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  • February date for deployment of medical dome-ward at CRH

    February date for deployment of medical dome-ward at CRH

    The Jamaican Ministry of Health and Wellness has announced an innovative solution to address critical overcrowding at Cornwall Regional Hospital (CRH) in St. James. Through a collaborative effort between the ministry, the National Health Fund, and an international non-governmental organization, a temporary 100-bed dome facility will be installed adjacent to the hospital’s accident and emergency unit.

    Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton confirmed the dome is expected to arrive on the island by February 1st, with construction of its foundation beginning immediately. The installation process is projected for completion by the third week of February, significantly expanding the hospital’s ward capacity.

    The urgency for additional space follows recent staff protests highlighting severe overcrowding conditions exacerbated by structural damage from Hurricane Melissa. The hospital’s operations have been temporarily relocated to the Mount Salem Health Centre during ongoing renovations at the main CRH facility.

    Minister Tufton, during a site inspection tour, emphasized that contractors are actively working to rehabilitate affected ward spaces in the temporary A&E unit, with several wards expected to become operational within the coming week. While acknowledging the challenging circumstances, the minister appealed for public understanding as the ministry implements both immediate and long-term solutions to restore adequate bed capacity for patient care.

  • Defiant protests over US immigration crackdown, 5-y-o’s detention

    Defiant protests over US immigration crackdown, 5-y-o’s detention

    MINNEAPOLIS — A massive wave of civil dissent swept through Minneapolis on Friday as thousands of demonstrators defied freezing temperatures to condemn a federal immigration operation. The coordinated public outcry, which prompted numerous local businesses to temporarily close, was ignited by the controversial detention of a five-year-old migrant child, Liam Conejo Ramos.

    The operation, led by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), has drawn intense scrutiny following revelations about the tactics employed during the arrest of Ramos and his Ecuadorian father, Adrian Conejo Arias. According to Columbia Heights Public Schools Superintendent Zena Stenvik, both asylum seekers were intercepted in their driveway upon returning home Tuesday. Stenvik further alleged that the young child was utilized as ‘bait’ by officers to lure other individuals from their residence.

    This incident has amplified existing tensions surrounding the weeks-long federal operation in Minnesota, which had already faced criticism after an ICE agent fatally shot a US citizen during the crackdown. The circulation of images depicting a visibly terrified Ramos in custody has become a potent symbol for protesters, many of whom carried signs referencing the child’s age.

    While Vice President JD Vance, during a Thursday visit to Minneapolis, confirmed Ramos’s detention, he defended federal agents’ actions, suggesting they were protecting the child after his father attempted to flee. ‘What are they supposed to do? Are they supposed to let a five-year-old child freeze to death?’ Vance stated.

    The operation has attracted international attention, with UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk urging US authorities to cease what he described as ‘harmful treatment of migrants and refugees.’ Current ICE records indicate Arias is being held at a Texas detention facility, though the database does not disclose the location of minors in custody.

  • Williams, Blake top the field at New Balance Grand Prix

    Williams, Blake top the field at New Balance Grand Prix

    Jamaican athletes delivered a spectacular display of sprinting prowess at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix in Boston, Massachusetts, on Saturday, securing multiple victories and podium finishes in short-distance events.

    Olympian Danielle Williams electrified the track with a world-leading performance in the women’s 60m hurdles, clocking an impressive 7.87 seconds to claim gold. The race featured intense competition with Devynne Charlton of The Bahamas capturing silver in 7.92 seconds and American Christina Clemons taking bronze in 7.94 seconds.

    Jamaica’s success continued in the men’s 60m dash where Ackeem Blake justified his pre-race favorite status by winning with a season’s best time of 6.53 seconds. Blake outperformed Puerto Rico’s Eloy Benitez (6.56s) and American Jordan Anthony (6.57s) in a tightly contested final.

    Adding to Jamaica’s medal haul, emerging talent Briana Lyston secured silver in the women’s 60m sprint with a time of 7.11 seconds. Lyston finished just behind British star Dina Asher-Smith, who won the event with a season’s best 7.08 seconds, demonstrating the high caliber of competition at the prestigious indoor meet.

