KINGSTON, Jamaica — As the festive season approaches, Jamaican artist Traz Di Jennik is setting the stage for holiday revelry with his latest track, ‘Party Hot Girlz.’ Released in early November, the song was co-produced by the singer alongside Trevor ‘Skatta Lopa’ Bonnick and Lydia Campbell. Despite its timing, the track was not crafted with Christmas in mind. Instead, Traz Di Jennik drew inspiration from the image of girls partying all night, which sparked the song’s intro and punchline. He shared this creative process in an interview with Observer Online.
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Fitch revises Jamaica’s outlook to stable, affirms ‘BB-‘ rating
Fitch Ratings has adjusted Jamaica’s credit outlook from positive to stable, effectively halting any near-term upgrade prospects, following the severe economic damage inflicted by Hurricane Melissa. The agency reaffirmed the country’s ‘BB-’ rating, signaling a pause in the momentum that had previously pointed toward an improvement. A stable outlook indicates that Fitch expects Jamaica’s credit rating to remain unchanged over the next one to two years, contrasting with a positive outlook, which would have suggested potential upgrades if economic conditions continued to strengthen. The government’s preliminary estimates place the storm’s damage at approximately 30% of Jamaica’s GDP, equating to roughly US$6 billion to US$7 billion. This aligns with earlier assessments from the World Bank and Inter-American Development Bank, which estimated physical damage at a record US$8.8 billion. Fitch forecasts a 1.5% economic contraction in 2025, followed by a modest recovery of 1.8% in 2026. The agency highlighted prolonged adverse effects on key sectors like tourism, agriculture, and mining, with tourism receipts projected to decline by 15% in both 2025 and 2026. Before the storm, tourism accounted for nearly 20% of Jamaica’s GDP. The current account is expected to slip into a deficit in 2026 after posting a surplus of 3.1% of GDP in 2024, reflecting increased spending on imports and external payments. However, rising remittances are anticipated to mitigate the impact. Jamaica’s foreign exchange reserves remain robust at US$6.2 billion, covering nearly seven months of external payments—well above the ‘BB’ country median of 4.8 months. In response to the crisis, the government will suspend the Fiscal Responsibility Law for two years, leading to a sharp shift in public finances. The general government balance is projected to move from a 0.2% surplus in 2024 to a 3.2% deficit in 2025, potentially pushing the debt-to-GDP ratio to 68% by the end of 2026. This reverses a years-long downward trend that had reduced debt from 135% in 2012. Despite these challenges, Jamaica enters the recovery period with significant financial buffers, including US$250 million in contingency funds, US$384 million in multilateral credit lines, and an estimated US$1 billion to US$2.5 billion in private insurance inflows. These resources provide short-term liquidity and support reconstruction efforts without immediate financing stress. Fitch emphasized that Jamaica’s ‘BB-’ rating is bolstered by strong performance on the World Bank Governance Indicators, which measure factors like government effectiveness, rule of law, and control of corruption. The agency warned that larger-than-expected economic losses or a slower recovery could lead to a negative rating action, while a renewed decline in the debt-to-GDP ratio could eventually support a positive rating action. Fitch believes the government remains committed to its fiscal framework and will actively seek to reduce its debt burden once reconstruction efforts advance.
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ROJ relief efforts continue with care packages for affected staff members
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, Restaurants of Jamaica (ROJ), the operator of KFC and Pizza Hut, has intensified its relief efforts to support both its employees and the broader community. The hurricane left many with damaged homes and lost belongings, prompting ROJ to take swift action. Since the onset of its recovery initiatives, the company has been distributing over 2,000 meals daily to severely affected areas. Recognizing that many of its own team members were among those impacted, ROJ has also prepared hundreds of personal care packages. These packages contain a two-week supply of food, hygiene products, and other essential items, aimed at providing immediate relief to those in need. Despite personal hardships, numerous ROJ employees have continued to report to work, preparing meals and assisting in relief operations. The company’s managing director, Mark Myers, emphasized the resilience and compassion of the team, stating, ‘Even those rebuilding their own lives have shown up to support others. Their strength and willingness to serve have been extraordinary.’ Myers also expressed gratitude to ROJ’s partners and suppliers, including Jamaica Broilers, Pepsi Jamaica, GraceKennedy, Facey Commodity, and Lasco, whose contributions were vital in assembling the care packages. ROJ’s efforts underscore its commitment to standing with the affected communities and supporting the recovery process. ‘Jamaica will rebuild, and we will rebuild together,’ Myers affirmed, highlighting the collective spirit of resilience and unity in the face of adversity.
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Teen charged following alleged carjacking
KINGSTON, Jamaica — A 17-year-old boy has been formally charged in connection with a violent carjacking that occurred on Slipe Road in Kingston 5 on the evening of Sunday, October 12. The teenager faces multiple charges, including robbery with aggravation, possession of a prohibited weapon, and using a firearm to commit a felony. According to reports from the Half-Way-Tree police, the incident unfolded between 11:00 pm and midnight when the boy and his accomplices, posing as passengers, hailed a ride from a popular ride-sharing service. Shortly after entering the vehicle, one of the suspects allegedly held a knife to the driver’s neck while another brandished a firearm. The teen is accused of forcibly removing the driver from the car before fleeing with the vehicle, which contained a bag holding $50,000 in cash and electronic devices valued at $60,000. The driver promptly reported the incident to the authorities, prompting an immediate investigation. The suspect was later apprehended during a targeted police operation and formally charged after a questioning session conducted in the presence of his attorney and guardian. His court appearance is currently being scheduled.
