KINGSTON, Jamaica—The Financial Investigations Division (FID) has announced a significant expansion of its nationwide public-education initiative aimed at raising awareness about financial crimes and their societal impact. Through a multi-platform approach, the FID is equipping citizens, businesses, and regulated sectors with essential knowledge to identify, prevent, and report illicit financial activities. Key components of the campaign include the radio series “FID in Action,” the audiovisual podcast “Follow The Money,” and a dedicated Money Mule Awareness program. These resources provide practical insights into how financial crimes operate, highlight warning signs, and outline steps for reporting suspicious behavior. Recent efforts have particularly targeted young professionals, the unemployed, and small business owners, cautioning them against allowing their identities, bank accounts, or businesses to be exploited for illegal fund transfers—a practice that could result in criminal charges under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA). Dennis Chung, FID’s chief technical director, emphasized the critical role of public education in Jamaica’s fight against financial crime. He stated, “By demystifying complex topics like scams, cyber-enabled fraud, and asset recovery, we empower Jamaicans to safeguard themselves and their enterprises.” The campaign complements the FID’s investigative and inter-agency efforts, aligning with its legal mandate to disseminate typologies and statistics that aid in crime prevention. New episodes of “FID in Action” air biweekly on Nationwide 90FM, while “Follow The Money” is released monthly on the FID’s YouTube channel and major podcast platforms. The “Money Mule” campaign further engages stakeholders through news stories, digital ads, and town hall meetings.
标签： Jamaica
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Opposition raises concern over ‘under-execution’ of capital budget
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Julian Robinson, the Opposition Spokesman on Finance, has raised significant concerns over Jamaica’s persistent under-execution of its capital budget, labeling it a chronic issue that threatens the nation’s economic growth. His comments were prompted by the latest report from the Independent Fiscal Commission (IFC), which revealed that only $20.1 billion of the allocated $40.5 billion was spent in the first quarter of the 2025/26 fiscal year. This follows a pattern of underspending, with $19 billion unspent in FY 2024/25 and a nearly $9 billion shortfall in FY 2023/24. Robinson criticized the government for failing to address inefficiencies and bottlenecks in the public procurement system, which he believes are hindering the implementation of vital projects. Drawing comparisons with the Dominican Republic, which has successfully executed a $12 billion National Infrastructure Investment Plan, Robinson highlighted the stark contrast in regional infrastructure development. He warned that Jamaica’s inability to execute its capital budget effectively is a ‘growth-constraining concern,’ particularly at a time when higher economic growth is essential for generating additional revenues. While the Bank of Jamaica forecasts a modest two to three per cent growth for the September quarter, Robinson cautioned that this is largely recovery growth following last year’s economic contraction due to Hurricane Beryl. He stressed the need for sustainable, long-term growth strategies, urging the government to reform procurement processes, accelerate project execution, and create conditions for sustained economic expansion. Failure to act decisively, he argued, will result in weaker-than-projected revenues and unmet promises to the Jamaican people.
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World-renowned chimpanzee expert Jane Goodall dies at 91
WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — Jane Goodall, the British primatologist whose groundbreaking work with chimpanzees revolutionized wildlife research and conservation, has died at the age of 91. Her passing was announced by the Jane Goodall Institute on Wednesday via an Instagram statement. Goodall, who was on a speaking tour in the United States, passed away peacefully in her sleep in Los Angeles.
Goodall’s legacy is one of profound transformation in the understanding of chimpanzees and their behavior. Her most notable discovery was the use of tools by chimpanzees, a revelation that redefined the boundaries between humans and animals. Born in London on April 3, 1934, Goodall’s fascination with animals began in childhood, nurtured by her father’s gift of a stuffed toy chimpanzee. Her passion led her to Kenya in 1957, where she worked with renowned palaeoanthropologist Louis Leakey, who later sent her to study chimpanzees in Tanzania.
Her work at Gombe National Park not only advanced scientific knowledge but also positioned Tanzania as a global leader in chimpanzee conservation. Goodall’s findings challenged the notion that chimpanzees were inherently peaceful, revealing their capacity for violence, including infanticide and territorial wars.
In 1977, she founded the Jane Goodall Institute to further her research and conservation efforts. In 1991, she launched Roots & Shoots, a youth-led environmental program now active in over 60 countries. Her activism intensified in the 1980s after learning about the threats chimpanzees faced, including exploitation in medical research, hunting for bushmeat, and habitat destruction.
Goodall’s influence extended beyond science. She authored numerous books, appeared in documentaries, and received prestigious honors, including being named a Dame Commander by Britain and awarded the US Presidential Medal of Freedom. Her message of empowerment resonated globally, emphasizing the role of individuals in making a positive impact on the planet.
Tributes from conservationists, politicians, and entertainers poured in following her passing. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described her as a ‘Messenger of Peace,’ while Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan highlighted her pioneering contributions to wildlife conservation. Actress Jane Fonda, a fellow environmental activist, urged people to honor Goodall’s legacy by treating the earth and its beings with love and respect.
