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标签： Jamaica

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  • Steel Pulse’s Hinds hails Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore as a ‘walking music machine’

    Steel Pulse’s Hinds hails Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore as a ‘walking music machine’

    The global music community is paying tribute to the extraordinary legacy of Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore, the revered Jamaican guitarist and co-founder of the iconic band Third World, who passed away on January 18 at the age of 69. Renowned for his technical precision and innovative style, Coore is being celebrated as a monumental figure in reggae history.

    David Hinds, frontman for the British reggae band Steel Pulse, offered a profound eulogy, describing Coore as a ‘walking music machine.’ Hinds highlighted Coore’s unparalleled skill, noting he ‘never heard him ever play a bum note’ during their shared performances. He specifically praised the guitarist’s ‘quick and nimble’ solos on tracks like ’96 Degrees in The Shade’ and the rock-blues infusion in ‘Cold Sweat,’ which encapsulated his unique artistic identity.

    The mutual admiration between these reggae pioneers was deep-rooted. Coore himself had once recalled the moment he first heard Steel Pulse’s ‘Handsworth Revolution’ at the London office of Island Records, a track that ‘blew his mind’ and signaled the arrival of a ‘special’ new act. Both Third World’s self-titled debut and Steel Pulse’s ‘Handsworth Revolution’ album were released under the same label, Island Records, cementing a shared chapter in music history.

    Coore’s genius extended beyond pure reggae. His incorporation of rock-influenced riffs in anthems such as ‘Try Jah Love’ and ‘Always Around’ was instrumental in broadening Third World’s international appeal and transcending genre boundaries. This eclectic mastery earned him a prestigious place on Rolling Stone Magazine’s 2023 list of the ‘250 Greatest Guitarists Of All Time,’ ranking at number 91.

    Hinds further marveled at Coore’s versatility, noting his proficiency in vocals, harmonica, bass, and cello, calling him a ‘human kaleidoscope’ of talent. This musical foundation was laid in his youth in Kingston. Born into a distinguished family, he was the son of David Coore, a former Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister of Jamaica, and Rita Coore, a respected Trinidadian music teacher who personally instructed him in cello. Coore’s journey culminated in forming Third World with keyboardist Ibo Cooper after both departed from the Inner Circle band. The music world now mourns the loss of both legends, following Cooper’s own passing in 2023.

  • Fire management software rollout major 2025 achievement – JFB

    Fire management software rollout major 2025 achievement – JFB

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s fire service has entered a new era of digital transformation with the complete rollout of an advanced fire management software system, heralded as one of its most significant accomplishments for 2025.

    Fire Commissioner Stewart Beckford, in an exclusive January 23 interview with JIS News at his Kingston headquarters, revealed that after several years of development and refinement, the sophisticated software platform has now been fully integrated into daily operations.

    The cutting-edge system represents a substantial technological leap forward for the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB), enabling real-time tracking of emergency vehicles and establishing a centralized digital repository for critical data including building inspection records and vehicle maintenance histories. These functions were previously managed through manual, paper-based processes.

    Commissioner Beckford emphasized the transformative impact of the new technology: ‘This software fundamentally enhances our operational efficiency and response capabilities. After extensive testing and refinement, we now have a robust system that streamlines our core functions and provides valuable data-driven insights.’

    The software implementation forms a crucial component of the JFB’s broader strategic initiative to bolster emergency preparedness and improve service delivery across Jamaica. This technological upgrade comes at a pivotal time, as the Brigade responded to 21,699 emergency calls throughout 2025—representing a notable 13.7 percent increase compared to the previous year’s call volume.

    Official statistics reveal that of these incidents, 11,048 constituted legitimate fire emergencies while 1,787 were confirmed as malicious false alarms, underscoring both the increasing demand for fire services and the challenges of emergency response management.

  • Gov’t allocates $165m towards energy poverty reduction project in Westmoreland

    Gov’t allocates $165m towards energy poverty reduction project in Westmoreland

    The Jamaican Government has initiated a targeted financial intervention to address energy poverty in communities devastated by Hurricane Melissa. Energy Minister Daryl Vaz confirmed the allocation of J$165 million specifically for relief efforts in Westmoreland, representing a strategic reallocation within the broader national energy project budget of J$1.1 billion.

