Jamaica’s parliamentary proceedings witnessed heated debate on Tuesday as Opposition leaders sharply criticized the government’s proposed amendments to the Cybercrimes Act, warning that legislative delays have rendered the updates dangerously outdated in the face of rapidly evolving digital threats. The legislative revisions, intended to modernize the 2015 Act following a Joint Select Committee’s 2023 recommendations, aim to enhance penalties, broaden investigative authorities, and strengthen protections against emerging online criminal activities including digital fraud and unauthorized system access. Opposition Leader Mark Golding expressed profound disappointment that the 2026 amendments remain anchored to recommendations formulated before the explosive advancement of artificial intelligence technologies and sophisticated digital manipulation capabilities. ‘For cybercrime legislation to address recommendations from early 2023 without comprehensively confronting AI-generated threats represents a significant failure,’ Golding asserted, emphasizing that the legislation fails to protect individuals from AI-facilitated image manipulation, voice cloning, and reputation damage. The Opposition acknowledged the government’s modernization efforts but insisted the amendments require immediate further revision to address threats that have emerged within the past three years. Parliament members Julian Robinson (St Andrew South Eastern) and Angela Brown Burke (St Andrew South Western) reinforced these concerns, highlighting the unique challenge of technology legislation where delayed implementation directly undermines effectiveness. Robinson emphasized that cyber legislation demands more frequent reviews than other laws due to technological acceleration, while Brown Burke criticized proposed penalties as insufficient deterrents compared to international standards. Both opposition members called for enhanced investigative capabilities, device seizure authorities, and balanced approaches that protect human rights while combating digital crimes.
标签： Jamaica
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Sabalenka says Serena return would be ‘cool’ after great refuses to rule it out
The tennis world is captivated by mounting speculation surrounding a potential return to professional competition by legendary athlete Serena Williams. The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion, now 44, has sparked intense discussion following her recent re-entry into the tennis anti-doping testing program in December 2023.
Williams, who hasn’t competed since her third-round exit at the 2022 US Open, addressed the rumors during an appearance on the ‘Today’ show. When questioned about a possible comeback, she offered an enigmatic response: ‘I’m just having fun and enjoying my life right now. That’s not a yes or a no. I don’t know, I’m just going to see what happens.’ When pressed about her return to the drug-testing program, Williams claimed uncertainty about her previous status, stating, ‘Did I re-enter? I didn’t know if I was out.’
The speculation gains credibility from the rigorous requirements of the anti-doping program. As noted by former world number one Jim Courier, now a commentator, athletes must provide detailed availability information for sample collection and complete six months of testing before returning to competition. ‘No person that doesn’t have intentions to play professional tennis is going to put themselves in that list,’ Courier asserted, adding, ‘Unless she gets injured there is no doubt she’s going to play somewhere at some point.’
Current players have expressed enthusiasm about the prospect. World number one Aryna Sabalenka commented, ‘If she wants to come back, that’s her decision. It’s going to be fun to see her back on tour. She’s got the personality, and she’s a fun one. It will be cool.’ Ukrainian player Elina Svitolina described the potential return as ‘amazing for the sport,’ noting Williams’ status as ‘an inspiration for women around the world.’
The Williams sisters’ legacy includes 14 Grand Slam doubles titles and three Olympic gold medals. Venus Williams, Serena’s sister, recently competed at the Australian Open at age 45 after receiving a wildcard entry, demonstrating that competitive play remains possible for veterans of the sport.
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POA head Wayne Cameron charged in FID probe
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Senior Superintendent Wayne Cameron, the sitting Chairman of the Police Officers’ Association (POA), now faces serious criminal charges following an extensive financial probe. Law enforcement authorities have formally charged Cameron with five counts of fraudulent conversion and six counts of larceny as a servant, all connected to the alleged misappropriation of POA funds.
The charges culminate a months-long, multi-agency investigation led by the Financial Investigations Division (FID) in coordination with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF). The inquiry scrutinized the management and application of financial resources under the POA’s control over a specific timeframe. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) subsequently reviewed the findings and ruled that criminal charges were warranted.
This development occurs amidst a power struggle within the police leadership. Last September, Police Commissioner Kevin Blake attempted to remove Cameron from his POA post. Cameron successfully challenged this move, however, with the Supreme Court granting him a judicial review of the Commissioner’s decision on January 9, 2026.
