In a tightly contested match at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain on Thursday, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago played out a goalless draw in their Concacaf final round Group B qualifying round second leg. The first half was marked by intense defensive efforts from both sides, with neither team able to dominate for extended periods. Jamaica, now second in the live points table with 10 points, trails Curacao, who led Bermuda 2-0 at halftime. The Reggae Boyz faced an early setback when central defender Richard King was forced off due to injury in the 30th minute, replaced by Damion Lowe. Despite a disallowed goal by Jonathan Russell in the 39th minute due to a marginal offside call, Jamaica continued to press. Levi Garcia narrowly missed a scoring opportunity in the 25th minute, while goalkeeper Andre Blake made a crucial save in the 35th minute to deny Tyrese Spicer. The match remained deadlocked, reflecting the evenly matched prowess of both teams.
标签： Jamaica
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Gov’t to roll out temporary homes for hurricane victims
In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaican Government has unveiled plans to provide safe and dignified temporary housing for displaced families. Information Minister Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon announced the initiative during a press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister, emphasizing the urgency and humanity driving the effort. The Category 5 hurricane has left numerous families homeless, many of whom are currently housed in shelters that are far from ideal. Dr. Morris Dixon highlighted the need for facilities that respect the dignity of those affected, stating, ‘If we were in the same position, we would want a facility that honors our dignity.’
The Government is actively reviewing proposals for temporary housing units that can be swiftly deployed across the hardest-hit parishes. These units are being designed with durability and safety in mind, ensuring they can withstand future weather events. Dr. Morris Dixon noted that the solutions will not be one-size-fits-all but will cater to the diverse needs of affected families, including single individuals and large households. International support and best practices from other countries are being incorporated into the planning process.
A comprehensive damage assessment is currently underway to determine the scale of the crisis and the specific needs of those impacted. Dr. Morris Dixon assured that the Government is committed to delivering quality housing solutions, even if it means a longer timeline. ‘We don’t want to just have them feel like they’re a charity case,’ she said. ‘We’re about giving people decent houses.’ The goal is to provide semi-permanent structures that are structurally sound and capable of offering long-term shelter. While tents have been considered, the focus remains on more durable and dignified options.
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PAHO calls for action as Americas loses measles elimination status
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has issued a call to action for countries across the Americas, including the Caribbean, to enhance surveillance, laboratory diagnostics, outbreak response, and vaccination campaigns. This urgent appeal follows the loss of the region’s measles-free status, a significant setback in public health. The decision was made by the PAHO Measles, Rubella, and Congenital Rubella Syndrome Elimination Regional Monitoring and Re-Verification Commission during a recent meeting in Mexico City. The Commission confirmed that endemic measles transmission has been reestablished in Canada, where the virus has circulated for at least 12 months. This marks the first time the Americas, which previously achieved measles elimination twice, have lost this status. As of November 7, 2024, 12,596 confirmed measles cases have been reported across 10 countries, with 95% of cases concentrated in Canada, Mexico, and the United States—a 30-fold increase compared to earlier this year. Tragically, 28 deaths have been recorded, primarily in Mexico. Active outbreaks are ongoing in Canada, Mexico, the United States, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Belize, largely driven by imported cases. PAHO emphasized that transmission primarily affects under-vaccinated communities, with 89% of cases occurring in unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status. Children under one year old are the most vulnerable group. Measles, a highly contagious disease, can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, blindness, and death. Vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure, having saved millions of lives over the past decades. However, regional vaccination coverage for the second dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR2) has plummeted to just 7%, far below the 95% threshold needed to prevent outbreaks. PAHO is providing technical support to affected countries, deploying experts, and monitoring risks in Belize, Brazil, and Paraguay. PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa urged countries to redouble efforts, emphasizing that cooperation, solidarity, and science can overcome this challenge. The Americas have previously regained measles elimination status after setbacks, and PAHO remains confident that the region can achieve this once more through sustained vaccination, surveillance, and outbreak response.
