A pivotal regional colloquium is set to take place on November 27-28 at The University of the West Indies (The UWI) Regional Headquarters in St Andrew, Jamaica. Organized by the Jamaica National (JN) Foundation in partnership with the Early Childhood Commission, The UWI School of Education, and the Dudley Grant Early Childhood Resource Centre, the event seeks to address critical gaps in Jamaica’s early childhood education sector. The initiative comes in the wake of Hurricane Melissa, which exacerbated existing challenges in the sector, highlighting the urgent need for systemic improvements. Claudine Allen, General Manager of JN Foundation, emphasized the long-term nature of this endeavor, stating, ‘It is not a sprint, it is a marathon.’ She expressed concern over the damage reported by the National Education Trust and stressed the importance of collaborative efforts to mitigate learning losses and ensure equitable access to quality education. The colloquium aims to bring together regional experts to share successes, challenges, and actionable solutions. Topics on the agenda include inclusion, technology’s role in education, teacher training, and policy effectiveness. Over 20 speakers from across the Caribbean will participate, fostering a collaborative environment to develop strategies for sustainable progress. The event, themed ‘Building Strong Foundations: Advancing Early Childhood Education through Policy, Practice and Partnership,’ underscores the commitment of stakeholders to create a robust framework for early childhood education. Interested participants are encouraged to register via the JN Foundation website at www.jnfoundation.com.
标签： Jamaica
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MP Floyd Green partners with Tank-Weld to provide hurricane relief to families in St Elizabeth South West
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, Member of Parliament for St Elizabeth South West, Floyd Green, collaborated with Tank-Weld Metals Ltd to spearhead a comprehensive relief initiative across seven severely affected communities. The operation, executed through the South West St Elizabeth Hurricane Relief Command Centre, involved the distribution of 700 care packages, over 75 cases of water, 500 high-quality sleeping bags, and 400 solar-powered lanterns. These supplies were sourced with the support of partners such as Dick’s Sporting Goods and Waldron Wealth, while logistics and fuel assistance were provided by MJ Trucking and FESCO, respectively. The relief team traversed Newcombe Valley, Beacon, Galleon, Fyffes Pen, Cambridge, Oxford, and Compound, ensuring aid reached families grappling with housing damage, loss of belongings, and prolonged power outages. Minister Green emphasized the critical nature of the intervention, particularly in addressing the widespread devastation to the electrical system, including the Maggotty power generation plant. Sarah Bicknell of Tank-Weld Metals Ltd underscored the company’s commitment to aiding recovery with dignity and comfort. The effort was bolstered by a dedicated volunteer team, praised by Kenneisha Campbell, Coordinator of the Relief Command Centre, for their heart and teamwork. The initiative now moves into its second phase, focusing on rebuilding homes, clearing roads, and restoring stability to the constituency.
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Two feared dead in toll road crash
A tragic accident on the PJ Patterson Highway in St. Catherine, Jamaica, has resulted in the feared loss of at least two lives and left several others critically injured. The incident, which unfolded on Wednesday afternoon around 3:00 pm, involved a Toyota Hiace bus operating as a public passenger vehicle. Eyewitnesses reported that the bus, traveling in the eastbound lane, overturned into a ditch just a few hundred meters before the Vineyard Toll Booth. Emergency services, including police and fire personnel, swiftly responded to the scene, working diligently to manage the aftermath and provide assistance to the injured. Multiple victims were rushed to nearby hospitals for urgent medical attention. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the crash, which has sent shockwaves through the local community. As this remains a developing story, further updates are expected in the coming hours.
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Gov’t allocates $10m per constituency to kick-start national clean-up campaign
In response to the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has unveiled a comprehensive $630 million national clean-up initiative. During a ministerial statement in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, Holness announced that each of Jamaica’s 63 constituencies will receive $10 million to spearhead the recovery efforts. Additionally, $150,000 will be allocated to each councillor within these constituencies to support local coordination.
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JN provides counselling for Melissa survivors in south Trelawny
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, the JN Group, in collaboration with local and corporate partners, has launched a vital initiative to offer psychosocial support to residents in southern Trelawny, Jamaica. The Category 5 storm left many grappling with emotional and physical devastation, prompting the JN Group to step in with comprehensive relief efforts.
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Body Studio Skincare ‘restores spirits’ with free facials, wellness shots
In a heartfelt response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, Body Studio Skincare launched a community-focused initiative to uplift the spirits of affected Jamaicans. The company provided complimentary facial treatments and wellness shots at its medical spa in St Andrew, offering a total value exceeding hundreds of thousands of dollars. Over 50 free facials, each priced between J$10,450 and J$13,000, were administered, amounting to more than J$550,000 in services. Additionally, the spa distributed over 30 wellness shots, including glutathione, NAD, and B12 injections, to promote physical and emotional well-being. The event attracted a diverse group of participants, ranging from loyal clients to newcomers and even individuals from the severely impacted St Elizabeth region. Michelle Vernon, CEO of Body Studio Skincare, emphasized the company’s commitment to community healing, stating, ‘Wellness goes far beyond beauty; it is about dignity, confidence, and compassion.’ She expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of her staff and the community, highlighting the initiative as a way to reciprocate years of loyalty. Vernon also underscored the symbolic significance of the effort, noting that the services provided moments of respite and a reminder of care during challenging times. Beyond skincare, the initiative aimed to restore hope and resilience, embodying the core values of Body Studio Skincare.
