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标签： Jamaica

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  • PAHO launches tool to improve care for women who survive sexual violence

    PAHO launches tool to improve care for women who survive sexual violence

    In response to the alarming prevalence of gender-based violence across the Americas, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has introduced a pioneering rapid assessment instrument designed to revolutionize care for survivors of sexual assault. This initiative addresses the staggering statistic indicating approximately one-third of women in the region experience physical or sexual violence during their lifetimes.

    The innovative tool provides public health systems with an evidence-based framework to critically evaluate emergency room and clinical services, identify significant deficiencies in post-assault care protocols, and enhance medical responses to this pervasive public health crisis. Launched during a specialized webinar attended by over 400 healthcare professionals, the instrument enables nations to transform regional commitments into tangible improvements within medical facilities.

    Britta Monika Baer, PAHO’s violence prevention advisor, emphasized the critical nature of this development: ‘Every survivor deserves compassionate, comprehensive healthcare following sexual assault. Medical systems serve not merely as responders but as essential lifelines capable of restoring dignity, preventing lifelong physical and psychological trauma, and ultimately disrupting cycles of violence.’

    This groundbreaking assessment methodology builds upon PAHO’s existing Strategy and Plan of Action on Strengthening the Health System to Address Violence against Women (2015-2025), which recognizes healthcare’s dual role in both responding to and preventing violence. Developed with financial support from the Canadian government, the tool answers health ministers’ requests for practical resources to monitor progress against regional indicators while optimizing limited resources.

    Specifically tailored to the Americas’ healthcare context and initially designed in Spanish, the instrument incorporates World Health Organization clinical guidelines on intimate partner and sexual violence while integrating quality-assurance standards from partner organizations. PAHO has adapted these international protocols to focus specifically on core post-rape care components and frontline provider competencies, addressing the urgent need for compassionate care to prevent unintended pregnancies, HIV transmission, and other sexually transmitted infections while safeguarding survivor well-being.

  • Jarrett urges stronger support for children as Jamaica rebuilds after Hurricane Melissa

    Jarrett urges stronger support for children as Jamaica rebuilds after Hurricane Melissa

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaican business leader Earl Jarrett has issued a compelling call to action for substantial investment in early childhood development, emphasizing its undeniable returns for national prosperity. The CEO and deputy chair of The Jamaica National Group underscored that the most crucial phase for cognitive and social development occurs before age five, making early education fundamental to building national human capacity.

    Speaking at a special colloquium, Jarrett simultaneously urged employers to actively support maternal healthcare by facilitating prenatal clinic attendance for expectant mothers. The event honored the 110th birth anniversary of Dudley Grant, revered as the pioneering father of Jamaica’s early childhood education movement. Grant’s enduring educational philosophy—centered on play-based pedagogy and innovative use of low-cost materials—continues to influence contemporary teaching methodologies.

    Jarrett highlighted Grant’s transformative ‘trashables to teachables’ approach, his collaborative partnerships with both corporate and academic sectors, and his profound impact on policy development and international practices. ‘He functioned as an apostle who gathered like-minded visionaries,’ Jarrett remarked. ‘He truly was the movement’s patriarch.’

    The gathering facilitated strategic discussions on strengthening early childhood systems throughout the region, addressing critical themes including effective policy formulation, technology’s impact on developing minds, and building sectoral resilience. Jarrett stated these dialogues should ‘reaffirm or reframe societal attitudes toward young children,’ noting that a robust early educational framework establishes the foundation for a literate and compassionate society.

    With Jamaica navigating significant contemporary challenges, Jarrett positioned child protection and preparation as central to national recovery efforts, describing children as ‘the present value of the nation’s future wealth.’ He emphasized the urgent need to ‘safeguard the youngest among us’ to develop essential human capacity for the coming three decades.

    Concurrently, Education Minister Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon advocated for institutionalizing preparedness and resilience within early childhood education. Referencing lessons from Hurricane Melissa, she revealed collaborative efforts with the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) to develop updated emergency guidelines specifically designed for early childhood institutions.

    The minister cited widespread damage to school computer labs during recent hurricanes, stressing that disaster preparedness must transcend annual drills and become embedded in institutional culture. ‘We need to live and breathe preparedness—it must become our operational mindset,’ she asserted. The ministry is additionally examining curriculum revisions for teacher-training programs to incorporate mandatory crisis management and disaster risk reduction components.

