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  • Higher food prices drive 1.3 per cent increase in December CPI, says STATIN

    Higher food prices drive 1.3 per cent increase in December CPI, says STATIN

    Jamaica’s economic landscape closed 2025 with persistent inflationary pressures as official data revealed a concerning uptick in consumer prices. The Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) documented a 1.3 percent monthly increase in the All Jamaica Consumer Price Index (CPI) for December 2025, pushing the annual inflation rate to 4.5 percent.

    The primary driver behind this inflationary surge emerged from the critical ‘food and non-alcoholic beverages’ category, which experienced a substantial 7.1 percent annual increase. Within this sector, produce prices demonstrated particularly sharp elevations, with the ‘vegetables, tubers, plantains, cooking bananas and pulses’ category soaring by 8.4 percent and the ‘fruits and nuts’ class rising by 5.6 percent. STATIN’s analysis directly attributed these agricultural price hikes to the lingering aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which continued to disrupt local food supplies and distribution networks.

    Parallel to the food inflation, housing costs presented another significant challenge for Jamaican consumers. The ‘housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels’ division recorded a 2.6 percent monthly increase, contributing to a 3.5 percent annual rise. This escalation stemmed predominantly from elevated electricity rates and increased rental costs, compounded by a 3.7 percent increase in water supply and sewage rates.

    The restaurant and accommodation services sector further exacerbated the inflationary trend with a 3.9 percent annual increase, reflecting the broader impact of rising operational costs across the service industry. Notably, every subcategory within the food and beverage division recorded price increases throughout the measurement period, indicating widespread inflationary pressure rather than isolated incidents.

    Seafood prices emerged as another area of concern, with the ‘fish and other seafood’ category matching the 8.4 percent increase seen in vegetable prices. This surge was primarily driven by higher costs for staple protein sources including salted fish, sardines, mackerel, and sliced fish, affecting both household budgets and commercial food services.

    The cumulative effect of these increases positions Jamaica’s economy at a critical juncture, with the December 2024 to December 2025 inflation period consistently maintaining the 4.5 percent rate, suggesting sustained rather than transient price pressures across multiple essential commodity sectors.

  • Pledges end protest

    Pledges end protest

    Medical personnel at Cornwall Regional Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Department suspended their industrial action on Friday following concrete commitments from health authorities to address critical infrastructure and operational challenges. The protest highlighted severe overcrowding, rodent infestations, and hazardous working conditions that have compromised both staff welfare and patient care.

    Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton acknowledged the crisis, attributing the extreme overcrowding to concurrent factors: ongoing renovation works that have reduced available space, a seasonal surge in respiratory illnesses, and residual impacts from Hurricane Melissa which struck in late October 2025. “The challenge is the overcrowding, primarily, and it is being amplified by the renovation,” Minister Tufton stated, confirming that staff are operating under exceptionally demanding circumstances.

    Clinical staff provided harrowing accounts of the conditions. Nursing representative Lattar Burke described scenes of patients receiving resuscitation care on floors due to bed shortages, with over 100 patients crammed into a space designed for 35. Anonymous medical professionals reported using beach chairs as makeshift beds and detailed dangerous incidents, including a needlestick injury to a pregnant physiotherapist caused by severely constrained working areas.

    Patient Dominic Prince, a resident of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, expressed outrage after signing himself out of the facility, declaring, “I am a human being, not a dog.”

    Following emergency meetings, hospital administrators presented a detailed action plan. Clinical Coordinator Dr. Delroy Fray announced the imminent installation of a temporary dome structure within two weeks to accommodate 100-150 additional beds, aiming to restore total capacity to 350 beds. CEO Charmaine Williams Beckford committed to providing staff with regular progress updates over the coming one to three weeks.

    Simultaneously, St James public health parish manager Lennox Wallace unveiled a comprehensive rodent eradication program. The $50-million initiative includes extensive baiting and a major cleanup operation in the surrounding Mount Salem community on November 23-24 to address waste accumulation fueling the infestation. Wallace emphasized this would be a sustained six-month program, not a temporary measure.