  • 81 road users killed during 4th quarter of 2025 says ITA

    81 road users killed during 4th quarter of 2025 says ITA

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s road safety landscape presented a complex picture in the final quarter of 2025, with the Island Traffic Authority (ITA) reporting 81 fatalities resulting from 68 separate fatal collisions occurring between October and December. While the overall figures indicate a downward trend in road deaths, certain user groups and parishes experienced concerning increases.

    The geographical distribution of fatalities revealed significant disparities across the island. St. Catherine Parish emerged as the most dangerous region, recording a distressing 22 deaths. It was followed by St. Elizabeth, often called the nation’s breadbasket, with 12 fatalities, and St. Ann with nine. Manchester and Westmoreland parishes each reported seven deaths, while St. Thomas and St. James recorded four fatalities apiece. Portland stood out as the safest jurisdiction with zero fatalities during the three-month monitoring period.

    Comparative analysis with the same quarter in 2024 showed a 6% reduction in total fatalities and an 11% decrease in the number of fatal crashes. However, this overall improvement masked troubling trends among specific road user categories. Motorcyclists remained particularly vulnerable, accounting for 28 deaths (35% of all fatalities), though this represented a 13% improvement from 2024.

    Conversely, private motor vehicle drivers and pedestrians both experienced 7% increases in fatalities compared to the previous year. Drivers accounted for 16 deaths (20% of total fatalities), while pedestrians represented 15 deaths (19% of the total).

    The data revealed a pronounced gender disparity, with males comprising 85% of all fatalities compared to 15% for females. Most concerning was the statistic showing that vulnerable road users—including pedestrians, motorcyclists, pillion passengers, and pedalcyclists—collectively accounted for 57% of all deaths during the review period.

  • Portmore Islamic Centre donates over $40m in medical supplies to Hurricane Melissa relief

    Portmore Islamic Centre donates over $40m in medical supplies to Hurricane Melissa relief

    A substantial medical relief initiative valued at $40 million Jamaican dollars is set to enhance healthcare services across Jamaica through a collaborative effort between the Portmore Islamic Centre and US-based humanitarian organization Helping Hands. This significant donation arrives as part of the centre’s ongoing hurricane relief project, providing critical medical equipment to healthcare facilities nationwide.

    The comprehensive medical assistance package includes advanced ultrasound machines, infant warming systems, professional medical scrubs, specialized electric hospital beds, emergency crash carts, and CPAP respiratory devices. This equipment will directly benefit multiple healthcare institutions, including Black River Hospital in St. Elizabeth and St. Ann’s Bay Hospital in St. Ann, alongside various community health centers throughout the island.

    Project Coordinator Kareema Muncey revealed that this initiative represents the latest development in an established philanthropic relationship. “Our collaboration with Helping Hands began with substantial grocery distribution efforts, through which we’ve already distributed over 700 relief boxes to communities,” Muncey explained. This previous outreach enabled volunteers to identify specific needs within western Jamaican communities and establish connections with local medical facilities.

    Shaheed Muhammad, detailing the procurement process, emphasized the global reach of their charitable partner: “Helping Hands operates international relief programs worldwide. We initiated contact following Hurricane Melissa’s impact on Jamaica, recognizing the urgent need for support. Their immediate positive response facilitated this significant donation.”

    The medical supplies, which arrived via container transport on Friday evening, prompted immediate mobilization efforts. Muhammad noted that distribution commenced rapidly, with many clinic representatives already collecting their allocations. Additional personalized deliveries were scheduled for the following day to ensure comprehensive coverage.

    This current medical donation follows a previous $25 million grocery relief program administered by the same organizations. Muhammad specifically highlighted the inclusive nature of their humanitarian mission: “This assistance transcends religious boundaries – it primarily serves non-Muslim communities. Our religious principles mandate that by alleviating others’ burdens, we ultimately ease our own. We consider this philanthropic work an essential duty rather than optional charity.”

