In anticipation of World Menopause Day on October 18, MPower, a Jamaican women-led advocacy group, is set to host an empowering event titled ‘MPower Yourself.’ Scheduled for Saturday, October 11, at 5:30 PM at the Scotiabank Corporate Learning Centre in Kingston, the evening will focus on education, storytelling, and community connection for women experiencing perimenopause and menopause. The event will feature the screening of the internationally acclaimed documentary *The M Factor*, which delves into the physical, emotional, and professional challenges women face during menopause, including hot flashes, anxiety, weight changes, and workplace stigma. The film includes expert commentary from renowned medical professionals such as Dr. Sharon Malone, Dr. Mary Jane Minkin (Yale), Dr. Wen Shen (Johns Hopkins), and Dr. Stephanie Faubion (Mayo Clinic and The Menopause Society), with a particular focus on the unique experiences of women of colour. Following the screening, attendees will engage in a live Q&A session with a panel of women’s health specialists, including Dr. Kudzai Dombo, Dr. Dainia Baugh, and Dr. Michelle Bailey, who will address culturally relevant insights and critical health issues related to menopause. MPower, co-founded by Sacha Chung, Jodi Mair, and entrepreneurs Elena Diedrick-Lynch and Leisha Wong, aims to reshape the conversation around menopause in the Caribbean, emphasizing education, support, and empowerment. The event is sponsored by companies committed to holistic wellness and women’s empowerment, including Chop’d, WATA, and Pure Country Juices.
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Determined Devine leads New Zealand to crushing win over Bangladesh
In a commanding display of skill and determination, New Zealand’s cricket team secured their first victory at the Women’s World Cup, defeating Bangladesh by a resounding 100 runs in Guwahati on Friday. The Kiwis, led by their inspirational captain Sophie Devine, finally found their rhythm after a rocky start to the tournament. Devine, who has been in stellar form, played a pivotal role with a gritty 63 off 85 balls, anchoring the innings and setting the stage for a competitive total. Her partnership of 112 runs with Brooke Halliday, who top-scored with 69, proved crucial in turning the tide for New Zealand. Despite early setbacks, including a brief pause for Devine to manage her Type 1 diabetes, the team rallied to post a formidable score. Bangladesh’s response faltered from the outset, with their top order collapsing under pressure from New Zealand’s bowlers, particularly Jess Kerr and Lea Tahuhu, who claimed three wickets each. The victory propels New Zealand to fifth place in the eight-team table, keeping their semi-final hopes alive. The team now looks ahead to their upcoming matches in Colombo and Bombay, aiming to build on this momentum. Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s captain Nigar Sultana acknowledged the need for her top order to step up as they prepare to face tougher opponents in the remaining fixtures.
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Legendary actress Diane Keaton has died
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The entertainment world mourns the loss of Diane Keaton, the legendary actress who passed away in California at the age of 79, as confirmed by PEOPLE magazine. A spokesperson for the family has requested privacy during this difficult time, and no further details about her death have been disclosed. Keaton’s illustrious career began in the 1970s with her iconic role as Kay Adams-Corleone in The Godfather trilogy, which catapulted her to global stardom. She further solidified her place in cinematic history through her collaborations with director Woody Allen, particularly her unforgettable performance in the 1977 romantic comedy Annie Hall, which earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress. Over her five-decade-long career, Keaton became synonymous with unique style, sharp humor, and versatile acting, starring in acclaimed films such as Manhattan, Reds, Something’s Gotta Give, and Marvin’s Room. Her contributions to the film industry garnered numerous award nominations and cemented her legacy as one of Hollywood’s most cherished and distinctive stars.