    With these assurances and specific timelines for improvement, medical staff demobilized their protest and returned to their posts, though they maintain vigilance regarding the implementation of promised reforms.

  • Kishane Thompson, Tia Clayton win 60m at Puma JAAA Fuller-Anderson Meet

    Kishane Thompson, Tia Clayton win 60m at Puma JAAA Fuller-Anderson Meet

    The Puma JAAA Fuller-Anderson Development Meet at GC Foster College witnessed a spectacular display of sprinting prowess this Saturday, headlined by two of Jamaica’s most promising track stars. Olympic and World Championship silver medalist Kishane Thompson and World Championship relay medalist Tia Clayton emerged victorious in their respective 60-meter dash events, signaling strong early-season form.

    In a tightly contested men’s final, Kishane Thompson of MVP Track Club delivered a commanding performance. Launching from lane five, Thompson exhibited formidable power and acceleration to cross the finish line in 6.52 seconds, despite a significant tailwind of +2.8 meters per second. He narrowly edged out a fierce challenge from Sprintec’s Odaine McPherson, who clocked 6.53 seconds. Adding to the race’s prestige, World Championship 200m bronze medalist Bryan Levell of Uptimum Track Club secured third place with a time of 6.54 seconds.

    The competition’s intensity was further highlighted in the preliminary heats, where a notable upset occurred. World Indoor 60m bronze medalist Ackeem Blake of Dynamic Track Club was surprisingly defeated, finishing third in his heat with a time of 6.70 seconds. The heat was instead dominated by MVP teammates, with Nishon Ebanks claiming victory in 6.61 seconds and Rohan Eatson following closely in second at 6.63 seconds.

    On the women’s side, Tia Clayton delivered a breathtaking performance, executing a flawless race from start to finish. She blazed to a new personal best of 7.02 seconds (aided by a +1.2 m/s wind), decisively shattering her previous record of 7.14 seconds. Clayton faced relentless pressure from her clubmate, Jonielle Smith, who also achieved a personal best of 7.06 seconds to secure the runner-up position.

    The field was exceptionally deep, with pre-race favorite Natasha Morrison, who held the season’s fastest entry time of 7.09 seconds, ultimately finishing third in 7.21 seconds. She was followed by Trinidad and Tobago’s Shaniqua Bascome of Uptimum, who set her own personal best of 7.22 seconds. In Section B of the women’s event, the powerful Theianna Lee Terrelonge, a former Edwin Allen High School standout now representing Uptimum, triumphed with a time of 7.23 seconds, which ranked as the sixth-fastest overall on the day, ahead of Utech’s Krystel Sloley (7.31 seconds).

  • St Vincent gov’t to boost surveillance and monitoring of La Soufriere volcano

    St Vincent gov’t to boost surveillance and monitoring of La Soufriere volcano

    The government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is implementing a major enhancement of its volcanic surveillance capabilities for La Soufrière, the island’s most active volcano. This comprehensive strategy involves the creation of new technical positions, the installation of eight additional monitoring stations across the mountain, and significant technological upgrades to existing infrastructure. The initiative follows the volcano’s devastating explosive eruption in April 2021, an event that commenced with increased activity in December 2020. That eruption blanketed the island in ash, necessitated the evacuation of more than 20,000 residents, and caused extensive disruption over a four-month period of heightened activity, which culminated in its last major explosive event around April 22, 2021.

    The cornerstone of this effort is the recently renovated and retrofitted Volcano Observatory, a project financed by a concessional loan from the World Bank totaling EC$4.6 million (approximately US$1.7 million). During the facility’s handover ceremony, Disaster Management Minister St. Clair Leacock outlined the government’s commitment. Key roles, including a geoscientist and a seismic technician, are slated to be filled this year. The revitalized observatory is designed to facilitate advanced volcanic research, support community-based early warning systems, and host international academic studies. Furthermore, the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) has been allocated an additional EC$1 million grant specifically for the procurement of seismic stations and state-of-the-art monitoring equipment.

