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  • Pledges end protest

    Pledges end protest

    Medical personnel at Cornwall Regional Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Department suspended their industrial action on Friday following concrete commitments from health authorities to address critical infrastructure and operational challenges. The protest highlighted severe overcrowding, rodent infestations, and hazardous working conditions that have compromised both staff welfare and patient care.

    Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton acknowledged the crisis, attributing the extreme overcrowding to concurrent factors: ongoing renovation works that have reduced available space, a seasonal surge in respiratory illnesses, and residual impacts from Hurricane Melissa which struck in late October 2025. “The challenge is the overcrowding, primarily, and it is being amplified by the renovation,” Minister Tufton stated, confirming that staff are operating under exceptionally demanding circumstances.

    Clinical staff provided harrowing accounts of the conditions. Nursing representative Lattar Burke described scenes of patients receiving resuscitation care on floors due to bed shortages, with over 100 patients crammed into a space designed for 35. Anonymous medical professionals reported using beach chairs as makeshift beds and detailed dangerous incidents, including a needlestick injury to a pregnant physiotherapist caused by severely constrained working areas.

    Patient Dominic Prince, a resident of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, expressed outrage after signing himself out of the facility, declaring, “I am a human being, not a dog.”

    Following emergency meetings, hospital administrators presented a detailed action plan. Clinical Coordinator Dr. Delroy Fray announced the imminent installation of a temporary dome structure within two weeks to accommodate 100-150 additional beds, aiming to restore total capacity to 350 beds. CEO Charmaine Williams Beckford committed to providing staff with regular progress updates over the coming one to three weeks.

    Simultaneously, St James public health parish manager Lennox Wallace unveiled a comprehensive rodent eradication program. The $50-million initiative includes extensive baiting and a major cleanup operation in the surrounding Mount Salem community on November 23-24 to address waste accumulation fueling the infestation. Wallace emphasized this would be a sustained six-month program, not a temporary measure.

    With these assurances and specific timelines for improvement, medical staff demobilized their protest and returned to their posts, though they maintain vigilance regarding the implementation of promised reforms.

  • Kishane Thompson, Tia Clayton win 60m at Puma JAAA Fuller-Anderson Meet

    Kishane Thompson, Tia Clayton win 60m at Puma JAAA Fuller-Anderson Meet

    The Puma JAAA Fuller-Anderson Development Meet at GC Foster College witnessed a spectacular display of sprinting prowess this Saturday, headlined by two of Jamaica’s most promising track stars. Olympic and World Championship silver medalist Kishane Thompson and World Championship relay medalist Tia Clayton emerged victorious in their respective 60-meter dash events, signaling strong early-season form.

    In a tightly contested men’s final, Kishane Thompson of MVP Track Club delivered a commanding performance. Launching from lane five, Thompson exhibited formidable power and acceleration to cross the finish line in 6.52 seconds, despite a significant tailwind of +2.8 meters per second. He narrowly edged out a fierce challenge from Sprintec’s Odaine McPherson, who clocked 6.53 seconds. Adding to the race’s prestige, World Championship 200m bronze medalist Bryan Levell of Uptimum Track Club secured third place with a time of 6.54 seconds.

    The competition’s intensity was further highlighted in the preliminary heats, where a notable upset occurred. World Indoor 60m bronze medalist Ackeem Blake of Dynamic Track Club was surprisingly defeated, finishing third in his heat with a time of 6.70 seconds. The heat was instead dominated by MVP teammates, with Nishon Ebanks claiming victory in 6.61 seconds and Rohan Eatson following closely in second at 6.63 seconds.

    On the women’s side, Tia Clayton delivered a breathtaking performance, executing a flawless race from start to finish. She blazed to a new personal best of 7.02 seconds (aided by a +1.2 m/s wind), decisively shattering her previous record of 7.14 seconds. Clayton faced relentless pressure from her clubmate, Jonielle Smith, who also achieved a personal best of 7.06 seconds to secure the runner-up position.

    The field was exceptionally deep, with pre-race favorite Natasha Morrison, who held the season’s fastest entry time of 7.09 seconds, ultimately finishing third in 7.21 seconds. She was followed by Trinidad and Tobago’s Shaniqua Bascome of Uptimum, who set her own personal best of 7.22 seconds. In Section B of the women’s event, the powerful Theianna Lee Terrelonge, a former Edwin Allen High School standout now representing Uptimum, triumphed with a time of 7.23 seconds, which ranked as the sixth-fastest overall on the day, ahead of Utech’s Krystel Sloley (7.31 seconds).

  • Supreme Ventures vows to stand by staff on road to recovery

    Supreme Ventures vows to stand by staff on road to recovery

    In response to the catastrophic impact of Category 5 Hurricane Melissa that struck last October, Supreme Ventures Corporation has executed a multi-faceted relief initiative focused entirely on employee welfare and long-term recovery. The Jamaican gaming and entertainment company has deployed substantial resources to assist staff members whose homes and livelihoods were severely disrupted by the natural disaster.

