标签： Jamaica

In a surprising turn of events, a magistrate court in Kano, Nigeria, has mandated the marriage of two TikTok influencers following their posting of a video depicting them passionately kissing. The court, located in the socially conservative northern region of Nigeria, directed the Hisbah, the local sharia police, to officiate the union within 60 days. The decision was made in response to what was deemed ‘indecent’ content by the court, reflecting the deep-seated cultural and religious norms of the area. The influencers, Idris Mai Wushirya and Basira Yar Guda, faced public backlash and legal consequences after their video went viral. Mai Wushirya was detained prior to the court’s ruling, while Yar Guda went into hiding. The Hisbah has begun preparations for the wedding, with both families being approached for consent. Additionally, the Kano state government has pledged to provide a house for the couple, fulfilling a condition set by the bride. This incident highlights the ongoing tension between modern social media practices and traditional values in northern Nigeria, where sharia law coexists with common law.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) has been placed on full alert as Tropical Storm Melissa advances toward the island. This announcement was made by Matthew Samuda, Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change, during a ministerial statement in the House of Representatives on Tuesday afternoon. Samuda emphasized the government’s proactive measures, stating, ‘Your Government is working tirelessly to ensure that the systems we have developed to protect you are already activated. The Meteorological Service of Jamaica is closely monitoring the storm’s movement and will provide continuous updates as new data becomes available.’ He highlighted that Melissa’s formation serves as a stark reminder that the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season remains active. Current projections indicate that Melissa could intensify into a Category 1 hurricane by Saturday, fueled by unusually warm Caribbean waters, which Samuda attributed to the broader impacts of global climate change. A tropical storm watch has been issued for Jamaica, with meteorological models predicting heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and potential flash flooding as the storm moves northward later this week. Samuda expressed particular concern about the risk of landslides in mountainous parishes, especially in areas with already saturated soil. While the storm’s projected path currently points toward Hispaniola, its proximity to Jamaica demands heightened vigilance. Samuda cautioned that tropical systems like Melissa can shift course unexpectedly, and even indirect impacts can cause significant disruption. The government has assured the public that it is prepared to respond to any eventuality, urging citizens to remain vigilant. ‘While we hope that Tropical Storm Melissa will spare our island significant impact, we must prepare for the worst even as we pray for the best,’ Samuda concluded.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The GraceKennedy Foundation (GKF) has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to education by awarding over $31 million in scholarships to 91 exceptional university students. The recipients, hailing from prestigious institutions such as the University of the West Indies, Mona (UWI), the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech), the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts (EMC), and the Caribbean Maritime University (CMU), were honored during a special ceremony held on October 9, 2025, at UTech. The event brought together students, parents, educators, and GraceKennedy executives to celebrate the scholars’ remarkable achievements.

Nowell Lewin Jr., a passionate mental health advocate and law student from Jamaica, is calling for public assistance to attend a prestigious World Health Organization (WHO) youth conference in Geneva, Switzerland. Scheduled from October 28 to 31, the event is a collaborative effort between the WHO and the World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA), uniting youth leaders, diplomats, and policymakers to address critical global health issues. Lewin, the founder of the mental health organization Global Integration Society, has been selected to join a committee focusing on social connection and mental health—a subject he holds dear. He aims to represent Jamaica and the Caribbean, emphasizing the need for regional voices in international discussions. Participants are tasked with researching their assigned countries’ stances on global health topics, culminating in a resolution paper proposing actionable solutions. Lewin plans to share these recommendations with Jamaica’s Ministries of Health, Education, and Foreign Affairs upon his return. While his conference fee is covered, Lewin requires approximately US$4,060 to cover travel, accommodation, and living expenses. He highlights the broader issue of limited financial support for Jamaican youth attending international events, urging the government and private sector to step up. Lewin also stresses the importance of addressing mental health in Jamaica, noting its intersection with crime, education, and family life. He encourages Jamaicans to support his mission, as it could catalyze greater national awareness and change. Donations can be made to his National Commercial Bank account (May Pen Branch, account number 564741183).

Adrian Ellis, a 14-year-old student from Ascot High School, was celebrated for his extraordinary courage during the Ceremony of Investiture and Presentation of National Honours and Awards at King’s House on Monday. Adrian was the sole recipient of the Badge of Honour for Gallantry, recognizing his swift and selfless actions that saved the life of his classmate, Roxanne Riley, on April 30, 2025. The incident occurred when Roxanne fell and sustained a severe head injury after being tripped by another student. Demonstrating remarkable presence of mind, Adrian removed his undershirt, used it to stem the bleeding, and applied first-aid techniques he had learned from movies and TikTok videos. His quick thinking and bravery not only stabilized Roxanne but also ensured her survival until professional medical help arrived. Adrian, the youngest among the 141 Jamaicans honored this year, received a heartfelt congratulatory hug from Roxanne during the ceremony, symbolizing the profound impact of his heroic deed.