标签： Jamaica

A tragic early morning accident in Hellshire, Portmore, St Catherine, has resulted in the deaths of two individuals and left several others injured, including a 12-year-old child. The incident occurred around 3:00 am on Saturday when a Honda Shuttle, driven by Jevaughn Martin, collided with a BMW on the main road. Both vehicles sustained severe damage, and the impact caused the BMW to crash into a utility pole. The occupants of both cars were rushed to the Spanish Town Hospital, where Martin, a 33-year-old taxi driver from Portmore, and Ryan Tulloch, a 17-year-old resident of Tawes Meadows in Spanish Town, succumbed to their injuries. Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash, which has left the community in mourning.

In a proactive move to address pressing urban issues, Mayor Fitzroy Wilson of St Mary, Jamaica, spearheaded a comprehensive walk-through of Port Maria on Thursday. Accompanied by a multidisciplinary team of local agencies, the initiative aimed to evaluate and resolve critical concerns such as traffic congestion, illegal vending, and public health hazards. The delegation included representatives from NEPM Waste Management Limited, the police force, the Health Department, the fire department, the Municipal Corporation, and the tax office. Mayor Wilson emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, ‘We are assessing the town’s needs and addressing complaints about congestion, illegal vending, business trade licenses, and health-related issues.’ Among the key topics discussed was the subpar condition of the transportation centre’s sanitary facilities. The mayor assured residents that refurbishment plans are underway, with upgrades expected within a month. Additionally, the team examined the town’s drainage system and pedestrian infrastructure. While recent sidewalk improvements have been made, the mayor acknowledged the need for further enhancements to ensure safety and accessibility. A local bus operator highlighted the challenges of loading passengers due to non-compliant practices, urging stricter enforcement. In response, Superintendent Anthony Wallace of the St Mary Police Division pledged increased monitoring and enforcement efforts, including the appointment of a new sub-officer and additional personnel to ensure compliance and improve public order.

A tragic early morning accident on the Hellshire main road in St Catherine, Jamaica, has resulted in the deaths of two individuals and left several others injured. The collision, which occurred shortly after 3:00 am on Saturday, took place approximately 100 meters south of the Greater Portmore entrance. The victims, one of whom is believed to be a teenager, have not yet been officially identified. The crash involved a white BMW and a grey Honda Fit Shuttle, with the BMW reportedly striking a utility pole, causing a power outage in the vicinity. Eyewitnesses reported that multiple people sustained injuries and were rushed to the Spanish Town Hospital for treatment. Authorities are investigating the cause of the accident, which has left the community in shock.

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados — The Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) hosted its 21st Regional Tourism Youth Congress at the Hilton Barbados Resort, showcasing the talents of young tourism leaders from across the region. The event, part of the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC), brought together 15 students aged 14-17, each serving as junior ministers or commissioners of tourism in their respective countries. Participants presented innovative ideas on topics reshaping the industry, including sustainable tourism, digital transformation, and heritage experiences, while also tackling mystery questions designed to test their creativity and problem-solving skills. The competition highlighted the shift from the traditional ‘sea, sun, sand’ model to a new focus on ‘smart technology, sustainable practices, and social inclusion.’

Jolé St John, Tobago’s 16-year-old junior secretary of tourism, claimed first place with her compelling presentation, earning the title of regional junior minister of tourism until the 2026 Congress. Jamaica’s Caleader Lewison, also 16, secured second place and was appointed CTO’s junior secretary-general of tourism. Aylani Morris Seymour from the Cayman Islands took third place, while Isaiah Toney of St Vincent and the Grenadines received an honorary mention for his exceptional qualities beyond the standard scoring.

The congress was chaired by last year’s winner, Keyana Warner of Nevis, and judged by a panel of tourism leaders, including Rosetta West-Gerald, CEO of the Montserrat Tourism Authority; Paul Pennicook, interim CEO of Experience Turks and Caicos; and Charlene Drakes, manager of Stakeholder Engagements for Carnival Corporation & plc. In the lead-up to the competition, participants engaged in enrichment activities such as a master class on Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) in tourism, a career readiness workshop on personal branding and leadership, and a field trip highlighting sustainable initiatives and Barbados’ cultural history.

Ian Gooding-Edghill, chairman of the CTO Council of Ministers and Commissioners and Barbados’ Minister of Tourism and International Transport, commended the delegates for their dedication and passion. Sharon Banfield-Bovell, CTO’s director of Resource Mobilisation and Development, emphasized the event’s significance as a launchpad for the next generation of tourism visionaries. The 2025 congress featured participants from 15 CTO member countries and territories, underscoring the region’s commitment to nurturing young talent in the tourism sector.