In a significant step toward enhancing domestic violence intervention, members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s (JCF) Domestic Violence Intervention Unit recently completed a comprehensive training program. Conducted in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the three-day initiative took place at the Sea Garden Hotel in Montego Bay, St James, from September 24 to September 26. The program targeted centre managers and liaison officers, equipping them with advanced skills and knowledge to address domestic violence more effectively. Key focus areas included the Domestic Violence Policy, standard operating procedures, the impact of social media on domestic violence, and the critical role of mental health in intervention efforts. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Jacqueline Dillon, head of the JCF’s Domestic Violence Intervention Programme, emphasized the dual purpose of the training as both a refresher and a wellness initiative. She highlighted the importance of ensuring officers are mentally prepared to handle the complexities of domestic violence cases. Detective Sergeant Damion Hammond, sub-officer in charge of the unit, underscored the timeliness of the training, noting the increasing prevalence of domestic violence in Jamaica. He expressed confidence that the program would enhance the quality of service provided to citizens. Participants, including Sergeant Desiree McLeod from the St Elizabeth Domestic Violence Intervention Centre, praised the training for its relevance and depth, particularly the mental health awareness segment. Sergeant Moesha Allen, liaison officer for the St Andrew South Division, pointed to a rise in domestic violence reports as evidence of growing community trust in the police. Sergeant Kester Fennel of the St Catherine North Division urged victims to seek help, assuring them of professional and empathetic support. The training also benefited from contributions by the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the Court Administration Division, and the Bureau of Gender Affairs. Established to address global population and reproductive health challenges, the UNFPA remains committed to combating gender inequality and gender-based violence worldwide.
标签： Jamaica
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Golding announces PNP shadow cabinet
KINGSTON, Jamaica—In a significant move aimed at strengthening its leadership framework, the People’s National Party (PNP) has announced the formation of its new shadow cabinet. The announcement was made by PNP President Mark Golding on Monday, who emphasized the team’s commitment to serving Jamaica with creativity and determination.
Golding introduced the shadow cabinet as a dynamic blend of seasoned leaders and fresh voices, all united by a shared vision for the nation’s progress. ‘This team comprises bright minds, experienced leaders, and energetic new voices ready to serve the people of Jamaica,’ he stated. ‘Together, they bring the creativity and determination required to chart a better course for our country.’
Highlighting the cost-effective nature of the initiative, Golding clarified that the shadow cabinet operates without financial burden to taxpayers. ‘This is not about salaries or perks. Our spokespersons serve without pay in these roles,’ he explained. ‘The shadow cabinet provides a platform for MPs to engage meaningfully on national issues and demonstrate their readiness to assume responsibility in a future government.’
The shadow cabinet has been strategically structured around four core pillars of national life: economic development, human development, physical development, and governance. This framework ensures a comprehensive approach to addressing Jamaica’s most pressing challenges.
For a detailed list of the shadow cabinet members, visit the PNP’s official website.
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Monday, September 29, 2025
On the evening of September 25, the concept store Locale, situated at 4 Holborn Road, transformed into a hub of gastronomic and sartorial excellence with the Maison De Vert event. The eight-course culinary journey was masterfully curated by Chef Jerron Green of Jeronimos Kitchen, offering guests a feast for the senses. The evening’s wine selections, presented by Caribbean Producers Jamaica, were introduced by Flavio Andreatta, the Caribbean area manager at Giowine, adding a refined touch to the proceedings. The event also showcased the exquisite interior design by Aiesha Panton, creating a visually stunning backdrop for the evening. Attendees included notable personalities such as Gina Forrest, Senior Brand Manager for Wines and Premium Waters at CPJ, Rojah Thomas, Director of Retail Sales, and Paula Bullings, Corporate Wine Specialist, who joined Andreatta in a celebratory toast. The fashion-forward crowd was equally impressive, with Shereika Myers, CPJ Category Manager for Wines & Water, turning heads in an ASTR The Label Avani Textured Midi Dress. The event was a perfect blend of culinary artistry, fine wines, and high fashion, making it a memorable night for all who attended.