Cameron has been relieved from frontline duties pending judicial proceedings. Both the JCF and FID issued a joint statement expressing regret for their earlier silence, emphasizing the need to balance transparency with the obligation to avoid prejudicing active investigations and court cases. They underscored that Cameron is entitled to the full presumption of innocence. His first court appearance is scheduled for February 12, 2026.
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Jamaica, Ghana connection deepens
In a significant move to bolster international relations, Jamaica and Ghana are deepening their bilateral engagement through both economic partnerships and cultural reconciliation. The collaboration was advanced during a series of high-level diplomatic engagements this week.
Mr. Delano Seiveright, Minister of State in Jamaica’s Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, formally received a delegation from Ghana’s National Lottery Authority. The meeting, orchestrated by Jamaican gaming and entertainment conglomerate Supreme Ventures Limited (SVL), focused on strengthening business-to-business relationships, enhancing trade channels, and promoting investment opportunities between the two nations. Minister Seiveright lauded SVL for its strategic expansion into African markets, highlighting the export of Jamaican technical expertise and operational excellence as a testament to Jamaica’s growing role as a trusted global business partner.
Concurrently, Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, concluded a profound three-day official visit to Jamaica. The visit culminated in a major announcement: the Government of Ghana will fully fund the construction of a monument at the Seville Heritage Park in St. Ann. This monument is conceived as a permanent symbol of African solidarity and a recognition of the shared, albeit painful, history between Africa and its diaspora.
Minister Ablakwa characterized the Seville Great House, a former sugar plantation and site of immense suffering during the transatlantic slave trade, as a place of deep historical and spiritual significance. He emotionally noted that descendants of Africa have now returned to such sites with dignity and ownership, transforming spaces of historical pain into places of reconnection and healing. The project will be a collaborative effort between Ghana’s Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defence and local Jamaican authorities.
The series of events, including a welcome reception and tour hosted by the Charles Town Maroon community, was described by Minister Ablakwa not as a mere diplomatic formality, but as a powerful spiritual journey that strengthens the bonds between the African continent and its global family.
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Creative Resilience Fund issues first round of Melissa relief grants to creative entrepreneurs
Kingston Creative, a prominent Jamaican arts non-profit organization, has announced the inaugural distribution of its Creative Resilience Fund (CRF) grants to support cultural practitioners devastated by Hurricane Melissa. The emergency relief program has provided its first 38 beneficiaries with monthly stipends of J$30,000 (approximately US$200) to assist in their recovery efforts.
The Creative Resilience Fund, established in 2025 through partnerships with The Miami Foundation, American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ), and numerous individual donors, specifically targets creative professionals whose livelihoods suffered substantial damage from the catastrophic weather event. The financial assistance enables affected entrepreneurs to replenish inventory, replace destroyed equipment, and compensate for income lost through canceled performances, studio damages, and production interruptions.
During the application period from December 1-31, 2025, the initiative received an overwhelming 516 requests for assistance from creative professionals across western Jamaican parishes. Selection of recipients was conducted by an independent panel from the Creative and Cultural Industries Alliance of Jamaica (CCIAJ), ensuring impartial allocation of resources.
The initial cohort of grant recipients encompasses a diverse range of cultural practitioners, including musicians, fashion designers, and filmmakers, with artisans and craft producers constituting the majority of beneficiaries.
Andrea Dempster Chung, Executive Director of Kingston Creative, emphasized the long-term nature of the recovery process: “We will continue issuing monthly grants for as long as funding remains available. The rebuilding process for creative businesses requires sustained support. We are profoundly grateful for our international partners’ generosity and hope to expand this collaborative effort.”
Dempster Chung further revealed ambitions to establish a regional resilience fund to better prepare Caribbean creative sectors for future climate-related disasters and geopolitical disruptions that disproportionately affect cultural industries.
The organization has issued a public appeal for additional support from private donors, corporate sponsors, philanthropic institutions, and members of the global Jamaican diaspora. Contributions can be made directly through Kingston Creative’s official website (www.kingstoncreative.org/donate) or via the secure American Friends of Jamaica portal dedicated to the initiative.
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Seven Jamaicans to compete in Millrose Games
KINGSTON, Jamaica — A formidable contingent of seven elite Jamaican athletes is poised to make a significant impact at the 118th Millrose Games, a premier World Athletics Continental Indoor Tour Gold event. The competition is scheduled for this Sunday at the renowned Nike Track & Field Center within The Armory in New York City, showcasing a display of Caribbean sprinting excellence.
Leading the charge is Danielle Williams, the current world leader in the women’s 60m hurdles. Williams enters the event with an undefeated record this season, having triumphed in all three of her races. Her most recent performance was a blistering 7.87-second finish at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix in Boston last weekend, cementing her status as the athlete to beat.
