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  • STETHS on top vs Holmwood in Headley Cup semi-final

    STETHS on top vs Holmwood in Headley Cup semi-final

    STETHS Sports Complex, Santa Cruz – Defending champions St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) established a formidable advantage on the opening day of the ISSA/Grace Headley Cup cricket semi-final against Holmwood Technical this Monday. After posting a total of 198 all out while batting first, STETHS’s formidable pace attack decimated Holmwood’s top order, leaving them reeling at a precarious 39 for 5 when play was halted due to bad light.

    The day’s narrative was one of two distinct halves. Initially, STETHS found themselves in significant trouble after being put into bat under overcast conditions. Holmwood’s penetrative pace attack, led by Wildel Bailey (3-30) and Bryan McInnis (3-34), struck early blows, reducing the champions to 99 for 7 by the 28th over. However, a resilient and polished counter-attack ensued. Captain Tyriek Bryan provided stability with a fluent 53, but it was all-rounder Adrian Silvera who delivered the innings-defining performance. Better known for his left-arm pace, Silvera showcased his batting prowess with an unbeaten 66, skillfully marshaling the tailenders to guide his team to a competitive total.

    The final session belonged unequivocally to the STETHS bowlers. Exploiting the gathering gloom and favorable bowling conditions, the pace trio of Eckoney Robinson (3-8), Delante Scott (1-11), and the aforementioned Silvera (1-12) unleashed a devastating spell of swing and pace. They ripped through Holmwood’s top-order batting lineup, which had no answer to the relentless attack. With Bryan McInnis (10*) and Romareo Salmon (8*) set to resume at the crease on Tuesday’s final day, Holmwood faces a monumental task to overcome the deficit and avert a defeat, while STETHS requires just five wickets to secure a place in the final.

  • #Champs2026: Lacovia High’s Jones and Francis lead boys 400m qualifiers

    #Champs2026: Lacovia High’s Jones and Francis lead boys 400m qualifiers

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The opening day of the prestigious ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletics Championships at the National Stadium witnessed a stunning display of youthful sprinting talent, with Lacovia High School athletes seizing the spotlight. Nicholas Jones and Darren Francis emerged as the standout performers in their respective divisions, setting the stage for an intensely competitive week of track and field.

    Nicholas Jones blazed through the Class 2 400m qualifying round with a commanding time of 48.83 seconds, establishing himself as the athlete to beat in Wednesday’s semi-finals. He outpaced a formidable field that included Calabar High’s Rajeve Allison (49.21 seconds) and Diwayne Sharpe (49.49 seconds). Additional qualifiers advancing to the next round included Rusea’s High’s Tiene Barrett (49.56 seconds), Excelsior High’s Jaeden Campbell (49.66 seconds), and Kingston College duo Jason Pitter (49.86 seconds) and Rishane Howard (49.99 seconds).

    In the Class 3 category, Darren Francis demonstrated exceptional poise and speed, clocking 51.12 seconds to lead all qualifiers. He will be joined in subsequent rounds by Kingston College’s Taariq Gordon (51.34 seconds) and Jamaica College’s Tariq Creary (51.81 seconds). The qualifying group expanded to include Titchfield High’s Rhomarni Bennett (52.41 seconds), Tarrant High’s Janhard Taylor (52.42 seconds), and STETHS’s Olando Headley (52.57 seconds).

    The Class 1 boys event promises to deliver spectacular drama as Titchfield High’s Nishawn Walker posted a personal best to lead qualifying. Jamaica College’s Makaelan Woods followed with 47.60 seconds, while William Knibb Memorial’s Jabari Matheson—who infamously missed last year’s final despite leading the semi-finals—recorded 47.68 seconds. Event favorite Junior Gallimore advanced comfortably with 47.77 seconds, alongside Kingston College’s Jabulani McLeod and Jordan Rehedul, plus last year’s finalist Paul Henry of Foga Road, setting up a thrilling conclusion to the week’s premier sprint event.

  • Push for policies to boost medication adherence

    Push for policies to boost medication adherence

    A groundbreaking Jamaican study has exposed a critical healthcare challenge, revealing that approximately 70% of patients managing hypertension and diabetes fail to adhere to prescribed medication regimens. Conducted by Dr. D Malcolm Brewster, the research focused on attendees at the Gordon Town and Windward Road health centres in Kingston and St Andrew, presenting its compelling findings at the 16th National Health Research Conference.

    Dr. Brewster, a seasoned medical practitioner, articulated the necessity for comprehensive policy overhaul and health-system transformations to address this pervasive issue. His recommendations advocate for multifaceted strategies including enhanced training for healthcare providers in adherence assessment, implementation of sophisticated systems for monitoring adherence metrics, and the creation of targeted national programs dedicated to improving medication compliance.

