In a bid to revolutionize the way locals and tourists experience authentic Jamaican street food, 21-year-old Somesh Sharma, a third-year medical physics student at the University of the West Indies (UWI), has developed Yaad Bites, a mobile app designed to connect users with the island’s vibrant roadside culinary scene. From sizzling jerk chicken to fresh fruit stalls, the app aims to make it easier for food enthusiasts to discover and support local vendors.
标签: Jamaica
牙买加
-

Rihanna welcomes baby girl
Global music icon and entrepreneur Rihanna has announced the birth of her third child, a baby girl named Rocki Irish Mayers. The Barbadian superstar shared the joyous news with her millions of followers via an Instagram post on Wednesday afternoon, revealing that her daughter was born on Saturday, September 13. This marks the first daughter for Rihanna and her partner, rapper A$AP Rocky, adding to their growing family. The couple previously welcomed their first son, RZA Athelston Mayers, in May 2022, followed by their second son, Riot Rose, in August 2023. The arrival of Rocki Irish Mayers completes their family of five, sparking widespread celebration among fans and well-wishers worldwide.
-

Holness reiterates Jamaica’s commitment to climate action
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a bold move to combat climate change, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has reaffirmed the nation’s dedication to climate action during his address at the eightieth session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80) in New York. Holness emphasized that Jamaica is intensifying its efforts to address the escalating impacts of climate change, aligning ambition with concrete action.
-

Gas prices down $2.60, diesel down $0.54
KINGSTON, Jamaica—In a welcome development for motorists, fuel prices across Jamaica are set to experience a notable decline starting Thursday, September 25. This adjustment follows the latest ex-refinery pricing data released by Petrojam, the nation’s leading oil refinery. The price of 90-octane gasoline will drop by $2.60, bringing it to $165.82 per litre, while 87-octane gasoline will also see a reduction of $2.60, settling at $158.81 per litre. Automotive diesel fuel will decrease by $0.54, priced at $167.47 per litre, and ultra-low sulphur diesel will see a $0.63 reduction, costing $173.73 per litre. Additionally, kerosene prices will fall by $0.54, making it available at $152.01 per litre. This price adjustment is expected to provide relief to consumers and businesses alike, easing the financial burden of transportation and energy costs.
-

Dushyant Savadia named global leader of the year at AsiaOne event in Dubai
DUBAI, UAE — Dushyant Savadia, Founder and CEO of Amber Group, was celebrated as the Global Leader of the Year 2025 at the 26th Asian Business and Social Forum. The prestigious event, organized by AsiaOne Magazine and URS Media, took place on September 19 at the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel in Dubai. The forum, themed ‘Celebrating the Spirit of Asia,’ brought together a diverse assembly of global business leaders, policymakers, diplomats, and investors from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas.
In addition to Savadia’s accolade, Amber Connect, a subsidiary of Amber Group, was recognized as one of the World’s Greatest Brands 2025. Savadia, in his acceptance speech, emphasized the importance of service in leadership, stating, ‘Success without service is meaningless. True leadership is measured not just by profits but by the lives we uplift.’
AsiaOne Magazine lauded Savadia as a transformative figure whose contributions span philanthropy, technology, and entrepreneurship. ‘Mr. Savadia’s work exemplifies service, innovation, and resilience. He has demonstrated how technology can create jobs and address global challenges while remaining committed to local communities,’ the magazine noted.
The forum highlighted key themes such as bilateral trade, innovation, and cross-continental collaboration. Attendees included ambassadors and dignitaries from the Maldives, Zimbabwe, Guatemala, Kenya, and Indonesia, alongside members of royal families, Emirati cinema icons, and influential business leaders. The event served as a global platform for celebrating progress and fostering international cooperation.
-

Teenagers charged following motorcycle theft
In a recent incident in Westmoreland, Jamaica, two teenagers have been formally charged with simple larceny. The event unfolded on Saturday, September 13, in the Barracks Road area of Savanna-la-Mar. Authorities report that around 4:40 pm, the two individuals allegedly entered a man’s property and stole his 2016 Zamco motorcycle from his garage. The stolen vehicle is estimated to be worth approximately $260,000. Upon discovering the theft, the victim promptly reported the incident to the local police, prompting an immediate investigation. Law enforcement officials successfully apprehended the suspects during a targeted operation. The teenagers are now awaiting their court appearance, with the date currently being finalized. This case highlights ongoing concerns about youth involvement in criminal activities in the region.
-

