标签： Jamaica

MANDEVILLE, Manchester — Bellefield High School is making significant strides toward eliminating its shift system, a long-standing challenge for the institution. The recent inauguration of an eight-classroom block, constructed at a cost of $75 million through independent funding, marks a pivotal step in this journey. Principal Paul Grant emphasized the need for an additional 16 classrooms to fully transition to a whole-day operation mode for its 1,400 students.

In a startling development, Dr. Ian Andre Roberts, a Guyana-born educator and superintendent of Iowa’s largest public school district, was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Friday. The 48-year-old, who has a distinguished career in education and represented Guyana in track and field at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, is accused of residing and working in the United States illegally since 1999. Roberts, who holds advanced degrees from prestigious institutions including Georgetown University and Harvard, allegedly entered the country on a student visa but failed to maintain legal status. An immigration judge issued a final removal order against him in May 2024, which ICE claims was never executed. Roberts was apprehended after reportedly evading an initial encounter with ICE agents. During his arrest, authorities discovered a loaded handgun, $3,000 in cash, and a hunting knife in his possession. Federal law prohibits undocumented individuals from owning firearms, and the case is now under investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Sam Olson, director of ICE’s St. Paul Field Office, stated that Roberts was found with the weapon in a vehicle provided by Des Moines Public Schools. Roberts, who assumed the role of superintendent in July 2023, had disclosed a prior firearm charge during his hiring process. The school board expressed shock at his detention, claiming they were unaware of the removal order. Roberts had passed third-party background checks and submitted necessary employment documentation, raising questions about the oversight in his appointment.

A devastating incident unfolded in Nigeria’s Zamfara state as a massive boulder collapsed onto an illegal mining site during heavy rains, resulting in the deaths of at least 18 individuals and leaving dozens more trapped. The tragedy occurred on Thursday near Kadauri village in the Maru district, according to local sources. Rescuers, including miners working in unauthorized pits, have been laboriously attempting to recover victims using rudimentary tools, as they await heavy machinery to aid their efforts. Sani Lawwali, a miner involved in the rescue operation, described the process as slow and grueling, with rescuers chiseling through the boulder by hand to create access points. The death toll was confirmed by Abubakar Nabube, a community leader, who expressed grave concerns about the survival chances of those still trapped if emergency assistance does not arrive soon. The collapse occurred at a newly established mining site, where dozens of miners were working despite the heavy rainfall. Illegal artisanal mining is rampant in Zamfara, a state rich in gold deposits, despite repeated government efforts to curb the practice. Authorities have linked illegal mining to escalating bandit violence, as criminal gangs exploit miners for protection fees. Emergency agencies have yet to respond to inquiries about the incident.

Over 50 scholarship recipients from the J Wray & Nephew (JWN) Foundation recently participated in a transformative workshop aimed at equipping them with essential skills for their academic and professional journeys. The event focused on effective communication, wardrobe essentials, and business etiquette, preparing students for the transition from high school to university and from university to the workplace. The one-day session also emphasized self-care and personal development, ensuring participants are well-rounded individuals ready to face life’s challenges. Corporate and image consultant Althea Laing, a trailblazer in the fashion industry and Jamaica’s first supermodel, delivered an inspiring presentation on the importance of first impressions, professionalism, and self-confidence. Laing, who defied stereotypes in her career, encouraged the students to celebrate their uniqueness and build meaningful networks. The workshop also included professional headshots by LH Multimedia, enhancing the recipients’ online professional presence. JWN Foundation General Manager Garfene Grandison highlighted the initiative’s goal to leave a lasting impact on students, particularly those from underserved and rural communities. The day concluded with an awards ceremony, marking the first time the foundation hosted a workshop of this nature. Makeup artist Shanique Ellington and her team provided glam makeovers, while Ellington emphasized the value of versatility in business and entrepreneurship. Participants, including Ruth-Ann Alexander and Tisayra Jones, expressed gratitude for the invaluable lessons and experiences gained. The event underscored JWN Foundation’s commitment to empowering young individuals to excel in their personal and professional lives.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Damian Cox, Senior Director of the Access to Information Unit (AIU), emphasized the critical role of environmental education in shaping a sustainable future during his keynote address at the AIU’s Right to Know Week 2025 Conference. Held at the AC Hotel by Marriott in Kingston, the event underscored the importance of equipping young people with the knowledge and skills necessary to address environmental challenges.

Cox highlighted that youth, as future leaders, must be empowered through education to foster sustainable practices. He referenced the United Nations General Assembly’s affirmation that Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is a vital component of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in achieving quality education and enabling other global objectives.

The AIU, under the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, has collaborated with the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) and the Jamaica Environment Trust (JET) to implement programs engaging students in sustainable environmental initiatives. Cox stressed that young people are the innovators of tomorrow, and their success is pivotal to the nation’s progress.

Addressing the conference theme, ‘Ensuring Access to Environmental Information in the Digital Age,’ Cox acknowledged the digital revolution’s potential to facilitate information sharing and foster intergenerational solutions. However, he cautioned against challenges such as the digital divide, data privacy concerns, and misinformation, which require careful navigation.

Cox called for collective efforts to bridge these gaps, ensuring inclusive and equitable access to education and information. He reiterated the AIU’s commitment to providing the public with access to environmental and legal information, aligning with its mission to promote transparency and democratic engagement.

The Right to Know Week 2025 concluded on September 28, coinciding with the International Day for Universal Access to Information, a UNESCO initiative advocating for public access to information held by governmental bodies.

The Aubyn Foundation has once again demonstrated its commitment to fostering education and sustainable development by sponsoring scholarships for four deserving students at the Morgan’s Family Foundation back-to-school event on August 17 in Curatoe Hill, Clarendon. Each student received $50,000 to support their academic pursuits. The foundation’s chairman, Aubyn Henry, and CEO Toni-Ann Gayle were present to personally deliver the awards.