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Jimmy Cliff’s success with I Can See Clearly Now
Renowned music producer and musician Paul ‘Computer Paul’ Henton recently reflected on the success of Jimmy Cliff’s 1993 rendition of Johnny Nash’s classic ‘I Can See Clearly Now.’ Henton, who produced the track and played drums and keyboards, recalled his early confidence in the song’s potential. ‘I kinda expected it to take off,’ Henton shared in an interview with the Jamaica Observer. His belief was reinforced when a Disney executive, upon hearing a rough mix, exclaimed, ‘Wow, this is gonna be a hit.’ The song, featured on the ‘Cool Runnings’ soundtrack, became one of Cliff’s most celebrated works, charting globally and achieving certifications in multiple countries. Jimmy Cliff, who passed away at 81 on Monday due to pneumonia following a seizure, leaves behind a rich musical legacy. His version of ‘I Can See Clearly Now’ peaked at #18 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped charts in France, among other countries. Henton fondly remembered Cliff as ‘easy-going’ and ‘one of the nicest artistes to work with,’ highlighting his kindness and writing prowess. The song’s enduring popularity is evident as it continues to receive airplay on mainstream radio in the U.S. Cliff’s career spanned decades, with numerous chart entries across genres, including eight on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart and three on the Billboard 200. His influence extended beyond music, cementing him as a stalwart of reggae and a global cultural icon.
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US retail sales cool as consumers battle higher prices
The latest economic data from the United States reveals a slowdown in retail sales growth for September, as consumers grapple with rising prices and businesses face escalating costs. According to the Commerce Department, retail sales increased by a modest 0.2 percent month-on-month, falling short of analyst expectations and marking a deceleration from August’s 0.6 percent gain. Concurrently, the Labor Department reported a 0.3 percent rise in producer prices for September, driven primarily by a 0.9 percent surge in goods costs, particularly energy and food. These trends highlight the growing economic pressures stemming from President Donald Trump’s tariffs, which have begun to ripple through the economy. Some businesses have already reported higher operational costs due to these duties, prompting the administration to expand tariff exemptions for certain agricultural products. The release of these reports was delayed due to the record-long government shutdown between October and mid-November, which disrupted the collection and publication of key economic data. Year-on-year, retail sales in September were up 4.3 percent, though specific sectors such as motor vehicles, clothing, and electronics experienced declines. The data underscores the challenges facing both consumers and businesses as they navigate an increasingly complex economic landscape.
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Guardiola gamble backfires in Man City loss to Leverkusen
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola shouldered the blame after his experimental lineup faltered in a surprising 2-0 loss to Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League on Tuesday. Guardiola opted to rest key players, including Erling Haaland, Ruben Dias, Bernardo Silva, and Gianluigi Donnarumma, a decision that proved costly as Leverkusen capitalized on City’s lackluster performance. Alex Grimaldo opened the scoring in the first half, followed by Patrik Schick’s second-half goal, leaving City fans disgruntled at the final whistle. This marked City’s first home defeat in the Champions League group stage since 2018, ending a 24-game unbeaten run. The loss compounded City’s recent struggles, coming just days after a 2-1 Premier League defeat to Newcastle. Guardiola admitted responsibility, acknowledging that his rotation strategy may have been excessive. Despite dominating possession, City lacked precision and defensive solidity, with Leverkusen exploiting their vulnerabilities. Guardiola’s 100th Champions League match as City boss ended in disappointment, a stark contrast to his previous successes, including the club’s 2023 European triumph. The defeat raises questions about City’s depth and form as they face a packed December schedule, including a crucial clash with Real Madrid. Guardiola emphasized the need to regroup and fight for redemption in upcoming fixtures.
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The Jimmy Cliff, Perry Henzell years
In 1969, a serendipitous meeting between Perry Henzell, an aspiring filmmaker, and Jimmy Cliff, a rising music star, at Dynamic Records in Kingston, Jamaica, marked the beginning of a transformative partnership. Henzell, seeking to create a soundtrack for his debut film, approached Cliff to compose and perform the music. Cliff, brimming with confidence, accepted the challenge without hesitation. This collaboration would later culminate in the iconic 1972 film *The Harder They Come*, which not only featured Cliff’s music but also cast him in the lead role of Ivan, propelling him to international stardom.
Cliff, who passed away on November 24, 2021, at the age of 81, left an indelible mark on both music and cinema. His portrayal of Ivan, inspired by the real-life criminal Ivanhoe “Rhyging” Martin, was a testament to his acting prowess. Henzell’s daughter, Justine, recalled the profound bond between her father and Cliff, describing it as a familial relationship that spanned over five decades. She highlighted Cliff’s ability to improvise and embody his character, a quality that Henzell, a director who valued authenticity, deeply appreciated.
The film’s soundtrack, featuring Cliff’s timeless tracks such as *Many Rivers to Cross* and *You Can Get It If You Really Want*, became a cultural milestone. Henzell, who had grown weary of his career in advertising, was driven by a desire to tell Rhyging’s story, a tale of rebellion and resilience. Cliff’s dual role as actor and musician brought Henzell’s vision to life, creating a cinematic masterpiece that resonated globally.
Cliff’s legacy extends beyond *The Harder They Come*. A two-time Grammy Award winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, he was also honored with Jamaica’s Order of Merit. His final birthday celebration in July 2021 was marked by a heartfelt conversation with Justine and her mother, Sally, reflecting the enduring connection between the Henzell family and the legendary artist.