    Emphasizing the profound influence of cultural dynamics on patient behavior, Dr. Brewster stressed that effective interventions must integrate understanding of familial and community beliefs. “Achieving synergy between traditional wisdom represented by family elders and evidence-based medical advice is crucial,” he noted during a JIS Think Tank session.

    The study specifically highlights the importance of openly discussing patients’ use of traditional and herbal remedies alongside conventional treatments. Dr. Brewster advocates for this inclusive approach, believing that acknowledging such practices fosters trust and potentially enhances health outcomes. “When patients mention herbal medicine, I engage with curiosity and then consult scientific evidence,” he explained.

    While the research relied on self-reported data from public primary care clinics, potentially introducing some bias, its findings align with broader regional and global patterns of medication non-adherence. This contribution adds substantial weight to the growing evidence base emphasizing the need for culturally informed, data-driven, and integrated approaches within healthcare systems worldwide.

  • Researcher urges action to cut emissions in Jamaica

    Researcher urges action to cut emissions in Jamaica

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Alarming new research reveals that Jamaica’s major urban centers are experiencing dangerously high levels of air pollution that consistently exceed World Health Organization safety standards. The findings have prompted urgent calls for comprehensive intervention strategies to address this growing public health crisis.

    Dr. Adrienne Williams, a leading researcher from the University of the West Indies Mona Campus, presented these concerning results following an extensive analysis of Jamaica’s air quality from 2010 to 2023. Her groundbreaking study, which earned the Best Overall Poster award at the 16th National Health Research Conference in February, demonstrates that particulate pollution in several Jamaican cities has reached levels known to exacerbate respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.

    The comprehensive research, conducted in collaboration with Dr. Warren Mullings, an endoscopic sinus surgeon at Kingston Public Hospital, analyzed data collected by the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) from monitoring stations across the island. The investigation focused primarily on urban centers including Spanish Town, Kingston, St. Andrew, Portmore, Montego Bay, Mandeville, and May Pen.

    Researchers employed two key indicators of particulate pollution that measure concentrations of fine particles capable of penetrating deep into human lungs. The results showed disturbing trends, with Spanish Town recording the highest eight-year average concentration at 22.3 micrograms per cubic meter—more than double the WHO’s recommended threshold. Montego Bay followed at 13.5 micrograms, while Kingston and St. Andrew measured 10.34 micrograms at the Constant Spring monitoring site.

    Dr. Williams identified multiple contributing factors to Jamaica’s air quality challenges, including seasonal Saharan dust events during summer months, vehicle emissions, traffic congestion, open burning of rubbish, and fires. She particularly emphasized that urban centers struggle with pollution because they “were not originally designed to accommodate today’s volume of vehicles and traffic, leading to visible smoke and smog in densely populated zones.”

    The researcher stressed that establishing reliable baseline data is essential for guiding public policy and shaping future environmental interventions. “This research provides critical baseline data for Jamaica,” Williams explained during a recent Jamaica Information Service ‘Think Tank’ session. “It helps us understand the current state of air quality and offers evidence that can inform public policy, future research, and environmental management strategies.”

    The study serves as a precursor to further investigation into how prolonged exposure to polluted air may influence long-term respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic sinus disease. Without immediate targeted interventions backed by continuous monitoring and expanded studies in collaboration with NEPA and the Ministry of Health and Wellness, experts warn that air pollution levels risk remaining persistently above recommended standards, potentially creating a public health emergency.

  • Police seize 70 bags of compressed ganja in Hellshire

    Police seize 70 bags of compressed ganja in Hellshire

    Jamaican law enforcement authorities have made a significant interdiction against suspected organized criminal operations along the coastline of Hellshire, St Catherine. In a targeted maritime operation conducted on Monday, officers from the specialized Marine Division confiscated a substantial haul of illicit substances and contraband materials.

    The seizure included 70 securely compressed bags of ganja (marijuana), with individual weights ranging between 30 and 50 pounds. While authorities have not disclosed the estimated street value of the confiscated narcotics, the volume represents a major disruption to local drug trafficking networks.

    Beyond the narcotics seizure, operatives discovered approximately 800 liters of mixed gasoline alongside multiple bags containing clothing and non-perishable food items. The coordinated presence of these materials suggests sophisticated logistical support for extended illegal operations along Jamaica’s coastal corridors.

    Police officials indicated that the recovered items demonstrate characteristics of organized criminal activity, potentially linked to transnational smuggling operations utilizing Jamaica’s maritime routes. The absence of arrests following the operation indicates either advanced warning among suspects or particularly stealthy criminal methodologies.

    Criminal investigations remain active as forensic teams analyze the seized materials for intelligence regarding trafficking patterns and organizational signatures. The Jamaica Constabulary Force has intensified coastal surveillance operations in response to increasing maritime criminal activities.