    The comprehensive assistance program encompasses two completed phases of care package distributions, benefiting over 45 employees with essential supplies during their most critical time of need. Beyond immediate relief, the company established a formal Staff Disaster Relief Policy that provides structured support through three primary channels: emergency care packages, recovery grants, and low-interest loan options. This policy framework enables affected employees to address pressing expenses, undertake home restoration, and gradually regain financial stability.

    With 28 team members reporting significant property damage, Supreme Ventures has adopted a personalized approach to assistance, tailoring support according to individual circumstances. Employees sustaining severe damage receive dedicated recovery grants, while those with moderate impacts obtain calibrated assistance matching their specific requirements.

    Tanya Smith-Anderson, Chief People Officer at Supreme Ventures, emphasized the company’s human-centric philosophy: “Our business begins and ends with people. Following Hurricane Melissa, our immediate priority was ensuring team members felt visibly supported and reassured they wouldn’t face this challenge alone. These initiatives demonstrate our deep commitment to employee well-being beyond workplace parameters.”

    The company’s proactive outreach has generated appreciative responses from beneficiaries. One supported employee noted: “The hurricane created overwhelming devastation. Company assistance through care packages and relief support was profoundly appreciated, confirming genuine concern for our circumstances beyond work responsibilities.” Another recipient acknowledged: “This disaster relief enabled me to begin reconstruction efforts—I couldn’t have managed independently so rapidly. Employer understanding and intervention made a tangible difference.”

    Supreme Ventures has further reinforced its commitment by physically locating employees who became communicationally isolated post-hurricane, ensuring all staff感受到 organizational presence and protection. The corporation continues monitoring evolving needs as Jamaica’s recovery progresses, preventing employees from being overlooked during the rebuilding phase.

  • Carrick magic dents Man City title bid as Arsenal extend lead

    Carrick magic dents Man City title bid as Arsenal extend lead

    The English Premier League witnessed a significant shift in dynamics this weekend, headlined by a stunning result at Old Trafford. Michael Carrick, commencing his second interim tenure as Manchester United’s manager, masterminded a commanding 2-0 victory over arch-rivals Manchester City. The win, fueled by second-half goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu, showcased a revitalized United squad that thoroughly outplayed the reigning champions.

    This outcome proved highly beneficial for Arsenal, who nonetheless failed to capitalize fully. The league leaders were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by a resilient Nottingham Forest, missing a chance to extend their lead at the summit. The Gunners’ attack was stifled despite controlling possession, leaving them with a seven-point advantage over a chastened City.

    Elsewhere, the pressure intensified for Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank. His side suffered a demoralizing 2-1 home defeat to a struggling West Ham United, prompting audible calls for his dismissal from the Spurs faithful. The loss, sealed by a stoppage-time winner from Callum Wilson, leaves Tottenham languishing in 14th place.

    Liverpool also faced disappointment, dropping two critical points in a 1-1 draw with lowly Burnley at Anfield. Despite taking the lead through a Florian Wirtz strike, the Reds conceded a second-half equalizer to Marcus Edwards, a result midfielder Wirtz described as ‘feeling like a defeat.’

    In London, Chelsea secured a confident 2-0 win against Brentford under new manager Liam Rosenior, with goals from João Pedro and Cole Palmer. Sunderland edged Crystal Palace 2-1, while Leeds United secured a vital 1-0 victory over Fulham to bolster their survival hopes.

  • From classrooms to no careers

    From classrooms to no careers

    Jamaica’s Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon, is spearheading a national initiative to create a more inclusive society by advocating for equal educational access and improved employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. Speaking at the handover ceremony for the Jamaica Society for the Blind’s (JSB) refurbished headquarters on Thursday, the minister delivered a powerful address challenging systemic barriers faced by the disabled community.

    The minister criticized the prevailing lack of workplace accommodations that prevents qualified individuals with disabilities from securing employment. “If we truly want to hire the best, we have to make accommodations for persons living with disabilities. Too often those accommodations are not made,” Morris Dixon stated, addressing employers directly. She emphasized that many disabled individuals are “absolutely brilliant people” and “committed workers” whose potential remains untapped due to inadequate inclusive practices.

    Morris Dixon highlighted specific legal provisions available to support employed individuals with disabilities, particularly noting Section 12 of the Income Tax Act which provides exemption on emoluments for those with permanent physical or mental disabilities who are capable of gainful employment. She reminded employers and employees alike that those registered with the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities are eligible for this significant benefit.

