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标签： Jamaica

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  • Venezuelan embassy launches campaign demanding return of ousted president and his wife

    Venezuelan embassy launches campaign demanding return of ousted president and his wife

    ST JOHN’S, Antigua – The Venezuelan government has initiated an international pressure campaign seeking the repatriation of President Nicholas Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores, who remain in United States custody following their controversial detention during a military intervention on January 3rd. The diplomatic effort, branded with the hashtag #BringThemBack, was formally launched at an emotionally charged gathering hosted by Venezuela’s embassy in Antigua.

    Ambassador Carmen Velasquez characterized the U.S. military action as a catastrophic event in Venezuela’s historical narrative, addressing an audience that included diplomatic representatives from Cuba and China, alongside local supporters. Both Maduro and Flores have entered not guilty pleas against charges related to narcotics and weapons trafficking, with their next court appearance scheduled for March 17 in a New York federal court.

    President Maduro maintains that his capture constituted an unlawful kidnapping, while U.S. leadership has indicated intentions to maintain administrative control over Venezuela for the foreseeable future. Ambassador Velasquez, who was present in Caracas during the military operation, provided a firsthand account of hearing explosions and helicopter activity initially mistaken for celebratory fireworks, followed by observations of drone-launched rocket attacks.

    The event evolved into a vigil with attendees participating in candlelight ceremonies led by Pastor James Warner of the All Saints Fellowship of Believers, who offered prayers for national peace and the safe return of Venezuela’s leadership. Cuban Ambassador Sergio Martinez applauded the gathering as a tribute to those who perished defending Venezuelan sovereignty, condemning the American intervention as a brutal assault that would not be forgotten historically.

    The Venezuelan embassy has established a condolence registry for public signatures to demonstrate global solidarity with the Venezuelan populace amidst ongoing political tensions.

  • Caribbean Airlines says no eviction underway at Hope Road office

    Caribbean Airlines says no eviction underway at Hope Road office

    PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad — Caribbean Airlines has formally addressed circulating media reports regarding its Kingston, Jamaica office location, explicitly stating that no eviction process is occurring. The airline characterized recent speculation as inaccurate, clarifying that the upcoming move from its Hope Road office is a strategic decision timed with the natural expiration of its current lease agreement.

    In an official statement released Friday, the airline detailed its transparent and continuous dialogue with the property landlord, emphasizing that such communication is standard corporate practice. The relocation is being executed as a carefully managed transition to guarantee uninterrupted business operations and maintain full service delivery for its clientele.

    The company moved to reassure passengers and stakeholders that all flight operations, customer service, and administrative functions continue without disruption or inconvenience. The relocation strategy is designed to be seamless, ensuring no degradation in service quality or operational efficiency.

    Reaffirming its commitment to customer satisfaction, Caribbean Airlines stated its primary focus remains on delivering a reliable and high-quality travel experience. This proactive approach to addressing the rumors underscores the airline’s dedication to operational transparency and maintaining public trust.

  • Barbados AG urges more regional cooperation to deal with crime in the Caribbean

    Barbados AG urges more regional cooperation to deal with crime in the Caribbean

    BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – At the ongoing Pace Justice Second Attorneys-General Roundtable, Barbados Attorney General Dale Marshall issued a compelling appeal for enhanced regional collaboration to fortify criminal justice systems across the Caribbean. Emphasizing shared challenges, Marshall advocated for a collective approach rather than isolated national efforts, particularly in critical areas like witness protection and anti-gang legislation.

    Marshall highlighted the practical benefits of this cooperative model, revealing that Barbados had successfully drawn upon existing frameworks from neighboring nations. “When developing our witness protection legislation, passed just last year, we found immense value in examining the Jamaican and St. Vincent models,” he stated. Similarly, Jamaica’s anti-gang legislation served as a template for Barbados, while other initiatives were informed by Trinidad’s legal framework.