  • Bank fraud, money mule probe lands three in hot water

    Bank fraud, money mule probe lands three in hot water

    Jamaica’s Financial Investigations Division (FID) has intensified its crackdown on financial crimes following the apprehension of three individuals connected to an elaborate bank fraud and money laundering operation. The arrests serve as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with permitting unauthorized use of personal banking facilities.

    Law enforcement officials detained Ashanti Johnson (24), Kevin Bentley (37), and David Breverett (54) during coordinated operations conducted across Kingston, St Andrew, and Clarendon between last Tuesday and Thursday. The suspects face multiple charges under the Proceeds of Crime Act, the Larceny Act, and the Cyber Crimes Act. Following their arrest, the accused were granted station bail with court proceedings scheduled for April 10, 2026, at the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court.

    The investigation, conducted jointly by FID, the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Specialized Investigation Branch, and local police divisions, uncovered a sophisticated scheme involving unauthorized access to banking accounts and subsequent fund transfers to accounts controlled by the suspects. This methodology represents a prevalent pattern in financial crimes where illicit proceeds are rapidly cycled through legitimate-seeming accounts to obscure their criminal origins and complicate investigative efforts.

    FID analysis reveals critical vulnerabilities within the financial sector where criminals exploit established customer accounts and digital banking channels to integrate illegal proceeds into the formal financial system. Once deposited into these accounts, stolen funds may be withdrawn, transferred across multiple accounts, or utilized in complex transactions designed to eliminate financial trails.

    Dennis Chung, FID Chief Technical Director, emphasized the seriousness of these offenses: “Fraudsters and money launderers depend on established accounts to move illicit funds at scale. The utilization of money mule accounts actively conceals principal actors within criminal networks. We implore the public to exercise rigorous due diligence regarding deposits received on behalf of third parties, particularly those requests involving shared debit cards or PINs.”

    The division specifically cautions young professionals, job seekers, and unemployed individuals who are frequently targeted by criminal organizations with promises of easy earnings, part-time “payment processing” positions, or requests to “assist with fund transfers” using personal bank accounts. What might appear as harmless financial opportunities often transforms participants into crucial components of fraud or money laundering operations.

    FID has identified several red flags indicative of money mule recruitment:
    – Requests to receive or transfer money through personal bank accounts for others
    – Solicitation to open bank accounts specifically for another individual’s use
    – Receipt of substantial or unexplained deposits followed by instructions to withdraw or forward funds
    – Demands for debit cards, online banking credentials, or PIN numbers
    – Offers of payment for permitting account usage for unclear transactions

    The agency reiterated that ignorance provides no legal protection regarding criminal property handling. Individuals permitting account misuse may face arrest, prosecution, and lasting consequences from criminal charges. Public education and vigilance remain essential components in combating money mule operations and preserving the integrity of Jamaica’s financial infrastructure.

  • Island Car Rentals donates $1m to Titchfield High

    Island Car Rentals donates $1m to Titchfield High

    PORTLAND, Jamaica — In a significant boost for educational development, Titchfield High School has received a substantial JMD $1 million donation from Island Car Rentals, a prominent member of the ICR Holdings Group. The contribution is strategically allocated to enhance both the Sports Department and the Schools’ Challenge Quiz program, creating expanded avenues for student advancement in athletic pursuits and academic excellence.

    The formal presentation occurred on March 6th by Ryan Parkes, Group CEO of ICR Holdings Limited, during a National Environment Week workshop hosted by the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) on the school campus. Mr. Parkes, a distinguished alumnus of Titchfield High, articulated a profound personal connection to the institution, crediting it as a foundational pillar in his subsequent business achievements.

    Emphasizing the donation’s deeper significance, Parkes stated, ‘This contribution from Island Car Rentals transcends mere corporate social responsibility. It represents a conscious investment in preserving and empowering an institution that has been instrumental in shaping the trajectories of myself and countless other ambitious Jamaicans over many years.’

    The NEPA-led workshop, which provided the backdrop for the ceremony, assembled roughly 80 participants, including students, educators, and environmental club coordinators from various schools across Portland and St. Thomas. The event focused on promoting environmental stewardship, active youth involvement, and sustainability projects within the Jamaican educational system.

    The occasion was graced by several dignitaries, notably Matthew Samuda, Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change; Leonard Francis, CEO of NEPA; Richard A. Thompson, Principal of Titchfield High; alongside senior ICR executives Opal Brown-Parkes, Group Chief of People and Culture, and Nichole Brackett Walters, Group Chief of Marketing and Sales.

  • ECG machines now available in every Portland health district

    ECG machines now available in every Portland health district

    PORTLAND, Jamaica — In a significant advancement for cardiac healthcare infrastructure, the Portland Health Department has achieved comprehensive electrocardiogram (ECG) service coverage across all three health districts within the parish. This strategic expansion represents a major step in improving diagnostic capabilities and enhancing healthcare accessibility for local residents.

