标签: Jamaica

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  • Fae Ellington among largely Jamaican cast set for independent film

    Fae Ellington among largely Jamaican cast set for independent film

    Production is scheduled to commence shortly on the independent cinematic project ‘From a Yardie to a Yankee,’ with filming locations established across Kingston and St. Catherine. The film promises an authentic portrayal of the Jamaican immigrant experience, featuring a predominantly local cast and crew.

    Industry insiders confirm that acclaimed broadcaster and thespian Fae Ellington will headline the production alongside established actress Dorothy Cunningham and Sherando Ferrill. In a significant development for emerging talent, two drama students from the Edna Manley College for the Visual and Performing Arts have landed their inaugural professional acting roles in this project.

    While the production team maintains operational secrecy, reliable sources indicate the creative ensemble remains overwhelmingly Jamaican, highlighting the project’s commitment to authentic storytelling. The narrative framework explores the complex dynamics of transnational migration through the lens of a resolute Jamaican mother who abandons her rural origins pursuing socioeconomic advancement in the United States.

    The plot evolves into a multi-generational examination of diaspora realities, revealing how her subsequently migrated children encounter unexpected hardships including economic deprivation, cultural alienation, and emotional fissures born of prolonged separation. Their journey toward reconciling dual cultural identities forms the emotional core of this transnational drama that spans both Jamaican and American landscapes.

    Thematically, the production interrogates contemporary questions of belonging, the true meaning of sacrificial love, and the psychological costs of rebuilding existence in unfamiliar territories. It stands as a poignant meditation on the resilience required to navigate discontinuous cultural identities while preserving familial bonds across geographical and emotional divides.

  • LeBron James ties NBA record for most regular-season games played

    LeBron James ties NBA record for most regular-season games played

    MIAMI – Basketball icon LeBron James reached another historic milestone in his legendary career on Thursday night, equaling the NBA record for most regular-season games played during the Los Angeles Lakers’ matchup against the Miami Heat. The 41-year-old superstar took the court for his 1,611th regular-season contest, matching the longstanding record set by Hall of Fame center Robert Parish.

    James, who is currently playing his unprecedented 23rd NBA season, now stands poised to break the record when the Lakers face the Orlando Magic on Saturday. This achievement adds to his extensive collection of NBA records, which already includes all-time marks for points scored, field goals made, and field goals attempted.

    The milestone moment carried special significance as it occurred in Miami, where James played from 2010-2014 and captured the first two championships of his four-title career. The occasion was particularly remarkable given that James arrived in Miami at 4 a.m. on game day following the Lakers’ victory in Houston on Wednesday, where he delivered an exceptional 30-point performance on 13-of-14 shooting.

    Despite being listed as ‘questionable’ on initial injury reports due to the demanding schedule, James was confirmed available and participated in the game. His continued excellence has propelled the Lakers to seven consecutive victories, elevating them from sixth to third position in the competitive Western Conference standings.

  • 4 health conditions added to NHF benefits list…

    4 health conditions added to NHF benefits list…

    Jamaica’s Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton has issued a stark warning about the escalating healthcare crisis fueled by lifestyle-related diseases, emphasizing that the growing prevalence of chronic conditions is creating unsustainable financial pressure on the nation’s medical system.

    Speaking at Wednesday’s launch of expanded benefits for the National Health Fund (NHF) at S Hotel in St. Andrew, Minister Tufton acknowledged the progress represented by adding four new conditions to the subsidized list while simultaneously expressing deep concern about the underlying trend. The expansion now covers heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and bladder cancer, bringing the total number of government-subsidized conditions to 28—covering over 80% of diseases identified by the World Health Organization as significant health burdens.

    The enhanced benefits package includes substantial improvements: prostate-specific antigen testing increases from one to four screenings annually, while a new $7,500 subsidy for echocardiograms is introduced. This initiative represents an estimated $450 million investment aimed at reducing out-of-pocket expenses and improving treatment outcomes for Jamaican citizens.

    Despite these advancements, Minister Tufton posed a critical question regarding the long-term trajectory: ‘Given the NHF’s expanding mandate and the population’s growing healthcare demands, where will this all end?’ He characterized the situation as a paradoxical challenge where necessary benefit expansions simultaneously highlight a deteriorating public health landscape.