  • Updated rules to be observed at World Athletics Indoor Championships in March

    Updated rules to be observed at World Athletics Indoor Championships in March

    World Athletics has unveiled a comprehensive set of rule modifications set to take effect in the 2026 competitive season, with several changes already implemented in November 2025. The international governing body for track and field announced these significant updates through social media graphics, specifically targeting relay events and middle-distance races to improve both competitive equity and athlete safety.

    The most notable revision concerns relay race procedures when batons are dropped during exchanges. Under previous regulations, athletes were required to return precisely to the spot where the baton fell—a rule that proved impractical during high-intensity competition and challenging for officials to enforce without video technology. The updated protocol now permits the athlete who dropped the baton to retrieve it from any location, provided they do not shorten their running distance or obstruct other competitors. The fundamental requirement remains that athletes must carry the baton across the finish line.

    For indoor 800-meter events, World Athletics has introduced a standardized breakline positioned 165 meters after the start, coinciding with the entrance to the home straight. This breakline—already utilized in 400-meter races—provides competitors additional time and space to transition from assigned lanes to the inside lane, thereby reducing congestion and minimizing collision risks on tight indoor tracks.

    Additionally, the organization has modified the format for indoor 400-meter heats at World Indoor Championships. Each heat will now feature only four athletes running in lanes 3 through 6, deliberately leaving lanes 1 and 2 vacant due to the competitive disadvantage posed by tight curves on indoor tracks. This adjustment aims to create more equitable racing conditions while improving the experience for both participants and spectators.

    Another previously instituted rule for the 4×400-meter relay, established in March 2025, mandates that waiting athletes must arrange themselves based on their teammates’ positions as they complete their laps and cannot alter their positioning once established.

    These regulatory updates come ahead of the World Athletics Indoor Championships scheduled to commence on March 20, representing the organization’s continued effort to refine competition standards while prioritizing athlete safety and competitive integrity.

  • Safe Passage win Port Antonio marlin tournament

    Safe Passage win Port Antonio marlin tournament

    PORTLAND, Jamaica — The 62nd edition of the prestigious Port Antonio International Blue Marlin Tournament concluded this Saturday at the Ole Marina, crowning the vessel Safe Passage as the undisputed champion. The tournament, a hallmark event in the Caribbean sportfishing calendar, witnessed an exceptional display of angling prowess over its three-day duration.

    Safe Passage’s crew demonstrated remarkable skill, accounting for a staggering nine out of the twelve blue marlin successfully released during the competition. Angler Christopher Berry emerged as the tournament’s standout individual, securing the title of top angler by personally releasing four of these majestic game fish.

    The final day of the event saw three additional marlin released back into the ocean, contributing to the tournament’s conservation-focused catch-and-release format. One marlin each was released by Christopher Berry of Safe Passage, cementing his lead; Ethan Lyn fishing aboard the vessel Integrity; and Omar Richards from the team on Prospect II.

    The event, known for drawing international fishing enthusiasts to Jamaica’s northeastern coast, underscored the region’s status as a world-class blue marlin fishing destination. The successful release of twelve marlin was celebrated as a significant achievement for both competitive sport and marine conservation efforts.

  • School repairs to take up to 18 months in some cases – Morris Dixon

    School repairs to take up to 18 months in some cases – Morris Dixon

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s education system continues to grapple with the extensive aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, with complete rehabilitation of damaged schools projected to require up to eighteen months. The disclosure came from Education Minister Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon during a ministerial address to the Senate on Friday.

    While all educational institutions officially resumed classes on January 14th, Minister Morris Dixon acknowledged that many facilities are operating under suboptimal conditions. Numerous schools have implemented rotational attendance systems to accommodate ongoing repairs while ensuring continuous learning.

    The minister expressed particular concern about rotational learning arrangements, stating emphatically, ‘I want rotations ended as quickly as possible.’ She explained the varying timelines for repairs, noting that while some facilities require approximately six months of work, others need nearly complete reconstruction, extending the process to a year and a half.

