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标签： Jamaica

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  • CARIMAC students host World TV Day 2025 event

    CARIMAC students host World TV Day 2025 event

    The Caribbean Institute of Media and Communication (CARIMAC) at The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, is set to host its annual World Television Day celebration on Thursday, November 20, 2025. This year’s event, themed ‘AI TV: The Beginning or the End’, will be conducted virtually via Zoom due to the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which necessitated the shift from an in-person gathering to an online format.

    Despite the change in venue, the organizing team has pledged to deliver an engaging and interactive experience for attendees, complete with prizes and surprises to maintain the festive spirit of the occasion. The event will feature a keynote presentation by Dushyant Savadia, a renowned social entrepreneur, tech visionary, and global humanitarian. Savadia will delve into the evolving relationship between artificial intelligence and television, exploring how technological advancements are reshaping content creation, distribution, and audience engagement. His address will be followed by an interactive Q&A session, allowing participants to engage directly with the speaker.

    Dr. Patrick Prendergast, director of CARIMAC, emphasized the importance of this year’s theme, highlighting the need for ongoing discussions about the impact of technology on storytelling and media. World Television Day, celebrated globally on November 21, recognizes television’s pivotal role in connecting and informing audiences worldwide. Through this annual event, CARIMAC continues to inspire the next generation of communication leaders to navigate the dynamic interplay between media, technology, and society.

    The virtual event will take place from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, offering a platform for dialogue and innovation in the ever-evolving media landscape.

  • Ziggy Marley’s URGE Foundation and BossMom Network to rebuild homes for Jamaican mothers and children

    Ziggy Marley’s URGE Foundation and BossMom Network to rebuild homes for Jamaican mothers and children

    The Unlimited Resources Giving Enlightenment (URGE) Foundation, spearheaded by Ziggy and Orly Marley, is scaling up its home rebuilding initiatives to support Jamaican families displaced by Hurricane Melissa. This expansion builds on a successful collaboration with Michelle Gordon, founder of the BossMom Network and a goodwill ambassador for Food for the Poor. Gordon emphasized the shared mission of reconstructing homes, restoring hope, and empowering single mothers and children across Jamaica. Initially committing $50,000 to the project, the Marleys have since mobilized additional funding from the music industry to address the heightened need post-Melissa. In a recent media release, Gordon announced upcoming initiatives focusing on immediate hurricane relief and long-term financial support for rebuilding efforts. ‘Ziggy and Orly have been steadfast partners,’ Gordon stated. ‘Their renewed support enables us to transition swiftly from relief to restoration, helping mothers move beyond survival to nurturing their children and rebuilding their futures.’ BossMom Builds, in partnership with Food for the Poor Jamaica, has historically provided safe, sustainable housing for vulnerable mothers. In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, the initiative has pivoted to a $100,000 campaign aimed at repairing damaged homes, furnishing new ones, and restoring livelihoods. Marsha Burrell-Rose, Marketing, Public Relations, and Missions Manager at Food for the Poor, highlighted the power of collaboration: ‘This partnership exemplifies unity, combining faith, purpose, and action to rebuild communities and restore lives across Jamaica. It’s compassion in motion.’ Ziggy Marley echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the foundation’s commitment to love in action. ‘Jamaica is our home, and helping families rebuild after this storm is our shared responsibility,’ he said. Since its inception in 1992, the URGE Foundation has focused on improving lives through education, health, and community development. Its ongoing collaboration with BossMom Builds underscores the transformative impact of compassion and partnership. Gordon is now calling on individuals, corporate partners, and the Jamaican diaspora to join the mission. ‘Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us rebuild homes, restore hope, and keep mothers and children safe,’ she added. Donations can be made directly to Food for the Poor Jamaica, with all funds allocated to BossMom Builds for reconstruction efforts.

