标签： Jamaica

The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) has initiated a pioneering region-wide student census, marking a historic milestone in educational development. This comprehensive initiative aims to directly influence the future of education by capturing the voices of every student from kindergarten to secondary level across the OECS member states. Dr Didacus Jules, the OECS Director General, emphasized the transformative potential of this effort, stating, ‘For the first time anywhere in the world, every student will participate in a single, region-wide census. This is not a sample or a survey of a few, but a true census ensuring every child is heard.’

The census, described as a ‘student-voice census,’ is designed to provide accurate, up-to-date insights into the needs and aspirations of students. Sisera Simon, head of the Human and Social Division at the OECS Commission, highlighted its significance, noting, ‘This initiative empowers us to make informed decisions, close gaps, and unlock the full potential of our young people.’ The data collected will directly inform the new 10-Year OECS Education Sector Strategy (2027-2037), ensuring it is grounded in the lived experiences of students.

Students from Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, St Kitts-Nevis, Montserrat, the British Virgin Islands, and Anguilla are invited to participate anonymously. Their honest feedback on learning, teaching, and school life will provide critical insights for education leaders to improve classroom environments, teaching methods, and overall education systems. The OECS Commission has assured that all data will remain confidential, enabling students to express themselves freely and safely.

This initiative represents a bold step toward creating more inclusive, equitable, and student-centred education systems across the region. By amplifying the voices of over 100,000 learners, the OECS Student Census aims to address the true realities of students today and shape a brighter future for education in the Eastern Caribbean.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica has successfully garnered over US$1 million in donations through its Support Jamaica portal, as revealed by Minister of Information, Dr. Dana Morris Dixon. During a press briefing on Tuesday, Morris Dixon disclosed that the portal has accumulated a total of US$1.8 million and J$53.218 million in contributions. This financial aid is part of the nation’s recovery efforts following the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, which struck the island on October 28, resulting in numerous fatalities and extensive damage, particularly in the western and southern regions. The government has also facilitated the registration of 170 donors, ensuring the efficient distribution of aid. Additionally, 40 bilateral partners have pledged further assistance to support Jamaica’s recovery and rebuilding initiatives.

NaturalAnnie Essentials, a Connecticut-based lifestyle brand founded by Jamaican-born entrepreneur Annya “Annie” White-Brown, has relaunched its popular Jamaican Yardie Candle Collection to aid families in Jamaica affected by Hurricane Melissa. A portion of all sales will be donated to support relief efforts. The collection, initially launched in 2023, features 14 hand-poured, scented soy candles, each representing a Jamaican parish. These candles, housed in reusable amber glass containers, have resonated deeply with the Jamaican Diaspora and enthusiasts of Jamaican culture, evoking nostalgic memories of home. Available online and at the NaturalAnnie Essentials Candle Bar in Bridgeport, Connecticut, the candles are crafted with unique fragrance profiles, such as passionfruit, pineapple, and vanilla for the Trelawny candle, and lime, cotton, and sage for the St Elizabeth candle. In addition to the candle sales, the company has partnered with the Jamaican American Connections of Connecticut to establish its Candle Bar as a donation drop-off site for essential items. On December 7, a reggae-themed candle-making event will be held at the Candle Bar, with a portion of ticket sales also contributing to the relief efforts. White-Brown emphasizes her commitment to making a meaningful impact on her homeland, even as a small business. Customers can shop online at naturalannieessentials.com or visit the Candle Bar at 1313 Connecticut Ave, Bridgeport, CT.

In a dramatic turn of events at the Home Circuit Court in Kingston, a seven-member jury was presented with compelling forensic evidence on Tuesday. The court heard that blood samples discovered in Constable Noel Maitland’s Chelsea Manor apartment in St Andrew had a 99.9999% probability of belonging to his missing girlfriend, Donna-Lee Donaldson, a prominent social media influencer. Maitland is currently on trial for murder and obstructing the lawful burial of a corpse, stemming from Donaldson’s disappearance on July 12, 2022. She was last seen at the apartment complex where Maitland resided. A senior forensic science officer, testifying as a key witness, revealed that blood samples were collected from three items within Maitland’s apartment and subjected to DNA analysis. The results overwhelmingly indicated a match with Donaldson’s DNA. The case has drawn significant public attention, with further details expected to be disclosed in the Wednesday Observer.

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, Montego Bay Mayor Richard Vernon has issued a stern warning to residents of St James, urging them to avoid unsafe routes and adhere to the guidance of emergency personnel. Speaking at a follow-up meeting of the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) held at the St James Municipal Corporation on Monday, Vernon emphasized that most roadways in the parish are now accessible, with the exception of Spring Mount and the route to Cambridge via Montpelier and Seven Rivers. ‘We strongly advise against attempting to cross Seven Rivers. The water levels remain high, and it is unsafe until authorities give the all-clear,’ he stated. To mitigate the challenges, work is underway at John’s Hall to establish an alternative route for communities typically accessed via Lottery. Vernon highlighted the coordinated efforts of key stakeholders, including the Jamaica Constabulary Force, Jamaica Fire Brigade, National Works Agency, and public health officials, in the ongoing recovery process. The focus remains on restoration, clean-up, and monitoring to restore normalcy. The mayor also praised residents for their cooperation and assured them of the government’s commitment to rebuilding their communities. The EOC continues to meet regularly to assess progress and provide updates on critical sectors such as infrastructure, sanitation, and public health.

In the early hours of Tuesday morning, a devastating fire of unknown origin engulfed two residential buildings on Cornwall Street in Falmouth, Trelawny. The structures, which also accommodated a daycare center and housed upholstery and technician operations, were completely gutted by the flames. Firefighters demonstrated remarkable bravery in their efforts to control the blaze, successfully preventing it from spreading to adjacent properties. This incident follows closely on the heels of another fire that destroyed a house on Queen Street just days prior. Authorities have launched investigations to determine the causes of both fires, though no definitive conclusions have been reached yet. The community remains on edge as they await answers and assess the damage.