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  • Derillion Group to establish high-voltage battery plant in St Catherine

    Derillion Group to establish high-voltage battery plant in St Catherine

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Aqvastor Technologies Limited, an affiliate of Derillion Energy Limited, has announced plans to establish a state-of-the-art high-voltage battery manufacturing facility in Lake Pen, St. Catherine. This strategic initiative marks a significant advancement in the Caribbean’s renewable energy infrastructure.

    The new plant will feature fully automated assembly lines for high-voltage batteries, comprehensive testing laboratories, and a dedicated printed circuit board (PCB) production unit. Company executives emphasize that the facility is designed specifically to address the escalating demand for efficient energy storage solutions across Caribbean nations transitioning to sustainable power sources.

    Simon Piggott, Chief Executive Officer of Derillion Group, expressed enthusiasm about the project: “This venture represents a milestone in Jamaica’s technological development and our regional commitment to green energy innovation. Our facility will directly support the Caribbean’s transition to renewable energy by providing cutting-edge storage capacity.”

    The project will unfold in two distinct phases. Initial operations will concentrate on battery assembly and validation with an annual output target of 200 megawatt-hours. The subsequent phase will introduce sodium-ion battery cell manufacturing, potentially delivering 500 megawatt-hours annually to CARICOM member states.

    A key technological feature will be the implementation of ZEROD technology, backed by an unprecedented 20-year performance guarantee. Company officials acknowledged the collaborative efforts of Jamaican governmental agencies, including JAMPRO and the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, in facilitating regulatory approvals.

    The inaugural deployment of the battery systems will occur at Derillion Energy Jamaica’s Mona Reservoir Floating Solar and Energy Storage Project. Having received all necessary permits from environmental and municipal authorities, plus generation licensing from the Ministry of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport, construction is slated to commence within weeks.

    Government officials recognized for their support include Minister Daryl Vaz, Minister Aubyn Hill, and JAMPRO President Shullette Cox.

  • Police announce safety measures for Gibson McCook Relays

    Police announce safety measures for Gibson McCook Relays

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – Authorities have unveiled comprehensive security protocols for the upcoming Gibson McCook Relays athletics competition at Jamaica’s National Stadium scheduled for Saturday, February 28. The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has instituted rigorous safety measures designed to ensure patron security during the major sporting event.

    The prohibited items list encompasses an extensive range of articles, including all firearms, bladed weapons such as knives and machetes, ice picks, pyrotechnic devices like firecrackers, aerosol sprays, oversized coolers, glass containers, lighters, frozen beverages, illicit substances, alcoholic beverages, and pointed-tip umbrellas. This thorough restriction policy aims to prevent potentially dangerous items from entering the venue premises.

    Critical operational guidelines include maintaining clear emergency access pathways throughout the event duration and implementing a strict no-re-entry policy for all attendees. Notably, the stadium authorities will not provide storage facilities for firearms, requiring licensed weapon holders to arrange alternative security arrangements for their weapons prior to arrival.

    Traffic management measures include complete parking restrictions on Arthur Wint Drive and Herb McKenley Drive to facilitate emergency vehicle access and crowd movement. All spectators entering the stadium will be subject to systematic security screening procedures.

    The JCF also addressed vendor operations, emphasizing that commercial activities will be strictly confined to designated areas with zero tolerance for unauthorized vending outside these zones. These coordinated security preparations demonstrate Jamaica’s proactive approach to maintaining public safety during large-scale gatherings.

  • Kenya administers first HIV prevention shots

    Kenya administers first HIV prevention shots

    NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya has initiated a transformative public health program by administering the first doses of lenacapavir, a revolutionary HIV prevention medication requiring just two injections annually. The rollout commenced Thursday in Nairobi’s Kawangware informal settlement, marking a significant advancement in the nation’s HIV prevention strategy.

    This pharmaceutical breakthrough demonstrates exceptional efficacy, reducing HIV transmission risk by over 99.9% according to clinical research. Unlike traditional vaccines that stimulate immune response, lenacapavir functions as a long-acting chemical barrier against infection.