  • GAC gains Fidelity

    GAC gains Fidelity

    Jamaica’s automotive landscape has welcomed a new contender with the official arrival of GAC Motor, one of China’s premier automobile manufacturers. Fidelity Motors, a subsidiary of the Barbados-based Goddard Enterprises Limited (GEL) Auto Division, has been appointed as the exclusive authorized dealer for the brand in Jamaica, announced at a launch event at their downtown Kingston showroom on November 26.

    The introduction marks a significant expansion of GEL Auto’s regional network, which has already established the GAC brand across several Caribbean markets including Saint Vincent, Saint Lucia, Barbados, and Grenada. Alan Bayne, Chief Executive Officer of GEL Auto Division, emphasized the strategic importance of this expansion, noting that Jamaica’s Fidelity Motors now joins this growing distribution network.

    Deborah Stewart, General Manager of Fidelity Motors Limited, presented the GAC lineup as representing “a future-focused approach to mobility,” highlighting the brand’s combination of world-class design, advanced safety systems, technological innovation, and competitive pricing. The partnership is bolstered by support from Motorworld, the regional distributor for GAC, and the established GAC dealership in Saint Maarten.

    Initially, Fidelity Motors will offer five distinct GAC models, comprising four SUVs and one sedan, with one model featuring all-electric propulsion. The showcased vehicles include the sporty GS3 Emzoom targeting younger buyers, the angular Emkoo SUV, the flagship seven-seat GS8, the performance-oriented Empow sedan, and the all-electric AION V compact SUV from GAC’s electric sub-brand.

    A notable technological highlight is the Android-based smartwatch included with vehicle purchases, which functions as an integrated third key fob enabling remote start capabilities and other vehicle functions. Complementing this technological offering, all GAC models sold in Jamaica will come with an extensive bumper-to-bumper warranty covering seven years or 250,000 kilometers.

    Stewart assured customers of comprehensive after-sales support, stating that Fidelity Motors has invested significantly in maintaining a robust parts inventory and employing a team of trained technical professionals to ensure customer confidence and satisfaction.

  • 72-year-old accused of torching daughter’s house in St James

    72-year-old accused of torching daughter’s house in St James

    A complex family conflict involving property rights and alleged arson attempts has unfolded in the St James Parish Court, where 72-year-old electrician Junior Malcolm stands accused of intentionally setting fire to his daughter’s residence. The case, heard before Judge Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton, reveals a troubling domestic saga centered around a $38 million property previously owned by Malcolm’s wife and subsequently purchased by his daughter and son-in-law.

    The court proceedings revealed Malcolm had been permitted to reside in the property despite the ownership transfer, creating an environment for ongoing familial tensions. Prosecutors presented evidence indicating this was not Malcolm’s first attempt to destroy the residence, marking the recent incident as his second alleged arson attempt against the same property.

    Legal representation for the defendant, attorney Chrishana Fregenette, initially encountered difficulties in securing bail arrangements due to the absence of proposed custodians during proceedings. She later presented alternative living arrangements while emphasizing concerns about detaining an individual of Malcolm’s advanced age.

    The prosecution vigorously opposed bail, citing Malcolm’s demonstrated propensity for repeat offenses. Court documents indicated medical professionals at Cornwall Regional Hospital had evaluated Malcolm and found no mental health impairments, suggesting his actions were deliberate rather than medically influenced. The clerk of court expressed particular concern that Malcolm would successfully execute his threat to burn down the property if released.

    Judge Fairclough-Hylton, acknowledging the seriousness of the repeated allegations and the absence of mitigating mental health factors, ordered Malcolm remanded in custody until December 5. The postponement allows for the awaited fire department report and provides time for family members to arrange appropriate supervision responsibilities.

  • Market Bag: Hot pepper price heats up to $5k, sweet pepper cools to $600

    Market Bag: Hot pepper price heats up to $5k, sweet pepper cools to $600

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – Significant volatility is reshaping the economic landscape at Kingston’s iconic Coronation Market this week, with dramatic price fluctuations affecting key agricultural products. The most startling surge has been observed in the Scotch bonnet pepper market, where prices have escalated to an unprecedented $5,000 per pound. This represents a staggering increase of over 50 percent compared to prices recorded just one week prior, placing considerable strain on consumer budgets.

    Adding to the inflationary pressure, tomato prices have also climbed sharply. Consumers are now facing an average market rate of $800 per pound, a notable jump from the previous week’s price point of $600 per pound. This consistent upward trend in staple produce is impacting household spending across the city.

