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标签： Jamaica

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  • Haitian PM names new cabinet

    Haitian PM names new cabinet

    PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – In a decisive move signaling a shift from rhetoric to implementation, Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé has inaugurated a new 17-member cabinet. Addressing a ceremony attended by members of the diplomatic corps, the Prime Minister declared an end to ‘fine speeches’ and emphasized that ‘today is the time for action.’

    The newly appointed government is tasked with steering the nation through a multifaceted crisis, with its agenda structured around three core strategic pillars: national security, socio-economic recovery, and the critical organization of long-awaited elections. Fils-Aimé expressed unwavering confidence that presidential and national polls would be conducted before the end of the year, a significant step toward restoring constitutional order last upheld with the 2016 election of President Jovenel Moise.

    Central to the administration’s mission is the urgent need to reclaim national security. The Prime Minister outlined plans to bolster the operational capabilities of the Haitian National Police (PNH), the Armed Forces of Haiti (FAd’H), and the specialized Gang Repression Force (FRG). This enhanced security apparatus is deemed essential to dismantle the influence of criminal factions and reassert state authority across the country.

    On the economic front, the interim administration pledges to foster a climate conducive to investment through sustained dialogue with private sector leaders and international financial partners. Key initiatives will focus on supporting agricultural workers and entrepreneurs, revitalizing national production, and attracting foreign capital to spur growth.

    A cornerstone of the government’s legitimacy hinges on conducting free, fair, and credible elections. Fils-Aimé stressed the imperative to establish the necessary institutional, logistical, and security mechanisms to ensure the electoral process is transparent and inclusive, ultimately renewing the nation’s political leadership.

    The Prime Minister issued a heartfelt appeal for national unity, calling on all sectors of society to collaborate in building a prosperous Haiti founded on solidarity and peace. He extended gratitude to international partners for their sustained support in the nation’s prolonged struggle against instability.

    The newly formed cabinet includes key appointments such as Patrick Pelissier at Justice and Public Security, Serge Gabriel Collin at Economy and Finance, and Raina Forbin leading Foreign Affairs and Religious Affairs, among others, forming a team charged with executing this ambitious agenda.

  • Holmwood Tech levels up

    Holmwood Tech levels up

    Holmwood Technical High School in Manchester has inaugurated a state-of-the-art educational facility designed with unprecedented accessibility features, marking a significant milestone during the institution’s 90th anniversary celebrations. The newly constructed four-story block, containing eleven classrooms, incorporates a staff-operated elevator system providing full accessibility to all floors for individuals with mobility challenges.

    Principal Hidran McKulsky emphasized the institution’s commitment to inclusive education, stating, “This facility represents our dedication to ensuring all students and staff can navigate our campus with dignity. The elevator system, operated exclusively by staff members, guarantees safe access from ground level to the fourth floor.”

    The $192 million project, executed through collaboration between Jamaica’s Ministry of Education and the National Education Trust (NET), includes comprehensive modern amenities. Each classroom features advanced cooling systems that leverage natural ventilation, addressing longstanding concerns about inadequate airflow in educational structures. The design incorporates emergency lighting, comprehensive fire safety systems, strategically placed electrical sockets, and illuminated whiteboards to enhance visibility.

    NET Executive Director Latoya Harris-Ghartey highlighted the investment as evidence of the ministry’s sustained commitment to educational infrastructure. The project timeline experienced delays due to Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact in October 2025, with reconstruction efforts exceeding mere restoration to create more resilient facilities.

    Complementing the academic structure, the school’s access roadway underwent $22.1 million in improvements. The official opening ceremony featured symbolic gestures including torch lighting and unveiling of new school signage, merging the facility’s inauguration with the institution’s nine-decade anniversary.