    The Health Minister emphasized that while the government remains committed to expanding healthcare access, the current approach of continually responding to rising illness rates is fundamentally unsustainable. He noted that NHF funding derives entirely from Jamaican taxpayers, meaning increased healthcare demands directly translate to greater financial burdens on citizens through various taxation mechanisms.

    ‘Jamaicans are not getting healthier. They’re getting sicker,’ Tufton stated bluntly. ‘The net effect is a greater burden of healthcare costs on the population that ultimately reduces resources available for other quality-of-life enhancements.’ His comments underscore the urgent need for preventive healthcare strategies alongside treatment-focused interventions to address Jamaica’s worsening lifestyle disease epidemic.

  • Commercial flights between Dominican Republic and Venezuela resume operations

    Commercial flights between Dominican Republic and Venezuela resume operations

    SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — A significant milestone in Caribbean aviation and diplomatic relations was achieved Wednesday as commercial air travel between the Dominican Republic and Venezuela resumed operations after a nearly two-year suspension. Laser Airlines successfully reinstated its service with a flight that arrived from Caracas at Las Américas International Airport before completing its return journey, reestablishing a crucial direct link between the two nations’ capitals.

    The resumption follows bilateral agreements between the governments and represents a concrete step toward normalized relations and enhanced regional connectivity. The reestablished route will maintain a schedule of three weekly flights operating on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays as the airline gradually rebuilds passenger capacity and operational frequency.

    Although the Civil Aviation Board had granted official authorization for the route’s reactivation back in February, operational implementation only became effective this week with the arrival of the inaugural flight, designated as QL 2968 in the carrier’s scheduling system. The restoration of this air corridor facilitates not only tourism and business travel but also reconnects families and strengthens cultural exchanges that had been disrupted during the suspension period that began in July 2024.

    Aviation authorities highlight that this reconnection marks a positive development in regional aviation mobility, reflecting improving diplomatic relations and a mutual commitment to enhancing transportation infrastructure between the Caribbean nations.

  • Budget Debate: Minimum wage to increase by $1,000 in July

    Budget Debate: Minimum wage to increase by $1,000 in July

    Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has confirmed a measured increase in the national minimum wage, raising it by $1,000 to $17,000 per week, effective July 1, 2026. The announcement came during the Prime Minister’s address to the 2026/27 Budget Debate in Parliament on Thursday.

    This adjustment represents a recalibration of previous electoral commitments. During last year’s general election campaign, Holness had pledged a more substantial increase of $2,500, which would have elevated the minimum wage to $18,500. However, the government has opted for a more moderate approach in response to current economic realities.

    Prime Minister Holness cited multiple external economic pressures influencing this decision. The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa continues to impact Jamaican businesses and households in their recovery efforts. Simultaneously, the economy faces renewed challenges from global energy price fluctuations and increased shipping costs, creating a complex financial landscape.

    “In this context, the Government believes it is important to strike the right balance by continuing to improve the earnings of workers while recognising the realities employers face,” Holness stated during his parliamentary address.

    The Prime Minister emphasized that this measured increase does not signify abandonment of the administration’s long-term policy objective. The government remains committed to its overarching goal of transitioning from a minimum wage to a livable wage for Jamaican workers. Holness assured that as economic conditions stabilize, the government will continue implementing phased increases necessary to realize this vision for the Jamaican workforce.

  • 19 tonnes of building supplies on the way to Jamaica

    19 tonnes of building supplies on the way to Jamaica

    A major humanitarian initiative is underway as £30,000 worth of essential building materials en route from the United Kingdom to Jamaica will provide temporary shelter for families displaced by Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact. The relief effort represents a collaborative partnership between Tazio Heath, founder of Trizone Electrical Services Ltd (UK) and Trizone Haulage Services Ltd (Jamaica), and Simon Lawson, chairman of Lawson’s Timber, Building and Fencing Supplies.

    Heath, originally from Old Harbour, St Catherine, was present in Jamaica when the Category 5 hurricane made landfall. Witnessing the destruction firsthand became the catalyst for his intervention. “Seeing the destruction first-hand compelled me to act,” Heath stated. “I knew I had to do something meaningful for the people of Jamaica who were severely impacted. Through consultations with partners, we identified building materials as the most urgent need for communities seeking to rebuild shelters and restore security.”