Goodall’s life was marked by resilience and dedication. She married twice, first to Dutch nobleman and wildlife photographer Baron Hugo van Lawick, with whom she had her only child, Hugo Eric Louis van Lawick. Her second marriage was to Tanzanian lawmaker Derek Bryceson, who later died of cancer.
Her final video, posted before her death, captured her enduring spirit. Clad in her trademark green, she greeted her audience with a chimpanzee call, a testament to her lifelong connection with the species she dedicated her life to understanding and protecting.
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Supreme Court blocks Trump from immediately firing Fed governor
In a significant legal development, the US Supreme Court has temporarily halted former President Donald Trump’s efforts to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook from her position. The court announced on Wednesday that it would defer the case until oral arguments are presented in January 2026, ensuring Cook remains in her role until then. Trump had sought to dismiss Cook earlier this year, accusing her of falsifying statements on her mortgage agreements—a claim Cook has vehemently denied. She subsequently filed a lawsuit challenging her dismissal, asserting she was not given a fair opportunity to address the allegations. A White House spokesperson responded to the court’s decision by stating the administration had acted lawfully and expressed confidence in prevailing during the Supreme Court hearing. Cook, the first Black woman to serve on the Fed’s governing board, was appointed by President Joe Biden and confirmed by the Senate. Her term is set to last until 2038. The Supreme Court’s intervention marks a notable moment of resistance from the conservative-leaning bench, which has often aligned with Trump’s administration. The case has drawn widespread attention, with nearly 600 economists signing a letter in support of Cook and the Federal Reserve’s independence. Legal experts, including University of Richmond professor Carl Tobias, view the court’s decision as a positive but cautious step for Cook, emphasizing the importance of the Fed’s autonomy. The Federal Reserve, which operates under a congressional mandate to manage inflation and employment, recently voted to lower interest rates, a decision Cook supported. The delay in the case underscores the broader implications of political interference in the central bank’s operations.
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APPEALS PENDING
In a landmark ruling on Tuesday, the Supreme Court found Andrew “French” Wright, Oneil Hope, and Rudolph Barnes guilty of multiple counts of fraud, including conspiracy to defraud, acquisition and use of criminal property, and larceny as a servant. The charges stem from a $222 million fraud scheme against INSPORTS, a government sports agency, between 2010 and 2017. The case was uncovered following an internal audit and subsequent investigation by the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency. Wright, a former financial controller at INSPORTS and a prominent party promoter, was arrested in 2013 while contesting his dismissal from the agency. He was convicted on 13 counts of fraud by Justice Ann-Marie Lawrence-Grainger in the Home Circuit Court in Kingston. Hope and Barnes were found guilty on eight and 11 counts, respectively. Attorneys for Wright and Hope have announced plans to appeal the verdict, citing multiple grounds for challenging the decision. Wright’s legal team argued that his earnings were from his party promotion business, Chug It, but the court dismissed this claim, stating that INSPORTS funds were “intertwined” with his personal finances. The court also highlighted evidence of fraudulent invoices and unauthorized payments, leading to significant financial losses for INSPORTS. All three defendants have been remanded until their sentencing on November 21. Meanwhile, three former INSPORTS employees were acquitted of any wrongdoing.
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PSG stun Barcelona in Champions League, Man City held by Monaco
In a thrilling night of Champions League action, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) staged a dramatic comeback to defeat Barcelona 2-1 with a last-minute goal, while Manchester City were forced to settle for a draw in Monaco despite Erling Haaland’s impressive brace. The clash between the Spanish champions and the reigning French and European champions at Montjuic lived up to its high expectations, showcasing the brilliance of young talents like Lamine Yamal and the resilience of PSG. Barcelona took an early lead through Ferran Torres, but PSG equalized late in the first half via Senny Mayulu. Achraf Hakimi then set up substitute Goncalo Ramos to score the decisive goal in the 90th minute, securing PSG’s second consecutive victory in the competition. PSG coach Luis Enrique praised his team’s mentality, stating, ‘It shows the strength of our side that whoever is on the field, we play like a real team.’ Meanwhile, Haaland’s two goals for Manchester City were not enough to secure a win, as Monaco fought back to earn a 2-2 draw. Arsenal maintained their perfect record with a 2-0 victory over Olympiakos, while Newcastle United and Borussia Dortmund both secured convincing 4-0 and 4-1 wins, respectively. Napoli also claimed their first European victory this season, defeating Sporting 2-1. Other notable results included Juventus’s 2-2 draw with Villarreal and Bayer Leverkusen’s 1-1 stalemate with PSV Eindhoven. Qarabag continued their impressive run, beating FC Copenhagen 2-0 to remain one of six teams with six points in the competition.
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Mariah Carey says music video coming for Sugar Sweet featuring Shenseea, Kehlani
Grammy-winning artist Mariah Carey has announced that she is currently in the process of creating a music video for her hit single, ‘Sugar Sweet,’ which features collaborations with Kehlani and Jamaican dancehall sensation Shenseea. During a recent appearance on the podcast ‘Baby, This is Keke Palmer,’ Carey shared insights into the creative process and the challenges of coordinating schedules for the project.
