标签： Jamaica

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Greater Portmore High School in St. Catherine has made significant strides in academic performance, achieving an impressive 82% pass rate in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) English examination, a substantial improvement from its previous rate of 56%. Principal Ricardo Ross credits this success to the unwavering dedication of students and the relentless support from the school’s academic and ancillary staff.

Jamaica is taking significant strides to revolutionize its educational landscape with the launch of a comprehensive national STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) program. This initiative, spearheaded by the UWI-UNICEF Walking in Her Footsteps (WIHFS) project, seeks to empower both university and high school students by providing them with mentorship, real-world experiences, and equitable opportunities in STEM fields. Originally conceived in 2022 by Dr. Marvadeen Singh-Wilmot, a senior lecturer in chemistry, the program has now expanded its reach to include multiple universities and high schools across the nation. Supported by UNICEF, the initiative aims to address the underrepresentation of women in STEM leadership roles and the declining enrollment of males in STEM programs. Dr. Singh-Wilmot emphasized the importance of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in STEM, stating, ‘Mentorship is not just about science; it’s about equity, confidence, and opportunity.’ The program also tackles broader challenges, such as declining student performance in mathematics and science, through targeted teacher training and the introduction of Jamaica’s first Special Mathematics Olympiad for students with disabilities. Key components of the expanded program include a national reach to universities like Northern Caribbean University and Caribbean Maritime University, an innovative ‘Pods Model’ for intergenerational mentorship, teacher integration, community engagement, and STEM tours and workshops. These efforts are designed to foster inclusivity, leadership, and entrepreneurship, ultimately building a STEM-ready workforce that aligns with Jamaica’s national development goals.

In a shocking turn of events, the peaceful community of Commodore in Linstead, St. Catherine, was thrust into chaos on Sunday evening when armed assailants, disguised as police officers, launched a brutal attack on a family yard. The incident, which occurred around 8:45 pm, resulted in nine individuals being shot, five of whom tragically lost their lives, including a four-year-old child.

According to Assistant Commissioner of Police Christopher Phillips, who oversees Area 5, the attackers, some wearing police-style vests, stormed the premises along Commodore main road and opened fire indiscriminately. Phillips described the scene as ‘very unfortunate and awful,’ highlighting that the community had been experiencing relative calm before the tragedy struck.

Among the deceased is Shannon Gordon, a four-year-old student from Rosemount Primary and Infant School. The other victims have been identified as Mario Sullivan, 42; Jushane Edwards, 19; Iysha Washington, 39; and Famous Amos, 22. The attack left six males and three females injured, with two females and three males succumbing to their injuries.

Phillips noted that the location was not unfamiliar to law enforcement, having been visited multiple times in the past due to ‘long-standing issues and challenges’ involving the family. He suggested that the incident might be a continuation of gang conflict, which is surprising given the area’s recent tranquility. ‘Unfortunately, among the numbers, we have a four-year-old who was brutally killed… the community is in shock,’ Phillips stated.

In response to the tragedy, senior investigators and multiple police units were dispatched to the scene to expedite the investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice. Phillips also mentioned that the Linstead area had recorded only eight murders this year, a significant decrease compared to over 20 during the same period last year. ‘Linstead was doing pretty well, and so this really comes as a shocker to us,’ he added.

Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident, with the community left to grapple with the aftermath of this devastating event.

KINGSTON, Jamaica—Mayor Andrew Swaby of Kingston has urged a collaborative approach among stakeholders to address the escalating issue of homelessness in Justice Square, a prominent area in Downtown Kingston. Swaby highlighted the growing number of homeless individuals in the area, emphasizing that the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) has established a dedicated homeless committee to tackle the problem. This committee, formed nearly a year ago, includes representatives from both public and private sectors, as well as voluntary organizations, working together to devise effective solutions.

A tragic mass shooting in Linstead, St Catherine, has claimed the lives of five individuals, including a child, late Sunday evening. The incident occurred in the Commodore community shortly after 10 p.m., sending shockwaves through the area. Details surrounding the shooting remain scarce, but the community is reeling from the senseless violence. Authorities have yet to release information about potential suspects or motives. Observer Online has pledged to provide updates as more information emerges. This devastating event underscores the ongoing challenges of gun violence in Jamaica, raising urgent concerns about public safety and the need for effective intervention.

Design Week 2025, now in its eighth year, is set to commence on Sunday, October 5, with a focus on fostering collaboration and innovation. This annual event, initiated by the Jamaica Observer, has been praised by long-standing partners such as the National Housing Trust (NHT) and ARC Manufacturing Limited for its role in driving sustainable development and community building. Dwayne Berbick, Assistant General Manager of Corporate Communications & Public Affairs at NHT, emphasized the importance of design in creating resilient and functional solutions that meet the evolving needs of Jamaicans. He highlighted Design Week as a vital platform for dialogue and collaboration across various sectors, enabling NHT to engage with architects, designers, and thought leaders. Similarly, Novlet A Green, General Manager of Corporate Affairs & Governance at ARC Manufacturing Limited, noted that Design Week has enhanced the company’s brand visibility and stakeholder relations, particularly through its ISO 9001:2015-certified quality management system. This year’s theme, ‘Creative Resilience,’ resonates with ARC’s ability to navigate market challenges and strengthen its tenacity. The event will feature seminars led by industry experts, addressing topics such as sustainable design, water resources, and lighting in design. Novia McDonald-Whyte, Senior Associate Editor of Lifestyle & Social Content at the Jamaica Observer, underscored the event’s mission to showcase Jamaica’s talented artisans and high-quality products to the world. Design Week 2025 promises a week of insightful discussions and innovative ideas, reinforcing its significance as a catalyst for creative and resilient design.