KINGSTON, Jamaica — As Tropical Storm Melissa looms over Jamaica, the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) has initiated its emergency operations plan to ensure a rapid and coordinated response to potential damage to the island’s power infrastructure. The company is emphasizing the importance of safety and urging residents to take necessary precautions before, during, and after the storm.
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Guyana mulls ankle monitoring to combat domestic violence
The government of Guyana is actively exploring innovative measures, including the use of ankle monitoring systems, to enhance its efforts in combating domestic violence. Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond emphasized the importance of these strategies in ensuring greater safety, accountability, and support for victims. The proposed ankle monitoring bracelets would enable authorities to track offenders’ movements in real time, issuing automated alerts if they approach restricted areas or come near victims. This proactive approach aims to prevent further harm and ensure swift intervention. Walrond highlighted the government’s commitment to creating a secure environment, stating, ‘We have a mandate from the people to deliver a safe and secure country. People want to feel secure and have a standard of living where they can walk down the street with their children without worry.’ The Safe City Initiative, which employs facial recognition, vehicle tracking, and license plate recognition, has already improved response times in investigations and contributed to community safety. Additionally, an alert app functioning as a panic button is being developed to further empower citizens. Despite these advancements, Walrond stressed the need to build trust between the public and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to ensure transparency and accountability at every stage. ‘People want to feel that there is a police force they can trust, that cares, and that will respond to them,’ she added.
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US says two dead in strike on alleged drug-smuggling boat in Pacific
In a significant escalation of its anti-drug operations, the United States conducted a military strike on an alleged drug-smuggling vessel in the eastern Pacific, resulting in the deaths of two individuals. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the operation on Wednesday, marking the first such attack on a boat in the Pacific Ocean. The strike, which was carried out in international waters, brings the total number of similar operations to at least eight, with a death toll of at least 34. Hegseth described the targets as ‘narco-terrorists’ and emphasized that no US forces were harmed during the mission. The Trump administration has framed these actions as part of an ‘armed conflict’ with Latin American drug cartels, which it has designated as terrorist organizations. However, critics argue that the US has not provided concrete evidence to substantiate its claims, and legal experts contend that such summary killings are unlawful. The campaign has heightened tensions with regional allies, particularly Venezuela and Colombia, where US military presence has raised concerns about broader geopolitical motives. Colombia recently recalled its ambassador to the US following a public feud between President Gustavo Petro and Donald Trump over the latter’s aggressive anti-drug strategies. Despite these tensions, both nations have reaffirmed their commitment to combating drug trafficking.
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UN chief calls for ‘fight’ against climate disinformation
In a powerful address at the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) in Geneva, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the urgent need to combat climate disinformation and defend scientific integrity. His remarks come ahead of the pivotal COP30 summit in Brazil and follow controversial statements by former US President Donald Trump, who dismissed climate change as a ‘hoax’ and criticized renewable energy technologies. Guterres underscored the critical role of ‘clear-eyed’ climate science in understanding the existential threat posed by global warming, urging nations to reject misinformation, online harassment, and greenwashing. He highlighted the surge in renewable energy investments, noting that nearly all new power capacity in 2024 came from renewables, which he described as the ‘cheapest, fastest, and smartest’ solution to climate change. Guterres also stressed the importance of early warning systems for extreme weather events, particularly for vulnerable nations, as the planet faces unprecedented environmental challenges. With COP30 set to take place in Belem, Brazil, from November 10-21, Guterres called for bold national climate action plans aligned with the goal of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
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Integrity Commission announces new appointments
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Integrity Commission of Jamaica has taken a significant step forward in its mission to uphold integrity and transparency within the public sector. On Wednesday, a formal swearing-in ceremony at King’s House marked the official appointment of three distinguished directors to the commission’s leadership team. Governor General Sir Patrick Allen presided over the event, endorsing the selection of Craig Beresford as executive director, Roneiph Lawrence as director of corruption prosecution, and Joeth Jones as director of information and complaints. The commission emphasized that these appointments reflect a strategic move to enhance its operational capacity and reinforce its commitment to combating corruption. In a statement released on the same day, the commission highlighted the new directors’ extensive experience and unwavering dedication to their roles. Their leadership is anticipated to bolster the commission’s efforts in safeguarding public interests, addressing unethical practices, and fostering accountability in public life. The commission reiterated its guiding principle: ‘Integrity is the quiet force that compels us to do what is right — even when it is inconvenient, unpopular, or unseen.’ This development underscores Jamaica’s ongoing efforts to strengthen governance and promote ethical standards across its institutions.
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Chas E Ramson Ltd partners with Project STAR to support community transformation
KINGSTON, Jamaica – In a significant move to bolster social cohesion and opportunity in underserved Jamaican communities, Chas E Ramson Limited has announced a two-year, $4 million partnership with Project STAR (Social Transformation and Renewal). This national initiative aims to empower local residents to lead their own transformation, fostering safety and development in marginalized areas.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Fishers advised to head for land
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Authorities in Jamaica have issued urgent warnings to fishers and marine operators to evacuate coastal and offshore waters as Tropical Storm Melissa approaches the island. Dr. Gavin Bellamy, Chief Executive Officer of the National Fisheries Authority (NFA), emphasized that safety remains the top priority as the island braces for severe weather conditions.
