In a significant political development, King’s Counsel Tom Tavares-Finson was reinstated as the President of Jamaica’s Senate during the ceremonial commencement of Parliament on Thursday. The reappointment, marked by bipartisan cooperation, saw Tavares-Finson nominated by Senator Kamina Johnson Smith of the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP). The nomination garnered support from Senator Donna Scott-Mottley of the opposition People’s National Party (PNP), who seconded the motion. Following this, Tavares-Finson solemnly took the oath of allegiance, reaffirming his commitment to his role. Additionally, Senator Charles Sinclair was appointed as the Deputy President of the Senate, further solidifying the leadership structure. This event underscores the collaborative spirit within Jamaica’s political landscape, as both governing and opposition parties united to endorse Tavares-Finson’s leadership.
标签： Jamaica
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Mary Issa Paediatric and Adolescent Health Centre moves closer to reality
The Mary Issa Paediatric and Adolescent Health Centre in St Ann, Jamaica, is one step closer to becoming operational, thanks to the success of the recent Issa Trust Foundation charity concert held on May 17 at Couples San Souci. The event, featuring renowned artists such as Shaggy, Lila Ike, and Voice Box, raised significant funds to support the completion of the facility, which aims to serve the residents of Richmond and surrounding communities.
Paul Issa, Chairman of the Issa Trust Foundation, expressed his deep commitment to the project, emphasizing the importance of securing additional funding to finalize the centre. ‘This facility will provide essential primary care, addressing both physical and mental health needs for young people on the North Coast,’ Issa stated. He also highlighted the foundation’s efforts to engage companies and individuals as Legacy Donors, with contributions of $100,000 or more, to ensure the project’s success.
The annual charity concert is part of the foundation’s long-standing tradition of hosting high-profile events to bolster Jamaica’s healthcare infrastructure. Past concerts have featured international stars like Air Supply and Michael Bolton, as well as local talents such as Third World and Koffee, raising millions of dollars for critical initiatives. These funds have supported projects like the paediatric ward at St Ann’s Bay Hospital and the ongoing construction of the Mary Issa Health Centre.
The foundation’s unwavering dedication to improving healthcare access has garnered widespread support, showcasing a collective commitment to enhancing the well-being of Jamaican communities.
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Farmer charged for stabbing woman
KINGSTON, Jamaica — A 27-year-old farmer from Falmouth, Trelawny, named Neil Ferril, has been formally charged with wounding with intent after a violent stabbing incident in Port Maria, St Mary, earlier this year. The incident occurred on the evening of February 10, when a heated argument between two women escalated into a physical altercation. Ferril allegedly intervened during the dispute, wielding a knife and stabbing one of the women multiple times. The victim was promptly rushed to the hospital, where she received medical treatment and was later discharged. Following an extensive investigation, Ferril was apprehended in Trelawny on September 15 and subsequently transported to St Mary, where he was officially charged. Authorities are now preparing for his upcoming court appearance as the legal process unfolds.
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US again vetoes UN Security Council Gaza ceasefire call
The United States has once again exercised its veto power at the United Nations Security Council, obstructing a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. This move shields Israel from significant diplomatic pressure, even as the other 14 Council members unanimously supported the resolution. The proposal, introduced in August, was a response to the UN’s declaration of famine in Gaza following nearly two years of conflict between Israel and Hamas. The vote coincided with intensified Israeli military operations in Gaza City, displacing countless Palestinians and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The resolution demanded an unconditional and permanent ceasefire, along with the immediate release of hostages. However, the US has consistently opposed such measures, most recently in June. Denmark’s UN ambassador, Christina Lassen, emphasized the urgency of addressing the plight of civilians, warning of a generation lost to war, hunger, and despair. Pakistan’s ambassador, Asim Ahmad, described the veto as a “dark moment,” urging the international community to heed the suffering of Gaza’s children. The US decision has drawn widespread criticism, with other Council members expressing frustration over their inability to influence Israel. A recent UN-mandated report accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza since October 2023, a claim that will likely dominate discussions at the upcoming UN summit in New York. Israeli ambassador Danny Danon dismissed the resolution as a “performance,” criticizing its failure to condemn Hamas for the October 7 attacks. Algerian ambassador Amar Bendjama lamented the Council’s inability to protect Palestinian lives, calling for forgiveness in the face of continued suffering.
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Forex: $160.48 to one US dollar
KINGSTON, Jamaica — On Thursday, September 18, the US dollar experienced a slight decline against the Jamaican dollar, closing at $160.48, a decrease of 26 cents, as reported by the Bank of Jamaica’s daily exchange trading summary. This shift reflects ongoing fluctuations in the global currency market. Additionally, the Canadian dollar also saw a dip, ending the day at $116.29, down from $117.36. Similarly, the British pound weakened, closing at $217.95 compared to its previous rate of $220.49. These movements highlight the dynamic nature of international currency exchanges and their impact on local economies. Analysts suggest that such fluctuations may be influenced by broader economic trends and geopolitical factors affecting global markets.
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NCB internship opens new career possibilities for Leah Cassie
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Leah Cassie, an actuarial science student, embarked on what she thought would be a standard summer internship at National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited (NCB). Little did she know, this experience would redefine her career aspirations and broaden her horizons. Initially expecting to work in data analytics or underwriting, Cassie found herself stepping into the world of construction as part of NCB’s Enterprise Operations team.
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St Elizabeth man charged with burglary and larceny
KINGSTON, Jamaica — A 30-year-old man from Rocky Hill, Santa Cruz, St Elizabeth, has been formally charged with burglary and larceny in connection with a series of break-ins in Coral Spring Village, Trelawny. The accused, Jermaine Findley, was charged on September 16 after being implicated in a burglary that occurred in the early hours of the morning.
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Former operations manager pleads guilty to multimillion–dollar fraud at Negril Hotel
In a significant legal development, Paul Wilson, the former operations manager of a boutique hotel in West End, Negril, Jamaica, has confessed to orchestrating a sophisticated fraud scheme that siphoned millions of dollars from the establishment over several months. Wilson, who held the managerial position for over five years until June 2021, entered a guilty plea on September 1, 2025, in the Westmoreland Parish Court. He faced an eight-count indictment, including charges of conspiracy to defraud, larceny as a servant, fraudulent conversion, and obtaining credit by fraud.