6.2-magnitude quake shakes west Venezuela
A significant earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale jolted western and northern Venezuela on Wednesday, including the capital city of Caracas. The tremor, which originated at a depth of 7.8 kilometers (4.8 miles), had its epicenter approximately 24 kilometers (15 miles) from Mene Grande, a small oil town in the sparsely populated Zulia state. The US Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed the details, while the Colombian Geological Survey recorded the quake at a slightly lower magnitude of 6.1, classifying it as a ‘shallow depth’ event. The seismic activity was also felt in neighboring Colombia and the Caribbean islands of Aruba, Curacao, and Bonaire. Although Venezuela is not typically prone to strong earthquakes, the tremor caused widespread alarm in major cities such as Caracas and Maracaibo, a key petroleum hub. Residents swiftly evacuated buildings and gathered on the streets, but initial reports indicate no significant damage or injuries. The Venezuelan government has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident. Historically, Venezuela has experienced devastating earthquakes, including the 1997 Cariaco quake that claimed 73 lives and the 1967 Caracas tremor that resulted in nearly 300 fatalities and 2,000 injuries.
-

Police probing discovery of drugs on a private island in St Vincent and the Grenadines
Authorities in St. Vincent and the Grenadines have launched a high-profile investigation on the upscale island of Mustique following the discovery of 35 packages of cocaine weighing 35 kilograms and an object suspected to be a grenade remnant. The findings, reported on Tuesday, have sent shockwaves through the exclusive enclave, renowned as a retreat for global elites, including Hollywood celebrities and British royalty. Details surrounding the incident remain scarce, as the private island maintains strict confidentiality. However, sources from the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) confirmed that explosive experts have been deployed to the scene to assess the situation. As of now, no arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing. The police have yet to release an official statement regarding the matter.
-

MoBay moves toward creating designated running routes following rise in 5K events
Montego Bay, Jamaica, is witnessing a significant rise in 5K running events, prompting local authorities to take formal steps to accommodate this growing wellness trend. Mayor Richard Vernon of the St James Municipal Corporation revealed that officials are collaborating with police and event organizers to establish designated routes. These routes aim to minimize disruptions to traffic and local businesses, which currently face challenges due to the varying courses chosen by race organizers.
‘We are exploring the possibility of designating a specific area for 5K events,’ Vernon stated. ‘Our goal is to identify a location that allows residents to engage in these activities without hindering daily operations.’
In addition to addressing the logistical challenges posed by the surge in 5K events, Montego Bay is also expanding its green spaces as part of broader urban development plans. Mayor Vernon emphasized that these initiatives will enhance air quality and bolster public health efforts.
One of the standout events this year was the MBJ Charity Run, which attracted nearly 3,000 participants and raised approximately $30 million for educational grants. The event garnered support from over 100 companies, including Caribbean Solar Life and the Airports Authority of Jamaica. Applications for grants under the MBJ Charity Run’s expanded program remain open until September 30, 2025, and can be accessed at www.mbjairport.com.
-

Most students involved in bus spill discharged from UHWI — Dr Bruce
In a recent update from the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI), it has been confirmed that most of the students injured in a bus accident on Tuesday along the Dublin Castle main road in Gordon Town, St Andrew, have been discharged following necessary medical treatment and observation. The incident, which involved students from St Martin De Porres and Louise Bennett-Coverley Primary Schools, occurred when the bus experienced mechanical issues, leading to it overturning after multiple attempts to restart it failed. Only one child remained hospitalized as of Tuesday night. Dr. Carl Bruce, Chief Medical Officer at UHWI, highlighted the hospital’s swift response, mobilizing pediatric, emergency, surgical, and ancillary care teams to provide comprehensive and compassionate care. The hospital also offered psychosocial support to the affected students and their families, emphasizing their commitment to the children’s emotional, mental, and physical recovery. UHWI continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates to relevant stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the Ministry of Education, as more information becomes available.