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Apple, Google face tougher UK regulation of mobile platforms
The United Kingdom’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announced on Wednesday that Apple and Google will face enhanced regulatory oversight for their mobile platforms. This decision, following a nine-month investigation, designates the two tech giants as holding ‘strategic market status’ (SMS), enabling the CMA to enforce stricter rules aimed at fostering competition and innovation. The move mirrors the European Union’s Digital Markets Act, which imposes significant financial penalties for non-compliance. The CMA highlighted that Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android dominate the UK mobile market, with nearly all devices pre-installed with one of these operating systems. Their app stores and browsers also hold leading positions, potentially stifling competition. Under the SMS designation, the CMA can mandate changes to how these platforms operate, offering consumers greater choice. Both companies criticized the decision, with Google labeling it ‘disappointing, disproportionate, and unwarranted,’ while Apple warned it could lead to weaker privacy, delayed updates, and a fragmented user experience. The CMA’s announcement follows Google’s recent SMS designation for its dominance in online search, with ongoing consultations on specific rules. Google has also cautioned that unfavorable regulations could hinder new product launches in the UK, despite its recent £5 billion ($6.7 billion) investment in the country’s AI sector. Both companies employ thousands in the UK, with Google employing over 7,000 and Apple nearly 8,000.
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Wisdom reclaims title at Jamaica Draughts & Pool Checkers Open Tournament
The Jamaica Draughts & Pool Checkers Open Tournament, held recently at Jarrett Park in Montego Bay, brought together the island’s finest draughts players in a display of exceptional skill and strategic prowess. Organized by the Jamaica Draughts Association (JDA) in partnership with the Montego Bay Warriors Draughts Club, the event, themed ‘Settle All Arguments,’ drew competitors from across Jamaica, underscoring the growing popularity of the sport.
In the highly anticipated Top Masters Division, defending champion Jason Wisdom clinched victory in a thrilling finish, narrowly defeating International Grandmaster Wayne ‘Shine’ Reid and Jermaine ‘Tiger’ Delattibudiere by a mere half-point. Reid secured second place, while Delattibudiere took third, following a tie-breaker under the Swiss system.
The tournament also spotlighted emerging talent in the class two and class three divisions. Everette Kavanaugh emerged as the class two champion, with 16-year-old Justin Angus, Jamaica’s youngest competitor in this category, finishing as runner-up. Godfrey Menzie claimed third place. In class three, Dexton Hudson took the top spot, followed by Jason Case and Alexander Rose.
The JDA highlighted the broader benefits of draughts, emphasizing its role in enhancing strategic thinking, problem-solving, and mental focus. Research has shown that engaging in mentally stimulating games like draughts can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline, making it both a competitive and health-enhancing activity.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing local talent and providing a platform for players to excel at national and international levels, ensuring the continued growth and recognition of draughts as a sport of intellectual and strategic significance.
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MDS working to get back to profit
Medical Disposables and Supplies Limited (MDS), a prominent distributor of pharmaceutical and medical supplies, has embarked on a strategic initiative to reverse its financial losses and return to profitability. Despite two consecutive years of net losses, the company has outlined a four-pronged approach to address its challenges and restore financial health. This strategy includes aggressive cost reduction, restoration of gross margins, debt reduction, and an expanded product offering in both its medical and consumer divisions.
MDS, which has been listed on the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) for nearly 12 years, has seen significant growth in revenue, assets, and capital base since its listing. However, the company faced setbacks due to the write-down of COVID-19 backlogged products in its March 2024 financial year and rising operational financing costs in 2025. These challenges have necessitated a sharp focus on cost management and operational efficiency.
In its 2025 annual report, MDS highlighted progress in revenue growth, expanded product offerings, and stronger gross margins. Consolidated revenue grew by 5% to $3.88 billion, driven by increased sales volumes and market diversification. Gross profit rose by 22% to $876.43 million, though real growth was only 10.64% after accounting for inventory write-downs. Administrative expenses increased by 8% due to emergency repairs and higher security costs, while selling and promotional expenses were reduced by 4%.
However, MDS faced a significant jump in impairment charges on financial assets, from $14.97 million to $129.17 million, largely due to auditors increasing provisions for related party balances. This resulted in a consolidated operating loss of $151.66 million and a net loss of $281.06 million. Despite these setbacks, the company’s core business showed improvement, with revenue growing by 9% to $3.52 billion and gross profit rising by 38% to $787.29 million.
MDS CEO Kurt Boothe emphasized the company’s focus on cost containment, supplier renegotiations, and operational efficiency. The company has also expanded its presence in the general consumer market, with confectionery, beauty, and household lines contributing to revenue growth. MDS expects finance costs to decline in the coming months as it optimizes inventory levels and enhances collections performance.
The company’s first quarter (April to June) saw a 3% rise in consolidated revenue to $998.74 million but a net loss of $16.42 million. MDS’s asset base stood at $2.49 billion, with inventory at $1.04 billion and trade receivables at $626.19 million. The company last paid a dividend in January 2023 and is currently focused on financial recovery. MDS will host its annual general meeting on November 20 at its head office in Kingston.