    Complex reconstruction efforts present significant logistical challenges, as work must proceed around academic schedules. Contractors are conducting repairs during nights and weekends to minimize disruption. In some cases, rehabilitation includes infrastructure upgrades—replacing temporary zinc roofs with more durable concrete slabs, which contributes to extended timelines.

    To address classroom shortages, the education ministry has implemented a strategic redeployment of temporary structures. Once repairs conclude at one facility, tents are relocated to other schools still undergoing reconstruction, helping reduce rotational attendance numbers.

    The ministry maintains a firm policy requiring all examination-year students to attend school five days weekly. This applies to pupils preparing for Primary Exit Profile (PEP), Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), and Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) tests. Rotational schedules affect only those students not facing imminent external examinations.

  • Jamaica’s Sara Misir wins E1 Jeddah Grand Prix season opener, earns Pilot of the Day

    Jamaica’s Sara Misir wins E1 Jeddah Grand Prix season opener, earns Pilot of the Day

    JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia – Caribbean motorsport history was written on the Red Sea this Saturday as Jamaica’s Sara Misir dominated the inaugural round of the 2026 UIM E1 World Championship. Piloting the distinctive pink Aoki Racing Team powerboat, Misir delivered a masterclass in electric marine racing to claim victory in the season-opening Jeddah Grand Prix.

    The Jamaican driver demonstrated exceptional composure and strategic brilliance throughout a demanding race weekend, overcoming multiple challenges to secure her first Grand Prix triumph while donning the team’s iconic pink livery. Her performance not only marked a personal milestone but established early championship dominance for the Aoki Racing Team in the world’s premier electric powerboat racing series.

    “This moment is absolutely incredible – securing my first victory in the pink livery and delivering this result for the entire Aoki Racing Team,” an elated Misir stated post-race. “We faced numerous obstacles this weekend, but maintained absolute focus and executed our strategy perfectly. This achievement belongs equally to my co-pilot Dani Loos and our incredible technical team working tirelessly behind the scenes.”

    Misir’s exceptional consistency and race intelligence earned her the prestigious Pilot of the Day honor, recognizing her superlative performance across the championship finals. The victory represents a significant breakthrough for Caribbean athletes in the technologically advanced realm of electric marine motorsports.

    The E1 World Championship now progresses to its European leg, with Round 2 scheduled for Lake Como, Italy on April 24-25, 2026, where Misir and her team aim to capitalize on their early championship momentum.

  • Wisconsin-based Bartalozzi Homes rebuilds homes in Jamaica for hurricane victims

    Wisconsin-based Bartalozzi Homes rebuilds homes in Jamaica for hurricane victims

    WESTMORELAND, Jamaica — In a remarkable display of international solidarity, a specialized team of volunteer builders from Wisconsin has successfully constructed eight new residential units for Jamaican families devastated by Hurricane Melissa. The humanitarian mission, orchestrated by The Issa Trust Foundation, specifically targeted employees of Couples Resorts who lost their homes during the catastrophic Category 5 storm.

    Dirk Bartalozzi, owner of Bartalozzi Homes and leader of the volunteer contingent, expressed profound personal motivation for participating in the rebuilding initiative. Having witnessed the extensive destruction across Westmoreland parish, Bartalozzi—whose wife is Jamaican—felt compelled to leverage his professional expertise in service of the recovery efforts.

    The construction process demonstrated both technical proficiency and adaptive problem-solving. While Bartalozzi noted that the fundamental building techniques mirrored those used in his Wisconsin-based residential projects, the team encountered unique challenges working with elevated foundations designed for flood protection. “Building on stilts presented distinct structural considerations,” Bartalozzi explained, highlighting the specialized approach required for hurricane-resistant construction.

    The volunteers arrived fully equipped with professional-grade tools, including battery-powered framing systems, precision saws, industrial drills, and critical hurricane strapping components. This comprehensive preparation enabled the team to complete each home within an impressive two-day timeframe, significantly accelerating the community’s recovery process.

    The initiative represents a successful collaboration between corporate social responsibility through The Issa Trust Foundation and skilled volunteerism, demonstrating how targeted technical assistance can effectively address post-disaster housing needs in vulnerable communities.