    Dr. Sharon Lewis, Medical Officer of Health for Portland, formally announced the deployment during a recent session of the Portland Municipal Corporation. The life-saving medical equipment is now operational at the Port Antonio Health Centre, the Buff Bay District Health Centre, and the Fair Prospect Health Centre. Dr. Lewis emphasized the critical role of ECGs in modern medicine, stating, ‘These machines are essential for monitoring cardiac electrical activity, providing vital diagnostics for various heart conditions. Our community members can now access this crucial investigation within their own districts, eliminating the need for lengthy travel.’

    While the rollout is largely complete, Dr. Lewis noted a temporary operational delay at the Fair Prospect Health Centre. The ECG unit there, generously donated by the Caribbean Medical Mission, is currently awaiting a specialized paper supply essential for printing test results. ‘We are experiencing a temporary procurement challenge for the compatible paper, which has paused services at that specific location until new stock arrives,’ she clarified, assuring that this is a short-term logistical issue.

    The department has established a streamlined, appointment-based system to manage the new service. Patients receive a referral from a clinician, after which nurses at the curative clinics schedule their ECG appointments, ensuring an organized and efficient patient flow.

    This infrastructure upgrade aligns with the health department’s broader commitment to cardiovascular wellness, exemplified by a series of successful public awareness initiatives conducted throughout February in observance of Heart Month. These efforts focused on educating parishioners about heart disease prevention and the importance of early detection.

  • Advocate flags communication gap for deaf Jamaicans

    Advocate flags communication gap for deaf Jamaicans

    Jamaica’s deaf population faces critical information gaps due to the absence of sign language interpretation in mainstream media and public communications, according to Dr. Christine Hendricks, Executive Director of the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities. This communication barrier poses significant risks during emergencies and excludes approximately 75,000 hearing-impaired citizens from accessing real-time news and public announcements.

    The warning emerged during last Friday’s All-Inclusive Service Webinar, co-hosted by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, the Management Institute for National Development, and the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities. Dr. Hendricks emphasized that information accessibility must be recognized as a fundamental right rather than an optional feature, particularly as Jamaica accelerates its digital transformation in public services.

    She illustrated the practical dangers of information exclusion, noting that deaf individuals often receive delayed or incomplete information through second-hand accounts. This deficiency becomes particularly perilous during crises such as natural disasters, security incidents, or urgent public announcements, potentially placing lives at risk when critical updates are not accessible in real time.

    The advocacy for sign language interpretation intersects with broader concerns about digital inclusion. As Jamaica progresses toward e-government services, there is growing apprehension that without deliberate accessibility measures, existing inequalities could be exacerbated rather than alleviated.

    Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr. acknowledged these concerns, stating that the government is working to embed inclusion into the fundamental design of public services and digital systems. He emphasized that true inclusion extends beyond physical infrastructure to encompass attitudes, systems, and accountability mechanisms across all government institutions.

    Both officials connected accessibility to Jamaica’s national development objectives under Vision 2030, noting that the country’s progress must be measured by how effectively it integrates persons with disabilities into all aspects of societal participation. The minister further highlighted the economic implications, suggesting that removing communication barriers would unlock significant untapped potential within the disability community.

    The discussion also addressed data collection challenges, with Dr. Hendricks noting that Jamaica’s disability population remains significantly undercounted, complicating policy development and progress tracking toward genuine inclusion.

  • UPDATE: Colombia military aircraft crashes with 125 aboard, many feared dead

    UPDATE: Colombia military aircraft crashes with 125 aboard, many feared dead

    A Colombian Air Force Hercules C-130 transport plane carrying 125 military personnel crashed during takeoff from Puerto Leguizamo on Monday, resulting in significant casualties near the nation’s southern border with Ecuador. The aircraft, designated FAC 1016, went down shortly after departure, scattering burning wreckage across the jungle terrain below.

    Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez confirmed the tragedy, expressing ‘deep sorrow’ over the incident while noting that military response units had immediately deployed to the crash site. Initial reports indicated approximately 48 survivors had been located, though a military source suggested the death toll might reach 80 individuals. The exact number of casualties and the cause of the accident remain under investigation.

    The ill-fated flight was transporting 114 troops and 11 crew members between military outposts in the Amazon region, an area that has witnessed intensified military operations against drug trafficking organizations and armed militias in recent weeks. Visual evidence from the scene depicted civilians navigating through debris near the aircraft’s severed tail section as smoke continued to rise above the canopy.

    This incident marks the second catastrophic crash involving a C-130 Hercules aircraft in South America within a month, following a Bolivian military cargo plane accident on February 27th that resulted in 24 fatalities. The Lockheed Martin-built turboprop aircraft is renowned for its versatility in operating from rudimentary airstrips and remains a workhorse for military transport operations globally.