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  • Holness thanks China for support after Hurricane Melissa

    Holness thanks China for support after Hurricane Melissa

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – Prime Minister Andrew Holness has publicly acknowledged the substantial assistance provided by the People’s Republic of China to Jamaica in the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s destructive path across the island nation. The recognition came during an official ceremony held at the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) headquarters on Tuesday, where China donated ten tipper trucks valued at approximately $200 million Jamaican dollars.

    Holness explicitly praised China’s multifaceted support system, stating, “The Chinese Government has been very good to us.” Beyond material donations for hurricane recovery, China deployed its naval hospital ship, the Silk Road Ark, which delivered crucial medical services to Jamaican citizens during an 11-day mission. The floating medical facility operated from three strategic locations: Montego Bay Cruise Pier, Port Royal Pier, and Falmouth Pier, ultimately performing 7,563 medical consultations and 715 surgical procedures.

    The Prime Minister, while admitting he couldn’t personally visit the medical mission, confirmed receiving impressive reports from government ministers about the operation’s effectiveness. The Chinese medical contingent further contributed by donating essential medicines to Jamaica’s public health system and conducting educational health lectures during their stay.

    Looking toward future disaster preparedness, Holness revealed that China has committed to providing heavy equipment for Jamaica’s National Clean-Up Programme, specifically targeting debris management through excavators, front-end loaders, and other machinery. This equipment will be technically owned by the National Works Agency but maintained within the Jamaica Defence Force’s engineering corps for rapid deployment during weather emergencies, particularly for addressing major landslides beyond private contractors’ capabilities.

    The strategic placement of resources demonstrates the Jamaican government’s commitment to enhancing national resilience against extreme weather events, with China’s support playing a pivotal role in strengthening the island’s disaster response infrastructure.

  • BOJ: Slow hurricane rebuilding risks higher inflation

    BOJ: Slow hurricane rebuilding risks higher inflation

    Jamaica’s economic recovery faces a critical challenge as the pace of post-hurricane reconstruction spending threatens to exacerbate inflationary pressures, according to the Bank of Jamaica (BOJ). Governor Richard Byles emphasized during Monday’s quarterly monetary policy conference that while substantial funding has been secured for rebuilding efforts, the nation’s historical inefficiencies in capital expenditure and procurement processes could significantly delay recovery.

    The central bank revealed that approximately $1 billion in official donations and relief contributions have been mobilized, with additional multilateral funding and insurance settlements anticipated. However, Governor Byles cautioned that these funds remain largely in planning stages due to procedural complexities. “If all this money sits in Jamaica and is not spent, it means that the recovery will be much slower,” Byles stated, highlighting the urgent need for efficient fund deployment.

    In response to these execution challenges, the Jamaican government established the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NARA). This statutory body, reporting directly to Prime Minister Andrew Holness, possesses special powers to streamline planning approvals and procurement processes. NARA’s mandate focuses on developing climate-resilient infrastructure, constructing safer housing, and implementing improved land-use planning strategies, though specific operational details remain under development.

    The economic implications of delayed spending are particularly concerning given the revised damage assessment of US$8.8 billion, equivalent to 40% of Jamaica’s GDP. The BOJ warns that reconstruction demands will inevitably strain construction services, materials, transport, and labor markets. In an import-dependent economy, supply constraints could trigger widespread price increases beyond the already evident spikes in food costs, home repairs, and personal services.

    Governor Byles expressed concern about emerging second-round inflationary effects, noting that without careful management, these price increases could become entrenched. The central bank has consequently maintained its policy rate at 5.75%, prioritizing inflation containment over near-term economic stimulus. This monetary stance aims to anchor inflation expectations and prevent temporary cost increases from becoming permanent features of Jamaica’s economic landscape.

    The BOJ remains committed to returning inflation to its 4-6% target range by early 2027, acknowledging that failure to control price stability would disproportionately affect Jamaica’s most vulnerable populations. The Monetary Policy Committee has pledged continuous monitoring of food price impacts on overall inflation and stands ready to adjust policy if recovery spending accelerates beyond current projections.

