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  • Johnson Smith says no concerns over strength of Jamaica-US relationship

    Johnson Smith says no concerns over strength of Jamaica-US relationship

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson Smith has reaffirmed confidence in the nation’s strategic partnership with the United States despite criticism from a US Congressman regarding Prime Minister Andrew Holness’s supportive stance on Cuba. The diplomatic reassurances came during Tuesday’s post-Cabinet media briefing at Jamaica House, where Johnson Smith characterized the Prime Minister’s recent comments on Cuba as “balanced, visionary, and realistic.”

    The minister referenced her recent cordial meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio as evidence of continued strong bilateral relations, suggesting that individual congressional opinions don’t reflect official US government positioning. This response followed criticism from Cuban-born Congressman Carlos Giménez, who warned Jamaica would face “consequences” for what he termed as covering up for Cuba’s “moribund dictatorship.”

    The controversy stems from Prime Minister Holness’s February 24 address to Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders in Basseterre, where he urged regional nations to address Cuba’s humanitarian crisis “with clarity and courage.” His speech highlighted the complex geopolitical circumstances surrounding US-Cuba relations while acknowledging Jamaica’s fundamental commitment to democratic principles and open markets.

    Holness emphasized that Cuba’s ongoing economic struggles—exacerbated by extended power cuts and shortages of fuel, medicine, and food—could have regional implications affecting migration patterns, security concerns, and economic stability throughout the Caribbean basin. The Prime Minister noted Cuba’s historical role in supporting Caribbean neighbors through medical and educational assistance while maintaining that Jamaica’s position remains grounded in democratic values and political accountability.

    The current crisis in Cuba has intensified following the Trump administration’s oil blockade, which severed the island nation’s primary petroleum supplies from Venezuela. Cuba has operated under a US trade embargo since 1962, creating prolonged economic challenges that have recently reached critical levels.

  • UTech mentor and mentee of the year become co-authors of ‘The Ripple Effect: 5 Keys to Making a Difference that Lasts’

    UTech mentor and mentee of the year become co-authors of ‘The Ripple Effect: 5 Keys to Making a Difference that Lasts’

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — An inspirational mentorship relationship born from the University of Technology’s Alumni Mentorship Programme has transcended conventional boundaries, resulting in an extraordinary literary collaboration. Sandrina Davis, honored as Mentor of the Year 2025, and her protégé Jinel Gordon, named Mentee of the Year 2025, have jointly authored “The Ripple Effect: 5 Keys to Making a Difference that Lasts,” scheduled for public release on Sunday, March 15.

    Their partnership, initially structured through institutional pairing, has flourished into a profound shared expedition exploring leadership dynamics, purposeful living, and sustainable community impact. Their collaborative journey provides tangible evidence of the transformative potential inherent in deliberate mentorship relationships.

    The forthcoming publication delineates five actionable principles for creating enduring positive influence: selecting empathy above sympathy, enabling empowerment without causing embarrassment, practicing attentive listening prior to action, cultivating authentic connections through genuine care, and adopting mentorship as a catalyst for legacy expansion.

    Davis contributes insights drawn from her extensive leadership tenure and community service throughout Jamaica, covering the initial four principles. Gordon completes the conceptual framework by articulating the fifth key regarding mentorship’s multiplicative legacy effect, thereby symbolically closing the narrative circle.

    “This manuscript transcends theoretical discourse,” Davis emphasized. “It constitutes empirical demonstration of outcomes achievable when individuals place faith in one another’s potential.”

    Gordon characterized her participation as fundamentally transformative, noting: “Mentorship profoundly influenced not merely my professional objectives but my core self-conception. Collaborative authorship embodies the synergistic possibilities when dedicated guidance converges with unwavering commitment.”

    The official book launch will serve as a ceremonial recognition of mentorship’s value, leadership development, and the cumulative power of consistent, purposeful engagement.
    “The Ripple Effect” extends an impassioned appeal to Jamaican citizens, academic communities, corporate professionals, family figures, and organizational leaders to acknowledge that genuine influence originates not from formal positions but from deliberate intentionality.

  • Ocho Rios High victim and alleged attacker were recent transfers to institution — principal

    Ocho Rios High victim and alleged attacker were recent transfers to institution — principal

    A devastating incident at Ocho Rios High School in St Ann, Jamaica has resulted in the death of 16-year-old Devonie Shearer, following a violent confrontation on school premises Wednesday. The tragic event unfolded when another student allegedly struck Shearer in the back of the head with a metal chair, causing fatal injuries.