    Health Minister Aden Duale characterized the initiative as “a moment of hope for thousands of Kenyan families” during the launch ceremony. The medication will be provided free of charge to recipients through a collaborative arrangement involving manufacturer Gilead Sciences and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS. Kenya recently received an initial shipment of 21,000 doses through this partnership.

    The introduction addresses critical needs in a nation with approximately 1.3 million HIV-positive individuals, particularly affecting the 15-24 age demographic. Minister Duale emphasized that “many of our young people still face the risk of infection… this innovation gives us renewed strength in our national fight against HIV.”

    Community health advocate Carol Njomo highlighted the drug’s advantage of enhanced privacy compared to routine clinic visits for alternative treatments. Early recipients expressed strong support, with 27-year-old Samson Mutua, the inaugural recipient, describing it as “an added protection.” Peace Lawrence, a 23-year-old sex worker, noted the relief from remembering daily oral PrEP medications, acknowledging that “having sex with multiple partners always leaves me in fear.”

    Kenya joins eight other African nations selected for lenacapavir implementation, following earlier rollouts in South Africa, Eswatini, and Zambia since December. This medical advancement arrives amid challenges to HIV/AIDS programs across Africa resulting from reductions in United States foreign aid.

  • Hillary Clinton calls for Trump to testify as she faces US House Epstein panel

    Hillary Clinton calls for Trump to testify as she faces US House Epstein panel

    CHAPPAQUA, New York – In a strategic counteroffensive during her congressional deposition, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton turned the tables on Republican investigators Thursday by demanding they summon former President Donald Trump to testify under oath regarding his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

    Appearing before the House Oversight Committee’s probe into Epstein’s network, Clinton categorically denied any personal knowledge of Epstein’s criminal activities or any visits to his properties. She characterized the investigation as politically motivated, explicitly accusing committee members of attempting to ‘protect one public official’ – an apparent reference to Trump.

    Committee Chairman James Comer maintained the investigation aims to ‘understand many things about Epstein,’ the financier who died in custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. The probe will continue Friday with testimony from former President Bill Clinton.

    In a notable escalation, Clinton challenged the committee’s sincerity, stating that if lawmakers were genuinely interested in uncovering truth about Epstein’s trafficking operations, they would compel Trump to testify regarding his ‘tens of thousands of appearances’ in Epstein-related documents.

    This position found support from the committee’s top Democrat, Robert Garcia, who echoed calls for Trump to provide testimony that would ‘answer questions being asked across this country from survivors.’

    The Clintons had initially resisted subpoenas but complied after Republicans threatened contempt of Congress proceedings. The depositions occur against the backdrop of recently released government documents detailing Epstein’s associations with powerful figures, including both Trump and Bill Clinton.

    While both former presidents appear in the Epstein files, mere mention in the documents does not constitute evidence of criminal activity. Bill Clinton has acknowledged flying on Epstein’s plane for humanitarian work in the early 2000s but denies visiting his private island.

    The proceedings have generated significant attention in this affluent New York community, with security barriers erected around the arts center hosting the deposition. Local reactions ranged from support for congressional investigative authority to criticism of the process, which Bill Clinton previously denounced as resembling a ‘kangaroo court’ due to its closed-door format.

    The investigation’s context includes the ongoing imprisonment of Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell, who recently invoked her Fifth Amendment rights before the committee. Her attorney indicated she would speak publicly if granted clemency by Trump.

    The Epstein case continues to reverberate globally, resulting in high-profile arrests and damaged reputations among those associated with the financier, though Maxwell remains the only person convicted of crimes directly connected to Epstein’s operation.

  • Young people urged to lean into creative industries

    Young people urged to lean into creative industries

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaican government officials are calling on the nation’s youth to harness the vast economic potential within the creative industries. Delano Seiveright, State Minister in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, emphasized that Jamaica possesses a unique and underutilized niche in the global creative marketplace.

