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  • Full electricity restoration by early February

    Full electricity restoration by early February

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s energy infrastructure is rapidly recovering from Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, with officials projecting complete power restoration for eligible customers by early February. Energy Minister Daryl Vaz provided a comprehensive update during a post-Cabinet briefing at Jamaica House, revealing significant progress in the national recovery efforts.

    The Jamaica Public Service (JPS) has successfully restored electricity to 93% of affected customers, leaving approximately 51,000 households and businesses without power. Minister Vaz outlined a clear timeline for reconnection, indicating that 30,000 of these customers should have service restored by the end of January or early February.

    A critical distinction emerged regarding the remaining 21,000 customers who cannot currently receive power due to infrastructure limitations beyond JPS’s control. “These households are not ready to receive electricity, and the JPS cannot be held accountable,” Vaz explained, noting that these cases require additional structural assessments and repairs before power can be safely restored.

    The government has initiated a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) to identify and address barriers preventing these final connections. This targeted approach aims to facilitate eventual power restoration to all Jamaican residents.

    Westmoreland Parish has demonstrated remarkable recovery progress, jumping from 18% restoration in December to 51% currently. Of the parish’s 34,603 customers, 17,096 remain without electricity. Minister Vaz confirmed that the eastern section of Westmoreland should see service restoration between now and January’s end.

    The accelerated recovery follows the government’s strategic intervention last November, providing JPS with a US$150-million loan that enabled the utility company to procure additional equipment and hire more linesmen, significantly enhancing restoration capabilities.

  • Grenada must reapply fiscal discipline by 2027, IMF says after hurricane relief

    Grenada must reapply fiscal discipline by 2027, IMF says after hurricane relief

    The International Monetary Fund has advised Grenada to restore its core fiscal rule by 2027 to maintain debt sustainability, following the country’s temporary suspension of the measure this year to finance recovery efforts from Hurricane Beryl. In its annual Article IV economic assessment concluded Wednesday, the IMF justified the temporary pause as necessary for post-disaster reconstruction, which resulted in an estimated 2025 primary deficit of 3.2% of GDP.

    The IMF’s Executive Board supported staff recommendations that returning to fiscal rules is crucial for preserving fiscal discipline and ensuring sustainable debt management. Grenada’s fiscal framework requires a central government primary balance floor of 1.5% of GDP—a surplus level the IMF anticipates will be achieved in 2027. This return to fiscal rigor is projected to establish a firm downward trajectory for public debt, with a key debt target of 60% of GDP now expected by 2033.

    Alongside its call for fiscal consolidation, the IMF commended Grenada’s economic resilience, noting real GDP growth accelerated to 4.4% for 2025 driven by robust investment and construction activity, while inflation eased to 0.3%. The report acknowledged that prudent savings from substantial revenues generated through Grenada’s Citizenship-by-Investment program provided a critical financial buffer during the crisis period.

    Looking forward, the IMF projects growth will gradually moderate from current levels to an estimated potential rate of 2.7% by 2029 as the stimulus from large-scale public investment diminishes. The assessment identified significant external sector challenges, with Grenada’s 2024 position assessed as “weaker than the level implied by medium-term fundamentals.” A substantial current account deficit, estimated at 17.5% of GDP for 2025, is expected to persist due to high construction-related imports.

    The report highlighted Grenada’s heightened vulnerability to natural disasters and its dependence on tourism and imports as principal downside risks. The IMF recommended careful management of ambitious public investment projects to prevent cost overruns and emphasized the need for close monitoring of vulnerabilities within the non-bank financial sector.

    To foster durable growth, the fund proposed policies strengthening domestic economic foundations beyond foreign investment-driven tourism. These include enhancing local business linkages to the tourism sector, reducing trade friction, and investing in human capital development. The assessment also identified significant data deficiencies in key economic statistics as an impediment to effective policy-making, urging Grenada to prioritize improvements in its statistical capacity.

  • Libra-Don to release Unstoppable EP on January 23

    Libra-Don to release Unstoppable EP on January 23

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Emerging dancehall performer Libra-Don, currently based in the United States, is poised to launch his inaugural musical project following a successful promotional tour across Jamaica. The artist’s debut extended play recording, branded ‘Unstoppable,’ represents a strategic expansion from his recently popularized inspirational singles that have garnered substantial radio airplay.

