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标签： Jamaica

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  • 6.5-magnitude quake shakes Mexico City and beach resort

    6.5-magnitude quake shakes Mexico City and beach resort

    A significant seismic event measuring 6.5 on the Richter scale struck near Mexico’s Pacific coastline on Friday morning, triggering widespread alarm across the nation. The earthquake originated at approximately 8:00 AM local time in close proximity to the popular tourist destination of Acapulco, according to the United States Geological Survey.

    The tremors propagated over 400 kilometers northward to Mexico City, where sophisticated early warning systems activated emergency protocols. The seismic activity resulted in one confirmed fatality—a 60-year-old male resident who succumbed to injuries sustained during evacuation from his second-floor residence. Municipal authorities reported twelve additional injuries requiring medical attention.

    President Claudia Sheinbaum was compelled to abruptly terminate her scheduled press conference and evacuate the presidential palace as precautionary measures. Despite the substantial magnitude, preliminary assessments indicated no major structural damage to infrastructure.

    Geological analysis placed the epicenter 14 kilometers southwest of San Marcos in Guerrero state, a region situated within one of the world’s most seismically active zones due to Mexico’s unique position between five tectonic plates.

    Eyewitness accounts from Mexico City residents described moments of terror as building oscillations awakened sleeping occupants. The city’s distinctive geological foundation—built upon the ancient lakebed of Lake Texcoco—amplified the seismic waves, exacerbating the perceived intensity.

    This event evoked memories of previous seismic tragedies, notably the catastrophic 1985 earthquake that claimed approximately 13,000 lives and the 2017 tremor that resulted in 369 fatalities. Modern warning systems, including smartphone applications and municipal loudspeaker networks, demonstrated their critical value in providing crucial evacuation time during this latest seismic event.

  • US pledges continued support for Haiti

    US pledges continued support for Haiti

    As Haiti commemorates the 222nd anniversary of its independence from France, international voices have united in addressing the nation’s profound security and governance challenges. The United States, through Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has reaffirmed its commitment to a long-term partnership with the Caribbean nation. This pledge centers on a multi-faceted approach to strengthen security infrastructures, restore national stability, and lay the groundwork for sustainable economic prosperity.

    A cornerstone of the US strategy involves robust support for the establishment of a specialized Gang Suppression Force (GSF). This unit is designed to operate in concert with Haitian security forces to dismantle the pervasive control of criminal gangs, including groups designated by the US as Foreign Terrorist Organizations. Rubio’s statement also acknowledged the incremental progress made by Haiti’s transitional government and its provisional electoral council as they prepare for the country’s first national elections in over a decade, scheduled for 2026. The US has vowed to continue encouraging and assisting these efforts to ensure a secure and democratic electoral process.

    Echoing the call for tranquility from a spiritual perspective, Pope Leo XIV has championed the concept of a ‘disarmed peace’ for Haiti. This doctrine, as welcomed and elucidated by Bishop Gontrand Décoste of Jérémie, demands a complete cessation of hostilities and the absolute absence of firearms. It is framed not merely as a ceasefire but as a profound process of dialogue aimed at persuading those who wield power through violence to voluntarily surrender their arms. The ultimate objective is the restoration of state authority and national security.

    Despite these international endorsements, the ground reality remains dire. Bishop Décoste conceded that Haiti is effectively held hostage by coalitions of armed gangs and terrorists. These entities continue to paralyze the economy, blockade critical transportation routes, and fuel an expansive regional drug trade. The bishop condemned a culture where certain parties profit from the widespread insecurity and the illicit sale of ammunition, a stark contrast to the abject poverty endured by the general populace.

    Nevertheless, a thread of resilient optimism persists. Drawing inspiration from Pope John Paul II’s historic visit 42 years ago and the enduring cry of ‘Haiti will live,’ the Haitian church and its people are engaging in acts of spiritual resistance. Marian pilgrimages in Port-au-Prince have transformed into symbols of defiance against the prevailing darkness, embodying the hopeful embrace of Pope Leo XIV’s assertion: ‘Evil will not prevail.’

  • Road users in eastern parishes urged to exercise caution due to heavy rainfall

    Road users in eastern parishes urged to exercise caution due to heavy rainfall

    Eastern Jamaica is grappling with severe transportation disruptions as relentless rainfall continues to batter the region, prompting urgent safety advisories from the National Works Agency (NWA). The persistent precipitation has resulted in extensive flooding, clogged drainage systems, and significant silt accumulation across major road networks.

