KINGSTON, Jamaica — At just 12 years old, Sutay Kameka, a gifted and ambitious student, has already carved out a path toward her dream of becoming a mathematician. Recognized for her exceptional performance in the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examinations, Sutay was one of 14 students awarded a scholarship by the JN Foundation, a program dedicated to nurturing young talent. With an overall PEP score of 363.6, she secured the parish scholarship for St Thomas, a milestone she describes as both thrilling and transformative.
标签： Jamaica
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Tufton hoping to end stigma with Bellevue name change
For many Jamaicans, the mention of Bellevue Hospital evokes images of a ‘madhouse’ or ‘mad people,’ a perception deeply rooted in its history since its establishment in 1861 as the Jamaica Lunatic Asylum. This negative stigma has persisted for over a century, but Jamaica’s Health and Wellness Minister, Dr. Christopher Tufton, is determined to change this narrative. Speaking at a recent Jamaica Observer Monday Exchange, Tufton emphasized the need to rebrand the institution to foster a more positive public perception of mental health care. ‘The name Bellevue itself carries a stigma,’ Tufton stated, adding that renaming the hospital is a consideration he will recommend as part of broader reforms. The hospital is set for redevelopment, with plans to construct a 100-bed facility to address acute mental health cases. The 50-acre site will be segmented, with portions dedicated to mental wellness and other health-related purposes. Tufton stressed the importance of repositioning Bellevue as a place of healing and support, rather than a source of societal ostracism. Historically, Bellevue began as a mental health facility in the 1840s, evolving from the Jamaica Lunatic Asylum to its current name in 1946. Today, it serves approximately 400 patients across 23 wards and is the largest psychiatric institution in the English-speaking Caribbean. Since 2010, the hospital has undergone significant reforms, focusing on de-stigmatization, decentralization, and reducing long-term institutionalization. The goal is to rehabilitate patients swiftly and reintegrate them into their communities, marking a shift toward a more progressive approach to mental health care in Jamaica.
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Tad’s International eyes third Grammy nomination with ‘Just Giving Thanks’
Tad Dawkins Senior, the principal of Tad’s International Record, is placing high hopes on Glen Washington’s latest album, ‘Just Giving Thanks,’ to secure the label’s third Grammy nomination. The album is one of 73 contenders for the Best Reggae Album category at the 2026 Grammy Awards, as revealed in the provisional list released by the Recording Academy on October 3. Other notable albums in the running include Cham’s ‘Sherlock,’ Vybz Kartel’s ‘Heart & Soul,’ and Mr Vegas’ ‘Ghetto Reggae.’ The final nominees will be announced on November 7. Tad’s International Record has previously seen success with Gregory Isaacs’ ‘Brand New Me’ in 2010 and Etana’s ‘Reggae Forever’ in 2019, both of which were nominated for the same award. In an April interview with Observer Online, Dawkins expressed his confidence in ‘Just Giving Thanks,’ praising Washington as a ‘reggae gem’ with a dedicated fan base. The album, produced by Tad Dawkins Junior, features tracks like ‘Chant Them Down,’ ‘Oh, To Be Like Him,’ and ‘Loving You Forever.’ Washington, a Clarendon native, began his career in the 1970s as a drummer for bands like The Mighty Titans in Kingston before achieving his breakthrough as a singer with the 1996 album ‘Brother to Brother,’ produced by the legendary Clement Dodd. Dawkins also revealed that Washington’s second studio album is currently in production and is slated for release in the summer of 2027.
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Gov’t committed to strengthening services for the homeless
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Desmond McKenzie, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, has reiterated the Government’s dedication to enhancing rehabilitation and mental health programs within the poor relief system to improve the care and well-being of homeless individuals. His remarks were made during the Wellness in the Park event held at St William Grant Park in downtown Kingston on Friday, commemorating World Homeless Day. The event, organized by the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Wellness, offered homeless persons hot meals, grooming services, medical check-ups, care packages, and other essential services. Minister McKenzie praised municipal corporations and stakeholders across Jamaica for hosting similar events in honor of World Homeless Day. He emphasized the Government’s ongoing efforts to bolster support for the homeless, including a recent islandwide survey conducted by the Poor Relief Department. The findings from this survey are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping policies tailored to the needs of the homeless population. ‘This survey will enable us to plan effectively to address the demands of Jamaica’s homeless community,’ McKenzie stated. Additionally, he urged young attendees to embrace positive values and avoid negative influences that could lead to homelessness and social instability. ‘Students, I urge you to avoid bad company and adopt values that will make you better individuals. You are the future of Jamaica, and your contributions are crucial in eradicating the challenges we face,’ he added.
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West Indies rely on ‘application’ in fightback against Kuldeep-inspired India
In a display of determination, the West Indies cricket team ended day three of the second Test against India at 173-2 in their second innings, still needing 97 runs to force India to bat again. Despite being forced to follow-on after being bowled out for 248 in their first innings, the visitors showcased a spirited performance, particularly from opener John Campbell and Shai Hope, who remained unbeaten at 87 and 66 respectively. Their unbroken 138-run partnership stands as the highest for the West Indies in Tests this year. Earlier, India’s Kuldeep Yadav claimed five wickets, helping the hosts enforce the follow-on. Assistant Coach Ryan ten Doeschate defended the decision, stating it was a valuable test for the team. West Indies spinner Khary Pierre emphasized the importance of application, noting the deteriorating pitch could pose challenges for India’s batsmen. India had previously won the first Test in Ahmedabad by an innings and 140 runs.