  • WATCH: Citizens commend St Elizabeth police

    WATCH: Citizens commend St Elizabeth police

    ST ELIZABETH, Jamaica — The St Elizabeth Police Division, under the leadership of Superintendent Coleridge Minto, has received widespread commendation from community members for its exceptional outreach initiatives and enhanced security measures during the festive season. This praise emerged during a public walkthrough in Santa Cruz where citizens spontaneously approached the police chief to express their appreciation.

    The annual ‘Shop with a Cop’ program, designed to foster positive police-community relations, was particularly highlighted as a successful initiative that brought Christmas cheer to approximately 200 local children. Karen Jack, an educator at Pepper Primary, remarked, ‘Seeing Mr. Minto actively working alongside citizens brings us genuine happiness. His reputation as a dedicated officer precedes him wherever he goes.’

    Reverend Arthur Grant echoed these sentiments, acknowledging the transformed community perception of law enforcement: ‘Since the hurricane, we’ve consistently felt the police presence and their compassionate approach. We’re truly grateful for the service being provided.’

    In response to security concerns, Superintendent Minto outlined strategic deployments focusing on the commercial hubs of Santa Cruz and Junction. ‘Our officers will maintain continuous presence throughout the festive season to ensure safe shopping environments,’ Minto stated. ‘Due to Hurricane Melissa’s impact on Black River, we anticipate increased pedestrian traffic from western parish residents in these commercial districts.’

    The security strategy includes a substantial contingent of officers specifically assigned to Santa Cruz to maintain law and order. Local councillors Karl Whyte (Pedro Plains) and Christopher Williams (Santa Cruz division) jointly endorsed the police division’s community engagement efforts and security preparations.

  • Zelensky reveals US-Ukraine plan to end Russian war, key questions remain

    Zelensky reveals US-Ukraine plan to end Russian war, key questions remain

    KYIV, Ukraine — A newly revealed US-brokered draft proposal to resolve the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine indicates that Kyiv has secured several critical concessions in negotiations, though fundamental disagreements over territory and Moscow’s potential acceptance continue to pose significant obstacles.

    President Volodymyr Zelensky disclosed details of the 20-point framework during an extensive briefing with journalists, presenting an annotated version of the document that has been jointly developed by American and Ukrainian negotiators. While acknowledging that certain elements of the plan remain unsatisfactory to Kyiv, Zelensky emphasized that Ukrainian diplomats successfully eliminated several initially problematic demands.

    The revised draft no longer contains immediate requirements for Ukraine’s complete military withdrawal from the Donetsk region or automatic recognition of Russian-occupied territories as sovereign Russian land. Perhaps most significantly, the proposal removes previous stipulations that would have compelled Ukraine to legally renounce its aspirations for NATO membership—a longstanding red line for Moscow.

    However, the blueprint appears to facilitate potential future troop redeployments and establishes mechanisms for creating demilitarized zones along current front lines. Specifically, the agreement would recognize the existing deployment positions in Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions as the de facto line of contact, with working groups subsequently convening to determine necessary force movements and parameters for special economic zones.

    This structure suggests a compromise approach that postpones decisions on militarily and politically sensitive issues—including territorial withdrawals that Ukraine had previously resisted—while creating procedural pathways for continued dialogue. Zelensky characterized the negotiations as attempting to balance Russian demands for Ukrainian withdrawal with American efforts to devise mutually acceptable arrangements through demilitarized or special economic zones.

    The Kremlin has received the draft proposal for review, though analysts remain skeptical that Moscow would abandon its maximalist territorial objectives in eastern Ukraine. The emerging framework represents the most detailed diplomatic effort to date to outline a potential resolution to the conflict, yet its viability ultimately depends on Russia’s willingness to engage with terms that fall short of its original demands.