  • Damage from Hurricane Melissa now put at US$8.8 billion

    Damage from Hurricane Melissa now put at US$8.8 billion

    The catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica’s southwestern coast on October 28, has been quantified at a staggering $8.8 billion. This updated estimate, presented by Lilia Burunciuc, the World Bank Country Director for the Caribbean, was disclosed during a press briefing at Jamaica House on Thursday. The figure accounts for 41% of Jamaica’s projected gross domestic product (GDP) for 2024, highlighting the immense scale of the disaster. Burunciuc emphasized that this assessment reflects only the physical damage, with economic repercussions expected to be even more severe. A comprehensive evaluation of the economic toll will follow once the monetary assessment is finalized. The parishes of St. James, Westmoreland, and St. Elizabeth bore the brunt of the hurricane’s fury, sustaining $5.5 billion in damages—63% of the total estimate. Residential buildings suffered the most significant losses, amounting to $3.7 billion, or 41% of the overall damage. This category includes homes, their contents, and mixed-use buildings classified as residential. Non-residential buildings, encompassing commercial, industrial, tourism, and public structures, incurred $1.8 billion in damages. Infrastructure damage was estimated at $2.9 billion, while agricultural losses totaled $389 million. The devastation underscores the urgent need for recovery efforts and international support to rebuild Jamaica’s affected regions.

  • Mikey General honours Rastafari legacy with Haile Selassie Liveth

    Mikey General honours Rastafari legacy with Haile Selassie Liveth

    Renowned reggae artist Mikey General has unveiled his latest single, ‘Haile Selassie Liveth,’ a heartfelt homage to the enduring legacy of Haile Selassie I, the former Emperor of Ethiopia and a central figure in the Rastafarian faith. Released on October 31, 2025, under Meridian Records, the track showcases Mikey General’s signature velvety vocals, delivering a soulful and meditative reggae experience. The song masterfully intertwines spiritual reverence, cultural consciousness, and musical artistry, offering listeners a transcendent journey that both uplifts and educates. ‘Haile Selassie Liveth’ stands as a testament to Mikey General’s commitment to creating spiritually enriching music, further solidifying his esteemed position in the reggae genre. The single is now accessible on all major streaming platforms, including iTunes, Spotify, Deezer, Amazon Music, and Tidal.

  • Three fatally shot by police on Mandela Highway

    Three fatally shot by police on Mandela Highway

    In a tragic incident on Wednesday afternoon, three men lost their lives following a police-involved shooting along Mandela Highway in St Catherine, Jamaica. The event reportedly occurred shortly after 12:00 pm, when the men were traveling in a Honda Fit motor car. Authorities have confirmed the fatalities and are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting. While specific details remain scarce, the incident has sparked concerns and raised questions about the use of force by law enforcement. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses. The community awaits clarity on the events that led to this fatal encounter.

  • Pfizer, Tris Pharma settle for $41.5 million in Texas ADHD drug case

    Pfizer, Tris Pharma settle for $41.5 million in Texas ADHD drug case

    Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced a landmark $41.5 million settlement with pharmaceutical giants Pfizer and Tris Pharma on Wednesday. The resolution stems from allegations of drug adulteration and fraudulent practices involving the state’s Medicaid program. The case, initiated in 2023, accused the companies of manipulating quality control tests for Quillivant XR, a medication prescribed for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

    Between 2012 and 2018, tests revealed that Quillivant XR frequently failed to dissolve properly in the body, rendering it ineffective. Paxton emphasized that the companies knowingly provided adulterated drugs to children and falsified test results to secure Medicaid reimbursements. ‘Under my watch, Big Pharma will not escape justice for lying about the effectiveness of its drugs,’ Paxton declared in a statement.

    Pfizer, headquartered in New York, denied any liability or wrongdoing in the settlement. The company asserted that no safety concerns were identified for patients using Quillivant XR and reiterated its commitment to product quality and patient well-being. Tris Pharma, based in New Jersey, did not respond to requests for comment.

    The lawsuit was sparked by a whistleblower complaint from Tarik Ahmed, Tris Pharma’s former technology chief, who served from 2013 to 2017. Quillivant XR was originally developed by NextWave Pharmaceuticals, which Pfizer acquired in 2012. Tris Pharma manufactured the drug on Pfizer’s behalf until 2018, when it acquired the product line. Pfizer confirmed it ceased marketing the drug in 2018.

    This settlement underscores the ongoing scrutiny of pharmaceutical practices and the enforcement of accountability in public health programs.

  • DREAM DELAYED

    DREAM DELAYED

    In a tense final-round World Cup qualifier at the National Stadium on Tuesday night, Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz were held to a goalless draw by Curaçao, dashing their hopes of automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match, which ended in disappointment for the home crowd, saw striker Shamar Nicholson visibly emotional, comforted by a sympathetic fan in the stands. The result leaves Jamaica’s World Cup aspirations alive but dependent on the upcoming inter-confederation playoff, where they could face formidable opponents such as Iraq, DR Congo, Bolivia, or New Macedonia. The 2026 World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, remains within reach for the Reggae Boyz, though the path to qualification has become significantly more challenging. The team’s resilience and determination will now be put to the test as they prepare for the decisive playoff matches.

