In response to the growing number of educators battling severe illnesses and facing financial hardships, the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) is intensifying its efforts to establish a robust Critical Illness Trust Fund. Newly appointed JTA President Mark Malabver emphasized the union’s commitment to this cause during a recent interview with the Jamaica Observer. Malabver highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that the fund aims to provide financial support to teachers diagnosed with critical illnesses such as cancer or those requiring expensive surgeries. The JTA is hosting a wine and cheese fundraiser at Shortwood Teachers’ College in St. Andrew, with the goal of raising $3 million this year. Malabver revealed that the union has already set aside a portion of its internal funds for this purpose, with the long-term ambition of accumulating $1 billion. The fund, officially launched in 2019 by former JTA President Dr. Garth Anderson, is managed by a dedicated board that evaluates applications and allocates resources based on need and availability. Malabver acknowledged the alarming number of educators falling ill, citing at least four requests for assistance since he assumed office in August. He shared a poignant example of a veteran high school teacher facing blindness and requiring costly surgery. While the initiative is not a core JTA activity, Malabver stressed the union’s moral obligation to support its members. The fundraiser, patronized by Metry Seaga, President of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica, requires a $15,000 contribution per attendee.
标签： Jamaica
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Chuck urges JPs to be ambassadors of peace
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Delroy Chuck, Jamaica’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, has urged the nation’s Justices of the Peace (JPs) to embrace their role as ambassadors of peace. Speaking during a virtual sensitisation session on Thursday, Chuck emphasized the critical role JPs can play in curbing domestic violence and fostering harmony within communities.
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Cash-strapped CWI scales back development programmes
Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced significant changes to its regional competitions for the upcoming year, citing severe financial constraints as the primary reason. The governing body revealed on Wednesday that several tournaments, including the Under-17 competition, will be scrapped, while others, such as the women’s tournaments, will be merged. Additionally, the Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC) and the West Indies Academy have been removed from the men’s tournaments. These decisions were disclosed during CWI’s quarterly press conference by CEO Chris Dehring and Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe, who both acknowledged that 2026 will be a particularly challenging year for the organization due to a projected revenue decline. Dehring explained that the financial model of the International Cricket Council (ICC) does not favor the West Indies when hosting tours from countries like Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and Pakistan, which are scheduled for next year. He emphasized that the profits from co-hosting the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup have already been depleted, necessitating tough decisions to ensure the organization’s sustainability. Dehring outlined a four-pronged strategy to address the financial issues, including lobbying the ICC for a revised financial model, restructuring domestic tournaments, collaborating with Caricom, and seeking increased financial support from Caribbean companies. Bascombe noted that while the changes are significant, they have been designed to ensure that players still have ample opportunities to showcase their skills and compete for spots in the West Indies teams. Despite the cutbacks, the organization remains committed to maintaining a robust player pool and fostering talent development across the region.
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Nano-grant sparks growth for Dames Electrical
KINGSTON, Jamaica – At 34, Dominic Morgan, the founder of Dame’s Electrical and Home Renovation Services, is a living testament to how determination, skill, and targeted support can transform small beginnings into significant opportunities. His journey into the world of electrical repairs began in childhood, fueled by an insatiable curiosity for dismantling electronics—even if he didn’t always know how to put them back together. What started as a childhood fascination evolved into a passion that now anchors his livelihood.
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Advocacy groups warn of ‘grave impact’ of US government shutdown on immigrants
The recent shutdown of the United States federal government has triggered widespread concern among immigrant advocacy groups, particularly for Caribbean and other immigrant populations. Organizations such as the Haitian Bridge Alliance (HBA) and the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) have highlighted the severe consequences of the shutdown, which began after Congress failed to agree on funding. The HBA, based in San Diego, California, expressed grave concerns over delays in asylum hearings, visa and work permit applications, and the exacerbation of the already backlogged immigration court system. Guerline Jozef, HBA’s founder and executive director, emphasized that these disruptions leave families in limbo, prolong detention periods, and increase uncertainty for vulnerable groups like Haitians. She urged leaders to prioritize the dignity and humanity of those affected. Meanwhile, Murad Awawdeh, president of NYIC, criticized the inconsistent handling of immigration courts, which has caused chaos in New York courthouses. He also condemned the Trump administration’s decision to continue Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, including its $170 billion deportation and detention agenda, while essential services for millions of families remain unfunded. Caribbean-American Democratic leaders, including Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke and Congressman Adriano Espaillat, have blamed the Trump administration and Republicans for the shutdown. Clarke, representing Brooklyn’s 9th Congressional District, accused the administration of undermining affordability and equity in the nation. Espaillat, the first Dominican Republic-American in the House, criticized the White House for freezing funding for critical infrastructure projects like the Gateway Project and Second Avenue Subway, calling it a display of reckless partisanship. The shutdown has left thousands of families in turmoil, with immigrant communities facing heightened threats of raids, deportation, and detention, further destabilizing their lives.
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Midnight Flight carries Cardenas to 800th victory
On September 27, 2025, Caymanas Park witnessed a historic moment as jockey Dick Cardenas secured his 800th career victory in Jamaica. Riding Midnight Flight, trained by Byron Davis, Cardenas triumphed in the ninth race, a three-year-old and upward Claiming event over 5 furlongs, finishing 1½ lengths ahead in 59.3 seconds. This milestone marked a significant achievement in Cardenas’s illustrious career, which began in 2008 with his first win aboard St Bess, trained by Percival Hussey, at odds of 19-1.