    Following a strategic meeting with entertainment mogul Romeich Major, a key architect of Jamaica’s modern entertainment landscape, Seiveright highlighted music, event production, and cultural businesses as natural competitive advantages for the nation. He argued that while Jamaican talent is abundant, young creatives must begin viewing their artistic endeavors as scalable business ventures.

    “The paradigm must shift from mere cultural expression to structured enterprise creation,” Seiveright stated. He pointed to Major’s career trajectory—spanning music management, brand development, and international events—as a blueprint for success. Major’s achievements demonstrate how artistic vision, when fortified with business acumen and persistence, can generate substantial job opportunities, export revenues, and global market penetration.

    Research from the Creative and Cultural Industries Association of Jamaica reveals the sector already contributes significantly to the national economy, accounting for 5.1% of GDP with an estimated annual value of $107 billion. Despite this substantial footprint, many emerging creatives face challenges in business structuring, financing, export capabilities, and market access.

    Seiveright outlined the government’s intensified focus on enterprise development, export expansion, and investment facilitation specifically tailored to creative sectors. The ministry aims to provide tools and partnerships that help entrepreneurs transition from local recognition to sustainable international operations, ultimately maximizing Jamaica’s cultural capital on the world stage.

  • SMA urges broadcast and aviation stakeholders to ensure safe airspace communication

    SMA urges broadcast and aviation stakeholders to ensure safe airspace communication

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s Spectrum Management Authority (SMA) has convened a critical stakeholder assembly to address growing concerns about radio frequency interference that threatens aviation safety communications. The gathering at Port Royal’s Grand Hotel Excelsior brought together technical experts from broadcast media, civil aviation authorities, military aviation units, and telecommunications providers to reinforce collaborative spectrum protection protocols.

    Dr. Maria Myers Hamilton, SMA Managing Director, delivered a stark warning about operational practices that jeopardize aviation safety. “Over-modulation techniques employed by broadcasters can generate dangerous interference within aeronautical bands, potentially crippling communication between air traffic controllers and aircraft navigating Jamaican airspace,” she emphasized. Dr. Hamilton urged all spectrum users to immediately report technical irregularities to prevent disruptions to essential aviation communications.

    Technical presentations by SMA engineers revealed sophisticated monitoring methodologies used to detect and mitigate interference across the 88-108 MHz VHF band. Band Planning Manager Abean Cooper stressed that ongoing stakeholder dialogue enables alignment between regulatory frameworks and field operations, creating cleaner spectrum allocation for all users.

    The Jamaica Defence Force Air Wing’s Major Nick Morris highlighted life-or-death implications of spectrum reliability, noting: “During medical airlift operations where we transport critically ill patients between healthcare facilities, any communication failure could directly endanger lives.”

    Representatives from Aeronautical Telecommunications Limited (AEROTEL) and the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority provided case studies from Hurricane Melissa (October 2025), demonstrating how robust coordination and resilient communication systems maintained continuous air traffic services during catastrophic weather conditions. Participants acknowledged that while the category five storm exposed infrastructure vulnerabilities, it also showcased the telecommunications sector’s remarkable recovery capabilities.

    The forum facilitated open discussion about interference challenges, creating a platform for ongoing collaboration between regulators and service providers to ensure reliable spectrum allocation for Jamaica’s most critical national services.

  • Cockburn looks to make huge impact in Jamaica’s World Cup Qualifiers

    Cockburn looks to make huge impact in Jamaica’s World Cup Qualifiers

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican national basketball team is poised for a crucial home stand in the FIBA World Cup 2027 Americas Qualifiers, with professional center Kofi Cockburn at the heart of their campaign. The team is set to confront the Bahamas on Thursday evening at the National Indoor Sports Centre, followed by a high-stakes match against Canada on Sunday.