    Minister Leacock highlighted the technical sophistication of the new systems and issued a public appeal against vandalism or theft of the critical equipment. He emphasized that the devices are essential for national safety, stating, ‘My Government will continue to ensure that the La Soufriere Monitoring Unit of NEMO continues to receive the support to ensure that La Soufriere volcano is constantly monitored.’ He also acknowledged and praised the foundational work in disaster preparedness and monitoring established by the previous administration, framing the new upgrades as a continuation of that vital legacy.

  • Bahamas opens globally recognised Category 5 hurricane shelter

    Bahamas opens globally recognised Category 5 hurricane shelter

    NASSAU, Bahamas – A state-of-the-art hurricane shelter engineered to withstand Category 5 storms has been officially activated on the island of Abaco, marking a significant advancement in climate resilience for the Caribbean region. This facility represents a trilateral collaboration between the governments of The Bahamas and India, alongside the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

    Designed to endure wind speeds exceeding 200 miles per hour, the shelter can accommodate up to 800 individuals during emergencies. Beyond its primary function as a disaster safe haven, the facility serves as a multi-purpose community center throughout the year. It features comprehensive solar power systems, advanced water harvesting capabilities, and disability-inclusive infrastructure, including accessible entry points and restroom facilities. The complex also contains an industrial kitchen, dedicated office space for emergency personnel, and outdoor areas for sporting activities.

    Financed through a $1 million grant from the India-UN Development Fund, the project was managed by UNDP with The Bahamas’ Disaster Risk Management Authority (DRA) serving as the national implementing partner. The Bahamian government contributed additional co-financing of $3.5 million for the initiative.

    Indian High Commissioner to The Bahamas, Shri Mayank Joshi, highlighted that the Abaco shelter has been recognized as a global best practice by the India-led Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI). He emphasized that the project embodies the philosophical principle of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ – the concept that the world is one family – and demonstrates India’s solidarity with Small Island Developing States (SIDS) facing climate vulnerabilities.

    Leon Lundy, Minister of State for Disaster Risk Management, described the facility as a “beacon of hope” that will function as both a community development space during ordinary times and a critical sanctuary during extreme weather events. The Bahamian government plans to expand this shelter model to other vulnerable islands in the archipelago.

    UNDP Resident Representative Dr. Kishan Khoday praised the South-South cooperation model between The Bahamas and India, noting its potential for replication across other Caribbean SIDS. With the 2025 hurricane season setting new records for storm intensity, Khoday stressed the urgent need for scaled-up investments in climate-resilient infrastructure throughout the region.

    The completion of the Abaco shelter concludes UNDP’s post-Hurricane Dorian recovery support to The Bahamas, while the organization’s Multi-Country Office in Jamaica continues to expand climate resilience initiatives across the Caribbean in response to increasingly frequent and severe climate disasters.

  • China, Canada reach ‘landmark’ deal on tariffs, visas

    China, Canada reach ‘landmark’ deal on tariffs, visas

    BEIJING — In a historic diplomatic breakthrough, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Chinese President Xi Jinping announced a comprehensive bilateral agreement on Friday, marking the first top-level meeting between the nations in eight years. The accord signals a definitive thaw in relations following years of retaliatory measures and trade disputes.

    The leaders unveiled what Prime Minister Carney characterized as a ‘landmark deal’ establishing a ‘new strategic partnership’ between Canada and China. This framework encompasses significant trade concessions and tourism facilitation measures designed to rebuild economic bridges between the two countries.

    Central to the agreement is China’s commitment to dramatically reduce tariffs on Canadian canola products, slashing rates from the current 84% to approximately 15% by March 1. This reversal is particularly significant as China was previously Canada’s largest market for canola seed before recent trade frictions.

    In a major tourism development, China will implement visa-free entry for Canadian visitors, while Canada will import 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles under preferential tariff rates of 6.1%. Prime Minister Carney noted this brings EV tariffs ‘back to levels that existed prior to recent trade frictions.’