Williams will not be alone in representing Jamaica’s hurdling prowess. She will be joined on the track by Olympic bronze medalist Megan Simmonds and the talented Oneka Wilson, creating a powerful Jamaican trio expected to dominate the event.
Jamaican speed will also be on full display in the men’s 60m dash, featuring Ackeem Blake. Fresh off his own victory at the New Balance meet, Blake is set to compete alongside Bryan Levell, a specialist in the 200m distance, adding another layer of excitement to the short sprint.
The Jamaican representation extends to other track events. Kemba Nelson is confirmed to contest the women’s 60m flat race, while the experienced Natoya Goule-Toppin is slated to test her speed and endurance in the challenging women’s 1000m event, rounding out a comprehensive Jamaican assault on the prestigious meet.
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Super-Satisfying Experience @Ramen Haus
KINGSTON, Jamaica – A groundbreaking culinary venture is transforming Jamaica’s food scene with the introduction of its first self-service ramen establishment. Ramen Haus Jamaica, launched in September under CEO Janelle Wilkinson’s leadership, has pioneered an innovative DIY dining model that empowers customers to craft personalized Asian-inspired meals.
The unique concept begins with a sanitization protocol before patrons embark on their culinary journey. Customers select from an extensive array of flavored ramen bases including beef, pork, chicken, and seafood varieties. The customization continues with fresh toppings ranging from scallions, corn, and pak choi to premium additions like boiled eggs, steamed wontons, shrimp, and calamari.
After assembling their ingredients on individual trays, patrons proceed to induction stovetops where they cook their creations for approximately four minutes. The interactive cooking process, guided by knowledgeable staff like team member Shauna Kay Cole, provides both entertainment and culinary education. For those preferring softer noodles, extended cooking times are available.
The establishment complements its main offerings with house-made kimchi and Asian-inspired beverages. Dining accommodations include indoor high-bar seating and intimate two-seater outdoor tables, catering to various group sizes from solo diners to families.
Financial accessibility marks another advantage, with four meals and beverages totaling J$6,560 before gratuity. The venue accepts all major debit/credit cards and cash, while providing complimentary parking – a rare convenience in New Kingston’s bustling business district.
Located at 8 St Lucia Crescent on the ground floor of The Hub Coworking Building, Ramen Haus Jamaica operates Monday through Saturday from 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM. The establishment can be contacted at 876-227-4777 or ramenhausjamaica@gmail.com, with additional information available on Instagram @ramenhausja.
The concept has garnered praise from food industry experts including Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards judge Kadean Vendryes, who noted the perfect execution of both meal quality and the novel dining experience.
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Spotlight on Jimmy Cliff, Cat Coore for Reggae Month in South Florida
South Florida is set to launch its annual Reggae Month celebration on February 7th, dedicating this year’s festivities to commemorating the monumental legacies of two recently departed icons: Jimmy Cliff and Cat Coore. The month of events will officially commence with the Reggae Genealogy Outdoor Music Festival in Plantation, establishing a tone of reverence and musical tribute.
Ian Lewis, a key organizer for the festivities and member of the renowned band Inner Circle, has issued a public appeal to all media outlets, urging them to honor the legends by featuring their music extensively throughout February. “We will be honoring Jimmy Cliff and Cat Coore, two legends of reggae music gone too soon. We will be asking all local radio stations to play their music in recognition of their immense contributions,” Lewis stated in an interview.
The tribute will extend beyond airwaves, with performing artists at major events like the Reggae Genealogy Festival and Rastafari Day on February 15th scheduled to deliver live renditions of the classics popularized by Cliff and Coore. The connection is profoundly personal for Lewis; his band, Inner Circle, shared deep historical ties with both musicians.
Jimmy Cliff, who achieved global stardom through his starring role in the seminal 1972 film ‘The Harder They Come,’ passed away last November at 81. Celebrated for timeless hits like ‘Many Rivers to Cross’ and ‘Wonderful World, Beautiful People,’ Cliff was actively recording his final album at Circle House, Inner Circle’s studio in North Florida, at the time of his passing.
Cat Coore, the acclaimed guitarist and founding member of the legendary band Third World, died in January at 69. His musical journey was deeply intertwined with Inner Circle, as he was an original member of the band formed by Ian and Roger Lewis in 1968. Coore later co-founded Third World in 1973 with keyboardist Ibo Cooper, creating a catalog of iconic tracks including ’96 Degrees In The Shade,’ ‘Now That We Found Love,’ and ‘Try Jah Love.’