  • Jamaica Draughts Association crowns first female national champion, Dr Mishka Chung

    Jamaica Draughts Association crowns first female national champion, Dr Mishka Chung

    In a landmark moment for Jamaican sports, the Jamaica Draughts Association (JDA) witnessed the coronation of its first-ever female national champion. Dr. Mishka Chung secured her historic victory by defeating Regina Stewart with a decisive 2-0 scoreline in the finals of the National Pool Checkers Championships, held at the Port Rhoades Sports Club in Discovery Bay, St. Ann.

    The tournament itself set significant participation records, becoming the second-largest gathering in the history of the JDA Nationals, only exceeded by the 2024 event. A particularly promising sign for the future of the sport was the unprecedented number of junior competitors, signaling a robust and growing interest in draughts among Jamaica’s younger generation. This surge is widely attributed to the JDA’s dedicated initiatives to promote the game and provide developmental opportunities for emerging talent.

    Beyond Chung’s groundbreaking achievement, the championships featured other notable milestones. Shaveir Jadoo was named Youth Champion, underscoring the nation’s promising pipeline of strategic gaming talent. These successes collectively highlight both the rising popularity of draughts and the JDA’s effective commitment to fostering critical and strategic thinking skills through the game.

    The Top Masters Division showcased intense competition, with International Grandmaster Wayne ‘Shines’ Reid capturing the top honor. He was followed by International Master Courtney ‘Carlos’ Thompson and Top Master Jason ‘School Boy’ Wisdom. Last year’s titleholder, Federation Master Jermaine ‘Wasp’ Hutchinson, put up a strong defense to finish in a respectable fourth place.

    Looking ahead, the JDA has announced plans to host Jamaica’s inaugural Draughts 100 (10×10 International Draughts) national trials in March 2026. This event represents a major expansion for the sport within the country. The top performers from these trials will earn the right to represent Jamaica at the prestigious Pan American Championships scheduled for April 2026 in Paramaribo, Suriname.

  • Festive lights, security tight for Christmas in Damascus

    Festive lights, security tight for Christmas in Damascus

    DAMASCUS, Syria — The historic lanes of Damascus’s Old City are adorned with festive Christmas illuminations, yet the seasonal cheer is markedly tempered by a heavy security presence. Government patrols move through the shadows, a stark reminder of the pervasive anxiety haunting Syria’s Christian minority as they attempt to observe their holidays.

    The memory of a devastating June assault on the Saint Elias church, which resulted in 25 fatalities and numerous injuries following a shooting and suicide bombing, remains acutely fresh for the community. This incident has instilled a climate of caution, with residents opting for earlier curfews and subdued festivities.

    Tala Shamoun, a 26-year-old university student, expressed the collective apprehension to AFP while visiting a Christmas market. She noted a rise in criminal activities like robberies and kidnappings in Damascus but identified the church attack as the most profound tragedy.

    While Syrian authorities attributed the June violence to the Islamic State jihadist network, a lesser-known Sunni Muslim extremist faction also claimed responsibility. This occurs against a complex backdrop where Islamist factions that displaced ruler Bashar al-Assad have publicly recommitted to a doctrine of interfaith coexistence and inclusive governance. Nonetheless, the year has also witnessed severe sectarian violence, including massacres in the Alawite region and significant clashes in Druze-dominated southern areas.

    In response, a multi-layered security strategy has been enacted. Interior Ministry forces are conducting stops and searches on pedestrians and motorcyclists throughout the Old City. An anonymous security officer, stationed at a key entrance with a communication device and deployment map, outlined the state’s protective mandate, emphasizing the duty to safeguard all citizens—Christian and Muslim alike—and to secure places of worship during celebrations.

    The narrative of protection is central to Assad’s longstanding political posture, which has positioned him as a guardian for religious minorities who have frequently been targeted throughout the nation’s prolonged conflict. The demographic impact has been severe; Syria’s Christian population is estimated to have plummeted from approximately one million at the war’s onset in 2011 to roughly 300,000 today, due to widespread emigration.

