In a significant move to combat HIV in Africa, the United States has initiated the delivery of Lenacapavir, a revolutionary injectable treatment, to Eswatini and Zambia. This development comes despite President Donald Trump’s substantial reductions in global aid earlier this year. The initiative is a collaborative effort involving the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, and Gilead Sciences, the pharmaceutical company behind the drug. Approximately 1,000 doses have already been dispatched, with administration set to commence this week, according to Peter Sands, Executive Director of the Global Fund. Jeremy Lewin, a State Department aid coordinator, revealed plans to fund two million doses for low- and middle-income African nations, aiming for completion by 2028, potentially as early as mid-2027. Lenacapavir, requiring only biannual administration, marks a significant advancement over daily pill regimens, offering a promising reduction in new HIV infections, particularly among pregnant and breastfeeding women. Despite the Trump administration’s drastic cuts to foreign aid and HIV/AIDS prevention programs, this initiative underscores a targeted approach to health assistance. Gilead Sciences’ Chairman and CEO, Daniel O’Day, highlighted the historic nature of this rollout, noting it as the first instance of a medication being introduced in Africa the same year it was approved in the US. However, this effort is shadowed by grim forecasts regarding the impact of reduced global aid, with experts predicting an additional 22.6 million preventable deaths by 2030 due to aid cuts by the US and European countries.
标签： Jamaica
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Hurricane Melissa impacts renewable energy players
Jamaica’s renewable energy sector has suffered a significant blow following the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, which caused catastrophic damage to the Eight Rivers Solar Park in Westmoreland. The 51.5 MWp facility, owned by InterEnergy Group, sustained severe destruction, prompting the company to initiate a comprehensive reconstruction plan to restore the country’s largest solar project.
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UDC announces the reopening of Turtle River Park
ST ANN, Jamaica — The Urban Development Corporation (UDC) has officially reopened Turtle River Park in Ocho Rios, St Ann, following extensive cleanup and restoration efforts. In a media statement released on Tuesday, the UDC confirmed that the park is now fully prepared to welcome families, residents, and tourists alike. The corporation emphasized that Turtle River Park remains a cherished public space, offering a serene and accessible environment for relaxation, reflection, and quality family time. Visitors are encouraged to explore the park’s natural beauty, including its expansive lawns, scenic walking paths, and tranquil ambiance in the heart of Ocho Rios. The UDC expressed its enthusiasm for welcoming guests back to this beloved destination, which continues to be a cornerstone of community life and tourism in the region.
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Jamaica and Curacao tied at halftime in WCQ
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a high-stakes Concacaf World Cup qualifying match, Jamaica and Curacao remained deadlocked at 0-0 after the first half at the National Stadium on Tuesday. The game marks the final round of Group B qualifiers, with Jamaica needing a victory to secure their first World Cup appearance since 1998. Trailing Curacao by a single point (12-11), the Reggae Boyz faced immense pressure to deliver. Despite a roaring home crowd and several promising opportunities led by Shamar Nicholson, Jamaica struggled to break through Curacao’s defense. On the other end, Curacao tested Jamaica’s goalkeeper Andre Blake, who made a crucial save in the 15th minute against Leandro Bacuna. Meanwhile, in another Group B match, Trinidad and Tobago led Bermuda 1-0 at halftime, courtesy of a ninth-minute goal by defender Kobi Henry. However, both Trinidad and Tobago and Bermuda have already been eliminated from advancing in the qualifiers.
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Social media users report challenges accessing X and other platforms
A significant disruption in internet services has left users worldwide struggling to access popular platforms such as X, Canva, ChatGPT, and several multiplayer games. The outage, traced back to Cloudflare, a leading internet infrastructure company, has raised concerns about the fragility of global digital ecosystems. On Tuesday, Cloudflare acknowledged the issue, stating, ‘Cloudflare is experiencing an internal service degradation. Some services may be intermittently impacted. We are focused on restoring service.’ The company, which provides critical network services to businesses globally, plays a pivotal role in enhancing the security, performance, and reliability of internet properties. The outage has sparked widespread discussions online, with users expressing frustration and disbelief. ‘Your things aren’t broken; Cloudflare is down. This is basically a global internet outage,’ one Reddit user commented. Another questioned, ‘Cloudflare went down today, and half the internet broke, including X. How does one company have that much impact?’ The incident underscores the interconnected nature of modern internet infrastructure and the far-reaching consequences of disruptions in key services.