The Reggae Month calendar is packed with significant events, including Rhythms By The River in Fort Lauderdale on February 22nd and the Praise On The Green Gospel Extravaganza in Miramar on February 27th. Inner Circle, themselves Grammy Award winners for Best Reggae Album in 1994 and globally recognized for anthems like ‘Bad Boys’ and ‘Sweat,’ will help guide a month that promises to be both a celebration of reggae’s vibrant culture and a heartfelt memorial to its lost giants.
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Dunbeholden beat Cavalier in JPL
The Jamaica Premier League witnessed significant shifts in its standings following Thursday’s rescheduled fixtures, with defending champions Cavalier SC suffering a consequential defeat.
In a historic upset at the Dunbeholden Community Centre, Dunbeholden FC secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Cavalier SC. This result marks their first triumph against the champions since the 2021-22 season, conclusively ending a ten-match winless streak in this fixture. The decisive moment arrived in the 57th minute courtesy of a clinical finish from Shakeem Powell. This victory not only represents Dunbeholden’s first consecutive win this season—following a 4-2 win over Harbour View the previous week—but also propels them to 25 points in the table.
Concurrently, Mount Pleasant FA demonstrated resilience by securing a 1-0 win against Arnett Gardens at Drax Hall. This victory served as an immediate rebound from their surprising 1-0 home loss to Waterhouse FC just days prior. The match’s lone goal was a spectacular effort from Daniel Green, who expertly curled a shot from the left flank into the top right corner of the net. This win elevates Mount Pleasant into fourth place with 30 points, holding a significant advantage with four games in hand over many rivals.
The league’s upper echelon continues to be commanded by Montego Bay United, who maintain a firm lead with 42 points from 20 matches. They are pursued by Racing United in second with 35 points and Portmore United in third with 33 points. These results have intensified the mid-table competition, with Tivoli Gardens (27 points), Cavalier SC (26 points), and the ascending Dunbeholden FC creating a tightly contested segment of the standings. Conversely, Arnett Gardens’ winless streak extended to three games, leaving them stagnated in 10th position on 23 points.
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One way, One Road Authority
The Jamaican Government, under Prime Minister Andrew Holness, is decisively moving forward with its plan to establish a centralized One Road Authority (ORA), dismissing opposition from various local government entities. Cabinet has officially sanctioned the new agency to function within the Works portfolio of the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development.
Robert Morgan, the Minister with responsibility for Works, provided a detailed update during a post-Cabinet press briefing. He outlined the ORA’s primary mandate: to regulate standards and oversee performance for all roads across the island, with direct implementation responsibilities for national main roads. This initiative is a cornerstone of the administration’s strategy to rectify decades of fragmented and inefficient road management.
A critical component of this overhaul is the simultaneous development of the Jamaica Road Designation Framework and the Jamaica National Road Register. The latter will be hosted on a publicly accessible website, offering citizens unprecedented transparency. Jamaicans will be able to view a comprehensive list of all roads, their condition, the responsible authority, repair schedules, contractor details, and the financial value of any work conducted. The platform will also feature a mechanism for citizens to submit complaints and inquiries directly.
The ministerial update included a strict 90-day directive for the ministry to commence immediate implementation. This initial phase involves outlining the necessary legislative and regulatory amendments, finalizing the designation criteria, and initiating stakeholder consultations. The ORA’s key functions will include enforcing a single, high standard for all roadworks, strengthening quality assurance to hold contractors accountable, and implementing robust performance reporting for public scrutiny.
Minister Morgan emphasized that the era of ambiguous jurisdiction is over. The framework will clearly classify roads as national main roads, farm roads, or parish council roads. He cited a poignant example from 2025 where roads critical to port infrastructure required urgent repairs but fell into a bureaucratic void, necessitating the Prime Minister’s personal intervention. “This is the kind of laissez-faire structure we’ve had for 60 years, and we are intent on fixing it,” Morgan stated, addressing critics who view the ORA as a power grab.
The implementation will follow a two-phase pathway. Phase One (90 days) focuses on establishing the enabling framework and drafting legal instruments. Phase Two (3-24 months) will involve declaring the initial set of national roads, publishing the interim register, harmonizing legislation, and deploying new management and data systems. The government positions this comprehensive reform as a fundamental empowerment of the Jamaican people, ensuring they finally have influence and full knowledge over the management of the nation’s vital road network.