    Minister Vaz, speaking at the launch of Jamaica Public Service’s emergency mobile power generation unit in Westmoreland, explained the government’s prioritization strategy: “We have temporarily suspended projects in less affected parishes including Portland, St. Thomas, St. Mary, St. Catherine, and Kingston-St. Andrew to redirect resources toward the five western parishes most severely impacted.”

    The allocated funds will facilitate critical support services including electrical house wiring, infrastructure remedial work, and government certification through electrical regulators. The specialized project timeline extends from December 2025 through March 2026.

    In parallel developments, JPS CEO Hugh Grant reported significant progress in power restoration, with 60% of Westmoreland customers now reconnected to the electricity grid. The newly launched emergency mobile generation unit will provide interim power to affected communities while permanent network infrastructure undergoes reconstruction.

    According to Minister Vaz, the Bethel Town power plant is scheduled for commissioning by the end of next week. Local MP Dr. Dayton Campbell welcomed these initiatives, stating: “I appreciate the innovative solutions being implemented to benefit our residents and anticipate the successful activation of the Bethel Town generator.”

  • Alyssa James opens at the AO Juniors

    Alyssa James opens at the AO Juniors

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaican tennis prodigy Alyssa James, the Caribbean’s premier junior women’s player, is poised for a landmark moment in her burgeoning career as she prepares for her inaugural Junior Grand Slam appearance. The 17-year-old sensation will commence her campaign at the Australian Open junior championships on Monday evening, Jamaica time, squaring off against a formidable opponent: the tournament’s second-seeded Jana Kovakova from the Czech Republic.

    James’s journey to this prestigious stage has been nothing short of remarkable. Over the past year, she has orchestrated a stunning ascent up the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Junior rankings, catapulting nearly 90 positions to secure her current standing at World No. 65. This dramatic climb underscores her rapid development and competitive prowess on the international circuit.

    The young athlete’s breakthrough season in 2025 served as a powerful testament to her potential. Her impressive resume from the year includes a runner-up finish at the illustrious Orange Bowl tournament, one of the most respected events in junior tennis. Furthermore, James demonstrated remarkable consistency and skill by capturing an impressive haul of nine titles across both singles and doubles disciplines—four in singles and five in doubles—solidifying her status as a versatile and dominant force.

    This debut at a Grand Slam event marks a significant milestone not only for James personally but also for Jamaican tennis, representing a rare and celebrated achievement for athletes from the region. Her participation brings heightened visibility to Caribbean tennis talent on one of the sport’s grandest global platforms.

  • Police, JPs get child justice refresher training

    Police, JPs get child justice refresher training

    Jamaica’s Office of the Children’s Advocate (OCA), in collaboration with UNICEF, has conducted a comprehensive two-day training initiative focused on enhancing child justice protocols within the nation’s law enforcement and judicial systems. The specialized seminar, held at Moon Palace hotel in Ocho Rios, St Ann, brought together 76 police officers and numerous justices of the peace from across the island to reinforce proper procedures for handling cases involving minors.

    Acting Commissioner of Police McArthur Sutherland, overseeing the Area Two police division, emphasized the critical timing of this refresher course for Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) members. He noted that while officers previously received training on children’s issues, daily policing priorities often shift focus toward severe crimes like murders and shootings. “This training will help to pull on some of the minor crimes against children and ensure we have some reductions there,” Sutherland explained, highlighting how the program would rebalance enforcement attention toward protecting vulnerable youth.

    Children’s Advocate Diahann Gordon Harrison articulated the seminar’s broader societal mission, stating, “No child was born a criminal or murderer—it is the environment that creates the monster.” She stressed the importance of early intervention to redirect children from criminal pathways, warning that without proper guidance, neglected youth could evolve into serious offenders. The training specifically addressed methods to reduce criminogenic behavior and attitudes among young people, aiming to prevent the development of senior criminals.

    Justices of the peace participating in the event expressed strong support for the initiative. Trudy-Ann Philp from Highgate, St Mary, described the seminar as “very beneficial” for enhancing her competency in legal procedures when serving at police stations. Omar Bourne from Kingston applauded the OCA’s efforts and advocated for ongoing educational opportunities to expand expertise among law enforcement and judicial officials.

    The partnership between OCA and UNICEF represents a significant investment in Jamaica’s future social stability. Gordon Harrison concluded by emphasizing collective responsibility: “The OCA alone cannot do it—we see it as a participatory effort that all stakeholders in the justice sector must play a part in.” This training initiative marks a proactive approach to child justice reform, recognizing that proper handling of youth cases requires specialized knowledge and coordinated effort across multiple disciplines within the justice system.