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McClaren quits as Boyz miss out on automatic World Cup qualification
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a dramatic turn of events, Steve McClaren has resigned as the head coach of Jamaica’s national football team, the Reggae Boyz, moments after the team failed to secure automatic qualification for the FIFA World Cup. The decisive match ended in a goalless draw against Curacao at the National Stadium, leaving Jamaica in second place in their Concacaf World Cup qualifying group. McClaren, who was appointed in July 2024 with the primary objective of guiding the team to the World Cup, struggled to deliver consistent results during his tenure. Over 23 matches, he secured only 11 victories, including disappointing exits from the Concacaf Gold Cup group stage and a quarterfinal loss to the USA in the Concacaf Nations League. With Jamaica now set to compete in the inter-confederation playoffs in March, the search for a new head coach has become an urgent priority.
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RISE UP!
As the clock ticks down to the decisive match of the Concacaf World Cup qualifiers, all eyes are on Steve McClaren and the Jamaican national team. Appointed as head coach in August 2024, McClaren’s primary mission was to secure Jamaica’s spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Tonight, at 8:00 pm at the National Stadium, the Reggae Boyz face Curacao in a high-stakes encounter where only a victory will guarantee their qualification. Jamaica currently sits second in Group B with 10 points, trailing unbeaten Curacao by a single point.
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Rad Dixon to release second album in 2026
Renowned reggae artist Rad Dixon is set to release his highly anticipated second album, ‘Africa Calling Calling,’ in early 2026 under Tasjay Productions. The album promises to be a deep dive into the roots-reggae genre that shaped Dixon’s musical journey in Manchester during the 1990s. James Smith Senior, the head of Tasjay Productions, revealed to Observer Online that the album will feature previously released singles like ‘Know Yourself,’ ‘Trodding,’ and ‘Cry of My People.’ Dixon’s debut album, ‘Hard Times,’ debuted in 2023, followed by the EP ‘Giving Thanks For Life Riddim’ in 2024. Dixon shared that his recent single ‘Nah Trust,’ which critiques corrupt politicians, has set the thematic tone for ‘Africa Calling Calling.’ He emphasized that the album is a call to action against politicians who exploit the youth for nefarious purposes. Growing up in Manchester, Dixon was immersed in a vibrant roots music scene that became a cultural hub for dancehall music, influenced by legends like Garnet Silk, Tony Rebel, and Kulcha Knox. Most of Dixon’s tracks, including ‘Sweet Caroline,’ ‘Write Your Name,’ and ‘Baby Don’t Worry,’ have been produced by Tasjay Productions, solidifying their long-standing collaboration.
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CLAIMS MADE ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2025
The racing world witnessed a series of high-profile horse claims across multiple races, with trainers making strategic moves to strengthen their stables. In Race One, trainer Michael Thomas secured horse #3, XY Soul, for owner Errol Dixon from trainer Donovan Russell in a $200,000 deal. Race Two saw trainer Winston McIntosh claim horse #4, Little Grovy Thing, for himself from Norman Smith for $350,000, while Byron Davis acquired horse #9, Jon P, from Donovan Plummer for the same amount. Race Six was marked by even more significant transactions, with Fernando Geddes claiming horse #1, Pappie Don, from Gregg Fennell for $700,000. Adrian Prince secured horse #3, Lucy In The Sky, from Patrick Taylor for the same price, and Joseph Thomas claimed horse #5, She’s MyHedgefund, for Beresford Broadbell from Gresford Smith in another $700,000 deal. These high-stakes claims highlight the competitive nature of the sport and the strategic investments trainers are making to gain an edge.
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Jamaica Flour Mills provides support to communities impacted by Hurricane Melissa
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant move to aid communities devastated by Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica Flour Mills, a subsidiary of the global food processing and commodities giant ADM, has pledged a generous donation of US$100,000 to the Food for the Poor Jamaica Hurricane Relief Fund. This contribution is facilitated through ADM Cares, the company’s corporate social investment initiative, which focuses on addressing critical needs in communities where ADM operates. The funds will primarily be allocated to provide essential food supplies to the hardest-hit regions, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive immediate assistance. Additionally, the initiative aims to streamline the distribution of flour produced by Jamaica Flour Mills to areas most affected by the disaster. ADM Cares is renowned for its commitment to fostering sustainable and resilient communities by leveraging financial resources, volunteer efforts, and industry expertise to drive impactful social, economic, and environmental progress worldwide. This donation underscores ADM’s dedication to supporting disaster relief and strengthening the regions it serves.