Carey expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, ‘It was good, I mean we’re still trying to get all together in one place at the right time…We’re all trying to come together and make it work, but we got them on the records.’ She further revealed, ‘We’re making a little video,’ hinting at the upcoming visual treat for fans.
The release of Carey’s latest album, ‘Here For It All,’ sparked some controversy when rumors circulated that Shenseea and Kehlani had been quietly removed from the ‘Sugar Sweet’ track. Fans speculated about the reasons behind the alleged change, leading to widespread discussion. However, it has since been clarified that the collaboration remains intact on the digital versions of the album. Carey did release a solo version of ‘Sugar Sweet’ on the physical album, but the original track featuring the guest artists is still available for streaming and download.
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PAHO launches new initiative to deal with high rate of NCDs
Health leaders from across the Americas, including the Caribbean, have unanimously endorsed a groundbreaking 2025–2030 Action Plan aimed at curbing the rising tide of Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs). This initiative, ratified during the 62nd Directing Council of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), seeks to address the region’s leading causes of death and disability, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory conditions. The plan underscores the urgent need to fortify primary health care systems to enhance the quality of life for millions affected by these ailments. Dr. Anselm Hennis, PAHO’s Director of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health, hailed the plan as a transformative step toward building resilient, community-centered health systems. The strategy revolves around three core pillars: mitigating NCD risk factors, embedding NCD management into primary health care, and bolstering surveillance mechanisms. NCDs currently claim an estimated six million lives annually in the Americas, with nearly 40% of these deaths occurring prematurely before the age of 70. Alarmingly, 240 million individuals in the region are impacted by these conditions. Despite progress in reducing tobacco use, other risk factors such as harmful alcohol consumption, poor diet, physical inactivity, and obesity remain pervasive. For instance, over 35% of adults are physically inactive, and one in three lives with obesity. Access to diagnosis and treatment is also limited, with only 36% of hypertensive patients having controlled blood pressure and over 40 million diabetics lacking adequate care. The action plan advocates for a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach, emphasizing fiscal policies to reduce consumption of harmful products, front-of-package warning labels on ultra-processed foods, and stricter marketing regulations. It also prioritizes integrating NCD prevention and treatment into primary care, alongside innovative digital tools to enhance data surveillance and evidence-based policymaking. Key initiatives include HPV vaccination, cervical cancer screening, and the use of advanced technologies to monitor progress. PAHO will support countries in mobilizing resources, with biennial reviews scheduled for 2028 and a final report in 2031.
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Distress calls
In September, Jamaica’s Ministry of Health witnessed an overwhelming surge in calls to its mental health and suicide prevention helpline, with over 500 distress calls recorded in a single month. Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton revealed that the 24/7 free and confidential service provided counselling or referrals based on individual needs. This disclosure came in response to inquiries from the Jamaica Observer, following a Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) report highlighting a mid-year spike in suicides, particularly in St. Catherine North. The helpline, staffed by psychologists, offers crisis intervention, psychological support, and referrals for those experiencing suicidal tendencies or mental health challenges. To bolster mental health care, the ministry has trained 47 non-psychiatric healthcare workers under the World Health Organization’s Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP), with more training sessions planned. Additionally, the School Mental Health Literacy Programme, set to resume this month, aims to reduce stigma and improve mental health awareness among students. At the community level, Problem Management Plus providers are being deployed to address mild emotional distress and adverse challenges, with 45 active providers currently in the field. Public mental health clinics, including over 150 adult clinics and 20 for children and adolescents, continue to operate islandwide. Despite a 17% overall decline in suicides from 2024 to 2025, the JCF report noted significant variations across months, parishes, and gender categories. A mid-year surge in July and August, coupled with geographic hotspots like St. Catherine North, underscores the need for dynamic, nuanced prevention strategies. The report calls for enhanced early detection, community engagement, and support networks to address these challenges effectively.
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Gas prices up $0.75, $0.77, diesel up $2.94
Motorists across the region are set to experience a mixed bag of fuel price changes starting Thursday, October 2, as Petrojam, the national oil refinery, has released its latest ex-refinery cost updates. The adjustments reflect a combination of increases and decreases across various fuel types, signaling a dynamic shift in the energy market. Notably, 90-octane gasoline will see a rise of $0.75, bringing its price to $166.60 per litre. In contrast, 87-octane gasoline will experience a slight reduction of $0.77, settling at $159.55 per litre. Diesel fuels are also subject to significant hikes, with automotive diesel increasing by $2.94 to $170.41 per litre and ultra-low sulphur diesel (ULSD) rising by $3.06 to $176.79 per litre. Meanwhile, kerosene prices have dropped by $3.06, now available at $155.08 per litre. These changes are expected to impact both individual consumers and businesses reliant on fuel for operations, prompting a closer look at budgeting and energy consumption strategies.