    President Xi, welcoming his counterpart in the Great Hall of the People, emphasized that bilateral relations had reached a critical turning point during their October meeting on the sidelines of the APEC summit. ‘Our meeting last year opened a new chapter in turning China-Canada relations toward improvement,’ Xi stated, adding that stable bilateral development ‘serves the common interests of our two countries.’

    The diplomatic reconciliation follows a particularly strained period beginning in 2018, when Canada arrested Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou on a U.S. warrant, prompting China’s retaliatory detention of two Canadian citizens on espionage charges. Subsequent years saw both nations impose reciprocal tariffs on exports, with additional allegations of Chinese election interference in Canada.

    Prime Minister Carney’s outreach forms part of a broader strategy to diversify Canada’s economic partnerships amid turbulent relations with the United States. Former President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff policies on Canadian steel, aluminum, vehicles, and lumber have compelled Ottawa to seek alternative markets. While the U.S. remains Canada’s dominant trading partner—purchasing approximately 75% of Canadian exports in 2024—China currently accounts for less than 4% of Canadian exports, though Ottawa emphasizes it remains Canada’s second-largest market.

    During his Beijing visit, which included meetings with Premier Li Qiang and scheduled discussions with business leaders, Carney continues to advance his stated goal of doubling Canada’s non-U.S. exports by 2035.

  • Individuals urged to have contracts in place ahead of home construction

    Individuals urged to have contracts in place ahead of home construction

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Incorporated Masterbuilders Association of Jamaica (IMAJ) has issued a critical warning to citizens undertaking construction projects, emphasizing the non-negotiable necessity of formal written contracts to mitigate substantial financial and legal exposures. This advisory comes amid growing concerns about unregulated practices within Jamaica’s construction sector.

    Lenworth Kelly, former IMAJ president, articulated these concerns during a recent JIS Think Tank session, highlighting the alarming absence of regulatory legislation governing contractors. “The industry faces significant challenges due to the lack of formal oversight,” Kelly stated. “Many individuals operate as contractors based solely on self-proclamation, without verified credentials or regulatory compliance.”

    Kelly emphasized that a formal contract represents the fundamental first step upon completion of building plans and drawings. He characterized the undertaking of major construction without contractual protection as “ridiculous,” particularly given that home construction or expansion typically constitutes the largest financial investment in an individual’s lifetime.

    Beyond contract formalization, the IMAJ recommends engaging qualified professionals—architects, engineers, or designers—to administer projects on the homeowner’s behalf. These professionals can conduct monthly milestone verifications and authorize payment disbursements, ensuring accountability and quality control throughout the construction process.

    Common issues reported to the IMAJ frequently involve homeowners who neglected basic due diligence. Kelly posed essential questions homeowners should address: “Have you verified the contractor’s background? What is their professional track record? Are they properly registered with the Company’s Office of Jamaica? How extensive is their business experience?”

    Notably, the association stresses that even minor projects require documented agreements. Kelly illustrated this point stating, “Even for constructing something as simple as a chicken coop, document the terms on paper—specify payment amounts, schedules, and timelines. Such documentation still constitutes a legally recognizable contract.”

    To support public awareness and protection, the IMAJ offers complimentary consulting services through its in-house expert, available to the public on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Homeowners can schedule in-person consultations, Zoom calls, or telephone advice at no cost, receiving professional guidance for various construction endeavors, from small home expansions to new builds.

  • PM backs call for a kinder Jamaica

    PM backs call for a kinder Jamaica

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — A powerful appeal for national unity and compassionate discourse has emerged from Jamaica’s highest leadership levels following the 46th annual National Leadership Prayer Breakfast. Prime Minister Andrew Holness has publicly endorsed Senior Pastor Reverend Peter Garth’s urgent message advocating for an end to destructive criticism and malicious character attacks within Jamaican society.

    During his keynote sermon at Boulevard Baptist Church in St. Andrew, Reverend Garth challenged Jamaicans to abandon vulgar criticisms and embrace mutual respect. “We are all in this together and we need all persons on deck if we are going to rebuild Jamaica,” Garth emphasized, framing national progress as dependent on collective goodwill rather than divisive rhetoric.