    Contractor C&D Construction and Engineering Limited delivered the project amid challenging post-hurricane conditions. Simultaneously, similar accessibility initiatives are progressing nationwide, with Mount Saint Joseph High School in Mandeville completing elevator installation and Sydney Pagon STEM Academy implementing chairlift systems last year, signaling a broader movement toward inclusive educational infrastructure across Jamaican institutions.

  • Cashier fined for ganja seizure at Kingston casino

    Cashier fined for ganja seizure at Kingston casino

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — A Kingston-based casino cashier has been sentenced to a financial penalty following a narcotics seizure incident that occurred on February 15, 2026. Victoria Newman faced judicial proceedings after law enforcement officials discovered 6.96 ounces of cannabis, commonly known as ganja in Jamaica, distributed across multiple locations within the gaming establishment.

    During the operational raid, both Newman and a fellow bartender were present on the premises. Despite both individuals being initially detained, Newman voluntarily claimed sole responsibility for the illicit substance. The subsequent legal proceedings at the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court this week saw Newman enter a guilty plea for simple possession charges.

    The prosecution initially brought two charges against Newman: possession of ganja and the more serious accusation of dealing in ganja. While admitting to the possession charge, Newman maintained her innocence regarding the distribution allegation. The Crown Prosecution subsequently exercised its discretion to withdraw the dealing charge entirely.

    In a parallel development, the bartender who was also charged with possession saw the court formally withdraw the accusation. The final judgment required Newman to pay a $4,000 fine or face alternative incarceration of 30 days, highlighting the judiciary’s approach to minor drug offenses within commercial environments.

  • Man City falter as Premier League leaders Arsenal go seven points clear

    Man City falter as Premier League leaders Arsenal go seven points clear

    In a dramatic midweek Premier League showdown, the championship landscape underwent a significant transformation as Arsenal capitalized on Manchester City’s surprising stumble. The Gunners secured a narrow but crucial 1-0 victory against Brighton while City was held to a 2-2 draw by relegation-battling Nottingham Forest.

    Arsenal’s triumph at Amex Stadium was anchored by Bukayo Saka’s milestone performance. Marking his 300th appearance for the club, the English international broke through in the ninth minute with a deflected strike that ultimately decided the contest. Despite Brighton controlling possession and creating more opportunities, Mikel Arteta’s squad demonstrated defensive resilience to preserve their clean sheet and claim all three points.

    Meanwhile at City Ground, Pep Guardiola’s side experienced unexpected difficulties against a determined Forest outfit. The reigning champions twice established leads through January acquisition Antoine Semenyo and Spanish midfielder Rodri, but each time surrendered their advantage. Forest’s equalizers came through Morgan Gibbs-White’s inventive backheel finish and Elliot Anderson’s precisely placed effort in the 76th minute, ultimately depriving City of critical points.

    The results create a seven-point gap between the top two sides, though City maintains a game in hand. The teams are scheduled for a direct confrontation at Etihad Stadium on April 19th, which could potentially determine the title’s destination.

    In other Premier League action, Chelsea’s João Pedro delivered a spectacular hat-trick performance against Aston Villa, orchestrating a 4-1 comeback victory that propelled the Blues into fifth position. The result intensifies the competition for Champions League qualification, with the top five English clubs now likely to secure berths in next season’s premier European competition due to the nation’s strong coefficient ranking.

    The relegation battle similarly tightened as West Ham defeated Fulham 1-0, drawing level on points with Forest at 28, though Forest maintains superior goal difference. Both clubs now sit just one point behind Tottenham Hotspur, who have a game in hand against Crystal Palace.

  • First ISSA Rural Area junior finalists to be decided today

    First ISSA Rural Area junior finalists to be decided today

    The inaugural semifinals of the ISSA Rural Area Burger King Under-14 and Mighty Malt Under-16 football competitions commence this afternoon at the St Elizabeth Technical Sports Complex in Santa Cruz. This critical stage of the tournament features a double-header that will determine the first finalists.