    Despite the underlying tensions, efforts to foster normalcy are visible. Shopfronts and trees in the Old City are decorated with red baubles and festive trimmings, and street vendors offer warm chestnuts. Complementing official security measures, unarmed civilian committees comprising local Christians, coordinated with state forces, have been mobilized to guard churches. Fuad Farhat, a 55-year-old coordinator from Bab Touma district, reported that these additional measures are helping to alleviate public fear, making residents feel secure enough to participate in the holiday atmosphere.

    This glimmer of hope was echoed by Loris Aasaf, a 20-year-old student, who voiced a desire for joy and a renewed future for Syria, aspiring for a return to the era when all sects celebrated together, paving the way for national reconstruction.

  • Popular Holland Bamboo coconut vendor resumes trade

    Popular Holland Bamboo coconut vendor resumes trade

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The picturesque Holland Bamboo corridor in St. Elizabeth, historically celebrated for its majestic canopy of interlocking bamboo trees, now displays extensive damage following Hurricane Melissa’s devastating passage. The catastrophic weather event has not only altered the landscape but also profoundly impacted local livelihoods, exemplified by Kemar Kennedy’s personal struggle.

    Kennedy, who established a thriving vending business specializing in peanuts and jelly coconuts three years ago, recounts how the hurricane simultaneously demolished his commercial stall and inflicted substantial damage to his residential property. His entrepreneurial journey began in 2023 following personal tragedy and relocation, driven by a determination to transition from skilled construction work to self-employment.

    “I possess various trades and culinary skills,” Kennedy explained to JIS News during a site visit last Friday, “but I ultimately decided to cease working for others and venture into independent enterprise.” His distinctive stall, famously painted in vibrant red, gold, and green, evolved into a beloved local landmark and popular social media backdrop for content creators.

    The October 28 hurricane utterly destroyed this business establishment while causing flood-related damage to his home from river overflow. Kennedy noted the paradoxical fortune that despite the flooding, the house structure remained partially habitable with no roofing sheets lost to the powerful winds.

    Currently operating from a makeshift setup, the vendor admits lacking motivation to restore his business to its former aesthetic glory. Nevertheless, persistent customer inquiries and difficulty locating his temporary stall have sparked growing encouragement to rebuild. This rejuvenated optimism coincides with nature’s own recovery—surviving bamboo specimens gradually arching back toward their original formation and new shoots emerging across the area.

    “The bamboos are bending back; they simply need time to reconnect over the roadway,” Kennedy observed. “Some specimens weathered the storm, and we’re witnessing young bamboo sprouting extensively—where there’s life, there’s inherent promise.”

    The entrepreneur identifies specific needs for his business resurrection: three plywood sheets for stall reconstruction and a compact refrigerator to resume selling chilled jelly coconuts. Beyond material requirements, Kennedy emphasizes the hurricane’s profound lessons in community solidarity and gratitude for survival.

    “Everyone should appreciate the preservation of life,” he reflected. “We can rebuild from nothing if necessary, but ultimately unity sustains our community through adversity.”

  • Three shot, one fatally, in Manchester

    Three shot, one fatally, in Manchester

    The parish of Manchester, Jamaica, was rocked by another deadly shooting incident on Tuesday evening, marking a disturbing continuation of violence that has now claimed four lives within a 48-hour period. The latest attack occurred in the Cedar Grove district, on the outskirts of Mandeville, shortly after 9:00 PM.

    According to preliminary police reports, the tranquility of the community was shattered when a group of armed assailants opened fire on individuals congregated at a local shop near the entrance of the district. The ambush-style attack resulted in three men being struck by a hail of bullets.

    In the immediate aftermath, bystanders and local residents demonstrated swift community action, transporting the wounded to a nearby medical facility. Despite efforts to save him, one victim, known locally by the aliases ‘Jomo’ and ‘Notnice’, succumbed to his injuries while undergoing emergency treatment. His formal identity remains undisclosed by authorities as investigations commence.

    The two other victims, identified as a 23-year-old and a 49-year-old man, survived the assault and were admitted to the hospital. Both are currently receiving medical care for their injuries, with their conditions being monitored.