  • Amber Group and Beharry Group launch IT joint venture to power Guyana’s digital future

    Amber Group and Beharry Group launch IT joint venture to power Guyana’s digital future

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a strategic move to accelerate digital transformation in the Caribbean region, Amber Group and Guyana’s Beharry Group have officially launched a joint venture named Beharry-Amber Technologies Inc. This newly established entity will specialize in delivering comprehensive IT and cybersecurity solutions, addressing critical technological gaps in Guyana’s rapidly evolving economy.

    The collaboration emerges as Guyana experiences unprecedented economic growth, creating an urgent need for robust digital infrastructure and enhanced cybersecurity measures. Both companies recognize that technological advancement is no longer a luxury but a fundamental requirement for sustainable development and economic resilience.

    Suresh Beharry, Chairman and CEO of Beharry Group, emphasized the transformative potential of this partnership during the announcement. “Guyana stands at a pivotal juncture in its development trajectory,” Beharry stated. “Our vision extends beyond mere commercial interests—we aim to build future-ready technological capabilities that will support the nation’s modernization efforts and long-term prosperity.”

    Dushyant Savadia, Founder and CEO of Amber Group, echoed this sentiment, describing the venture as a shared commitment to Guyana’s growth and technological sovereignty. “This partnership transcends conventional business arrangements,” Savadia noted. “By combining our technical expertise with Beharry Group’s deep understanding of the local landscape, we can create meaningful impact through strengthened digital infrastructure and improved cybersecurity readiness.”

    The joint venture will function as a comprehensive technology platform serving both government agencies and private sector organizations. It will provide end-to-end IT and cybersecurity services designed to meet growing domestic and regional demands, positioning Guyana as an emerging digital hub in the Caribbean region.

  • Ghanaian foreign minister visits Bob Marley Museum as he wraps up working visit to Jamaica

    Ghanaian foreign minister visits Bob Marley Museum as he wraps up working visit to Jamaica

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Ghana’s top diplomat Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa concluded his three-day official visit to Jamaica with a symbolic tour of the iconic Bob Marley Museum in St. Andrew on Monday, highlighting the cultural dimension of bilateral relations between the two nations.

    The Ghanaian Foreign Minister was accompanied during the cultural excursion by Jamaican State Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Senator Abka Fitz-Henley, alongside members of the Ghanaian delegation. The museum visit represented a deliberate emphasis on the cultural connections that underpin the diplomatic relationship between the African nation and the Caribbean island.

    Senator Fitz-Henley characterized the diplomatic interactions with Minister Ablakwa as profoundly insightful. In his social media commentary, Fitz-Henley noted the Ghanaian minister’s specific interest in experiencing Jamaica’s musical heritage, particularly through the Bob Marley Museum, recognizing Jamaica’s significant global cultural influence.

    The Jamaican minister elaborated on the historical foundations of the bilateral relationship, pointing to deep-rooted historical and cultural connections that have transformed into a contemporary partnership marked by substantial diplomatic cooperation and mutual international support. Fitz-Henley emphasized that Minister Ablakwa’s visit to Kingston has undoubtedly reinforced these existing bonds.

    Prior to the cultural engagement, Minister Ablakwa participated in high-level bilateral discussions led by Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Foreign Minister Senator Kamina Johnson-Smith. These talks focused on strengthening diplomatic and economic cooperation between the two nations.

    The Ghanaian delegation departed Jamaica from Norman Manley International Airport on Monday afternoon, concluding a visit that balanced formal diplomatic meetings with cultural appreciation, signaling a comprehensive approach to international relations.

  • Health sector not at crisis level, says Tufton

    Health sector not at crisis level, says Tufton

    MANDEVILLE, Jamaica — Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton has acknowledged severe overcrowding at Jamaican hospitals while explicitly avoiding the term ‘crisis’ to describe the situation. During a Friday tour of Mandeville Regional Hospital, which he characterized as a ‘rescue centre’ for western Jamaica, Tufton addressed the critical capacity issues facing the healthcare system.

    The minister revealed that Mandeville Regional Hospital is operating at 78% above its 250-bed inpatient capacity and 50% above outpatient capacity, with approximately 350-360 inpatients currently receiving treatment. This surge has forced medical staff to treat patients in makeshift areas including hallways and temporary privacy corners, creating significant logistical challenges.