    Prime Minister Holness, in subsequent remarks to Observer Online, characterized the pastor’s message as both timely and transformative. “I am particularly heartened by the message today,” Holness stated. “There are those who will stand on the sideline and criticise unnecessarily, unreasonably and unjustly—that is not serving the interest of the nation.”

    The event, which adopted the theme “Caring for our Neighbour,” served as a platform for examining the social risks associated with helping others. Both leaders addressed the growing cynicism that discourages civic engagement, with Garth specifically referencing Hurricane Melissa’s devastation in October as a case where criticism overshadowed relief efforts.

    Holness highlighted the historical significance of the prayer breakfast, established in 1981 following Jamaica’s divisive 1980 general election, as a stabilizing force in national life. “It reaffirms that Jamaica is a Christian society,” he noted, “and gives us an opportunity to hear words directly transmitted to leaders to guide us.”

    Reverend Garth concluded with a call to action: “Let us continue our efforts to restore lives and rebuild homes. Let us respond to the needs of our brothers and sisters in Jamaica. Let us care for our neighbors.” This dual endorsement from religious and governmental leadership signals a coordinated effort to address Jamaica’s social discourse challenges.

  • Kranium’s Nobody Has to Know is now gold in the United Kingdom

    Kranium’s Nobody Has to Know is now gold in the United Kingdom

    Jamaican dancehall sensation Kranium has secured another major international milestone as his breakthrough single ‘Nobody Has to Know’ has been officially certified Gold in the United Kingdom. The British Phonographic Institute (BPI) formally awarded this prestigious certification on January 16, recognizing the track’s exceptional performance in exceeding 400,000 combined unit sales and streams.

    Originally released in 2013, the Havendale-produced track gradually built international momentum, previously achieving Platinum status in Canada (2021) and Gold certification in the United States (2019). The song’s remarkable journey included climbing Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart in 2015, where it peaked at position #44.

    In exclusive interviews, Kranium (born Kemar Donaldson) revealed his unwavering confidence in the track’s potential from its inception. “I was 100 percent sure that it would’ve been a hit,” the artist stated, emphasizing his mission to represent dancehall music on global platforms. The St James-born artist approaches his craft with purposeful intention, noting: “I do music for a cause. I’m representing dancehall music overseas.”

    The success story carries a family legacy—Kranium is the nephew of renowned 1980s singjay Screwdriver, who achieved fame with the hit ‘Sharon.’ This latest certification reinforces the enduring appeal of properly executed dancehall music and demonstrates the genre’s capacity for cross-border success when supported by both artists and audiences.

  • A&E staff protest conditions at Cornwall Regional Hospital

    A&E staff protest conditions at Cornwall Regional Hospital

    Healthcare professionals at Cornwall Regional Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Department in St. James, Jamaica, have initiated organized demonstrations to protest what they describe as intolerable working conditions and inadequate patient care facilities.

    Medical staff, including physicians and nursing personnel, assembled outside the healthcare facility holding prominently displayed placards that highlighted systemic deficiencies within the institution. The protest represents an escalating frustration among healthcare workers who have reached their threshold for enduring substandard operational environments.

    Among the most alarming revelations emerging from the demonstration was the staggering ratio of medical equipment to patients, with protesters chanting about approximately fifty patients being dependent on a single blood pressure monitoring device. This critical shortage of essential medical equipment underscores the severe resource constraints affecting both staff effectiveness and patient safety.

    The protesting healthcare workers have issued an urgent appeal to relevant governmental authorities and administrative bodies, demanding immediate intervention to address the deteriorating conditions. Their grievances encompass multiple facets of hospital operations, ranging from inadequate medical equipment to broader systemic issues compromising both staff welfare and patient treatment standards.

    This organized action by medical professionals signals a potentially critical juncture for Jamaica’s healthcare infrastructure, particularly within the public hospital system where resource allocation challenges have persisted. The protest at Cornwall Regional Hospital highlights the ongoing struggle between healthcare workforce expectations and institutional capabilities in delivering quality medical services.