    However, the market narrative isn’t uniformly negative. In a contrasting trend, sweet pepper prices have experienced a substantial cooldown. Vendors are currently offering the product for as low as $600 per pound, a significant reduction from the $1,000 per pound rate seen a week ago. This price correction offers a respite for consumers and highlights the unpredictable nature of agricultural commodity markets.

    For a comprehensive breakdown of all current market prices and expert on-the-ground analysis, viewers are encouraged to watch the latest episode of ‘Market Bag,’ hosted by Brittania Witter, which provides detailed insights into these evolving economic conditions.

  • LOCKED ON TARGET

    LOCKED ON TARGET

    Jamaica’s national women’s football team delivered a historic performance with an unprecedented 18-0 victory against Dominica in their FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifier at Daren Sammy Cricket Stadium in St. Lucia on November 29. Despite setting a new national record that surpassed their previous 14-0 achievement against St. Lucia in 2014, team captain Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw maintains a grounded perspective, emphasizing the need for continued refinement rather than celebration.

    The Reggae Girlz demonstrated exceptional offensive prowess with multiple players achieving hat-tricks. Shaw herself contributed three goals during the fourth, 39th, and 43rd minutes, marking her 60th international goal for Jamaica. Teammates Kalyssa Van Zanten and Jody Brown matched this achievement with triple goals of their own, while Deneisha Blackwood, Natasha Thomas, and Shaneil Buckley each secured two goals. Atlanta Primus and Shania Hayles completed the dominant display with additional scores.

    Shaw, who recently returned to the squad after a break, highlighted the professional execution but identified areas for enhancement: ‘We scored numerous goals but could have been more clinical. This is something we must develop further.’ The Manchester City striker views her leadership role as both privilege and responsibility, particularly given Jamaica’s pursuit of a third consecutive World Cup appearance.

    Beyond athletic aspirations, Shaw recognizes the team’s significance as a source of national pride during challenging times in Jamaica. She emphasized the collective leadership within the squad, noting how veteran players and emerging talents collaboratively elevate performance standards both on and off the field. This shared responsibility framework creates a supportive environment where players mutually encourage and challenge each other toward continuous improvement.

  • Digicel says latest act of vandalism causing service disruption for customers in Kingston

    Digicel says latest act of vandalism causing service disruption for customers in Kingston

    A significant act of deliberate sabotage has severely impacted telecommunications services across the Kingston Metropolitan Area. Digicel Jamaica has reported a criminal vandalism attack on a crucial segment of its underground fiber optic infrastructure in New Kingston, which it describes as a protected cable route. The incident, believed to have occurred overnight, has been condemned by the company as a dangerous and reckless assault on national infrastructure.

    In an official statement released Friday morning, Digicel detailed the severe consequences of this targeted attack. The vandalism has resulted in widespread service disruptions, affecting countless customers, businesses, and essential services throughout the capital region. Technical response teams were immediately deployed to the affected site to conduct urgent restoration work, aiming to repair the critical infrastructure and reinstate services with maximum expediency.

    Stephen Murad, Chief Executive Officer of Digicel Jamaica, issued a strong condemnation of the incident, framing it as an attack on Jamaica’s communications backbone. He emphasized that such deliberate destruction disrupts business operations, threatens public safety mechanisms, and interrupts the daily lives of citizens. Murad affirmed the company’s resolve to not be deterred by such criminal acts, reiterating their commitment to rebuilding a more resilient and reliable network. The company is collaborating closely with law enforcement agencies in an ongoing investigation and is urging members of the public to report any suspicious activities observed near telecommunications sites or underground access points to aid in apprehending those responsible.

  • Libra-Don offers encouragement with Don’t Lose Faith

    Libra-Don offers encouragement with Don’t Lose Faith

    Connecticut-based dancehall artist Libra-Don has channeled the devastation of Hurricane Melissa into musical inspiration with his newly released single ‘Don’t Lose Faith.’ The track, produced by Maddmoni Empire and launched on November 4, serves as both a tribute to hurricane victims and a rallying cry for national recovery.

    The artist, born Devon Maddan Jr. to Jamaican parents, described the hurricane as one of the most catastrophic events to ever strike Jamaica, emphasizing the widespread destruction, loss of life, and displacement of thousands. Despite the overwhelming damage, Libra-Don expresses unwavering confidence in Jamaica’s resilience and capacity for renewal.