  • Hurricane victims hopeful after visit by PM and Caricom heads

    Hurricane victims hopeful after visit by PM and Caricom heads

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The recent visit by Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Caribbean Community (Caricom) leaders to Whitehouse and surrounding communities in Westmoreland on November 17 has sparked a glimmer of hope among residents still reeling from the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. While the visit, which included representatives from international lending agencies, is not expected to immediately resolve the widespread destruction caused by the October 28 hurricane, locals view it as a crucial step toward addressing their dire circumstances.

  • Terry Ganzie champions conscious music

    Terry Ganzie champions conscious music

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – Renowned recording artist Terry Ganzie is once again captivating global audiences as he reconnects with his roots and reignites his mission to inspire and uplift through his music. Known for his profound contributions to the conscious dancehall movement of the 1990s, Ganzie is now crafting a new chapter in his illustrious career, blending timeless messages of truth, resilience, and spiritual strength with contemporary sounds that resonate across generations and borders. Emerging in the early 1990s as part of the influential Penthouse and Bobby Digital movements, Ganzie quickly established himself as a voice for the marginalized. His iconic tracks, including ‘Welcome the Outlaw,’ ‘Who’s Responsible,’ ‘Treat You Right,’ ‘Jah Will Help,’ and ‘Heavy Load,’ solidified his reputation as one of reggae’s most revered truth-tellers. His music, characterized by its unapologetic consciousness and spiritual depth, continues to inspire listeners worldwide. In a recent statement, Ganzie emphasized, ‘Music is both a weapon and a healing force. My mission has always been to uplift and awaken people, reminding them that reggae’s essence is truth.’ As reggae evolves globally, blending with Afrobeat, hip-hop, and digital subgenres, Ganzie’s influence is being rediscovered by a new generation of fans and selectors. His latest initiative, ‘Legacy of The Outlaw,’ celebrates his cultural impact through a series of interviews, performances, collaborations, and digital releases. With new tracks like ‘We Rise’ gaining international acclaim, Ganzie’s signature blend of grit, wisdom, and inspiration continues to resonate with audiences seeking authenticity. ‘Reggae is not just entertainment—it’s education, it’s emancipation. The fire never dies. The Outlaw still stands firm,’ he declared.

  • What are the Epstein Files?

    What are the Epstein Files?

    WASHINGTON, DC, United States — The long-sealed ‘Epstein Files,’ a subject of intense speculation and public curiosity, are now on the verge of being made public. On Tuesday, both the US House of Representatives and the Senate took decisive steps to mandate the release of government documents tied to the investigation of Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender who died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial for sex trafficking of underage girls. His death did little to quell the controversy surrounding his connections to high-profile figures, including former President Donald Trump, business executives, and celebrities. The Epstein Files encompass a vast collection of evidence gathered by the Justice Department and the FBI during investigations that led to Epstein’s 2008 conviction for procuring a minor for prostitution and his subsequent indictment in New York. While only a fraction of these materials has been disclosed to date, recent revelations have emerged from emails surrendered by Epstein’s estate. The newly passed Epstein Files Transparency Act requires the release of all unclassified records, documents, communications, and investigative materials related to Epstein and his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell within 30 days. Maxwell, currently serving a 20-year sentence for recruiting underage girls for Epstein, remains the only person convicted in connection with the disgraced financier. However, Trump’s supporters have long alleged that ‘deep state’ elites shielded Epstein’s associates in the Democratic Party and Hollywood. Earlier this year, the FBI and DOJ sparked political outrage by releasing a memo stating that no further evidence from the Epstein files would be disclosed, citing a lack of credible evidence of blackmail or a ‘client list.’ Despite uncovering over 300 gigabytes of data and physical evidence, the agencies found no grounds to investigate uncharged third parties. Trump, who initially campaigned on releasing the Epstein Files, reversed his stance upon taking office but recently supported their disclosure as Congress moved to vote on the matter. Before this shift, Trump ordered Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate Epstein’s ties to prominent Democrats, including former President Bill Clinton. This move could complicate the release of certain materials, as the House Bill permits withholding information that might jeopardize active federal investigations or prosecutions.