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标签： Jamaica

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  • US records second human bird flu death of year

    US records second human bird flu death of year

    A Washington state resident has become the first recorded human case of the rare H5N5 avian influenza strain, marking a significant development in global health monitoring. The individual, described as an older adult with pre-existing health conditions, succumbed to the virus after being hospitalized earlier this month. The Washington State Department of Health confirmed the diagnosis, which was subsequently verified by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

    Health officials emphasized that the risk to the general public remains low, as no other cases have been reported, and there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission. The patient reportedly kept a backyard flock of mixed domestic birds, which is believed to be the source of the infection.

    This incident marks the second human fatality linked to avian influenza in the United States this year, following a death from the H5N1 strain in Louisiana in January. Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) has documented over 1,000 human cases of bird flu across 25 countries since 2003, encompassing all known strains of the virus. The CDC has recorded more than 70 human cases of bird flu in the US this year alone, highlighting the ongoing need for vigilance in monitoring zoonotic diseases.

  • Miss Mexico wins Miss Universe

    Miss Mexico wins Miss Universe

    In a night filled with unexpected twists and controversies, Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch emerged victorious at the 2025 Miss Universe pageant held in Nonthaburi, Thailand. The event, one of the world’s most prestigious beauty competitions, saw Bosch triumph over contestants from Ivory Coast, the Philippines, Thailand, and Venezuela, who were selected from over 120 participants. However, the road to her coronation was anything but smooth. The pageant was marred by a series of dramatic incidents, including a walkout by Bosch after she was publicly criticized by Miss Universe Thailand director Nawat Itsaragrisil. The confrontation occurred during a livestreamed meeting where Nawat accused Bosch of failing to promote the event on her social media accounts. Bosch, supported by Miss Iraq, left the room after Nawat called for security, sparking a moment of solidarity among other contestants. Bosch later addressed the media, stating, ‘What your director did is not respectful: He called me dumb. The world needs to see this because we are empowered women and this is a platform for our voice.’ Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum praised Bosch as an ‘example of how we women should speak out’ in the face of aggression. Nawat later apologized and congratulated Bosch during a press conference. The pageant also faced allegations of rigging, with two judges resigning, one claiming an ‘illegitimate vote’ had taken place. Additionally, Miss Britain Danielle Latimer tripped during the costume round, and Miss Jamaica Gabrielle Henry was hospitalized after falling off the stage during the evening gown showcase. Despite the chaos, Bosch expressed her desire to be remembered as ‘a Miss Universe that wasn’t afraid to be herself’ and someone who ‘changed, a little bit, the prototype of what is a Miss Universe.’

  • Liverpool stunned by Forest, Newcastle damage Man City title push

    Liverpool stunned by Forest, Newcastle damage Man City title push

    Liverpool’s tumultuous season reached a new nadir as they suffered a humiliating 3-0 defeat at home to Nottingham Forest on Saturday, marking their eighth loss in the last 11 matches across all competitions. The Reds’ defensive frailties were exposed early when Murillo capitalized on a poorly defended corner in the 33rd minute, igniting Forest’s dominance. Liverpool’s frustrations were compounded by a controversial goal, as Dan Ndoye appeared to obstruct goalkeeper Alisson Becker, a decision that echoed a similar incident in their previous loss to Manchester City.

    Forest doubled their lead just after halftime through Nicolo Savona, who finished neatly from Neco Williams’ assist. The hosts’ misery was complete in the 78th minute when Morgan Gibbs-White tapped in a rebound after Omari Hutchinson’s initial effort was saved. This defeat marks the first time since 1965 that Liverpool have lost consecutive league games by a three-goal margin.

    Manager Arne Slot admitted his team’s struggles, citing a lack of inspiration and energy, and acknowledged the emotional toll of Diogo Jota’s tragic death in July. Despite a summer spending spree exceeding £400 million, Liverpool languish in 11th place, eight points behind league leaders Arsenal. Alexander Isak, their marquee signing, was substituted in his fourth league start, having yet to score for the club. Slot took full responsibility for the team’s poor form, describing it as a ‘very bad spell.’