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UN Security Council to vote on future of foreign Haiti force
The United Nations Security Council is set to vote on Tuesday on a pivotal proposal to transform the current UN-backed security mission in Haiti into a robust, full-scale force. This initiative aims to address the escalating gang violence that has plunged the Caribbean nation into chaos. Currently, the Multinational Security Mission (MSS) comprises 1,000 police officers, predominantly from Kenya, who are assisting the overwhelmed Haitian police force. However, the mission, established in 2023, has yielded inconsistent results. Laurent Saint-Cyr, head of the Haitian Transitional Presidential Council, recently highlighted the dire situation at a UN diplomatic gathering, describing Haiti as a ‘country at war’ and a ‘human tragedy on America’s doorstep.’ He emphasized the urgent need for international intervention, citing the displacement of over a million people and the destruction of entire neighborhoods. The proposed expansion, spearheaded by the United States and Panama, would increase the force to a maximum of 5,500 personnel, including both police and military units, for an initial one-year period. Kenya’s President William Ruto expressed confidence that with adequate resources and logistics, Haiti’s security could be restored. The plan also includes establishing a UN support office to provide logistical and financial backing. US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau underscored the mission’s mandate to proactively target gangs and restore stability. However, the resolution faces potential opposition, with China and Russia expressing skepticism about the mission’s effectiveness without political reforms in Haiti. Both countries abstained from the initial vote, and their positions remain uncertain ahead of Tuesday’s decision. Haiti, the poorest nation in the Americas, has been plagued by violent gangs, political instability, and a lack of elections since 2016. The situation deteriorated further in early 2024 when gangs forced Prime Minister Ariel Henry to resign, leaving the country under the leadership of a Transitional Presidential Council.
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Nepal defeat West Indies by 90 runs – 2nd T20I
In a stunning display of cricketing prowess, Nepal triumphed over the West Indies by a commanding 90 runs in the second T20I of the Unity Cup at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Monday. Nepal posted a formidable total of 173-6 in their allotted 20 overs, thanks to standout performances from Asif Sheikh, who remained unbeaten with 68 runs, and Sundeep Jora, who contributed a solid 63. The West Indies’ bowling attack, led by Akeal Hosein (2-21) and Kyle Mayers (2-26), struggled to contain Nepal’s aggressive batting. In response, the West Indies faltered, managing only 83 runs in 17.1 overs. Jason Holder top-scored with 21, but the team was dismantled by Nepal’s bowlers, particularly Mohammad Aadil Alam, who claimed 4-24, and Kushal Bhurtel, who took 3-16. With this victory, Nepal now leads the 3-match series 2-0, showcasing their growing strength in international cricket.
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‘We are keeping hope alive’
MANCHESTER, Jamaica—The administration of Manchester High School in Mandeville has renewed its appeal for the safe return of Jayden Smith, a 12-year-old student who has been missing since Friday. The school’s principal, Jasford Gabriel, expressed deep concern in an audio statement released on Sunday, emphasizing the anxiety gripping the school community and the wider Jamaican diaspora.
Jayden was last seen leaving school on Friday evening after prayers, reportedly spotted in Mandeville around 5:00 pm. However, conflicting reports from the Alligator Pond police suggest he was last seen at home earlier that morning, dressed in his khaki uniform and brown shoes. The police have since activated a high alert and are urging the public to assist in locating the boy, described as having a dark complexion, slim build, and standing approximately 152 centimetres (5 feet) tall.
Principal Gabriel described Jayden as a quiet yet brilliant student who had recently joined Manchester High School with an exceptional primary exit profile average of over 90%. He emphasized the school’s efforts to collaborate with law enforcement and other agencies to ensure Jayden’s safe return. The principal also called for national and international support in the search efforts, expressing hope and faith in Jayden’s safety.
Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the Alligator Pond police at 876-224-3113, the police emergency number 119, or the nearest police station. The community remains united in its prayers and efforts to bring Jayden home safely.