    The Attorney General pointed to the Needham’s Point Declaration as a pivotal regional roadmap. This 2023 agreement, comprising 39 comprehensive recommendations adopted by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) Academy for Law, aims to modernize criminal justice through legislative, police, and judicial reforms focused on efficiency, reducing delays, and victim-centered approaches.

    Marshall cited tangible progress resulting from previous collaborations, including Barbados’ recent adoption of plea-bargaining legislation and judge-alone trial provisions. While the latter remains optional for defendants, Marshall noted its successful implementation in several significant cases.

    The high-level discussions, concluding Friday, are addressing several pressing issues: harmonized justice approaches including judge-alone trials and plea bargaining; witness protection programs identifying best practices and gaps; digital justice interoperability; and strengthening legal aid and public defender systems throughout the Caribbean region.

  • Chizz Chizem tackles relationship issues on Only You and Nite Monster

    Chizz Chizem tackles relationship issues on Only You and Nite Monster

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Emerging reggae artist Chizz Chizem, born Shanet Chisholm, expresses growing confidence that her musical career is approaching a significant turning point. Fourteen years after initiating her artistic journey in Mandeville, Jamaica, the singer-songwriter now operates from Cincinnati, Ohio, where she’s cultivating a dedicated following within America’s compact but vibrant reggae community.

    Her two latest singles, ‘Only You’ and ‘Nite Monster,’ released in December 2023, explore themes of romance and emotional complexity. These releases have generated encouraging audience responses that fuel her determination to persist in the competitive music industry. ‘The feedback from these two songs has given me the motivation to continue this journey,’ Chizz Chizem revealed during a recent interview with Observer Online.

    The independent artist emphasized her continuous development of professional networks, vocal technique, and songwriting proficiency. Currently, she’s collaborating with producer Mac Niff to finalize an extended play (EP) project designed for broad audience appeal. ‘Mac Niff is creating the beats and handling recording and mixing. I feel this will be a worthwhile project that everyone can listen to,’ she commented regarding their creative partnership.

    Despite the relatively niche status of reggae in the American Midwest, Chizz Chizem reports steady expansion of her supporter base since relocating to the United States. She characterizes the regional scene as ‘small but united’ and notes measurable progress in building her artistic presence. Her debut single ‘Struggles,’ produced by Ralston Barrett in 2012, marked her initial entry into the music industry, and she now stands poised to deliver her most comprehensive work to date.

  • Grenada’s former PM bows out of politics

    Grenada’s former PM bows out of politics

    ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada — In a historic transition marking the end of a political era, former Grenadian Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell formally announced his retirement from public service during a Thursday evening ceremony. The 79-year-old statesman, who has dominated the nation’s political landscape for generations, revealed Dr. Adrian Joseph as his designated successor for the St. George North West constituency—a seat Mitchell has held continuously since 1984.

    Mitchell, the founding leader of the New National Party (NNP) and the longest-serving prime minister in Grenada’s history, delivered an emotional farewell address reflecting on his remarkable tenure. “To the people of St. George North West, you trusted me with the privilege of representing you in the Parliament of this country for over 40 years,” he stated, expressing profound gratitude for the 23 years during which he governed Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique as prime minister.

    The veteran politician explained his decision to step down, noting his conscious choice to avoid overstaying his welcome. “I have seen leadership in this country go on for so long to the point that they are not even able to physically walk,” Mitchell observed, emphasizing his commitment to departing while still physically capable. His reference to seeking “one for the road” in the previous election underscored his long-planned exit strategy from the political arena.

    Mitchell’s legacy includes an unprecedented achievement in Caribbean politics: leading the NNP to complete parliamentary dominance with clean sweeps of all 15 seats in both the 2013 and 2018 elections. However, his final electoral contest resulted in a defeat to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in June 2022, with the NNP securing six seats against the NDC’s nine.

    Dr. Adrian Joseph, the incoming caretaker for the constituency, brings considerable credentials as an experienced diplomat and senior public administrator. Party officials characterize his nomination as representing both continuity with established political traditions and meaningful change, positioning him as a bridge between generations of leadership ready to assume the national spotlight.