    School Principal Marvin Clowson disclosed during a Thursday briefing that both students involved in the altercation were relatively new transfers to the institution. The accused student had joined the school just last month, while the deceased victim had transferred in September of the previous year. Both teenagers were enrolled in grade 10 at the time of the incident.

    The tragedy prompted an immediate response from education authorities and government representatives. Education Minister Senator Dana Morris Dixon, alongside St Ann North Eastern MP Matthew Samuda and other governmental officials, visited the grieving school community Thursday. Minister Dixon personally assured Principal Clowson and staff members of comprehensive support, stating, ‘Whatever you need in the coming weeks, we are here to provide it for you.’ She emphasized the importance of self-care for school leadership during the difficult period.

    Law enforcement authorities have taken the alleged perpetrator into custody as investigations continue into the circumstances that precipitated the violent confrontation. The incident has raised serious concerns about student integration processes and conflict resolution mechanisms within educational institutions.

    The school community remains in mourning as they process the loss of young Devonie Shearer of Buckfield Road, St Ann, while education officials pledge to implement additional support systems and review safety protocols to prevent similar tragedies.

  • War in the Middle East: latest developments

    War in the Middle East: latest developments

    The Middle East conflict has entered a perilous new phase with escalating military actions and significant regional repercussions. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi declared a state of economic near-emergency amid soaring inflation, authorizing military trials for price-gouging traders during a military academy address.

    NATO announced the enhancement of its ballistic missile defense systems as Iran continues regional strikes, including an incident where a missile was intercepted over Turkish territory. The alliance’s 32 member states unanimously agreed to maintain heightened defense readiness until threats from Iran’s indiscriminate attacks diminish.

    Israeli Military Chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir revealed that US-Israeli operations against Iran are advancing to a new stage focused on dismantling the Islamic Republic’s military capabilities, promising additional undisclosed “surprises” in the campaign.

    Regional infrastructure suffered direct hits as an Iranian missile strike ignited a major blaze at Bahrain’s primary state-owned oil refinery. Meanwhile, Western embassy staff in Riyadh received shelter-in-place orders following earlier attacks on US diplomatic compounds.

    Former US President Donald Trump expressed support for Iranian Kurdish fighters potentially launching offensives into Iran, stating he would “be all for it.” Trump further asserted his intention to influence the selection of Iran’s next supreme leader, criticizing Ayatollah Khamenei’s son as “a lightweight” while drawing comparisons to US involvement in Venezuelan leadership transitions.

    Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that any ground invasion would bring “disaster” to the Islamic Republic’s enemies, asserting Iran’s preparedness for confrontation despite ongoing US-Israeli strikes.

    The human cost continues to mount with Lebanon reporting 102 fatalities and 638 injuries from Israeli strikes since the country’s involvement in the conflict began earlier this week.

    Global markets reacted strongly as West Texas Intermediate crude surged over 5% to $78.88 per barrel—the highest since January last year—while Brent crude jumped 3.6% to $84.34 amid supply disruption fears.

    Abu Dhabi experienced missile threats triggering air defense responses and loud explosions, according to resident reports and official statements from UAE emergency management authorities.

    Iran intensified internal controls by warning citizens using VPNs to bypass a nationwide communications blackout that has reduced internet connectivity to approximately 1% of normal levels, effectively isolating the country from global digital networks.

  • Bahamas Aviation Authority probing two American Airlines near-miss incidents

    Bahamas Aviation Authority probing two American Airlines near-miss incidents

    NASSAU, The Bahamas – The Bahamas Civil Aviation Authority has initiated comprehensive investigations into two alarming near-miss incidents involving American Airlines aircraft at Family Island airports, signaling potential systemic safety concerns at uncontrolled aerodromes. The probe follows formal advisories from US regulators warning of possible catastrophic outcomes.

    The first emergency occurred on February 12 near Exuma International Airport when an approaching American Airlines flight executed abrupt evasive maneuvers to avoid a departing aircraft. The violent maneuver resulted in injuries to two flight attendants who required medical treatment at a local clinic and were subsequently placed on leave.

    A second incident unfolded on February 24 at North Eleuthera Airport where an American Airlines jet awaiting takeoff clearance encountered another aircraft passing overhead while still positioned on the active runway.

    The Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority issued a Serious Safety Concern notice indicating preliminary evidence suggests both incidents involved failures in proper radio communication protocols. At uncontrolled airports like these, pilots are required to continuously self-announce their positions on designated frequencies—a critical safety procedure that preliminary findings indicate may not have been followed.