    Cornwall College enters both matches with undefeated records on the line. Their Under-14 squad faces Garvey Maceo in the 2:00 pm opener, while their Under-16 team clashes with Rusea’s High in the 4:00 pm fixture. All matches are play-to-finish encounters, with victors advancing directly to next week’s championship finals.

    The second set of semifinals is scheduled for Thursday at Glenmuir High School, featuring William Knibb Memorial against Belair High in the Under-14 category and Clarendon College versus Glenmuir High in the Under-16 division.

    Cornwall College’s remarkable season includes just one draw each for both teams, occurring simultaneously during the quarter-finals. The Under-14 team secured a 1-1 draw against defending champions Glenmuir High, while the Under-16 squad battled to a 2-2 stalemate with Munro College. Both teams demonstrated resilience by winning their subsequent two matches to top their respective zones.

    Garvey Maceo, having finished second to William Knibb on goal difference alone in their quarter-final group, aims to return to championship glory after previously securing consecutive titles. Meanwhile, Rusea’s High’s Under-16 team seeks redemption for their junior squad’s twin 3-1 defeats against Cornwall College in both the second round and quarter-finals. The Hanover-based institution accumulated four points in the quarter-finals with one win, one draw, and one loss, maintaining an even goal difference of three scored and three conceded.

  • At least 87 dead after US sinks Iranian warship

    At least 87 dead after US sinks Iranian warship

    In a significant escalation of Middle Eastern hostilities, a United States submarine launched a torpedo attack on an Iranian naval vessel off the southern coast of Sri Lanka on Wednesday. The incident resulted in substantial casualties, with Sri Lankan authorities confirming the recovery of 87 deceased sailors while 61 remain missing.

    US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth characterized the operation as ‘quiet death’ during a Washington press briefing, noting this marks the first torpedo sinking of an enemy vessel by American forces since World War II. ‘We are fighting to win,’ Hegseth stated, drawing parallels to historical conflicts.

    The targeted Iranian frigate, identified as IRIS Dena, had reportedly participated in military exercises at India’s Visakhapatnam port prior to the attack. According to Sri Lankan naval spokesperson Buddhika Sampath, the vessel issued a distress signal at dawn but had completely submerged within hours, leaving only an oil slick visible on the ocean surface approximately 40 kilometers south of Galle.

    Sri Lankan naval forces conducted rescue operations in accordance with international maritime obligations, saving 32 injured sailors who are currently receiving medical treatment in Galle. Local authorities have enhanced security around medical facilities treating the Iranian personnel.

    The South Asian nation maintains official neutrality in the ongoing Middle Eastern conflict, repeatedly advocating for diplomatic solutions. This stance reflects economic considerations, as over one million Sri Lankan citizens work in the region, providing crucial foreign remittances to the nation recovering from its 2022 economic crisis.

    Iranian officials have not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident. Tehran’s ambassador to Colombo, Alireza Delkhosh, was unavailable for immediate comment. Both Sri Lankan naval and air forces have declined to release visual documentation of the rescue operation, citing protocols involving foreign military assets.

  • US authorises American Airlines subsidiary to operate flights to Venezuela

    US authorises American Airlines subsidiary to operate flights to Venezuela

    The United States Department of Transportation has granted formal authorization to Envoy Air, a fully-owned subsidiary of American Airlines, to conduct direct commercial flights between Miami and two Venezuelan cities—Caracas and Maracaibo. The approval, announced on Wednesday, permits daily nonstop services for a duration of two years, marking a significant shift in US-Venezuela relations.

    This development comes just two months after a US-led military operation resulted in the removal of former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro. American Airlines had suspended all operations in Venezuela back in 2019, ending a presence that spanned over three decades. The carrier applied for the flight resumption permit on February 13, shortly after the change in leadership.

    Following the January intervention, which reportedly resulted in over a hundred casualties, US President Donald Trump endorsed Delcy Rodríguez as interim leader. Rodríguez has since aligned more closely with Washington, facilitating increased US investment in Venezuela’s substantial oil reserves and introducing several political reforms.