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Lotto jackpot hit for second time this year
In an extraordinary stroke of luck, a resident of St Catherine, Jamaica, has become $57 million wealthier after securing the Lotto jackpot in the Saturday night draw on October 11, 2025. This marks the second time the jackpot has been claimed this year. The winning numbers—1, 11, 16, 18, 25, and 32—were drawn, with the lucky ticket purchased at Edibles Plus Ltd in Spanish Town. To claim the prize, the winner must present the signed winning ticket and a valid national ID at the Supreme Ventures Flagship Store in Twin Gates Plaza, St Andrew, within 90 days of the draw. Earlier this year, in August, a St Andrew woman claimed an even larger jackpot of $229 million, making this the second major Lotto win of 2025.
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72-year-old artist wins six gold medals in JCDC visual arts competition
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Nugent Hewitt, a 72-year-old Manchester-born artist, has proven that age is no barrier to artistic excellence. Recognized as the Most Outstanding Overall Artist in the 2025 Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Visual Arts Competition, Hewitt secured six gold medals and one silver medal this year. His remarkable achievement underscores a lifelong dedication to his craft.
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Portmore outscore Cavalier 4-2 as top three win in JPL
The eighth round of the Jamaica Premier League, played under challenging rainy conditions, saw the top three teams solidify their dominance with decisive victories. Montego Bay United, led by Jourdain Fletcher’s double, secured a 2-0 win against Molynes United, extending their winning streak to five games and outscoring their opponents 15-0 in the process. Fletcher’s goals in the 45th and 58th minutes brought his tally to five, tying him with teammate Dwight Miekle for the league’s top scorer. Meanwhile, Racing United ended a three-game goal drought with a commanding 3-0 victory over Spanish Town Police FC, who played the entire second half with 10 men after Anil Ferguson’s red card. Portmore United also bounced back from consecutive draws, overcoming defending champions Cavalier 4-2 in a thrilling match that featured a brace from Ronaldo Robinson. Elsewhere, Mt Pleasant FA climbed to ninth place with a 3-1 win over Chapelton Maroons, while Tivoli Gardens snapped a four-game winless streak with a 2-1 comeback victory against Harbour View. The round also saw a dramatic 0-0 draw between Treasure Beach and Waterhouse FC, where three penalties were missed, and the Arnett Gardens vs. Dunbeholden FC match was postponed due to weather conditions.
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Judge orders Norman Scott be fingerprinted in Election Day assault case
In a significant legal development, Spanish Town Mayor Norman Scott was compelled to have his fingerprints recorded by law enforcement during his appearance at the St Elizabeth Parish Court in Santa Cruz on Monday. This follows charges of assault causing actual bodily harm and malicious destruction of property stemming from an incident on Election Day, September 3. The altercation involved Julie Francis, an indoor agent for the Jamaica Labour Party, at the BB Coke High School polling station in Junction. According to police reports, Scott overstayed his allotted time at the polling station, leading to a confrontation when an agent attempted to inform him of his time limit. The situation escalated when another agent intervened and was allegedly struck in the face by Scott, prompting his security detail to remove him from the premises. A formal investigation was launched, and summons were served on Scott on September 12. Represented by attorney Charles Ganga-Singh, Scott made his first court appearance before Judge Steve Walters. Julie Francis, the complainant, was represented by a legal team led by King’s Counsel Tom Tavares-Finson, who successfully requested a fiat to prosecute Scott. Scott is scheduled to reappear in court on November 27.
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‘Lady Camille’ reels in victory at Oracabessa Bay Marlin Tournament
In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Frenchly Bryan, affectionately known as Kush, alongside his team of fishermen from Mason Hall, Oracabessa, St Mary, emerged victorious at the 21st Oracabessa Bay Marlin Tournament. The event, held at the Oracabessa Bay Fishing Village on Sunday, saw over 60 boats vying for the prestigious title. Bryan and his team set sail at 6:00 am aboard their vessel, ‘Lady Camille,’ and returned triumphantly after 4:00 pm with the heaviest marlin of the day, weighing an impressive 127 pounds. Bryan, who had previously come close to winning in Portland, expressed his elation, ‘It’s a happy moment for me. We faced challenges, but we persevered and got the big catch.’ The team’s victory earned them $100,000, a Yahama boat engine valued at $500,000, and other sponsored prizes. The event, conceptualized in 1995 by Chris Blackwell of the Golden Eye Foundation and the Oracabessa Fisheries Association, continues to be a highlight for fishermen across the island, offering not only glory but also substantial rewards. Tajhema Williams, a member of the winning team, shared her excitement, ‘It was a nice experience, especially when we got the big catch. We’re looking forward to next year.’ The tournament, supported by major sponsors like the Tourism Enhancement Fund, Yamaha, and Grace Foods, was a resounding success, drawing scores of residents from Oracabessa and surrounding communities. Travis Graham, Executive Director of the Golden Eye Foundation, praised the event’s seamless execution, ‘This event has been incident-free over the years, and I want to thank the people of Oracabessa for another great event.’ The day concluded with celebrations as supporters gathered at the shore, eagerly anticipating the fishermen’s return with their prized marlin catches.