    The Jamaican-native musician has developed this seven-track compilation capitalizing on the burgeoning success of his motivational anthems ‘Don’t Lose Faith’ and ‘Reach Yuh,’ both of which have achieved significant traction within domestic and international dancehall circuits. Produced entirely by MaddMoni Empire, the EP incorporates additional compositions including ‘Victory,’ ‘Juicy,’ ‘Fighter,’ and the titular title track.

    Libra-Don characterizes his current creative trajectory as progressively gaining momentum within global dancehall communities. ‘Our persistent efforts are finally yielding measurable outcomes,’ the artist commented regarding his team’s promotional activities. ‘The recent Jamaican media tour demonstrated exceptionally warm receptiveness from broadcast platforms and listeners alike. While building recognition requires sustained dedication, we’re confident our foundational work will culminate in long-term achievement.’

    The artist further elaborated on the philosophical underpinnings of his project, noting that the ‘Unstoppable’ designation embodies his professional mentality amid industry challenges. ‘This title mirrors my perseverance through creative resistance and professional uncertainties without compromising artistic direction. Every composition possesses hit potential—I maintain zero tolerance for filler content that lacks substantive public impact.’

    Post-release strategies include targeted visual content production, selective live performances, and continuous music recording sessions. Libra-Don emphasized his commitment to developing a timeless artistic portfolio while methodically constructing his brand identity within the competitive music landscape.

  • CHOOSE WISELY!

    CHOOSE WISELY!

    With just nine weeks remaining until their decisive World Cup qualification bid, Jamaica’s national football team faces a monumental challenge in the inter-confederation playoffs. Captain Andre Blake maintains cautious optimism while emphasizing that strategic personnel selection will prove critical to their success.

    The Reggae Boyz, having fallen short of automatic qualification after finishing second to Curacao in CONCACAF’s Group B, now face a challenging playoff pathway. Their journey begins with a semi-final clash against Oceania’s New Caledonia on March 26th. A victory would propel them into a final confrontation against Africa’s DR Congo, with the ultimate prize being placement in World Cup Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan.

    Reflecting on their qualification struggle, Blake acknowledged the team’s self-inflicted predicament: “We still have a chance. Obviously, it’s not going to be easy, but we kind of put ourselves in this position, and we’re going to have to go out there and fight for our lives.”

    The team’s disappointing 0-0 draw against World Cup-bound Curacao in November at Kingston’s National Stadium precipitated immediate changes, including the departure of Head Coach Steve McClaren. Blake described the atmosphere during that fateful match as electric, noting “The only thing missing from that game was us scoring a goal or two to win the game.”

    Subsequent restructuring saw the Jamaica Football Federation appoint Rudolph Speid as interim head coach with Miguel Coley as assistant. The technical staff has been further strengthened with the addition of Arsenal youth coach Michael Donaldson as assistant coach and former national goalkeeper Aaron Lawrence specializing in goalkeeper development.

    Despite naming a 52-man provisional squad, Speid faces logistical challenges with most European and American-based players unavailable until March due to club commitments outside FIFA international windows. This constraint was evident as a predominantly local squad secured a 1-0 friendly victory against Grenada on Sunday.

    Blake emphasized that tactical coherence outweighs individual talent: “We have the pieces for sure, we just haven’t been able to bring it together. For me, the most important thing is we don’t need the best players, we need the right players.”

    The 35-year-old goalkeeper, who has earned 92 international caps, envisions qualification as transformative for Jamaican football: “It would be a dream come true for me. It would bring so much joy to the people of Jamaica, so much inspiration for the younger generation.” Having last appeared in the 1998 France World Cup, the Reggae Boyz now stand on the precipice of returning to football’s global stage.

  • Suriname monitoring increase in cases of chikungunya

    Suriname monitoring increase in cases of chikungunya

    Health authorities in Suriname have officially declared an outbreak of the chikungunya virus following confirmation of multiple locally transmitted cases. The Ministry of Health verified through comprehensive testing at both the Central Laboratory of the Bureau for Public Health (BOG) and the Academic Hospital Paramaribo laboratory that eight individuals have tested positive without any recent international travel history.