Reflecting on his journey, Cardenas expressed heartfelt gratitude, acknowledging the support of owners, trainers, and grooms. “It wasn’t easy to win 800 races. I worked very hard for this, and I am very happy to achieve this milestone at Caymanas Park,” he told The Supreme Racing Guide. Cardenas, who considers Jamaica his second home, also shared his ambition to reach 1,000 wins in the country, having already surpassed 1,000 victories globally, including over 300 in his native Panama and more than 100 in the US.
Cardenas’s career highlights include his Triple Crown win with Mark My Word in 2010, a standout moment among his numerous Classic victories. His success extended beyond Jamaica, with notable wins at prestigious US tracks such as Gulfstream Park, Churchill Downs, and Keeneland. Currently ranked 10th on Caymanas Park’s all-time jockey winners’ list, Cardenas remains driven, eyeing further milestones with unwavering determination.
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Forex: $161.34 to one US dollar
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The foreign exchange market in Jamaica witnessed a day of mixed movements on Friday, October 3, as the US dollar remained stable while other major currencies experienced declines. According to the Bank of Jamaica’s daily exchange trading summary, the US dollar closed at $161.34, showing no change from the previous trading session. In contrast, the Canadian dollar saw a dip, ending the day at $115.84, down from $117.23. Similarly, the British pound also recorded a slight decrease, closing at $216.85 compared to $217.17 the day before. These fluctuations highlight the dynamic nature of the global currency market, with the US dollar maintaining its resilience amidst shifting economic conditions. The Bank of Jamaica continues to monitor these trends closely, providing essential insights for investors and policymakers navigating the complexities of international finance.
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Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs sentencing hearing underway
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, the renowned music mogul, appeared in a New York federal court on Friday, confronting the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence following his conviction on two prostitution-related charges. The charges, each carrying a maximum penalty of ten years, stem from a high-profile trial that captivated public attention. Prosecutors are advocating for a sentence of at least 11 years, labeling Combs as ‘unrepentant’ and a danger to society. Conversely, Combs’ legal team has requested a 14-month sentence, which would equate to time already served. The sentencing hearing saw emotional appeals from Combs, his family, and his accusers. Combs, in a heartfelt letter to the judge, expressed remorse, stating he had ‘lost his way’ and vowed never to commit a crime again. His mother and six children also submitted letters in his support, pleading for leniency. The trial, which lasted two months, concluded in July with the jury acquitting Combs of the more severe charges of sex trafficking and racketeering, which could have resulted in a life sentence. However, the conviction on the prostitution-related counts has left Combs facing significant jail time. The case has been marked by harrowing testimonies, including that of Combs’ former girlfriend, Casandra Ventura, known as Cassie, who detailed years of alleged abuse and coercion. Ventura’s testimony, along with that of another woman, painted a grim picture of Combs’ behavior, including claims of forced participation in sexual activities. Despite the defense’s argument that the activities were consensual, the jury found Combs guilty under the federal Mann Act, which prohibits the transportation of individuals across state lines for prostitution. Combs, who has been incarcerated in Brooklyn for over a year, described his time in prison as transformative, claiming to have been ‘humbled and broken to his core.’ As the judge deliberates on the appropriate sentence, the case continues to draw widespread attention, highlighting the complexities of justice in high-profile legal battles.
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Objection!
The Jamaican Bar Association (JAMBAR) has strongly criticized certain media outlets for violating the privacy rights of the late Judge Ruth Lawrence. JAMBAR has called for an investigation into how sensitive details about her death were leaked to the press. Judge Lawrence, 59, passed away on Tuesday evening at Falmouth Public General Hospital after being found unresponsive at her Trelawny home by her partner. A leaked police report, which circulated on social media, provided a detailed account of the events leading to her death, allegedly based on information shared by her spouse with law enforcement. JAMBAR, in a public statement, condemned the breach of dignity and data protection, emphasizing the importance of respecting privacy even after death. The association highlighted the provisions of Jamaica’s Data Protection Act, 2020, which safeguards personal data of both living and deceased individuals for up to 30 years. The Act mandates responsible handling of such information to prevent emotional distress, identity theft, and reputational harm. JAMBAR President Tenneshia Watkins expressed deep concern over the dissemination of intimate details without justification, urging authorities to investigate the matter thoroughly. She also called on media entities and the public to exercise compassion and restraint in handling sensitive matters. Meanwhile, JAMBAR paid tribute to Judge Lawrence, praising her integrity, compassion, and dedication to justice. Her passing has been mourned by various figures, including Chief Justice Bryan Sykes and Justice Minister Delroy Chuck, who acknowledged her significant contributions to the judiciary and the nation.
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Jamaica sets sights on 500,000 UK visitors by 2030
Jamaica has unveiled an ambitious plan to attract 500,000 visitors from the United Kingdom (UK) annually by 2030, marking a significant effort to strengthen its position in one of its key tourism markets. The announcement was made by Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett during the Platinum Celebration Awards at the Jamaica Travel Market. Bartlett emphasized the deep historical and cultural ties between Jamaica and the UK, as well as the growing interest among British travelers in experiencing authentic Jamaican culture.