    Lawson detailed how the initiative rapidly developed following Heath’s appeal. Having previously spent time in the Caribbean, Lawson understood the catastrophic potential of hurricanes. “Taz reached out to me and made it very clear that construction materials represented the most critical immediate need,” Lawson explained. “As a builders’ merchant, this aligned perfectly with our capabilities. After consulting our suppliers and internal team, we committed 19 tonnes of building materials to support this cause.”

    When questioned about his company’s motivation for supporting such substantial humanitarian efforts, Lawson referenced the philosophical foundations guiding his business approach. “Coming from a Quaker background, I operate on the principle that business transcends mere profit generation,” Lawson articulated. “It fundamentally concerns community building and support. The greatest privilege of entrepreneurship lies in the capacity to assist others facing tragedies beyond their control, particularly natural disasters. Commercial enterprises must maintain a moral compass that supersedes purely profit-driven motivations.”

    The humanitarian cargo, comprising timber, plywood, tarpaulins, fittings, tools, and other essential construction materials, departed England’s Port of Hull on February 17, 2026. The shipment is anticipated to arrive in Jamaica imminently, where it will facilitate the construction of robust temporary accommodations for affected families.

    Complementing this effort is Marlon Barclay, a St Thomas-born associate of Heath, who played a pivotal role in coordinating the planning, procurement, and loading operations. Both individuals plan to travel to Jamaica to personally oversee the distribution process and collaborate with government relief agencies to ensure materials reach the most vulnerable communities.

    Barclay emphasized their targeted approach: “We remain committed to ensuring these materials specifically benefit the north-west St James constituency, an area that has received limited attention despite experiencing severe impacts from this unprecedented hurricane. Our absolute priority remains delivering support to those with the greatest demonstrated need.”

  • Japan contributes funds to IOM to assist repatriated Haitians

    Japan contributes funds to IOM to assist repatriated Haitians

    In a significant humanitarian move, the Japanese government has allocated US$667,000 to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to support its comprehensive assistance program for forcibly returned Haitian migrants. This funding comes at a critical juncture as Haiti grapples with multifaceted challenges including severe insecurity, prolonged political turmoil, and deepening economic distress.

    The initiative, titled ‘Providing Comprehensive Assistance to Forcibly Returned Haitian Migrants,’ is designed to deliver immediate humanitarian relief to individuals returning under extremely vulnerable circumstances. IOM’s mission chief in Haiti, Grégoire Goodstein, emphasized that the contribution will enable the organization and its partners to strengthen essential infrastructure and services at key border points while improving water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities at priority locations.

    The project encompasses a comprehensive approach to migrant assistance, including frontline reception and screening procedures, identification of specific vulnerabilities, provision of basic medical care, mental health and psychosocial support, referrals to specialized protection services, and limited transportation assistance to ensure safe return to communities of origin.

    Particular emphasis will be placed on protecting the most vulnerable groups, including unaccompanied minors, pregnant women, nursing mothers, elderly individuals, and migrants requiring urgent medical attention. All project activities will be implemented through close coordination with national and local authorities, including the National Migration Office, Institute for Social Welfare and Research, Haitian National Police, Ministry of Public Health and Population, and other humanitarian partners operating in the region.

    Yohei Ueno, Chargé d’Affaires at the Japanese Embassy in Haiti, stated that this support demonstrates Japan’s ongoing commitment to the Haitian people during this particularly difficult period, providing essential humanitarian assistance to those facing extreme challenges upon their return to the country.

  • Budget Debate: Hopewell/Lucea Bypass to be constructed

    Budget Debate: Hopewell/Lucea Bypass to be constructed

    In a significant infrastructure announcement during the 2024/25 Budget Debate, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness revealed ambitious government plans to develop the Hopewell and Lucea Bypass project. This major transportation initiative will originate from a connection point on the Long Hill Bypass in St. James, extending westward with strategic link roads serving both Hopewell and Lucea before concluding on the western side of Lucea.