    In the education sector, the minister outlined comprehensive efforts to strengthen support systems for learners with disabilities through appropriate assessments, learning accommodations, and specialized tools. She specifically mentioned monitoring accommodations provided for Primary Exit Profile (PEP) students, including those requiring Braille materials or special assistance during examinations.

    While acknowledging that Jamaica’s inclusivity systems “are not where I would want them to be,” Morris Dixon committed to daily improvements and welcomed collaboration with organizations like the Jamaica Society for the Blind to “push the envelope even more” in creating accessible classrooms. The refurbishment of the JSB headquarters, completed under the HEART/NSTA Trust’s National Development Project, represents a tangible step toward enhancing facilities used by the blind and visually impaired for personal, commercial, and social activities.

  • Top-ranked Alcaraz, Sabalenka headline Australian Open day one

    Top-ranked Alcaraz, Sabalenka headline Australian Open day one

    MELBOURNE — The Australian Open 2026 commenced on Sunday with a spectacular lineup of matches featuring top contenders and legendary veterans. World number one Carlos Alcaraz embarks on a historic campaign to complete his career Grand Slam, while defending women’s champion Aryna Sabalenka seeks redemption after last year’s final defeat.

    Alcaraz, the Spanish sensation who has already claimed titles at the US Open, Wimbledon, and Roland Garros, aims to become the youngest male player to achieve a career Grand Slam—surpassing his compatriot Rafael Nadal’s record. The 22-year-old expressed unwavering determination, stating, ‘I’m just hungry for the title, hungry to do a really good result here.’ He begins his quest against local hopeful Adam Walton on Rod Laver Arena.

    In the women’s draw, Belarusian powerhouse Sabalenka launches her campaign for a third Melbourne title in four years. Fresh off her victory at the Brisbane International, she faces French wildcard Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah. Sabalenka reflected on her strong season start, noting, ‘I can’t complain about my start of the season. I think I played some great matches there, showed great tennis.’

    The tournament also witnesses the remarkable return of 45-year-old Venus Williams, who becomes the oldest woman ever to compete at the Australian Open. Despite recent struggles and a current ranking of 576, the seven-time Grand Slam champion remains undaunted: ‘I love challenges, so I’m up for the challenge.’ She faces Serbia’s Olga Danilovic in a tough opening match.

    Other notable players include last year’s men’s finalist Alexander Zverev, who begins against Canada’s Gabriel Diallo, and women’s 12th seed Elina Svitolina, both entering the tournament with recent warm-up event victories.

  • Samuda: More money coming to truck water to small rural communities

    Samuda: More money coming to truck water to small rural communities

    Jamaican Minister Matthew Samuda has announced a comprehensive government strategy to address the critical water shortages still plaguing small rural districts following October 2025’s devastating Hurricane Melissa. During a post-Cabinet media briefing at Jamaica House, Minister Samuda revealed that municipal water systems serving approximately 15% of Jamaica’s population suffered catastrophic damage during the Category 5 hurricane.

    The assessment conducted post-Melissa exposed that over 90% of these municipal systems were already in significant disrepair before the hurricane made landfall on October 28, necessitating a complete overhaul rather than simple repairs. This pre-existing vulnerability has dramatically compounded the restoration challenges facing western parishes particularly.

    Minister Samuda outlined immediate relief measures including the allocation of $400 million originally designated for water trucking programs to parish councils serving the most affected areas. “We will be making an allocation to each of the parish councils in the areas most affected by Melissa to deal with these small districts,” Samuda stated, promising published figures later this week.

    The government is pursuing a dual approach involving both immediate relief and long-term systemic reform. A new social water policy addendum to Jamaica’s national water policy will be developed to address the chronic disrepair of small rural water systems nationwide. This will be accompanied by a completely new operational model for municipal water management and significant training programs for system operators outside the National Water Commission’s utility footprint.

    While 93.5% of National Water Commission customers have been restored to service, approximately 33,746 customers remain without reliable water access, primarily in western parishes including St. James, Hanover, Westmoreland, St. Elizabeth, and Trelawny. The government promises a full damage assessment presentation to Parliament within two weeks as Jamaica embarks on a multi-year restoration and modernization initiative for its vulnerable water infrastructure.

  • Glasner feels ‘abandoned’ by Palace hierarchy

    Glasner feels ‘abandoned’ by Palace hierarchy

    LONDON, United Kingdom — Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner launched a scathing critique against the club’s board following a 2-1 defeat to Sunderland on Saturday, marking the Eagles’ tenth consecutive winless match. The Austrian manager expressed profound frustration with the leadership’s transfer policy, claiming his squad has been left undermanned and unsupported.

    Glasner, who confirmed his impending departure at season’s end on Friday, faced the latest setback without captain Marc Guehi, who is finalizing a move to Manchester City. This development follows the August sale of playmaker Eberechi Eze to Arsenal and ongoing speculation regarding star striker Jean-Philippe Mateta’s potential transfer to Juventus before January’s window closes.