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Gold in Canada for Bruno Mars and Damian Marley’s ‘Liquor Store Blues’
Fifteen years after its initial release, Bruno Mars’ reggae-infused track ‘Liquor Store Blues,’ featuring Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley, has been awarded a gold certification in Canada. This prestigious recognition, issued by Music Canada on November 12, celebrates the song’s achievement of 40,000 units in combined streaming and sales. Produced by Jamaican music maestro Dwayne ‘Supa Dups’ Chin-Quee, the track is part of Mars’ acclaimed 2010 album ‘Doo Wops & Hooligans,’ which soared to #3 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. The album also includes chart-topping hits like ‘Marry You,’ ‘Grenade,’ and ‘Just the Way You Are,’ with ‘Our First Time’ also benefiting from Supa Dups’ production expertise. ‘Liquor Store Blues’ has enjoyed international success, peaking at #97 on the Billboard Canadian Hot 100, #74 in Romania, #68 on the US Digital Song Sales chart, and #20 on Latin Pop Airplay. The song previously earned gold certification in New Zealand and recently achieved platinum status in the United States last month.
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UN food agencies warn of 16 hunger hotspots
ROME, Italy – Two prominent United Nations (UN) food agencies, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP), issued a dire warning on Wednesday, highlighting the escalating risk of famine for millions worldwide. The agencies attributed the crisis to severe funding shortages, which are exacerbating already critical conditions in vulnerable regions.
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Jamaican-American decathlete leads Hurricane Melissa relief initiative in Burnt Savannah
Claston Bernard, a renowned Jamaican-American decathlete and Commonwealth champion, is spearheading a significant relief initiative in his hometown of Burnt Savannah, St Elizabeth, Jamaica. The community is recovering from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Melissa. Bernard, an alumnus of Louisiana State University and a former candidate for the office of consul general, has returned to his roots to lead the rebuilding efforts. Over the weekend, he joined forces with a group of US Navy veterans who have been actively involved in restoring the area. Their collaborative work, which includes providing essential support and reconstruction, is expected to continue through the end of November. Bernard’s dedication to his native community highlights the importance of local leadership in disaster recovery.
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WATCH: Man seemingly falls from police van into Rio Cobre
A perplexing incident unfolded in St. Catherine, Jamaica, on Wednesday afternoon when a man appeared to fall from the back of a Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) pickup van into the Rio Cobre near the Bog Walk Gorge. The incident, captured on video by See Jamaica, occurred at approximately 12:57 pm on the Flat Bridge. The footage shows the man clutching what seemed to be a tyre as he tumbled into the river. While the tyre was later spotted floating in the water, the man himself vanished without a trace.
Shortly after the incident, a lone police officer was seen on foot near the scene, followed by two additional officers who appeared to be searching for the missing individual. Over the next two hours, three marked police vehicles arrived at the location. Firefighters also responded to the scene, as evidenced by videos shared by bystanders, and successfully retrieved the tyre. Despite these efforts, the man’s whereabouts remain unknown, and his condition is still unclear.
Efforts to obtain further details from Hopeton Nicholson, the head of the St. Catherine North Police Division, have so far been unsuccessful. The incident has raised questions and concerns, leaving the public and authorities alike seeking answers about what transpired on the Flat Bridge that fateful afternoon.
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Guyana and Suriname to raise US$1 billion for infrastructure projects
In a landmark initiative, seven Amazon nations—Guyana, Suriname, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru—have launched the Amazonia Forever Facility for Cities and Resilient Infrastructure. This ambitious project aims to mobilize over $1 billion to enhance water security, promote clean energy, and build resilient urban infrastructure across the Amazon region. The initiative was formally announced during COP30 in Belém, Brazil, under the leadership of the Amazonia Network of Ministers of Finance and Planning, with strong backing from the Inter-American Development Bank Group (IDB).