  • WRHA expanding psychosocial support services across Westmoreland

    WRHA expanding psychosocial support services across Westmoreland

    Jamaican health authorities have launched an extensive psychosocial support network across Westmoreland parish to address the mental health needs of communities devastated by Hurricane Melissa. The Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA) is deploying trained mental health professionals to multiple locations to provide critical emotional support services during the recovery period.

    Gerald Miller, Health Promotion and Education Officer for Westmoreland, explained that this initiative represents a comprehensive response to the psychological trauma caused by the hurricane’s impact. The program establishes safe spaces where residents can openly discuss emotional challenges and receive professional counseling without stigma or barriers.

    The support network operates during weekend hours from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm across six strategically chosen locations to maximize accessibility. Petersfield Primary School serves the Petersfield community, while Whitehouse Field Clinic accommodates residents from the Whitehouse area. Additional services are available at Salem Primary for Beeston Spring, Darliston Field Clinic for Darliston residents, and Dundee Primary School serving the Berkshire and Dundee communities.

    Miller emphasized that the program extends beyond basic counseling to include specialized mental health assistance for those requiring more comprehensive support. “Trained experts are prepared to address various mental health concerns that may have been exacerbated or triggered by the hurricane’s devastation,” he stated.

    Health officials are actively encouraging community members to utilize these services, stressing that professional guidance can significantly improve coping mechanisms during what they describe as an exceptionally challenging recovery period. The program’s design ensures that psychological support reaches the most affected populations regardless of their location within the parish.

    The expansion of mental health services forms part of Jamaica’s broader disaster response strategy, recognizing that emotional recovery is equally important as physical reconstruction following natural disasters. This approach acknowledges the long-term psychological impact hurricanes can have on vulnerable communities and represents a proactive step toward comprehensive disaster recovery.

  • T&T gov’t to undertake registration of migrants

    T&T gov’t to undertake registration of migrants

    The Trinidad and Tobago government has announced a sweeping immigration regularization initiative requiring all undocumented migrants to register through a newly established digital framework starting next week. Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander unveiled the Migration Registration Framework during Thursday’s post-Cabinet news conference, marking a significant policy shift in the nation’s approach to irregular migration.

    The comprehensive program mandates that all undocumented individuals regardless of nationality must complete online registration through the dedicated portal migrantregistration.gov.tt, followed by in-person interviews to obtain official Migration Registration Framework cards. The administration has set a registration fee of TT$700 (approximately US$110), while exempting children from the financial requirement.

    Minister Alexander emphasized the inclusive nature of the current framework, contrasting it with the 2019 program implemented by the previous administration that exclusively targeted Venezuelan nationals. “This Government intends to do things differently,” Alexander stated, highlighting the digital-first approach that leverages government facilities nationwide.

    Registration necessitates presentation of valid identification, proof of address, and employment details when applicable. However, the minister clarified that individuals with criminal records may face registration challenges, emphasizing the government’s stance against admitting those who might “add to the nation’s problems.”

    Despite the warning, authorities encourage all undocumented migrants—including those who entered illegally—to participate without fear of immediate reprisal. The program aims to create a structured immigration system while identifying productive contributors to Trinidad and Tobago’s development. Those failing to register risk potential deportation proceedings as the government seeks to balance humanitarian concerns with national security priorities.

  • Parents urged to reinforce peaceful conflict resolution and healthy behaviours among students

    Parents urged to reinforce peaceful conflict resolution and healthy behaviours among students