  • Precaution, not panic

    Precaution, not panic

    Jamaica is grappling with a leptospirosis outbreak following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa last month. Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton confirmed the outbreak on Friday, attributing it to the flooding and unsanitary conditions left by the Category 5 hurricane, which struck the island on October 28. The bacterial disease, transmitted through contaminated water, soil, or food, has already claimed six lives, with 87 suspected, probable, and confirmed cases reported since 2024. Of these, 37 cases emerged post-Melissa, with 10 confirmed and six deaths linked to the hurricane. St. James Parish, particularly Montego Bay, has been the hardest hit, recording 17 cases and four deaths. Other affected areas include St. Ann, St. Elizabeth, Hanover, and Westmoreland. National epidemiologist Dr. Karen Webster Kerr emphasized that leptospirosis, caused by the Leptospira bacteria, thrives in floodwaters contaminated by animal urine, particularly from rats, livestock, and pets. The disease, which mimics symptoms of influenza, meningitis, and dengue, is treatable but can lead to severe complications affecting the liver, kidneys, lungs, and brain. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie urged the public to take preventive measures, including wearing protective gear during cleanup activities and seeking medical attention for severe symptoms like jaundice, dark urine, or respiratory distress. Health officials are also encouraging blood donations to support critically ill patients. While the outbreak poses a significant public health risk, authorities are calling for calm and proactive measures to curb its spread.

  • Gunmen seize 315 in latest Nigerian mass school kidnapping

    Gunmen seize 315 in latest Nigerian mass school kidnapping

    In a shocking escalation of insecurity, Nigeria has witnessed one of its largest mass kidnappings, with over 300 students and teachers abducted in a series of coordinated attacks. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) confirmed the latest incident, which occurred early Friday at St Mary’s co-education school in Niger state. This follows a separate abduction earlier in the week in Kebbi state, where 25 girls were taken from a secondary school. Initially, CAN reported 227 victims, but after verification, the number rose to 303 students and 12 teachers, nearly half of St Mary’s student population. The Nigerian government has yet to comment on the crisis, while Niger state governor Mohammed Umar Bago announced the closure of all schools in the state as a precautionary measure. Nearby states and the national education ministry have also ordered school closures. President Bola Tinubu has canceled international engagements, including the G20 summit in Johannesburg, to address the situation. The abductions have reignited fears of insecurity in Nigeria, a nation still haunted by the 2014 Chibok kidnapping, where nearly 300 girls were taken by Boko Haram. Citizens like Stella Shaibu, a nurse who collected her daughter from a government school near Abuja, expressed frustration over the government’s inability to ensure safety. She questioned how such large-scale abductions could occur repeatedly and voiced support for international intervention to address the crisis.

  • Gov’t weighs new school models to prevent learning loss

    Gov’t weighs new school models to prevent learning loss

    In response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica’s south-western coast on October 28, the Government is rolling out innovative strategies to mitigate significant learning loss among students. Education Minister Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon unveiled the ‘Host School Model,’ a temporary solution enabling students from non-operational schools to continue their education in functioning institutions while remaining officially enrolled in their original schools. This initiative aims to preserve educational continuity without formal transfers, addressing the cultural and logistical challenges of transitioning between schools.

  • Promoters aim for US$1m goal with all-star Jamaica Strong relief concert lineup

    Promoters aim for US$1m goal with all-star Jamaica Strong relief concert lineup

    The Jamaica Strong benefit concert, scheduled for Friday, December 12, at the UBS Arena in New York, is set to bring together a star-studded lineup to raise $1 million for hurricane relief efforts in Jamaica. Organized under the ‘I Love Jamaica Concert Series’ in collaboration with the Government of Jamaica, the event aims to provide critical support to families and communities affected by Hurricane Melissa. Headliners include Shaggy, Sean Paul, KES, Inner Circle, Ky-Mani Marley, Tessanne Chin, Aidonia, Chronic Law, TOK, Gramps Morgan, Richie Stephens, Mikey Spice, Marcia Griffiths, I-Octane, and gospel singer Kevin Downwell. Kacy Rankine, CEO of Roadblock Radio, emphasized the unity of the diaspora, stating, ‘This is New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania… the whole USA coming together. We’re going to send something big to Jamaica.’ George Crooks, CEO of Jammins Entertainment, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the urgency of the crisis and the diaspora’s commitment to supporting their homeland. Net proceeds from the concert will be transparently distributed to approved beneficiaries, including the nation’s official hurricane relief fund and other registered charities. Tickets are now available on Ticketmaster.