    The manager’s tenure reached its zenith last season when he guided Palace to their historic first major trophy by clinching the FA Cup. However, the team’s title defense ended humiliatingly last weekend with elimination by sixth-tier Macclesfield.

    Palace’s performances have noticeably deteriorated in recent weeks, with players appearing physically drained after competing in 34 matches across four competitions this season. Glasner vehemently defended his squad’s effort while directing criticism toward the hierarchy for failing to provide adequate reinforcements.

    “I feel we are being abandoned completely,” Glasner told the BBC post-match. “I can’t blame any player—they’ve given everything for weeks and months. With only 12 or 13 available squad members, we feel absolutely no support.”

    The manager particularly condemned the timing of Guehi’s departure: “Selling our captain one day before a Premier League match shows zero understanding. This was our first full training week since September, and they undermine our preparation completely.”

    Despite the current turmoil, the 51-year-old tactician remains highly regarded, with reported interest from Premier League giants Manchester United and Tottenham for next season.

  • FRONT BURNER

    FRONT BURNER

    Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) President Christopher Samuda has outlined a transformative vision for Jamaican sports, prioritizing rural development and commercial expansion as the nation prepares for a packed 2026 sporting calendar. Now in his third and final term following his August re-election, Samuda brings dual leadership perspectives as head of both the JOA and Jamaica Paralympic Association, plus his role as vice-president of the Americas Paralympic Committee.

    In an exclusive interview, Samuda addressed longstanding criticisms about Jamaica’s Kingston-centric sports ecosystem, revealing plans to establish an islandwide ‘arterial satellite organization.’ This initiative will focus on human infrastructure development rather than physical buildings, creating networks to identify and cultivate athletic talent across all parishes. ‘There’s abundant talent in our parishes that requires exposure and cultured development for national benefit,’ Samuda emphasized, noting that the program will extend to sports administrators crucial for policy-making decisions.

    Concurrently, Samuda highlighted the nearing completion of the JOA’s headquarters redevelopment—a project poised to revolutionize sports financing in Jamaica. ‘We’re transforming sport into a commercial multi-billion-dollar enterprise,’ he stated, describing the center as both functional facility and financial engine that will provide stronger economic foundation for member organizations. The Olympic Manor and Olympic Center will serve as hubs for athletes, coaches, and administrators while generating revenue streams.

    Samuda also called for governmental reinstatement of the National Sports Council, inactive for a decade, to address infrastructure deficiencies. He advocated for developing sustainable sporting complexes that balance economic viability with community needs, proposing a business mechanism that makes venues economically self-sufficient while serving parish talent. This comprehensive approach aims to create a replicable model for regional and global emulation, positioning Jamaica as a pioneer in integrated sports development.

  • Justice Ministry proposes new courthouses for some parishes after Melissa damage

    Justice Ministry proposes new courthouses for some parishes after Melissa damage

    The Jamaican Ministry of Justice has announced plans to develop new courthouse facilities in parishes where judicial infrastructure suffered extensive damage from Hurricane Melissa’s recent path of destruction. Justice Minister Delroy Chuck presented the proposal during a ministerial address before the House of Representatives on Tuesday, highlighting the severe impact on courts in the island’s western regions.

    Minister Chuck confirmed that three parish courthouses in Westmoreland, St Elizabeth, and Trelawny sustained either complete or substantial damage during the hurricane. The ministry will collaborate closely with Chief Justice Bryan Sykes and judicial administration teams to identify appropriate locations for replacement facilities. Funding allocations for these reconstruction projects will be formally requested through proper governmental channels.

    The minister simultaneously provided updates on ongoing judicial infrastructure projects, noting that construction of new courthouses in St Thomas, Manchester, and St Catherine parishes is already advancing significantly. These developments form part of a broader initiative to establish a first-class justice system throughout Jamaica.

    Minister Chuck also addressed persistent concerns regarding court infrastructure raised by the judiciary. Jamaica’s judicial system operates 57 courthouses across the island, with most facilities outside the Supreme Court exceeding one century in age. Despite their historical nature, the minister emphasized that many courthouses had undergone substantial improvements before Hurricane Melissa struck. Approximately $764 million Jamaican dollars has been invested in major renovations and enhancements during the past two financial years.

    Notable examples of recently upgraded judicial facilities include the St Catherine Parish Court in Linstead, Manchester Parish Court in Cross Keys, Clarendon Parish Court, Portland Parish Court in Bryan’s Bay, and the St Ann Family Court. Minister Chuck expressed confidence in the current state of these renovated facilities, stating he would “proudly practice in any of the courts across the country” while acknowledging that additional upgrading work remains necessary in many locations throughout Jamaica.