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West Indies endure ‘tough’ start to 2nd Test vs India
In a commanding display of batting prowess, Yashasvi Jaiswal’s unbeaten 173 propelled India to a dominant position on the opening day of the second Test against West Indies at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium. The hosts concluded the day at 318-2, firmly in control of the match as they aim to secure a series sweep. Jaiswal, the left-handed opener, showcased a masterful blend of patience and aggression, striking 22 boundaries in his 253-ball innings. His marathon 193-run partnership with Sai Sudharsan (87) laid the foundation for India’s imposing total. Sudharsan’s dismissal in the final session was the only setback for India, as Jaiswal and skipper Shubman Gill (20*) steered the team to stumps without further loss. Jaiswal’s performance marked his fifth 150-plus score in Test cricket and his seventh century in just 26 matches, cementing his reputation as one of India’s most promising young talents. The 23-year-old, who debuted with a 171 against West Indies in 2023, celebrated his century with a heartfelt gesture to the enthusiastic crowd. West Indies’ bowlers struggled to contain the Indian batsmen, with assistant coach Floyd Reifer acknowledging the challenging day. India’s strong start, led by Jaiswal and KL Rahul (38), set the tone for their dominance. The visitors, led by Roston Chase, face an uphill battle to avoid another Test whitewash after their recent 0-3 defeat to Australia.
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Jamaicans urged not to abandon homeless relatives
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Desmond McKenzie, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, has urged families to take responsibility for their homeless relatives rather than abandoning them on the streets. Speaking at the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation’s (KSAMC) Wellness in the Park event on World Homeless Day (October 10), McKenzie emphasized the need for a cultural shift toward personal accountability. The event, held at St William Grant Park in downtown Kingston, was organized in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Wellness. McKenzie highlighted that many homeless individuals were once part of stable households but were left vulnerable due to various circumstances. He warned that the Government would take decisive action against those who continue to neglect their family members. As part of its ongoing efforts to address homelessness, the Government plans to construct 14 homeless shelters across Jamaica in collaboration with the National Housing Trust. McKenzie noted that these shelters, to be built in every parish during the new financial year, aim to provide care and rehabilitation for vulnerable populations. He also shared that the Government’s initiatives have already yielded positive outcomes, with many individuals from shelters being reunited with their families and securing meaningful employment. Additionally, the Government is enhancing mental health services by training psychiatric assistants within the local government system. McKenzie stressed that while the Government is expanding facilities and support systems, lasting progress requires collective responsibility from all sectors of society. ‘It cannot be for government alone. It cannot be for the private sector and others to support it when people abandon their families,’ he asserted.
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MPower-ing conversation on M Factor today
In anticipation of World Menopause Day on October 18, MPower, a Jamaican women-led advocacy group dedicated to transforming the dialogue around menopause in the Caribbean, is set to host an enlightening event titled ‘MPower Yourself.’ Scheduled for Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 5:30 pm at Scotiabank’s Corporate Learning Centre in Kingston, the evening promises to be a blend of education, storytelling, and community engagement for women experiencing perimenopause and menopause.
The highlight of the event will be the screening of the internationally acclaimed documentary, *The M Factor*. This film delves into the often-overlooked physical, emotional, and professional challenges women face during menopause, such as hot flashes, anxiety, weight fluctuations, and workplace discrimination. Featuring expert commentary from renowned medical professionals like Dr. Sharon Malone, Dr. Mary Jane Minkin (Yale), Dr. Wen Shen (Johns Hopkins), and Dr. Stephanie Faubion (Mayo Clinic and The Menopause Society), the documentary also sheds light on the unique experiences of women of color during this life stage.
Sacha Chung, an occupational therapist and co-creator of MPower, emphasized the event’s significance, stating, ‘This is not just a film screening; it’s a turning point for women in Jamaica. We want women to feel seen, informed, and confident in speaking about their health and demanding the support they deserve at home, in the workplace, and in healthcare settings.’
Following the screening, attendees will have the opportunity to engage in a live Q&A session with a panel of women’s health experts. Dr. Kudzai Dombo, a US-based OB-GYN and Menopause Society certified practitioner, will discuss the distinct ways menopause manifests in women of color. Dr. Dainia Baugh, president of the Heart Institute of the Caribbean, will explore the critical connection between menopause and cardiovascular health. Dr. Michelle Bailey, a reproductive health specialist at the Hugh Wynter Fertility Management Unit, will provide insights on maintaining sexual and reproductive wellness through mid-life and beyond.
Jodi Mair, a fitness professional and MPower co-founder, highlighted the event’s mission, saying, ‘Many women suffer in silence. This event is about breaking that silence and helping women feel empowered to take control of their health and well-being.’