  • Gabriel faces ‘weeks’ out of action in major blow for Arsenal

    Gabriel faces ‘weeks’ out of action in major blow for Arsenal

    Arsenal’s defensive stalwart Gabriel Magalhaes is set to miss several weeks of action after sustaining a thigh injury during international duty, manager Mikel Arteta confirmed on Friday. The Brazilian centre-back, who has been a cornerstone of Arsenal’s defense this season, suffered the setback during Brazil’s 2-0 friendly victory over Senegal at the Emirates Stadium last weekend. Arteta expressed his disappointment, stating, ‘Gabi unfortunately picked up an injury with the Brazilian national team, and he’s going to be out for weeks. We’ll have a clearer timeline after another scan next Wednesday.’

    Gabriel’s absence is a significant blow to Arsenal, as he has been instrumental in their Premier League campaign, forming a formidable partnership with William Saliba and contributing to a defense that has conceded just five goals in 11 games. Arteta acknowledged the challenge, saying, ‘It’s clearly a blow because he’s our leader in our backline. The good thing is that we have very good options, and people have to step up now.’

    Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera are among the contenders to fill Gabriel’s shoes in the upcoming North London derby against Tottenham on Sunday. However, Arteta emphasized that Gabriel’s leadership and defensive prowess are irreplaceable. ‘Every player brings specific qualities, and Gabi’s is his leadership, his presence, and that love he has to defend,’ he added.

    Arsenal’s injury woes extend beyond Gabriel, with left-back Riccardo Calafiori also sidelined due to lingering issues. Arteta revealed, ‘He’s been carrying a few things and hasn’t trained yet. We’ll assess his condition in tomorrow’s training session.’ Additionally, long-term absentees Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, and Viktor Gyokeres remain unavailable.

    Despite these setbacks, Arsenal remains at the top of the Premier League, four points clear of Manchester City. Their upcoming clash with Tottenham promises to be a thrilling encounter, with Spurs boasting the best away record in the league this season. Arsenal, however, have a strong historical advantage, having lost just once at home to their rivals since 1993.

  • CXC extends exam timetable for Jamaica

    CXC extends exam timetable for Jamaica

    In response to the widespread disruption caused by Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica’s education sector is implementing significant adjustments to mitigate the impact on students. Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon, Minister of Education, Skills, Youth, and Information, announced on November 21 in the Senate that the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) has agreed to extend the examination timetable for Jamaica. This extension will allow students additional preparation time, with exams scheduled later than in other regions. Additionally, the Ministry is considering extending the dates for the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examinations, though a final decision has yet to be made. Senator Morris Dixon also revealed that negotiations for reduced CXC fees are nearing completion, with an announcement expected soon. To address the challenges faced by students preparing for external examinations, the Ministry is collaborating with the CXC to introduce flexible measures, including adjusted deadlines for School-Based Assessments (SBAs) and practical examinations, as well as options for reduced exam sittings based on individual circumstances. Furthermore, the National Vocational Qualification of Jamaica (NVQ-J) November sitting has been postponed, with rescheduled examinations tentatively set for February and June 2026. City & Guilds has also proposed a two-cohort examination model for 2026, offering increased flexibility for schools in severely impacted areas. These measures aim to alleviate the burden on students and institutions, particularly after more than 600 educational institutions sustained damage during the category five hurricane, which struck on October 28.

  • Australia’s seven-wicket hero Starc ready to go again

    Australia’s seven-wicket hero Starc ready to go again

    PERTH, Australia — Mitchell Starc showcased his unwavering confidence and skill on the opening day of the first Ashes Test, delivering a stellar performance that kept Australia in contention. The 35-year-old fast bowler wreaked havoc at Perth Stadium, claiming 7 wickets for 58 runs and dismantling England’s batting lineup for a modest total of 172. Despite England’s strong response with their own pace attack, reducing Australia to 123-9 by stumps, the match remains delicately balanced. Starc’s dominance began in the very first over, dismissing Zak Crawley and setting the tone for his unplayable spell. Reflecting on his ability to strike early, Starc remarked, “It’s always the plan, but it doesn’t always happen that way. I’ve been fortunate to do it a few times.” Known for his aggressive approach, Starc emphasized his focus on taking wickets rather than worrying about economy rates. With key bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood sidelined due to injuries, Starc has shouldered additional responsibility but remains composed. “I’ve been quite calm all week,” he said, highlighting the depth of experience in Australia’s bowling attack. As Australia trails by 49 runs heading into day two, Starc is prepared to deliver another impactful performance to keep his team in the hunt. He dismissed concerns about the pitch, attributing the 19 wickets fallen in a day to the quality of both bowling attacks. “It’s just one of those days where two attacks are on the money,” he noted, emphasizing the long road ahead in the series. Starc’s brilliance has set the stage for an enthralling contest as the Ashes unfolds.