    Cockburn, a 26-year-old standout formerly with the University of Illinois now playing in Japan’s professional league, has emerged as a transformative force for the squad. Since pledging his allegiance to Jamaica last year, his on-court performance has been nothing short of dominant, averaging a formidable 20 points and 13 rebounds in two initial victories against Puerto Rico.

    Beyond statistical impact, Cockburn emphasizes the significance of off-court cohesion. “Building chemistry and communicating with these guys has been fundamental,” he stated in an interview with Observer Online. He described the seamless integration into the team, attributing it to the welcoming nature of his teammates. “Jamaicans are really easy people to deal with… the vibe was all good from the start.”

    This series holds profound personal meaning for Cockburn, marking his first time playing international basketball on home soil since departing for New York a decade ago. An alumnus of St Richards Primary and St Andrew Technical High (STATHS), he views these qualifiers as pivotal not just for standings, but for inspiring a generation. He told Coach Rick Turner, “I think that these games… are the most important games because we’re the backbone of Jamaica. We’re trying to make this thing take off.”

    Acknowledging the formidable challenge ahead, Cockburn remains confident in his team’s preparation and tenacity. “Basketball is always tough,” he conceded, “but it’s the team that’s most prepared and that plays the hardest that wins.”

    A successful outcome would propel Jamaica to six points in Group B, establishing a three-point lead over the Bahamas with two fixtures remaining, including a return match in July. The top three teams from the group will advance to the final qualifying round, with six teams ultimately securing automatic berths for the 2027 World Cup in Qatar.

  • After surviving heart surgery, young mother urges early screening for disease

    After surviving heart surgery, young mother urges early screening for disease

    A 21-year-old Jamaican mother, Chris-Ann Hall, faced life-threatening heart complications merely months after delivering her daughter in February 2023. Experiencing severe shortness of breath, persistent coughing, and inability to lie flat, Hall initially received an acid reflux misdiagnosis. Comprehensive medical testing in early 2024 ultimately identified mitral valve regurgitation—a damaged heart valve leaking fluid into her lungs.

    Her cardiac function plummeted to 23%, necessitating three weeks of intensive hospitalization and multiple medications. With valve replacement surgery financially out of reach, Hall was referred by the University Hospital of the West Indies to an international medical mission providing pro bono surgeries. The 2025 procedure successfully replaced her valve with a mechanical implant, though she requires lifelong blood thinners to prevent clotting.

    Hall suspects a genetic component to her condition, noting her father shares the same diagnosis, though physicians believe pregnancy may have accelerated valve damage. The most challenging aspect involved prolonged separation from her infant daughter during hospitalizations and biweekly treatments in Kingston.

    Her recovery was supported by family, Jamaica’s Ministry of Health and Wellness, the I Have a Heart Foundation, and crowdfunding assistance for medications. Hall now advocates for early medical consultation among young Jamaicans experiencing cardiac symptoms.

    This case emerges against Jamaica’s cardiovascular disease epidemic, which accounts for over one-third of national fatalities. Interventional cardiologist Dr. Tahira Redwood observes increasing heart disease presentations among younger demographics, attributing this trend to improved health awareness, earlier screening, and rising risk factors including obesity, hypertension, and sedentary lifestyles. While traditionally manifesting in older adults, Dr. Redwood notes cardiovascular diseases now increasingly appear in patients aged 30+ due to decades-long progression beginning in their 20s.

  • South Africa thrash West Indies in T20 World Cup statement win

    South Africa thrash West Indies in T20 World Cup statement win

    AHMEDABAD, India — South Africa delivered a commanding performance to crush the West Indies by nine wickets in a crucial T20 World Cup encounter. The Proteas, now the tournament’s only undefeated team, effortlessly chased down a target of 177 with 23 balls to spare, finishing at 177-1.

    The match began with the West Indies in dire straits, collapsing to 83-7 before a record-breaking rescue act from Romario Shepherd (52 not out) and Jason Holder (49). Their 89-run partnership established the highest eighth-wicket stand in T20 International history, pushing their team to a competitive total of 176-8.