    Political response emerged as Debra Moxey Rolle, Free National Movement candidate for Exuma, highlighted broader infrastructure concerns referencing a recent incident where a medical evacuation flight couldn’t land due to runway lighting failure, resulting in a patient’s death. ‘When it comes to matters of safety and life, silence is not an option,’ Rolle stated, emphasizing the community’s dependence on reliable air access for medical emergencies and commerce.

    The aviation authority maintains strict confidentiality regarding ongoing investigations, noting that premature disclosure could compromise investigative integrity. Officials confirmed that any identified safety breaches will trigger immediate corrective measures aligned with international aviation standards and regulatory mandates.

  • Gov’t to discontinue current arrangement with Cuba regarding deployment of medical professionals

    Gov’t to discontinue current arrangement with Cuba regarding deployment of medical professionals

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—Jamaica’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade announced Thursday the formal discontinuation of its longstanding medical cooperation agreement with Cuba, marking a significant shift in bilateral relations between the Caribbean nations.

    The termination follows unsuccessful negotiations between both governments to establish new terms for technical cooperation after the previous arrangement lapsed in February 2023. Despite extended discussions, authorities from both countries failed to reach consensus on the conditions governing the program that has brought Cuban healthcare professionals to Jamaican public health facilities for years.

    In a strategic transition move, the Jamaican government has proposed individual employment contracts for the currently deployed Cuban medical personnel. This interim solution would allow these professionals to complete their scheduled tenure in Jamaica under local labor regulations, ensuring both service continuity and stability for the healthcare workers affected by the diplomatic decision.

    The Cuban medical contingent has made substantial contributions to Jamaica’s public health system, particularly through specialized eye care programs and general medical services provided by doctors and nurses across the island. Their presence has been instrumental in addressing healthcare shortages in various communities, making their continued service through alternative arrangements a priority for Jamaican authorities.

    The dissolution of this bilateral agreement represents not just a technical change in cooperation terms but potentially signals broader shifts in Caribbean diplomatic relationships and South-South cooperation frameworks that have characterized regional relations for decades.

  • Groundwater at risk

    Groundwater at risk

    Jamaica’s government is issuing an urgent warning about a growing environmental threat to Kingston’s drinking water, directly linking the capital’s widespread reliance on backyard septic systems to the dangerous contamination of its underground aquifer. Water Minister Matthew Samuda, speaking at a Jamaica Observer Monday Exchange, declared that the traditional soak-away pits and septic tanks used across much of Kingston and St. Andrew are creating a severe hazard to the city’s long-term water security.

    The minister revealed that the contamination is no longer a theoretical risk but a concrete crisis, with several major wells already decommissioned due to pollution. He specified that eight major wells in the capital region, capable of producing over two million gallons of water daily, are now untappable because of nitrate pollution seeping from these decentralized waste systems. This groundwater has historically been one of Kingston’s most reliable sources of potable water.

    Against this dire backdrop, Minister Samuda is adamant that a massive expansion of the public sewer network is not a matter of choice but an absolute necessity for national survival. He framed the controversial sewerage charges—currently facing public scrutiny—as an indispensable component of this essential infrastructure overhaul. “I can’t guarantee your water supply in 20 and 30 years without the restoration of your water table,” Samuda stated, “and I can’t restore the water table without sewering Kingston.”

    His comments address mounting frustration from homeowners who are being billed for sewerage services even if their properties are not yet connected to the main lines. While acknowledging these concerns, the minister emphasized that the financial model is standard across the Commonwealth and critical for funding the infrastructure that will safeguard the nation’s ‘most valuable water reserve.’ The National Water Commission (NWC) maintains the legal authority to charge homeowners within 300 feet of a sewer line, encouraging them to connect for both public and private benefit, particularly when their own pits fail.

  • Caribbean Climate & Sustainable Energy Youth Workshop 2026 ongoing in Jamaica

    Caribbean Climate & Sustainable Energy Youth Workshop 2026 ongoing in Jamaica

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Caribbean youth are positioning themselves at the forefront of the region’s sustainable energy transformation as the Caribbean Youth Climate Council (CYCC) hosts its second major climate conference. The Caribbean Climate & Sustainable Energy Youth Workshop 2026, convened from March 4-6 at the Jamaica Conference Centre, represents a strategic effort to empower young leaders in shaping climate-resilient futures for Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

    Under the theme “SUSEnergy: Equity and Inclusion in a Changing Climate,” the gathering brings together youth delegates, policy experts, energy specialists, and community advocates from across the Caribbean Community (Caricom). This collaborative initiative, supported by Youth Action Co: Lab and Youth4Energy, addresses the dual challenges of climate vulnerability and energy security that disproportionately affect island nations.