    Jamaican health authorities are issuing a compelling call to parents and guardians, urging them to actively foster peaceful conflict-resolution techniques and advocate for healthy habits among students to safeguard a secure and effective academic environment. Gerald Miller, Health Promotion and Education Officer for Westmoreland, emphasized in an interview with JIS News that although disagreements are a natural part of school life, resorting to violence as a solution is unacceptable and carries significant public health risks. He stressed the critical importance of children seeking adult intervention, particularly from teachers, when conflicts emerge, rather than attempting to handle disputes independently. Miller warned that student-initiated resolutions can rapidly intensify, resulting in severe injuries or fatalities, which subsequently burden the healthcare system with preventable medical cases. Beyond conflict, Miller reiterated the necessity of sustained vigilance against communicable diseases in educational settings. He highlighted fundamental hygiene practices—such as covering coughs and sneezes and maintaining thorough handwashing with soap and water—as vital measures to curb virus transmission. Miller also cautioned against touching the eyes, nose, or mouth with unclean hands to prevent direct germ transfer. Adherence to these protocols, he noted, is key to minimizing avoidable visits to medical facilities, thereby alleviating pressure on Jamaica’s health infrastructure and ensuring student safety throughout the school term.

  • Freelance journalist shot and killed in Trinidad

    Freelance journalist shot and killed in Trinidad

    TRINIDAD — A brutal assassination has shocked the community of Rio Claro, southeastern Trinidad, after freelance journalist Kellyann Lemessy was murdered in a targeted attack outside her home on Thursday. The 38-year-old mother of three was ambushed by two masked assailants as she arrived at her residence with her two young daughters in the vehicle.

    According to police reports, Lemessy was shot multiple times in the head and body while seated in her car. Investigators believe she heroically shielded her nearly two-year-old child, who was on her lap at the time of the attack. Remarkably, both her toddler and nine-year-old daughter emerged physically unharmed from the horrific incident.

    Lemessy had worked as a correspondent for CNC3 television, building a career in freelance journalism. The killing has raised serious concerns about journalist safety and organized violence in the region.

    This tragedy marks the second violent death in Lemessy’s family within a year. In June 2023, her sister Cassieann was similarly shot and killed in her vehicle near their Mayaro home, with one suspect currently facing charges for that murder.

    Adding to the family’s complex history, Lemessy and another sister were previously charged with causing grievous bodily harm to their brother after an alleged boiling water attack. They had been released on bail of TT$200,000 (approximately US$32,000) pending trial.

    Authorities are actively investigating possible motives behind the killing, including potential connections to her journalistic work, the previous family violence case, or her sister’s unsolved murder. The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service has vowed to prioritize the investigation amid growing public concern about violence against women and media professionals.

  • France probes deaths of two babies after powdered milk recall

    France probes deaths of two babies after powdered milk recall

    BORDEAUX, France — A major health scare is unfolding across Europe’s infant nutrition sector, prompting widespread product recalls and triggering multiple investigations following the tragic deaths of two newborns. French health authorities have launched a probe to determine if contaminated powdered milk is responsible for the fatalities, which occurred in late December and early January.

    Health Minister Stephanie Rist moved to reassure the public on Friday, confirming that all suspicious infant formula batches had been removed from circulation. The crisis centers on potential contamination with cereulide, a dangerous toxin known to cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms including vomiting and diarrhea.

    The investigation involves two separate cases: a two-week-old infant who died January 8 in Bordeaux after consuming formula from subsequently recalled batches, and a 27-day-old who died December 23 in Angers. According to local prosecutors, the second infant’s mother recently came forward to report her child had consumed Nestle products from the affected lots.

    While French authorities emphasize that no causal link has been established between the formula and the deaths, the situation has triggered a domino effect of recalls across the industry. Nestle initiated withdrawals across several European markets on January 6, with the company stating it would fully cooperate with investigations while maintaining there is currently “no evidence” connecting their products to the infant fatalities.

    The recall wave has expanded to include other major manufacturers. Danone announced precautionary withdrawals of limited batches in specific markets on Friday, citing updated guidance from food safety authorities. Similarly, French conglomerate Lactalis recalled numerous batches on Wednesday over cereulide contamination concerns across multiple international markets including Australia, China, Spain, Mexico, and several other countries.

    The international scope of the recalls highlights the globalized nature of the infant formula supply chain, with affected products reaching consumers across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas as manufacturers scramble to contain the potential health risk.