    The public health response has been immediately activated with epidemiological investigations underway, including contact tracing protocols and enhanced surveillance measures to contain potential spread. Chikungunya, a viral disease transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes—the same species responsible for dengue and Zika viruses—presents with symptoms including abrupt high fever, debilitating joint pain and swelling, headaches, extreme fatigue, and occasional skin rashes.

    Unlike communicable diseases, chikungunya cannot spread directly between humans. Previous infection provides lifelong immunity to the virus. Health officials specifically advise affected individuals to avoid aspirin and ibuprofen, recommending instead paracetamol for pain and fever management alongside increased fluid intake and rest. Medical attention is urged if symptoms intensify.

    This outbreak marks the nation’s first significant recurrence since the initial 2014 epidemic when chikungunya emerged regionally throughout the Caribbean. The ministry has committed to maintaining transparent public communication as developments occur. Citizens are urged to eliminate mosquito breeding sites by removing stagnant water from containers, tires, and flowerpots around residential and recreational areas, supplemented by protective clothing and EPA-approved repellents.

  • Role of GOJ audit committees in hurricane recovery transparency underscored

    Role of GOJ audit committees in hurricane recovery transparency underscored

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaican financial authorities have positioned government auditors as critical pillars in the nation’s hurricane recovery framework, emphasizing their role in maintaining fiscal transparency during reconstruction efforts. Finance Minister Fayval Williams addressed the Government of Jamaica Audit Committees’ Conference Wednesday, framing oversight professionals as essential architects of national rebuilding.

    Speaking at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel under the conference theme ‘Governance in Action: Strengthening Trust, Risk Oversight and Resilience,’ Williams asserted that auditors provide indispensable safeguards for reconstruction funds allocated after Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact. The minister characterized audit committees as operational guardians who translate principles of accountability into measurable public outcomes.

    Williams directly linked audit oversight to Jamaica’s Vision 2030 development objectives, noting that while committee members might not be primary reporters on progress metrics, their work fundamentally enables ministries and agencies to execute mandates effectively. She emphasized that understanding institutional roles within Jamaica’s medium-term socioeconomic policy framework represents a professional necessity rather than an option for oversight personnel.

    The address acknowledged Hurricane Melissa’s severe consequences, including compromised infrastructure, displaced families, and battered communities. Williams contrasted this destruction with the demonstrated resilience of Jamaican citizens and their determination to rebuild.

    Cabinet Secretary Audrey Sewell reinforced these sentiments, detailing how auditing practices evolved during the crisis response. She revealed that real-time auditing procedures implemented under the Hurricane Melissa Relief Initiative have strengthened institutional credibility among international partners and diaspora communities. This approach, Sewell noted, has facilitated continued support through grants and concessional financing arrangements.

    Both officials emphasized that Jamaica’s coordinated disaster response stemmed directly from years of foundational audit work, including identified system gaps, raised concerns about controls, and documented lessons from previous assessments. This historical oversight enabled the government to renew outdated systems and develop robust strategies before the hurricane crisis, providing institutional resilience when tested by natural disaster.

  • Forensic firepower

    Forensic firepower

    Jamaica’s premier financial crime investigation agencies have achieved unprecedented success in dismantling sophisticated money laundering schemes through revolutionary forensic capabilities. The Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) and Financial Investigations Division (FID) report uncovering hundreds of millions of dollars in criminal assets that have significantly boosted state coffers.

    According to Colonel Desmond Edwards, Director General of MOCA, criminal organizations have responded to enhanced investigative capabilities by developing increasingly complex methods to conceal illicit gains. ‘Criminals are very much aware, which is why they come up with all kinds of seemingly ingenious ways of hiding their assets—even using unwitting relatives,’ Edwards revealed during a Jamaica Observer Monday Exchange session.

    The agencies have undergone a transformative evolution over the past decade, particularly in developing cyber forensic capabilities and financial investigation expertise. MOCA now leads criminal investigations while FID specializes in asset recovery using the same evidence, creating a comprehensive division of labor that has proven remarkably effective.