    Stephen Shaw, Manager of Communication and Customer Services at the NWA, issued an official statement on Friday identifying the most critically affected zones. The coastal corridor stretching from Ocho Rios in St Ann to Port Antonio in Portland has experienced the most substantial infrastructure challenges, with multiple communities reporting impassable road conditions.

    Specific impact assessments reveal that St Mary parish is confronting severe flooding in Rio Nuevo, Stewart Town, and Port Maria. The situation is particularly dire in Annotto Bay, where the Mother Ford drain has reached maximum capacity, creating additional flood risks. Meanwhile, in Portland, primary transportation routes through St Margarets Bay, Orange Bay, and Windsor Castle have been compromised by water accumulation and debris.

    The NWA has issued emphatic warnings to all travelers, explicitly urging motorists to avoid attempting passage through heavily flooded roadways. Pedestrians have similarly been advised to seek alternative routes and exercise extreme caution when navigating affected areas. The adverse weather conditions are attributed to an atmospheric trough that has settled over the eastern parishes, sustaining the prolonged rainfall pattern that shows no immediate signs of abating. Transportation authorities continue to monitor the situation closely while recommending that residents prioritize safety measures and stay informed through official channels.

  • Venus Williams gets Australian Open wildcard aged 45

    Venus Williams gets Australian Open wildcard aged 45

    MELBOURNE, Australia — In a landmark moment for professional tennis, legendary athlete Venus Williams has been granted a wildcard entry to compete in the 2024 Australian Open at age 45. This historic announcement on Friday establishes the American superstar as the most senior female competitor ever to participate in the season’s inaugural Grand Slam tournament.

    The seven-time major singles champion, whose on-court appearances have been selectively limited in recent seasons, will make her first main draw appearance at Melbourne Park since 2021. Williams expressed enthusiasm about her return to Australian courts, stating: ‘I’m excited to be back in Australia and looking forward to competing during the Australian summer. I’ve had so many incredible memories there and I’m grateful for the opportunity to return to a place that has meant so much to my career.’

    Williams’ extraordinary resume includes five Wimbledon titles and two US Open championships, complemented by Australian Open singles final appearances in both 2003 and 2017. Her upcoming participation breaks the previous age record held by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who competed at 44 during the 2015 tournament.

    The four-time Australian Open doubles champion will commence tournament preparations at next week’s Auckland Classic, following her return to competitive play at last year’s US Open after a 16-month hiatus. Williams will subsequently compete at the Hobart International before the Grand Slam event scheduled from January 18 to February 1.

    Fellow American and two-time Grand Slam champion Coco Gauff praised Williams’ enduring career, remarking: ‘She’s a legend of the sport, so it will be cool to see her back in action. It’s incredible the longevity of her career. She’s one of the people I looked up to, so looking forward to seeing her back on court.’

  • Maduro says Venezuela open to talks with US, amid pressure

    Maduro says Venezuela open to talks with US, amid pressure

    CARACAS, Venezuela—In a televised state interview on Thursday, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro strategically avoided directly confirming or denying a recent alleged United States military strike on Venezuelan territory. When pressed about the incident, Maduro deferred commentary, suggesting the matter “could be something we talk about in a few days.” This development follows assertions from US President Donald Trump, who claimed on Monday that US forces had executed a successful operation targeting and destroying a dock facility allegedly used for loading narcotics onto vessels. Trump described the action as targeting a key “implementation area” for drug traffickers, though he provided no specific operational details, including whether it was conducted by military or intelligence assets, or its precise location beyond being “along the shore.

    Despite this escalation, President Maduro projected a conciliatory stance towards Washington, expressing a conditional willingness to engage in bilateral discussions. “Wherever they want and whenever they want,” Maduro stated, indicating openness to dialogue concerning critical issues such as drug trafficking, oil policies, and migration. This overture occurs amidst a sustained period of US military pressure in the region, which has included numerous maritime strikes on suspected drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean since September.

    The alleged land strike represents a significant and potentially precedent-setting escalation in the US campaign against narcotics trafficking in Latin America, marking what would be the first known ground incursion. The Trump administration has repeatedly threatened such actions against drug cartels, promising they would commence “soon.” However, the legal and ethical foundations of these operations are under intense scrutiny. The administration has yet to publicly furnish evidence verifying that the targeted vessels or facilities were indeed involved in illicit activities, sparking a robust debate among international law experts and human rights organizations. These groups contend that the strikes may constitute extrajudicial killings, a characterization vehemently rejected by US authorities.