    The proposed alignment will run approximately three kilometers south of the current coastal roadway, representing a substantial infrastructure enhancement for the region. Prime Minister Holness emphasized the transformative economic potential of this project, stating it will ‘unlock the entire waterfront stretch between Montego Bay and Negril as prime resort land,’ creating significant opportunities for tourism development and investment.

    In a complementary initiative, the government plans to develop Lucea Harbour into a premium boating destination. Holness highlighted the natural advantages of the location, noting its shelter from prevailing winds, deep natural waters, and strategic proximity to the emerging resort corridor between Montego Bay and Negril.

    The Prime Minister also addressed climate resilience concerns, warning that Lucea faces similar storm and wave action risks as Black River in St. Elizabeth. In response to these vulnerabilities, authorities are considering the eventual construction of a new town center for Lucea once the bypass project is completed, signaling a comprehensive approach to both development and environmental challenges.

  • NHF spends billions treating conditions linked to obesity, Tufton says

    NHF spends billions treating conditions linked to obesity, Tufton says

    Jamaican Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton has firmly countered claims that the nation’s newly implemented sugar tax unfairly targets low-income populations. Instead, he positions the policy as a necessary measure to address the disproportionate burden of lifestyle diseases already borne by vulnerable communities.

    Speaking at the launch of the National Health Fund (NHF) card benefits expansion in St. Andrew, Dr. Tufton emphasized that preventative strategies, specifically aimed at reducing Jamaica’s high sugar intake, are fundamental to combating a growing public health crisis. He expressed concern that critiques of the Special Consumption Tax (SCT) overlook established scientific evidence connecting excessive sugar consumption to obesity and subsequent chronic, life-altering conditions.

    The tax, set at $0.02 per milliliter, applies to a broad range of non-alcoholic sweetened beverages. This includes sodas, fruit-flavored drinks, and any other sugar-sweetened or artificially sweetened beverages, regardless of whether they are carbonated, non-carbonated, locally produced, or imported.

    Citing staggering figures, the Minister revealed that in the previous year, the NHF expended nearly $7 billion Jamaican dollars treating obesity-related illnesses such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension. He identified free sugars as a primary contributor to this issue, noting Jamaica’s exceptionally high per capita consumption of sugary drinks compared to global averages.

    Dr. Tufton challenged the narrative focusing solely on the tax’s financial impact, urging critics to consider the ‘other side of the equation’: the severe health consequences and economic strain placed on low socioeconomic groups due to these preventable diseases, which in turn increase the financial burden on public health systems like the NHF.

    The Minister clarified that the policy’s objective is twofold: to discourage consumer consumption of high-sugar products and to incentivize beverage manufacturers to reformulate their products to reduce sugar content. While affirming an individual’s right to choose, Dr. Tufton underscored the principle of collective responsibility in shaping public health policy. He concluded that a society facing widespread premature illness suffers from reduced productivity, elevated healthcare costs, and an increased tax burden, creating a scenario with no winners.

  • US actor Chuck Norris hospitalised in Hawaii — report

    US actor Chuck Norris hospitalised in Hawaii — report

    LOS ANGELES — Hollywood icon Chuck Norris has been admitted to a medical facility in Hawaii following an undisclosed health incident, according to sources close to the situation. The emergency hospitalization occurred within the past 24 hours on the island of Kauai, though specific details regarding his condition remain confidential.

    TMZ, the entertainment news outlet that first broke the story on Thursday, cited an anonymous source indicating the 86-year-old action star remains “in good spirits” despite the medical emergency. Representatives for Norris have not yet issued an official statement regarding his hospitalization.

    The news comes just one week after the martial arts expert celebrated his birthday with a characteristically defiant social media post. Sharing a video of himself engaging in boxing exercises, Norris proclaimed: “I don’t age. I level up,” adding, “Nothing like some playful action on a sunny day to make you feel young.”

    Norris’s journey from martial arts champion to Hollywood institution began with a minor role in the 1968 Dean Martin film “The Wrecking Crew.” His career reached a pivotal moment four years later when his epic battle scene with kung-fu legend Bruce Lee in “The Way of The Dragon” catapulted him to international stardom. This breakthrough performance established Norris as a formidable presence in both film and television, leading to a prolific career spanning decades in the action genre.