    Nat Pieper, American Airlines’ Chief Commercial Officer, emphasized that renewed air connectivity would foster family reunifications and stimulate bilateral trade. While no specific start date for the flights has been disclosed, the move symbolizes a thaw in previously strained diplomatic ties, which had deteriorated under Maduro’s authoritarian governance and opposition to US foreign policy.

    Although strict sanctions imposed during both the Trump and Biden administrations remain partially in effect, certain restrictions—particularly those related to oil commerce—have been eased since Maduro’s ouster.

  • Why Caribbean professionals aren’t landing remote jobs — and how to fix It

    Why Caribbean professionals aren’t landing remote jobs — and how to fix It

    A pressing dilemma is emerging across the Caribbean professional landscape as hundreds of qualified individuals report inability to secure remote employment despite strong credentials. Digital strategist Keron Rose, based in Thailand, reveals that PhD holders, master’s graduates, and experienced managers alike are encountering unresponsive applications in the global job market.

    The core issue identified is a fundamental misalignment between traditional job-seeking approaches and contemporary hiring practices. Global companies have shifted from degree-focused recruitment to skills-first evaluation, prioritizing demonstrable capabilities over academic credentials. Modern employers seek professionals who exhibit strong communication, critical thinking, digital literacy, data interpretation skills, and adaptability to new technologies—particularly AI integration for enhanced efficiency.

    Rose outlines six critical strategy adjustments Caribbean professionals must implement:

    1. Market Alignment Over Degrees: Qualifications alone no longer differentiate candidates. Employers require evidence of measurable achievements, digital competence through tool proficiency, and relevant certifications. Professionals must showcase portfolios and case studies demonstrating business impact rather than relying on academic credentials.

    2. Algorithm-Optimized Resumes: Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) filter applications before human review. Complex designs, graphics, and lack of keyword optimization cause qualified candidates to be automatically rejected. Simple formatting, job description mirroring, and AI-enhanced keyword alignment are essential.

    3. Geographic Filter Awareness: Many professionals inadvertently apply for region-locked positions by leaving location filters set to United States. Targeting “Worldwide,” “Work from Anywhere,” and “Global Remote” listings dramatically increases eligibility.

    4. LinkedIn Necessity: An incomplete or inactive LinkedIn profile renders professionals invisible to recruiters who actively source talent. Optimized profiles require skill-specific headlines, tool enumeration, measurable results, and regular industry engagement.

    5. Systematic Approach: Treating job hunting as a disciplined system rather than occasional activity is crucial. Daily alerts, rapid application submission, tailored materials, and consistent tracking over months are necessary when competing globally.

    6. Digital Footprint Management: Employers routinely review public online presence. Unprofessional content can silently eliminate candidates, requiring careful curation of digital identities that convey maturity and professionalism.

    Rose emphasizes that Caribbean professionals possess inherent advantages including strong English proficiency and cultural alignment with major markets. Success requires strategic adaptation to modern hiring realities through updated skills, algorithm awareness, intentional filtering, and disciplined execution in the global remote workforce ecosystem.

  • New format for Miss Universe Jamaica, organisers opting for parish competitions

    New format for Miss Universe Jamaica, organisers opting for parish competitions

    In a landmark strategic shift aimed at bolstering Jamaica’s competitive prowess on the international beauty stage, the organizers of Miss Universe Jamaica have announced a complete structural overhaul of their national selection process. Atelier Dermoth Williams Limited, the official franchise holder, has eliminated the regional preliminary system that has characterized previous competitions, replacing it with an innovative parish-based recruitment framework.

    This transformative approach represents the initial phase of a comprehensive reimagining of Jamaica’s premier beauty pageant franchise. The new parish-level model is designed to foster more inclusive national representation and implement a more sophisticated talent identification mechanism. By activating all fourteen parishes across the island, the organization intends to systematically discover, nurture, and prepare exceptional delegates capable of bringing the Miss Universe crown to Jamaica.