  • Cop and teen feared drowned in New Year’s tragedy at Portmore beach

    Cop and teen feared drowned in New Year’s tragedy at Portmore beach

    PORTMORE, St. Catherine – A tragic incident unfolded at Hellshire Beach on Thursday when an off-duty police officer and a teenage boy disappeared in perilous waters and are now presumed deceased. The officer has been identified as Constable Shamar Grant, who was officially on sick leave from duty at the time of the incident.

    According to preliminary reports, the sequence of events began when a woman and the adolescent encountered severe difficulties while swimming. Witnessing their distress, Constable Grant, despite his medical leave status, immediately intervened in a courageous attempt to rescue them. During the rescue operation, Grant himself became overwhelmed by the aquatic conditions and also began to struggle.

    Emergency responders managed to successfully extract the woman from the water. She was subsequently transported to Spanish Town Hospital for immediate medical attention. Her current health status remains undisclosed by authorities.

    Tragically, both Constable Grant and the young boy were submerged and could not be located. As of the latest updates, an extensive search-and-recovery operation is actively underway. Personnel from the specialized Marine Division of the Jamaica Constabulary Force have been deployed to assist local teams in these efforts, combing the area in the hope of locating the missing individuals.

  • WATCH: Capleton, Jamal, Macka, Jah Bouks and others ignite Angola Festival

    WATCH: Capleton, Jamal, Macka, Jah Bouks and others ignite Angola Festival

    OLD PERA, ST. THOMAS – The annual Angola Festival ushered in the new year with explosive energy as reggae and dancehall icons Capleton and Jamal delivered electrifying performances that captivated attendees despite a modest turnout.

    Capleton, renowned as ‘The Fireman,’ set the stage ablaze with his dynamic presence and hit-packed repertoire. The legendary artist had the audience in a state of euphoria with classic tracks including ‘Who Dem,’ ‘Lotion Man,’ and ‘Phone Line,’ demonstrating why he remains a dominant force in the genre.

    Jamal, celebrated as ‘Dunce Man,’ alongside dancehall queen Macka Diamond, provided equally powerful performances that kept patrons on their feet throughout their sets. Their engaging stage presence and lyrical delivery created an immersive experience for festival-goers.

    Event promoter and recording artist Jah Bouks delivered a heartfelt performance while expressing satisfaction with the festival’s continued growth. In a poignant moment, Bouks paid tribute to his late mother, Zyon Panton, who passed away earlier in 2025.

    The supporting lineup featured strong contributions from Shane O, Eddy G Bomba, Short Ghad, Quick Cook, Predator, Seventeen, Bushman, Bascom X, and Money Pallet. MC Nuffy maintained the event’s high energy levels, expertly engaging the crowd between performances.

    Attendees responded enthusiastically to the production, with many expressing confidence that the Angola Festival would continue to expand in both scale and quality in coming years. The event successfully blended musical excellence with cultural celebration, providing a memorable start to the new year for all present.

  • BCIC announces leadership appointments

    BCIC announces leadership appointments

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant organizational overhaul set to enhance operational efficiency and market performance, British Caribbean Insurance Company (BCIC) has implemented a comprehensive leadership restructuring effective January 1, 2026. This strategic realignment underscores the company’s dedication to operational excellence, customer experience enhancement, and sustainable expansion within the insurance sector.

    Michelle Anderson ascends to Deputy Managing Director after demonstrating exceptional leadership during her decade-long tenure with BCIC, most recently serving as Chief Operating Officer. Her extensive background in insurance solutions and operations has equipped her with profound institutional knowledge and execution capabilities. Anderson will now provide strategic supervision across critical domains including underwriting protocols, operational workflows, revenue optimization, and service delivery mechanisms.

    Concurrently, Lori-Ann Glasgow assumes expanded responsibilities encompassing leadership of BCIC’s Direct Channel operations. Her portfolio now integrates branch operations, call center management, and marketing functions—a synergistic approach designed to fortify customer engagement strategies, communication frameworks, and direct sales initiatives. Glasgow’s previous contributions have already strengthened brand positioning and elevated customer interaction standards throughout the organization.

    The restructuring also promotes Joy Gibson to Regional Human Resources Manager, granting her oversight across amalgamated JNGI and BCIC operations. Gibson will spearhead human resources development, facilities management, and operational support systems while extending her regional accountability to Barbados. This enhanced mandate aims to institutionalize organizational coherence, workforce capabilities, and operational uniformity across the consolidated enterprise.