    In an exclusive interview with Observer Online, the musician revealed the emotional origins of the composition. ‘Don’t Lose Faith’ emerged from what he characterized as a state of fear and uncertainty during the hurricane’s onslaught. He initially recorded a demo in his home studio to capture the raw emotional intensity of the moment. The entire creative and production process was completed within approximately five days.

    Beyond his musical contribution, Libra-Don is actively participating in relief efforts. With family roots in Westmoreland parishes including Belmont, White House, Bluefields and Grange Hill, he has coordinated the shipment of essential supplies to affected relatives and community members. Together with his management team at MaddMoni Empire, he has committed to ongoing support for Jamaica’s recovery and rebuilding initiatives.

    Libra-Don launched his recording career in 2022 with his debut single ‘Honest,’ establishing himself as an emerging voice in the dancehall genre with a conscious message.

  • To the max!

    To the max!

    The Caribbean music scene has achieved a remarkable crossover success with the viral hit ‘Shake It To The Max (Fly) Remix,’ a collaborative track featuring artists Moliy, Silent Addy, Skillibeng, and Shenseea. The infectious fusion of dancehall and Afrobeats rhythms has earned prestigious recognition from two of America’s most influential music publications, with Rolling Stone ranking it at #52 and Pitchfork at #72 on their respective ‘100 Best Songs of 2025’ lists.

    The track’s chart performance has been nothing short of extraordinary, dominating multiple Billboard categories including Rhythmic Airplay, World Digital Song Sales, and US Afrobeats Songs charts. It achieved top-10 placements across several key metrics including Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs, Radio Songs, and Pop Airplay, while peaking at #44 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100.

    Lionel Ridenour, Executive Vice President of Promotions at gamma, celebrated the achievement: ‘What an amazing year for these artists. A record born in January became one of the top global songs of the summer, reaching #1 on US Urban & Rhythm radio formats while continuing to grow with over a billion streams.’

    Industry veterans are recognizing the track’s cultural significance beyond its commercial success. Willie Daniels, a respected American radio programmer known for promoting Caribbean music, declared it ‘the song of the summer’ that dominated both clubs and radio rotations.

    The success has sparked important conversations about Caribbean music’s place in mainstream media. Tamara Hernandez, Lead of Mixshow Radio Promotions at Atlantic Records, views the track as ‘more than just a big hit—it’s a statement proving that dancehall and Afro fusion are potent, boundary-breaking genres capable of crossing continents and mixing cultures.’

    However, industry experts caution against viewing this as an automatic gateway for broader Caribbean music acceptance. Hernandez notes that ‘US radio moves slow with dancehall because many program directors still see it as ‘specialty’ content. They follow data first—Shazam numbers, streaming metrics, and TikTok trends—rather than cultural momentum.’

    An anonymous Warner Records executive provided historical context: ‘Reggae and dancehall have had global presence for decades, particularly during summer seasons. This success reminds us that Caribbean producers and artists can create global impact, but the genre needs continued hits that expand beyond niche markets.’

    The track’s organic growth pattern—beginning with viral dance challenges online before gaining radio traction—demonstrates the evolving pathway for Caribbean music penetration. The remix has already earned gold certifications in Greece, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, with platinum status in France, cementing its status as a genuine international phenomenon.

  • Guyanese man to be sentenced for murdering mother

    Guyanese man to be sentenced for murdering mother

    GEORGETOWN, Guyana – The Berbice High Court has scheduled January 6, 2025, for the sentencing of Deonarine Dookhoo, a Guyanese national convicted of murdering his mother in a tragic 2021 incident. The sentencing date was formally set by Justice Sandil Kissoon following a trial that concluded with a unanimous guilty verdict from a 12-member jury.

    Court proceedings revealed that Dookhoo, also known locally as Dinesh, perpetrated the fatal assault on his mother, Teshwattie Jaglall, at her West Coast Berbice residence between June 30 and July 1, 2021. The prosecution established that Dookhoo, who resided with Jaglall alongside his two children, had a documented history of alcohol abuse that frequently led to domestic tensions.

    Evidence presented during the trial demonstrated that the defendant used a cutlass (a traditional machete-like weapon) to attack his mother after she confronted him about his persistent drinking habits. The violent assault resulted in Jaglall’s immediate death, creating shockwaves through the small Berbice community.

    The four-year judicial process included extensive investigation into the family’s background, revealing patterns of alcohol-related domestic strife. Justice Kissoon’s court examined numerous witness testimonies and forensic evidence before delivering the conviction. The upcoming sentencing hearing will determine the appropriate punishment for this severe crime under Guyana’s legal system.