    South Africa’s response was immediate and brutal. Openers Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock launched a devastating assault, putting on 95 runs for the first wicket in just 8.3 overs. Markram’s explosive half-century came off just 27 balls, featuring seven fours and four sixes. De Kock provided equally ferocious support with 47 from 24 deliveries before being dismissed. Ryan Rickleton (45 not out) then joined Markram to seal the comprehensive victory with an unbroken 82-run stand.

    South African captain Aiden Markram credited his bowlers for the win, noting the challenging early conditions. ‘The wicket got really good again for batting; it was slightly tacky earlier when we bowled,’ Markram observed. ‘Steep bounce came from the tackiness. Fortunately we ended up on the right side of the toss. The guys bowled really well up front to take wickets.’

    The bowling attack, led by Lungi Ngidi (3-30) and Kagiso Rabada (2-2), had earlier dismantled the West Indies top order, reducing them from 29-0 to 43-4 within four overs. West Indies captain Shai Hope acknowledged the powerplay collapse proved decisive: ‘Very important to get a big score, and losing so many wickets in the powerplay cost us. We were 40-50 runs short.’

    This victory follows South Africa’s impressive 76-run demolition of pre-tournament favorites India in the Super Eights stage. The result sets up a winner-takes-all final group match between India and West Indies on Sunday, while South Africa’s progression to the semi-finals now depends on India defeating Zimbabwe in their upcoming fixture.

  • Treasure Bay Estates continues a proud family legacy of development

    Treasure Bay Estates continues a proud family legacy of development

    The executive chairman of Great Bay Joint Venture Company, Bernard St Aubyn Henry, has reaffirmed his family’s deep-rooted dedication to the Treasure Beach community, a commitment spanning more than eighty years. As the developers behind Treasure Bay Estates, the Henry family maintains that their connection to this coastal Jamaican enclave remains unwavering.

    Henry traces this enduring legacy to his father, Glen Henry, whose initial ownership established the family’s profound ties to the area. ‘Treasure Beach has been an integral chapter in our family’s narrative for generations,’ Henry stated. ‘It continues to embody our conviction that this community stands among Jamaica’s most exceptional coastal locations for investment and residential living.’

    Historically, Treasure Beach originated as a serene fishing village on Jamaica’s south coast, distinguished by its authentic culture and strong communal pride. This foundational ethos was significantly influenced by Desmond Henry, who served as Director of Tourism at the Jamaica Tourist Board from 1978 to 1980. During an era dominated by sun-and-sand tourism marketing throughout the Caribbean, Henry advocated for a more comprehensive vision—one that presented Jamaica through its cultural richness, its people, and authentic lived experiences. He maintained that tourism should facilitate genuine connections between visitors and local communities while safeguarding regional identity.

    His pioneering efforts helped establish Treasure Beach as one of Jamaica’s earliest models of community-driven tourism. This approach encouraged visitors to lodge in locally owned villas, savor fresh seafood, engage in farm-to-table practices, and immerse themselves in the south coast’s natural serenity.

    Treasure Bay Estates now carries forward this vision through a meticulously planned residential development encompassing approximately 44 acres. The project is designed to include 130 villa lots, prioritizing long-term sustainability and organized growth. Perched at an elevated position, the development offers expansive views of the Caribbean Sea, with numerous home sites featuring uninterrupted ocean vistas while preserving the open, tranquil character intrinsic to Treasure Beach.

    Prospective homeowners can select from four distinct residential designs, including an exclusive four-bedroom, four-bathroom villa layout, alongside three-bedroom, three-bathroom configurations. These residences, ranging from 2,424 to 4,348 square feet, artfully blend comfort, privacy, and sophisticated coastal living.

    To promote consistent development and protect investments, the project requires construction to commence within five years of purchase. This policy supports active building efforts and fosters the cohesive growth of the community, ensuring that Treasure Bay Estates evolves in alignment with its founding principles.