    Mark McDermoth, President of Atelier Dermoth Williams Limited, explained the strategic rationale behind this structural transformation in an exclusive interview. ‘Our decision to implement parish competitions stems from our commitment to strengthening and deepening the recruitment program. We are leaving no stone unturned in our search to identify that special delegate with the potential to claim the Miss Universe crown,’ McDermoth emphasized.

    The organization has appointed parish directors who will oversee local pageants based on their demonstrated affiliation with the Miss Universe brand, comprehensive understanding of pageant systems, and unique awareness of their respective parish markets. The appointed directors include Shane Alric Morgan (Kingston & St Andrew), Janique McKenzie (St Catherine), Trilissa Walker (Clarendon, Manchester and St Elizabeth), Hannah Sheree Morris (Westmoreland and Hanover), Delrose Behadure, Francois Medley and Kyle Nunes (St James and Trelawny), Sara Jade Kow (St Ann and St Mary), Shanique Rogers (Portland), and Erica Beckford (St Thomas).

    Regarding the current titleholder, McDermoth provided an update on Miss Universe Jamaica 2025 Gabrielle Henry’s recovery following her fall during preliminary events at Miss Universe 2025 in Thailand. ‘Gabrielle is recuperating with her medical team and family, though she is not yet ready for active duties. In the interim, first runner-up Troy Ann Anderson has been executing responsibilities,’ McDermoth confirmed, adding that the organization continues to wish Henry a speedy recovery.

    Under the revamped structure, thirteen parish titleholders will automatically advance to the national finals scheduled for August 23 at the AC Hotel Kingston. Additional candidates will have a final opportunity to secure placement through the official Miss Universe Jamaica 2026 eliminations on July 5, where a limited number of ‘golden tickets’ will be awarded. The organization plans to maintain approximately 30 contestants for this year’s competition, a number specifically tailored to accommodate new beauty, fashion, and wellness challenges integrated into this year’s program.

    McDermoth hinted at further innovations, noting, ‘We have additional initiatives slated for the Miss Universe Jamaica brand, which we will unveil through a phased program.’ This structural transformation represents the most significant change to Jamaica’s pageantry landscape in recent years, potentially setting a new standard for national beauty competitions worldwide.

  • New fintech platform ‘Quatta’ billed to simplify finance market for public

    New fintech platform ‘Quatta’ billed to simplify finance market for public

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — A groundbreaking financial technology application named Quatta has entered the Jamaican market, introducing a novel approach to personal wealth management. Officially unveiled on Wednesday by Financial Strategist Anna Palomino, the platform distinguishes itself from conventional budgeting tools by implementing a structured 90-day program designed to reshape users’ financial behaviors.

    The application’s nomenclature, derived from the Jamaican Patois pronunciation of “quarter,” embodies its foundational principle: that a single focused quarter of disciplined execution can fundamentally alter an individual’s financial trajectory. Palomino emphasized that the platform moves beyond retrospective spending tracking to offer a proactive framework that translates complex financial strategies into clear, actionable missions.

    “Financial transformation isn’t achieved through motivation alone,” Palomino stated during the unveiling. “It requires structure, systems, and consistent execution over a defined period. Quatta was built around this fundamental truth.”

    The application integrates behavioral science with precision-based financial planning, creating personalized missions aligned with each user’s income, objectives, and risk profile. Its sophisticated architecture includes automated calculations that identify structural blind spots across savings, protection, and investment readiness, while simultaneously implementing tools to minimize emotional decision-making.

    Designed for users seeking refuge from financial “noise,” Quatta offers an uncompromising approach to wealth building. Early waitlist registrants will receive structured previews and priority onboarding ahead of the platform’s scheduled March 2026 public release, marking a significant development in Jamaica’s evolving fintech landscape.