans and the entertainment industry. The announcement, made on Wednesday, comes in response to widespread public frustration, particularly over the exorbitant costs of tickets for events like the recent Oasis reunion tour. Business Secretary Peter Kyle emphasized that the measures are designed to dismantle the touting model, ensuring fair access to live events for all fans. The Labour government, elected in July 2024, had pledged to prioritize consumer protections in its manifesto. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy highlighted the detrimental impact of touts, who often use automated bots to purchase large quantities of tickets and resell them at inflated prices. An investigation by consumer group Which? revealed that tickets for Oasis’s Wembley Stadium show were listed for over £4,000 on platforms like Viagogo. Under the new regulations, resale platforms will face capped service fees, and individuals will be restricted from reselling more tickets than they initially purchased. The government estimates these measures will save fans £112 million annually, reducing the average resale price by £37. While British music icons, including Coldplay and Dua Lipa, have endorsed the legislation, resale platforms like Viagogo and StubHub have criticized the plans, warning they could push fans toward unregulated markets.
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Gas prices up $3.06, diesel down $4.50
KINGSTON, Jamaica—Motorists across Jamaica are bracing for a notable surge in fuel prices, effective Thursday, November 20, as announced by Petrojam, the nation’s sole oil refinery. The latest ex-refinery costs indicate a uniform increase across various fuel types, signaling a financial burden for consumers and businesses alike.
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CARIMAC students host World TV Day 2025 event
The Caribbean Institute of Media and Communication (CARIMAC) at The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, is set to host its annual World Television Day celebration on Thursday, November 20, 2025. This year’s event, themed ‘AI TV: The Beginning or the End’, will be conducted virtually via Zoom due to the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which necessitated the shift from an in-person gathering to an online format.
Despite the change in venue, the organizing team has pledged to deliver an engaging and interactive experience for attendees, complete with prizes and surprises to maintain the festive spirit of the occasion. The event will feature a keynote presentation by Dushyant Savadia, a renowned social entrepreneur, tech visionary, and global humanitarian. Savadia will delve into the evolving relationship between artificial intelligence and television, exploring how technological advancements are reshaping content creation, distribution, and audience engagement. His address will be followed by an interactive Q&A session, allowing participants to engage directly with the speaker.
Dr. Patrick Prendergast, director of CARIMAC, emphasized the importance of this year’s theme, highlighting the need for ongoing discussions about the impact of technology on storytelling and media. World Television Day, celebrated globally on November 21, recognizes television’s pivotal role in connecting and informing audiences worldwide. Through this annual event, CARIMAC continues to inspire the next generation of communication leaders to navigate the dynamic interplay between media, technology, and society.
The virtual event will take place from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, offering a platform for dialogue and innovation in the ever-evolving media landscape.