    Dennis Chung, FID’s Chief Technical Director, confirmed that their forensic investigators are ‘top of the line,’ regularly discovering assets that criminals believed were safely hidden. The success rate has generated such concern within criminal circles that lawyers frequently approach the agencies attempting to negotiate settlements—offers that are consistently rejected.

    Nigel Parke, Senior Director of Legal and Prosecutorial Services at MOCA, explained that the most common concealment method—registering assets under third-party names—has been effectively neutralized through amended legislation and enhanced investigative techniques. The amended Companies Act now allows investigators to trace beneficial ownership by examining acquisition means and following paper trails.

    The results speak for themselves: 2025 saw confiscations of $164.1 million in cash plus court-ordered confiscations exceeding $33 million and US$35,000 in assets. MOCA conducted 33 significant operations resulting in 35 arrests, 30 charges, and 11 convictions. The agencies maintain strict protocols regarding public disclosure, respecting citizens’ rights and preserving the integrity of ongoing court proceedings involving hundreds of millions of dollars.

  • Antigua defends decision to recruit nurses from Ghana

    Antigua defends decision to recruit nurses from Ghana

    The government of Antigua and Barbuda has vigorously defended its controversial decision to recruit nursing professionals from Ghana, characterizing the move as an essential strategy to address critical staffing shortages within the nation’s healthcare system. Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph emphasized that the recruitment initiative directly responds to longstanding challenges in maintaining adequate nursing staff levels, which have resulted in widespread burnout and compromised patient care standards.

    Speaking at a press conference alongside senior health officials, Minister Joseph articulated the government’s position: “The reality of overworked and exhausted nursing professionals inevitably compromises the quality of patient care. This recruitment program represents a strategic opportunity to comprehensively address this systemic issue.” The minister extended formal gratitude to the technical teams and permanent secretary for their instrumental roles in facilitating the international recruitment process.

    This development follows last week’s announcement that the Gaston Browne administration has formalized agreements to contract over 100 Ghanaian nurses. Government officials have been careful to note that this new arrangement with Ghana does not signify termination of existing healthcare partnerships with Cuba, despite increasing diplomatic pressure from the United States urging Caribbean nations to discontinue collaborations with Cuban healthcare programs.

    According to an official Cabinet communiqué, approximately 120 Ghanaian nurses are scheduled to arrive during the January 23, 2026 weekend. These healthcare professionals will be strategically deployed across multiple medical facilities, with primary placements at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre supplemented by assignments at community health clinics and educational institutions.

    Permanent Secretary for Health Stacey Gregg-Paige provided detailed insights into the recruitment methodology, revealing that the selection process occurred in Accra during September 16-22, 2023 under the framework of Ghana’s Labour Exchange Program. The recruitment drive received 190 applications, with 32 candidates eliminated due to documentation deficiencies or eligibility concerns. The remaining 158 applicants underwent rigorous competency-based evaluations, resulting in 127 candidates being identified as suitable for subsequent vetting by the Antigua & Barbuda Nursing Council.

    Gregg-Paige emphasized the procedural integrity of the initiative: “This recruitment process operates under a formally established memorandum of understanding and service agreement that underwent comprehensive legal review. The Ministry of Legal Affairs has confirmed full compliance with national legal frameworks, ensuring this initiative maintains transparency and adherence to all regulatory requirements.”

    Dr. Shivon Belle-Jarvis, Medical Director of the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, outlined the orientation protocol designed to facilitate the integration of incoming nursing staff. The three-week onboarding program will provide comprehensive system familiarization for both international recruits and local healthcare professionals joining the institution.

    The nation’s healthcare system currently employs 260 local nurses supplemented by 33 Cuban healthcare professionals. With the addition of 120 Ghanaian nurses, the total nursing complement will reach 413—slightly exceeding the government’s stated requirement of 400 nurses for optimal healthcare delivery.