    Tufton attributed the overcrowding to multiple factors, primarily the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa which devastated infrastructure last October. Black River Hospital, normally equipped with 150 beds, currently operates with only 30-40 beds due to hurricane damage. The minister warned that overcrowding conditions are likely to persist until March when reconstruction of damaged hospitals is completed.

    In response to the crisis, Tufton announced immediate measures including construction of a new ward at Mandeville that will accommodate 30-40 additional patients. He also emphasized enhancing primary healthcare services through increased home visits, extended health center hours, and improved field vigilance to reduce hospital visits for non-emergency cases.

    The minister made a direct appeal to Jamaicans to utilize primary healthcare facilities instead of hospitals for non-urgent matters and to maintain medication regimens to prevent unnecessary hospitalizations. He praised healthcare workers for going ‘beyond the call of duty’ while acknowledging the tremendous stress on medical staff.

    Tufton’s hospital tour continued through the weekend with visits to Black River, Savanna-La-Mar, Noel Holmes, Cornwall Regional, and Falmouth hospitals to assess conditions firsthand and coordinate emergency response efforts across the region.

  • Gunmen kill 11 in attack at Mexican football match

    Gunmen kill 11 in attack at Mexican football match

    SALAMANCA, Mexico — A community football match in central Mexico descended into horrific violence Sunday when armed assailants stormed the pitch and opened fire on spectators, leaving 11 dead and 12 wounded in a region increasingly paralyzed by organized crime. The attack occurred in Salamanca, a modest industrial city of 160,000 in Guanajuato state, immediately following a local game.

    According to municipal authorities, ten victims died at the scene while another succumbed to injuries at a medical facility. Among the wounded were a woman and a child, highlighting the attack’s indiscriminate nature. Salamanca Mayor Cesar Prieto issued an urgent plea to federal authorities for intervention, stating his community faces a ‘grave moment’ and ‘serious social breakdown’ as criminal organizations challenge governmental authority.

    The football pitch shooting represents merely the latest episode in a brutal weekend for the region. Just one day prior, authorities discovered four bags containing human remains in Salamanca. Simultaneously, six individuals were killed in two neighboring communities. These incidents follow a bomb threat last week at a local refinery operated by state oil giant Pemex.

    Despite being a prosperous industrial zone and popular tourist destination, Guanajuato consistently ranks as Mexico’s deadliest state due to relentless turf wars between criminal syndicates. Official homicide statistics attribute much of the violence to conflicts between the Santa Rosa de Lima cartel, known for oil theft operations, and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of Mexico’s most powerful criminal organizations.

    This surge in violence creates a stark contrast to claims by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who recently asserted that homicides have dropped to their lowest level in a decade under her security strategy. Many security experts remain skeptical of these official figures.

    Mexico’s prolonged security crisis, predominantly linked to drug trafficking, has resulted in over 480,000 deaths since the government initiated its military crackdown on cartels in 2006. An additional 120,000 persons remain missing, with many presumably forced into cartel service or abducted. The discovery of mass graves and dismembered remains has become tragically routine across the nation.

  • Second Jamaican signs up for Enhanced Games

    Second Jamaican signs up for Enhanced Games

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaican track athlete Denae McFarlane has officially committed to participate in the inaugural Enhanced Games, marking the second Jamaican competitor to join the controversial sporting event scheduled for May 24 in Las Vegas. McFarlane’s participation was confirmed through the Games’ official Instagram announcement, which revealed five new athletes across track and field and swimming disciplines.

    The Enhanced Games, which openly permits athletes to use performance-enhancing substances, has generated significant controversy within the international sports community. McFarlane joins fellow Jamaican sprinter Shockoria Wallace, who became the nation’s first athlete to sign with the competition several weeks prior.

    Notable additions to the roster include Guyanese track athlete Jasmine Abrams and swimmers Antani Ivanov (Bulgaria), Miguel De Lara Ojeda (Mexico), and Emily Barclay (Great Britain). The event will be hosted at Resorts World Las Vegas, with organizers promising substantial financial incentives, including world record bonuses reaching $1 million.

    The competition’s radical approach to doping has drawn vehement opposition from major sporting bodies including World Athletics and World Aquatics. These organizations have implemented bylaws prohibiting athletes who participate in unsanctioned events that permit banned substances from competing in their officially recognized competitions. The Enhanced Games positions itself as an elite sports competition and performance products company, challenging conventional anti-doping protocols that govern traditional athletic competitions.