    This tragic event represents the fourth homicide in the Manchester region in just two days, signaling a severe and concentrated outbreak of violence that has alarmed both citizens and law enforcement officials. The consecutive nature of these incidents points to a deepening security challenge in the area, raising urgent questions about the underlying causes and the measures needed to curb the bloodshed.

  • GSAJ, free zones spread holiday cheer to hurricane victims

    GSAJ, free zones spread holiday cheer to hurricane victims

    In an inspiring demonstration of corporate solidarity, the Montego Bay Free Zone (MBFZ) and the Global Services Association of Jamaica (GSAJ) have jointly orchestrated a comprehensive relief initiative for communities devastated by Hurricane Melissa. With substantial support from the Kingston Free Zone (KFZ), this collaborative effort brought seasonal cheer and practical assistance to hundreds of affected residents in Catherine Hall, downtown Montego Bay, Glendevon, West Green, and adjacent neighborhoods.

    The recently concluded event, staged on the grounds of the Montego Bay Free Zone, transcended conventional holiday celebrations by addressing the urgent recovery needs of storm-battered families. The initiative distributed 350 essential care packages to residents, with Kingston Free Zone contributing 100 packages to the humanitarian drive.

    Beyond basic supplies, organizers established a innovative ‘Clothes Closet’ facility where community members could select quality garments to replace items lost during the catastrophic weather event. The initiative particularly acknowledged the psychological impact on children through an extensive fun day celebration where 160 young recipients received Christmas presents.

    The event provided a secure environment for familial reconnection, featuring traditional holiday meals, amusement rides, and interactive entertainment. Lelithe Robinson, a Catherine Hall resident who participated in the activities, expressed particular appreciation for the clothing initiative, noting that ‘everything was in abundance’ and that children thoroughly enjoyed the festivities.

    Gloria Henry, Vice-President of the BPO and Logistics Division at the Port Authority of Jamaica, emphasized the program’s significance in demonstrating neighborly solidarity. She stated that the initiative reflected the powerful synergy between Free Zones and the BPO industry, combining practical assistance with emotional support during recovery efforts. Henry further highlighted how the endeavor underscores the industry’s dedication to corporate social responsibility and national cooperation during crises, with partners reaffirming their commitment to ongoing community support throughout the rebuilding process.

  • Western families to be gifted $30 million in hardware vouchers by Digicel Foundation

    Western families to be gifted $30 million in hardware vouchers by Digicel Foundation

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Digicel Foundation has launched a substantial humanitarian initiative, allocating $30 million in hardware and lumber vouchers to support western Jamaican families devastated by Hurricane Melissa during the Christmas season. This effort represents a critical component of the foundation’s comprehensive hurricane recovery program, which has maintained continuous operational presence since the storm’s passage.

    The foundation’s teams have been actively delivering essential resources to severely affected households, educational institutions, and special needs facilities throughout the crisis period. Charmaine Daniels, CEO of the Digicel Foundation, emphasized the program’s seasonal significance: “Christmas embodies hope and collective solidarity. Our mission ensures that families experiencing extreme hardship from Hurricane Melissa receive meaningful support and recognition during this period.”

    Daniels further explained the strategic value of the assistance: “These hardware vouchers symbolize our dedication to restoring fundamental human dignity, ensuring safety protocols, and reestablishing household stability for affected communities in their reconstruction journey.”

    Beyond construction materials, the Foundation has significantly enhanced its care packages to include comprehensive hygiene kits containing soap, deodorant, toothpaste, and toothbrushes. Addressing infrastructure challenges, the organization has incorporated solar-powered lighting solutions to help families overcome persistent electricity disruptions.

    These upgraded assistance packages continue to be distributed alongside nutritional support to communities still experiencing hurricane-related disruptions months after the initial disaster. Current statistics reveal the program’s substantial impact: relief operations have reached 35 communities and vulnerable groups island-wide, delivering over 6,000 food packages and 900 hygiene kits, with an additional 1,000 hardware vouchers scheduled for distribution in this recovery phase.