  • Cavalier SC, MBU score five goals each in JPL wins

    Cavalier SC, MBU score five goals each in JPL wins

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Wednesday’s Jamaica Premier League fixtures witnessed extraordinary offensive displays as both defending champions Cavalier SC and league frontrunners Montego Bay United secured resounding 5-1 and 5-0 victories respectively.

    Cavalier SC demonstrated remarkable form following their seasonal break, overpowering Dunbeholden FC with a decisive 5-1 triumph at Stadium East. Simultaneously, Montego Bay United maintained their commanding league position with a flawless 5-0 shutout against Spanish Town Police FC at Royal Lakes Complex.

    These performances marked the most substantial victories for both clubs this season, significantly impacting the league standings. Montego Bay United strengthened their championship pursuit by extending their lead to six points, while Cavalier SC ascended to fourth position in the competitive table.

    The scoring commenced for Cavalier SC with Kwayne Thompson’s 35th-minute header breaking the deadlock. Second-half fireworks followed as Dwayne Allen’s spectacular 23-yard strike in the 60th minute doubled the advantage. Substitute Odane Wilberforce contributed a third goal in the 74th minute, followed by an unfortunate own goal from Dunbeholden FC. Despite Stephen Barnett’s consolation penalty conversion in the 85th minute, Jerome McCleary sealed the commanding victory with a stoppage-time finish.

    Montego Bay United’s offensive masterclass featured Jourdain Fletcher’s double strike, reclaiming his position as the league’s sole scoring leader with 11 goals. The scoring cascade began with Deverow McKenzie’s 19th-minute volley, followed by Fletcher’s long-range precision in the 22nd minute. Jahmari Clarke ended his scoring drought in the 60th minute before Dwight Merrick and Fletcher completed the rout with clinical finishes.

    The comprehensive victories underscore the offensive prowess of Jamaica’s top football clubs while dramatically reshaping the Premier League landscape as the season progresses toward its climax.

  • Big four clash in Alberga Cup semi-final showdown

    Big four clash in Alberga Cup semi-final showdown

    The semifinal bracket for the JISA/Canopy Insurance National Under-12 Alberga Cup is now complete, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the youth football competition. Defending champions Sts Peter and Paul Preparatory have successfully kept their hopes alive for a remarkable double title achievement this season.

    They are joined in the final four by a trio of formidable opponents: the consistently dominant Lannaman’s Prep, the ever-present Hillel Academy, and the impressive Emmanuel Christian Academy (ECA). These teams secured their spots after a dramatic and action-packed quarterfinal group stage concluded on Saturday.

    Emmanuel Christian Academy emerged as the most commanding team in the quarterfinals, achieving a flawless record. They swept all three of their Group B matches, amassing a perfect nine points to secure an automatic semifinal berth. The 2021 champions sealed their dominant run with a decisive 2-1 victory over Vaz Prep. The group’s other fixture saw Liberty Academy and Reach Academy play to a thrilling 3-3 draw, a result that eliminated both teams from contention for the best runner-up spot.

    In another group, Lannaman’s Prep solidified their control with a powerful 5-0 triumph over St Andrew Prep, finishing atop their group with seven points. The battle for advancement, however, centered on the clash between Sts Peter and Paul and Christel House. Both teams needed a significant win to bolster their chances for the non-automatic qualifying position. The defending champions rose to the occasion, delivering a stunning 5-0 victory. This result gave them six points and a superior goal difference of +6, the best among all second-place finishers, thereby extending their title defense into the semifinals.

    Meanwhile, 2023 finalists Hillel Academy secured top honors in Group C with a solid 2-0 win over St Hugh’s Prep. This outcome was complemented by Creative Kids’ 1-0 victory over Mona Prep, a loss that marks the end of Mona Prep’s long-standing streak of semifinal appearances.

    The semifinal matches are scheduled for Wednesday at Liberty Academy. In a highly anticipated rematch of the Henriques Cup final, Lannaman’s Prep will face Sts Peter and Paul at 11:00 am. Immediately following at 12:30 pm, Emmanuel Christian Academy will square off against their neighbors, Hillel Academy. The tournament will culminate on Saturday at the American International School of Kingston (AISK) with the third-place play-off at 10:00 am and the championship final at 11:30 am.