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Cuba battles virus outbreak despite shortages of food, medicine
Cuba is currently grappling with a severe outbreak of the chikungunya virus, compounded by an unprecedented economic crisis that has led to shortages of essential resources such as clean water, food, fuel, and medicine. The viral disease, which causes debilitating fever and joint pain, has spread across all 15 provinces of the island nation, affecting millions of residents. Elderly citizens like 81-year-old Pilar Alcantara are particularly vulnerable, with many left to endure the illness without access to basic medical care. The situation is exacerbated by concurrent outbreaks of other mosquito-borne diseases, including dengue, Zika, Oropouche, and yellow fever. Francisco Duran, head of epidemiology at Cuba’s public health ministry, reported that over 47,000 cases of chikungunya were diagnosed in a single week, doubling the previous week’s figures. The economic crisis, worsened by U.S. sanctions and the collapse of the tourism sector during the COVID-19 pandemic, has crippled the country’s healthcare system and mosquito control programs. In Havana’s Jesus Maria neighborhood, garbage piles up on the streets due to fuel shortages, while the eastern regions, recently devastated by Hurricane Melissa, face even more dire conditions. Despite Cuba’s historical expertise in medical and pharmaceutical fields, the current outbreak has spiraled out of control due to poor hygiene, accumulated waste, and inadequate water storage practices. As of Thursday, 20 Cubans were reported to be in critical condition due to chikungunya.
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Walmart earnings beat expectations as shoppers seek savings
In a robust earnings report released on Thursday, US retail giant Walmart announced higher quarterly revenue and raised its fiscal outlook, outperforming analyst expectations. The company’s revenue for the three months ending October 31 surged by 5.8% to $179.5 billion, while earnings per share stood at 62 cents, exceeding estimates. Walmart’s performance is seen as a critical indicator of consumer behavior, particularly as households across income groups grapple with escalating living costs.
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Antigua’s PM says Jamaica can bounce back bigger and better
ST JAMES, Jamaica—Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, has expressed unwavering solidarity with Jamaica in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, drawing parallels to his nation’s recovery from Hurricane Irma in 2017. During a visit to affected areas in Westmoreland on November 17, Browne emphasized the Caribbean’s collective resilience and the potential for stronger rebuilding efforts.
Reflecting on Antigua and Barbuda’s experience, Browne highlighted how Barbuda, despite being devastated by Hurricane Irma, emerged stronger through unified efforts. ‘We rebuilt bigger and better, and Jamaica can do the same,’ he stated. He underscored the importance of regional cooperation, noting that Antigua and Barbuda has already deployed linesmen and soldiers to assist Jamaica’s recovery. Additionally, the country has pledged financial support for relief and reconstruction programs.
Browne called on international financial institutions to provide concessional financing for resilient rebuilding, warning that the cost of inaction would be measured in lives and livelihoods. He urged Jamaicans to remain steadfast, emphasizing the Caribbean’s shared history of overcoming adversity. ‘We, as Caribbean people, have always faced trials together, and this too shall pass,’ he said.
The Prime Minister reiterated his nation’s commitment to supporting Jamaica and advocating for resilient infrastructure across the Caribbean. ‘We are a small country, but our solidarity is mighty. We will do whatever we can to assist Jamaica and its people,’ he affirmed. Browne’s message underscores the importance of unity and innovation in the face of natural disasters, offering a blueprint for recovery and growth.
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JDF Coast Guard seizes cocaine valued at $3.7 billion off south coast
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a landmark operation, the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) Coast Guard has dealt a severe blow to the region’s drug-trafficking networks. On Wednesday, during a joint counter-narcotics mission off Jamaica’s southern coast, authorities intercepted and confiscated over 990 pounds of cocaine, with an estimated street value of $3.7 billion.
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Reid, Pinnock and co-accused to return to court in February
The high-profile corruption trial involving former Jamaican Education Minister Ruel Reid, ex-Caribbean Maritime University President Fritz Pinnock, and three co-accused is set to continue in February 2026, with additional witness testimonies expected to shed light on the alleged $25 million fraud scheme. The trial, which began on October 7th after an initial delay due to the absence of Judge Vaughn Facey, has seen Senior Parish Judge Sanchia Burrell presiding over the proceedings.
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Jamaican diaspora lead relief efforts across several parishes after Hurricane Melissa
Witnessing the catastrophic aftermath of Hurricane Melissa from their homes in the United States, Dr. B Roy Davidson and Dr. Laxley Stephenson were compelled to act. The devastating impact on their home parish of Westmoreland and other rural areas of Jamaica spurred them into action. Dr. Davidson, CEO of UNI Health Care Inc in Los Angeles, and Dr. Stephenson, president of Global Humanity Network Inc in Atlanta, led a humanitarian delegation to Jamaica from November 9 to 14. Their mission was to deliver two weeks’ worth of relief supplies to 500 families affected by the hurricane, with support from UNI Health Care Inc and the Caribbean Cricket Club of Los Angeles. They were joined by Dr. Beverly Nichols, president of the Atlanta-based Push Start Foundation, who contributed 25 solar generators to provide electricity for lighting, communication, and device charging in the hardest-hit communities. The team visited Little London, Whitehouse, Savanna-la-Mar, Montego Bay, Lacovia, and Black River, witnessing firsthand the destruction of homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods. For Davidson and Stephenson, both natives of Little London, the mission was deeply personal, as many of their relatives and friends were among the victims. Hurricane Melissa, a Category Five storm with winds of 185 mph, struck Jamaica on October 28, causing widespread devastation in rural areas and claiming 45 lives. The Jamaican diaspora’s swift and compassionate response highlights the enduring connection between Jamaicans abroad and their homeland.