    Complementing these appointments, Anne McMorris Cover will helm BCIC’s transformation agenda focusing on digital modernization, system upgrades, service innovation, and improvement initiatives. Her role ensures the realization of tangible returns from the company’s ongoing technological investments.

    Managing Director Peter Levy emphasized that these promotions reflect BCIC’s confidence in internal talent and commitment to building a future-ready organization positioned to deliver consistent service quality, disciplined execution, and long-term stakeholder value.

  • Belize announces resumption of shipments of goods to the United States

    Belize announces resumption of shipments of goods to the United States

    BELMOPAN, Belize—In a significant development for international trade, the Belize Postal Service (BPS) has officially reinstated all outbound shipments to the United States effective January 7. This move concludes a five-month suspension period that began in August last year, triggered by sweeping changes to U.S. customs regulations.

    The operational halt became imperative following the implementation of U.S. Executive Order 14324, which eliminated the traditional duty-free exemption threshold for international parcels. This regulatory shift mandated that all inbound shipments to the U.S., irrespective of their declared value, would become subject to standard customs duties and import taxes.

    To navigate these new regulatory requirements, BPS has implemented the Universal Postal Union’s Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) Global Solution—an advanced logistics framework that represents a fundamental transformation in how international shipments are processed. This sophisticated system enables the pre-calculation and collection of U.S. duties and taxes before departure from Belize, creating a more transparent and efficient customs process.

    The DDP system offers multiple advantages: accelerated customs clearance procedures upon arrival in the U.S., complete cost transparency for shippers, significantly reduced delivery delays, and minimized package returns. This creates a more predictable and reliable shipping experience for both commercial senders and individual recipients.

    This strategic adoption positions Belize as a regional leader in compliant international postal logistics and ensures that Belizean businesses—particularly micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs)—maintain uninterrupted access to their valuable U.S. customer base. The implementation underscores Belize’s commitment to participating fully in global e-commerce while adhering to international trade regulations.

    Postmaster General Dr. Marsha Price emphasized that ‘the Belize Postal Service remains dedicated to providing secure, reliable, and globally compliant postal services. Our implementation of the UPU’s DDP solution not only addresses new U.S. regulatory requirements but significantly enhances Belize’s capacity to engage in international digital commerce. We appreciate the public’s understanding during this necessary transitional period.’

    The BPS has encouraged customers seeking information about the new DDP procedures, applicable duty rates, or required shipping documentation to contact their local post office branch or the customer service department for comprehensive assistance.

  • St Kitts and Nevis warns of heighten tension in the Taiwan Strait

    St Kitts and Nevis warns of heighten tension in the Taiwan Strait

    The Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis has issued a formal statement expressing deep apprehension regarding recent military exercises conducted by China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in the Taiwan Strait. The Caribbean nation’s government, led by Prime Minister Terrance Drew, characterized these drills as activities that ‘heighten tensions and risk undermining peace, stability, and prosperity’ in the strategically vital region.

    Emphasizing its commitment to international law and peaceful conflict resolution, the Basseterre administration highlighted the Taiwan Strait’s critical role as a global trade corridor whose stability represents a matter of international concern. The statement specifically called upon all involved parties to uphold their responsibilities under the United Nations Charter while reaffirming the nation’s dedication to collaborating with international partners to safeguard global peace and development.

    This diplomatic position emerges from St. Kitts and Nevis’ unique status as one of the few Caribbean Community (CARICOM) members maintaining formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, which China considers a breakaway province subject to its ‘One China’ principle.

    The situation coincides with Taiwanese President William Lai Ching-te’s reaffirmation of his administration’s commitment to ‘resolutely defend national sovereignty and strengthen national defence.’ President Lai has proposed a substantial US$40 billion military spending increase, though this initiative currently faces legislative hurdles due to opposition party control in Taiwan’s parliament.

    Concurrently, the United States has urged China to exercise restraint and avoid actions that escalate regional tensions. State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott articulated Washington’s position supporting ‘peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait’ while opposing ‘unilateral changes to the status quo, including by force or coercion.’

    China’s recent military operations included missile launches and deployments of aircraft and naval vessels simulating an encirclement of Taiwan. While such drills have become increasingly routine, analysts note that Beijing’s demonstrated willingness to curtail autonomy in regions like Hong Kong has intensified speculation about potential military intervention to compel Taiwan’s compliance with Chinese objectives.