The facility will employ innovative financial mechanisms, including blended financing, performance-based concessionality schemes, and credit-substitution guarantees, to support infrastructure projects in urban and peri-urban areas. It also includes technical assistance to ensure effective implementation. Brazil’s Planning and Budget Minister, Simone Tebet, emphasized the dual focus on forest conservation and urban development, stating, ‘This tool enables us to address both environmental and urban challenges, which are critical for the region’s future.’
IDB Group President Ilan Goldfajn highlighted the initiative’s broader impact, noting that ‘building resilient infrastructure protects the 60 million people who call the Amazon home, while creating livelihoods and jobs in cities is the best way to preserve the forest.’ The Amazon region faces significant gaps in water, sanitation, energy, and risk management, with over 70% of its population residing in cities and peri-urban areas.
The initiative has garnered substantial international support. Denmark, Norway, and Sweden have committed to an $800 million guarantee to boost clean-energy projects under the Amazonia Forever program. Additionally, the IDB’s Water Security and Climate Resilience Program, in partnership with the Green Climate Fund, will deploy $162 million for resilient infrastructure projects. The Clean Energy Access Accelerator, supported by the Climate Investment Funds, will provide $215 million to expand clean energy access and promote emerging technologies. The Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation has also contributed €6 million to focus on water and sanitation in the Amazon.
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D&G Foundation donates $250,000 to United Way of Jamaica
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant move to bolster national development, the Desnoes & Geddes (D&G) Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Red Stripe, has donated $250,000 to the United Way of Jamaica (UWJ). This generous contribution is earmarked for a variety of community-driven projects aimed at enhancing education, empowering families, and fostering social resilience. These initiatives are particularly crucial as Jamaicans grapple with the lingering effects of Hurricane Melissa and escalating cost-of-living pressures.
During the official handover ceremony, D&G Foundation representatives emphasized their unwavering dedication to initiatives that improve quality of life and create opportunities for Jamaicans to flourish. The collaboration between the D&G Foundation and UWJ is built on a mutual vision of cultivating sustainable and empowered communities through joint efforts and compassion.
Kerry Lue Lynch, Acting CEO of the United Way of Jamaica, expressed profound gratitude for the donation, highlighting its potential to amplify the organization’s capacity to address community needs and broaden the scope of its social programs. ‘When entities like the D&G Foundation step up, it enables us to extend our reach and effect lasting change in the lives of those who need it most,’ Lynch remarked. ‘This partnership exemplifies the transformative outcomes achievable through collective action for the greater good.’
Dennis Beckford, Accountant at the D&G Foundation, underscored the foundation’s commitment to social impact. ‘The United Way of Jamaica remains a beacon of hope and support for numerous families and community groups across the island,’ he stated. ‘Our donation embodies the foundation’s conviction that genuine progress stems from investing in people and fostering collaborations between the private sector and organizations driving social change.’
This donation marks another milestone in the D&G Foundation’s ongoing efforts to contribute to Jamaica’s socio-economic development, reinforcing the importance of private sector involvement in addressing societal challenges.
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UPDATE: Investigation launched into Rio Cobre drowning incident, victim identified
ST CATHERINE, Jamaica — A tragic incident unfolded in the Rio Cobre, Bog Walk Gorge, St Catherine, on Wednesday afternoon, prompting investigations by the Inspectorate and Professional Standards Oversight Bureau (IPROB) and the Independent Commission of Investigations (Indecom). The victim, identified as 73-year-old Melton Smith, a farmer from Mickelton Meadows, Linstead, was a suspect in an alleged abduction and carnal abuse case. According to police reports, Smith was being transported from Linstead to Spanish Town around 1:00 pm when he reportedly leaped from the police vehicle near the Flat Bridge area, plunging into the Rio Cobre. Despite efforts by the Jamaica Constabulary Force and the Fire Brigade to rescue him, Smith was pronounced dead after being rushed to the hospital. The circumstances surrounding his death have raised questions, leading to a thorough probe by the authorities.