MPower was founded by Sacha Chung, Jodi Mair, and entrepreneurs Elena Diedrick-Lynch and Leisha Wong, co-directors of Elle Creative. Together, they bring a wealth of expertise in wellness, advocacy, and storytelling, united by a shared commitment to creating spaces where women can feel informed, supported, and heard.
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Trump issues order to pay military as shutdown drags on
In a significant move amid the ongoing government shutdown, President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he has directed the Pentagon to ensure military personnel receive their paychecks next week. The shutdown, now in its second week, has left many civil servants working without salaries. Trump took to his Truth Social platform to declare that he instructed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to utilize all available funds to ensure troops are paid by October 15th. He also reiterated his criticism of Democrats, accusing them of jeopardizing national security by prolonging the shutdown. The impasse stems from Senate Democrats repeatedly blocking a Republican resolution to reopen federal agencies after the September 30 funding deadline. A key point of contention is the Republicans’ refusal to include provisions addressing expiring health insurance subsidies for 24 million Americans. Consequently, hundreds of thousands of government workers have been furloughed or forced to work without pay. Notably, 1.3 million active-duty military personnel were at risk of missing their scheduled pay on October 15th—a situation unprecedented in modern history. Meanwhile, the White House announced plans to lay off approximately 4,000 federal workers across various agencies, intensifying pressure on Democrats to resolve the shutdown, which has severely disrupted public services.
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WATCH: Two die in Manchester three-vehicle crash
A devastating three-vehicle accident on the Winston Jones Highway near the Russell Place intersection in Manchester, Jamaica, has resulted in the deaths of two individuals. The fatal crash occurred on Friday night, claiming the lives of Evroy Dixon, a resident of Content, Manchester, and Adrimar Smith, a 35-year-old woman from the Heartease district in Manchester. Preliminary investigations reveal that the collision involved a Toyota Wish taxi, a Nissan Tiida, and a Mitsubishi Fuso motor truck, believed to be an unmarked police vehicle. Reports indicate that the taxi swerved to avoid a stationary sand-laden trailer, inadvertently veering into the path of the oncoming Mitsubishi Fuso truck. The ensuing collision caused the truck to crash into the Nissan Tiida, trapping its driver and passenger. Emergency responders were called to extricate the victims, who were unresponsive upon removal from the wreckage. Both were transported to the hospital by police pickup trucks but were pronounced dead upon arrival. The condition of the occupants of the other vehicles remains unknown. The incident has left the community in shock, highlighting the dangers of road travel and the need for heightened safety measures.
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Smaller Chinese workforce triggers delay concerns for Western Children and Adolescent Hospital
MONTEGO BAY, St James — Dr Christopher Tufton, Jamaica’s Health and Wellness Minister, has expressed growing concerns regarding the downsizing of the Chinese workforce involved in the construction of the Western Children and Adolescent Hospital (WCAH) in St James. The reduction in labor has raised questions about the project’s timely completion, particularly after Chinese workers withdrew their services last month due to unresolved payment issues.
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Caribbean-American congresswoman condemns indictment of NY Attorney General
Caribbean-American Democratic Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke has vehemently criticized the recent indictment of New York Attorney General Letitia James by the US Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of Virginia, labeling it a ‘sham.’ The indictment, issued on Thursday, accuses James of one count of bank fraud and one count of making false statements to a financial institution related to her purchase of a property in Norfolk, Virginia. This development follows President Donald Trump’s successful push for the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey just two weeks prior. Clarke, representing Brooklyn’s 9th Congressional District and chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, asserted that the charges are baseless and politically motivated. She emphasized that the American public, the US Attorney who resigned under Trump’s pressure, and even the president’s appointed attorney leading the case are aware of its lack of merit. Clarke accused the Trump administration of prioritizing personal vendettas over constitutional principles, particularly targeting James for her role in holding Trump accountable for his actions. She described the indictment as part of a broader pattern of authoritarian behavior, where those committed to justice are systematically undermined. Clarke expressed confidence that the charges would ultimately fail in court, allowing Americans to recognize James’s dedication to justice and her service to New York and the United States.