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Lives and economies at risk from weak primary healthcare in region — report
A groundbreaking report released on Monday by the World Bank and the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) has issued a stark warning: the lack of resilience in primary healthcare (PHC) systems across Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) could result in catastrophic losses, both in human lives and economic stability. The report, titled “No Time to Wait: Resilience as the Cornerstone of Primary Health Care in Latin America and the Caribbean,” was unveiled during PAHO’s 62nd Directing Council, attended by health ministers and high-level delegates from the region. The study highlights that a 25–50 per cent reduction in PHC delivery due to a health emergency, such as a pandemic or natural disaster, could lead to up to 165,000 preventable deaths and economic losses ranging from US$7 to 37 billion over one to five years. Among the projected fatalities are 11,300 maternal deaths, 10,000 child deaths, and over 149,000 deaths from noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), alongside 14 million unintended pregnancies. Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, PAHO Director, emphasized that building robust PHC and resilience are inseparable. “Without resilient PHC, the next crisis will disproportionately affect the poorest and most marginalized communities,” he stated. The report defines resilience as the ability of health systems to maintain essential services equitably before, during, and after shocks, including pandemics, hurricanes, and floods. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the region’s vulnerabilities, with LAC accounting for 30 per cent of global COVID-19 deaths despite representing only 8.5 per cent of the world’s population. Essential services like maternal care, childhood immunization, and chronic disease treatment plummeted by up to 50 per cent, with some countries experiencing gaps for over two years. The region, prone to hurricanes, floods, and vector-borne outbreaks, remains heavily reliant on hospital-centered, fragmented health systems with insufficient investment in PHC. Jaime Saavedra, World Bank’s Director of Human Development for LAC, stressed that strengthening PHC is one of the region’s greatest health challenges. The report outlines a five-point action plan to build resilience, including expanding equitable care models, embedding public health functions within PHC, and ensuring sustainable financing. PAHO urges health leaders to prioritize PHC resilience as a political and economic imperative.
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Court date rescheduled in battle of neurosurgeons
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The legal case involving Dr. Carl Bruce, the medical chief of staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI), and his colleague, neurosurgeon Dr. Roger Hunter, faced an adjournment on Monday. The delay was requested by Dr. Bruce’s legal team, who cited insufficient time to prepare after receiving case documents recently. Dr. Hunter’s attorney, Hugh Wildman, expressed no objection to the postponement but emphasized his client’s readiness to proceed. ‘We could have started today if they were prepared,’ Wildman remarked. Dr. Hunter voiced his disappointment, highlighting concerns over the efficient use of judicial resources. ‘We are surprised by their lack of readiness, especially since the police have been involved since November last year,’ he stated. Dr. Bruce faces charges of malicious destruction of property and assault following an alleged incident during Dr. Hunter’s surgical preparations in April. The case, which Dr. Hunter previously declined to mediate, is set to resume on February 9.
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Montego Bay United whip Spanish Town Police to retake JPL lead
Montego Bay United delivered a commanding performance on Sunday, securing a resounding 4-0 victory over newly promoted Spanish Town Police at the Montego Bay Sports Complex. This triumph propelled them back to the summit of the Jamaica Premier League standings with 13 points, two ahead of Racing United, who were held to a goalless draw against Tivoli Gardens for the second consecutive match. Portmore United and Chapelton Maroons trail closely, both tied on 10 points but having played one fewer game than the league leaders. The match was marred by disciplinary issues for Spanish Town Police, as two of their players received red cards. Anil Ferguson was sent off in the 88th minute, while Shevan James, already substituted, was dismissed from the bench. Montego Bay United showcased their attacking prowess, with three of their four scorers netting their first goals of the season. Josiah Trimmingham opened the scoring in the eighth minute with a header from a corner, followed by Timar Lewis doubling the lead in the 28th minute with another header. Deonjay Brown, a second-half substitute, capitalized on a swift counterattack in the 74th minute, and Jahmari Clarke, returning from injury, sealed the victory with his third goal of the season in the 85th minute.
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OCHA reports increase in cholera cases in Haiti
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has raised alarms over a sharp increase in cholera cases in Haiti, particularly in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area. Pétion-Ville, a key economic and educational center, has become a major hotspot for the disease. Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, revealed that between September 21 and 25, 40 suspected cases and three deaths were reported in Pétion-Ville alone. This surge coincides with the imminent start of the new school year, heightening concerns about further transmission. In total, 66 suspected cases have been recorded in the capital and surrounding communes in recent days, marking a significant escalation compared to previous weeks. Young adults, who are highly mobile due to work and daily activities, constitute the majority of cases, raising fears of the disease spreading to other areas such as Delmas, Tabarre, and Carrefour. Nationwide, over 3,100 suspected cholera cases have been reported this year. In response, local health teams are conducting investigations, collecting samples, distributing water purification tablets, and launching awareness campaigns in affected neighborhoods like Brisetoux and Bobin. OCHA, in collaboration with Haitian authorities and partners, is intensifying efforts to monitor cases and mobilize health workers to curb the outbreak’s spread.