    The workshop’s programming, developed with backing from the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE), features expert-led sessions examining renewable energy deployment strategies, inclusive energy policy frameworks, and youth engagement in climate governance. Through interactive dialogues and solution-oriented workshops, participants are developing practical approaches to advance equitable energy transitions.

    A highlight of the event includes an educational field visit to the International Centre for Environmental and Nuclear Sciences (ICENS) and the EV Lab at the University of the West Indies, Mona campus. This hands-on component provides delegates with direct exposure to cutting-edge research in environmental science, renewable technology, and electric mobility solutions being developed within the region.

    The conference represents a significant evolution from previous youth climate initiatives by focusing specifically on actionable outcomes and measurable impact. By facilitating cross-sector collaboration between emerging leaders and established institutions, the workshop aims to translate dialogue into concrete pathways for youth-led climate action and sustainable energy investment across the Caribbean.

  • Jamaican Gov’t mulls installation of solar system at its embassy in Havana

    Jamaican Gov’t mulls installation of solar system at its embassy in Havana

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—In response to Cuba’s severe energy crisis, the Jamaican government has announced urgent plans to install solar panels at its embassy in Havana. The initiative aims to maintain diplomatic operations amid extensive power outages that have created challenging working conditions for embassy staff.

    Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson Smith addressed the situation during Wednesday’s post-Cabinet media briefing at Jamaica House, publicly acknowledging the dedication of embassy personnel working under considerable strain. “We’re seeking to install a solar system at our embassy because the embassy itself is severely challenged,” Johnson Smith stated. “The staff there, I really have to express [the Government’s] appreciation to them publicly because they are standing up under the strain.”

    The minister emphasized that solar implementation would enable more predictable operational hours for the diplomatic mission. This move comes as Cuba experiences some of its worst blackouts in decades, exacerbated by complex geopolitical factors.

    Cuba’s energy crisis has deepened significantly following the disruption of oil supplies from Venezuela, traditionally its primary energy partner. The situation deteriorated further after the Trump administration intensified the six-decade-old U.S. embargo in January, implementing additional sanctions. Concurrently, Mexico ceased oil shipments to Cuba under pressure from U.S. threats, creating a perfect storm that has left many Cuban institutions and households without reliable electricity.

  • Government could review tax measures as manufacturers press for change

    Government could review tax measures as manufacturers press for change

    Jamaican manufacturing leaders are engaging in critical consultations with finance ministry officials this week, potentially prompting revisions to the government’s recently proposed $29.4-billion tax package. Industry representatives are advocating for modifications to certain measures they argue could exacerbate existing external economic pressures and undermine export competitiveness.

    Richard Pandohie, CEO of Seprod Group, confirmed that major industry associations including the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA) and the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) are actively participating in discussions with the Ministry of Finance. “We’re hopeful that when the consultation is done, there are aspects of [the tax package] that the Government will realise could perhaps be looked at again,” Pandohie stated, specifically highlighting concerns about levies that disadvantage exporters.

    Among the most contentious elements is the planned increase of the Environmental Protection Levy from 0.5% to 0.8%, coupled with an expansion of its domestic application. This measure alone is projected to generate approximately $3.6 billion in additional revenue during the upcoming fiscal year. The levy’s structure has become a focal point in negotiations as officials attempt to balance revenue requirements with maintaining export viability.

    The comprehensive tax proposal also introduces new and heightened Special Consumption Taxes, most notably a sweetened beverage tax expected to yield roughly $10.1 billion. Additional increases on alcohol and tobacco products, along with the application of General Consumption Tax to certain overseas digital services, complete the revenue-raising framework.

    While government officials have positioned the sweetened beverage tax as both a fiscal and public health initiative, manufacturers caution that consumption-based taxes can produce ripple effects throughout distribution networks, pricing models, and consumer demand—particularly concerning given current constraints on disposable income.

    Pandohie emphasized that manufacturers support revenue mobilization efforts but seek carefully calibrated measures that avoid detrimental impacts on exporters already confronting elevated input costs and recent US tariff increases to 15%. He characterized ongoing discussions as constructive, noting the government’s openness to stakeholder input.

    The manufacturing executive acknowledged the government’s fiscal challenges following Hurricane Melissa and recognized that Jamaica has experienced several years without direct tax increases. However, he maintained that revenue objectives could be achieved without compromising the competitive position of local manufacturers and consumers.

    With budget debates scheduled to commence next Tuesday, industry representatives remain optimistic that aspects of the tax package will be reconsidered following the conclusion of current consultations.