标签： Jamaica

KINGSTON, Jamaica—A groundbreaking initiative, the Agents for Transformation programme, has delivered life-changing outcomes for at-risk students at Charlie Smith High School in Trench Town. This collaborative effort between Sterling Asset Management Limited and the Joy Town Community Development Foundation, which ran from August 2022 to March 2023, targeted 30 third-form students at risk of expulsion, suspension, gang involvement, and other detrimental behaviors. Of these, 23 students successfully completed the programme, which integrated life skills training, academic support, counseling, case management, and parental engagement to foster positive change. Additionally, 13 parents received positive parenting training to reduce household violence and enhance support for their children. The results were transformative: the school’s pass rate in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) English exams surged from 13.1% to 75%. Michelle Valentine, AVP of Marketing and Communications at Sterling Asset Management, emphasized the programme’s dual focus on academic and real-world skills, equipping students to make better decisions and envision brighter futures. Students also engaged in career-focused life skills sessions hosted by the University of Technology (UTech), the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), and HEART/NSTA Trust, which broadened their horizons and inspired goal-setting. Camille Johnson, Programme Manager at Joy Town Community Development Foundation, highlighted the holistic impact on families and communities. Academically, students showed marked improvements in vocabulary, reading, comprehension, and mathematics, with 100% reporting enhanced reading skills and 90.5% valuing education more. Kasheina Allison, a 17-year-old graduate and President’s Award recipient, credits the programme with helping her manage anger and improve her grades. Now working in retail and preparing to study food and nutrition, Allison aspires to become a chef and serve in the JDF, urging others to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.

In St Ann, Jamaica, a 32-year-old construction worker, Richard Levy, known locally as ‘Sleepy,’ has been arrested and charged following an alleged gun threat incident. The charges against Levy include unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon and assault at common law. The incident reportedly occurred on October 4 around 6:40 PM at a bar on Main Street in Priory, St Ann. According to police reports, an argument escalated between Levy and another individual, prompting Levy to leave the bar briefly and return armed with a firearm. He allegedly pointed the weapon at the complainant, leading to immediate concerns and a subsequent police report. Authorities swiftly apprehended Levy, who now awaits a court date that is currently being finalized. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about public safety and illegal firearm possession in the region.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The nation is in mourning following the untimely death of Dwayne Mullings, a dedicated bus driver for the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC). Mullings tragically lost his life after the bus he was operating veered off the road and crashed into a ditch on Wednesday. The incident has sent shockwaves through the transport sector and the wider community. Minister of Energy, Transport and Telecommunications, Daryl Vaz, expressed profound grief over the loss, extending heartfelt condolences to Mullings’ family, friends, and colleagues. Minister Vaz highlighted Mullings’ unwavering professionalism and pride in serving the commuting public, noting that public transport operators like him are indispensable to the daily functioning of Jamaica. “The JUTC family and the entire transport sector are deeply affected by this tragic loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mullings’ loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” Vaz stated. The minister also reaffirmed the ministry’s unwavering support for the JUTC, emphasizing solidarity as they navigate this period of sorrow.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican government has announced the creation of the Institute for Cultural Practitioners, Innovators, Entertainers, and Creatives (ICPIEC), a groundbreaking initiative aimed at fostering innovation and excellence in cultural and heritage-focused programming. The institute will offer advanced, flexible education and professional development across diverse creative fields, including the arts, digital technology, archaeology, gastronomy, and creative entrepreneurship.

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport, Olivia Grange, unveiled the plan during a statement to the House of Representatives on Tuesday. She presented a Green Paper on the National Policy for Culture, Entertainment, and the Creative Economy, outlining the government’s vision for the sector.

Grange emphasized that the ICPIEC will leverage partnerships with local and international institutions, including universities and colleges, to champion human development and strengthen Jamaica’s creative ecosystem. ‘We are building an institutional framework that values our cultural identity, manages cultural resources effectively, nurtures talent, and prepares creatives for global competition,’ she stated. The institute will also introduce a micro-credentialing model, enabling cultural practitioners to earn certifications while continuing their professional work.

To support this initiative, the government will establish the Jamaica Entertainment and Cultural Development Foundation, a registered charity designed to provide sustainable funding. The foundation will mobilize investments from the government, the diaspora, and private donors, focusing on infrastructure development, program funding, event execution, and institutional capacity-building.

Additionally, the Ministry is advancing the Entertainment, Culture, and Creative Economy Act, which aims to formalize the industry, safeguard creatives’ rights, foster private-sector collaboration, and incentivize sustainable growth. ‘This legislation will enable us to measure, monitor, and value the sector’s contributions while ensuring policies adapt to technological, economic, and social trends,’ Grange explained.

The policy also addresses the sustainability of Jamaica’s festival economy, which impacts community, national, regional, and international events. This comprehensive approach underscores the government’s commitment to positioning Jamaica as a global leader in the creative industries.

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – A series of waterspouts and a weak tornado struck northwestern Trinidad on Tuesday, causing significant damage to several homes by ripping off roofs. Fortunately, there have been no immediate reports of injuries or fatalities. The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service attributed the severe weather to a low-level trough combined with daytime heating, which triggered isolated thunderstorms. These conditions led to the formation of waterspouts and a weak tornado in the Westmoorings area. The meteorological agency indicated that weather conditions are expected to improve later in the day, though partly cloudy to cloudy skies and thunderstorms persist. Khadijah Ameen, the Minister of Rural Development and Local Government, visited the affected region and assured residents that authorities are conducting thorough assessments of the damage. She emphasized that immediate assistance would be provided to affected households, including roof repairs and infrastructure restoration. Ameen also highlighted safety concerns, noting that some homes were too waterlogged to safely restore electricity, as this could pose electrocution risks. The Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Company (T&TEC) and fire services are actively working on-site to address fallen power lines and other hazards. Ameen expressed relief that no injuries have been reported and stressed the importance of maintaining this safety record.