Bermuda is bracing for an unprecedented meteorological challenge as Hurricane Imelda approaches the British Overseas Territory, closely following the outer bands of Hurricane Humberto. Imelda, which intensified into a hurricane early Tuesday, is projected to make landfall on Wednesday afternoon. Currently classified as a Category 1 storm with sustained winds of 80 mph (130 kph), the US National Hurricane Center warns of potential strengthening over the next 48 hours. Bermuda’s Minister of National Security, Michael Weeks, urged residents to prioritize safety, emphasizing the severity of the situation. Imelda is expected to bring heavy rainfall of 2 to 4 inches (50 to 100 mm) from Wednesday into Thursday, raising concerns of flash flooding and dangerous storm surges. Meanwhile, Hurricane Humberto, which has weakened to Category 1 after reaching a rare Category 5, continues to generate hazardous surf and rip currents across the western Atlantic. Earlier this week, Humberto claimed two lives in Cuba’s Guantanamo and Santiago de Cuba provinces, according to Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz. Meteorologists attribute the US East Coast’s relative safety to a rare Fujiwhara interaction, where the two cyclones rotated around each other, diverting Imelda away from South Carolina. The Atlantic hurricane season, running from June 1 to November 30, is predicted to be above-normal, though no storms have yet made US landfall.
标签： Jamaica
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Lawsuit looming
In a decisive move, the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) has voted unanimously to file a lawsuit against the Government of Jamaica, alleging that numerous educators were unjustly forced into retirement. The decision, made during a General Council meeting on September 27, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing dispute between the JTA and the Government. JTA President Mark Malabver confirmed the development, emphasizing that the union has exhausted all other avenues for resolution. The conflict stems from recent amendments to the Pensions Act, which the JTA claims have compelled teachers to retire before the legal age of 65, disrupting their financial planning and obligations. Despite earlier assurances from the Ministry of Finance to address the issue, the JTA asserts that no formal communication or action has been taken since February. Malabver reiterated the union’s commitment to seeking justice through the courts, stating that legal proceedings would commence shortly. The JTA is also engaged in protracted wage negotiations with the Government, with Malabver criticizing the current offer of a 7.5% increase over three years as inadequate. He stressed that the Government must recognize education as an investment rather than charity, urging a fair resolution to both the retirement and wage disputes.
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UN Security Council approves new military force to fight Haiti ‘terrorist’ gangs
The United Nations Security Council has unanimously endorsed a resolution to significantly expand its security mission in Haiti, transforming it into a robust force aimed at curbing rampant gang violence. The new mission, authorized to deploy up to 5,500 uniformed personnel, including police and military troops, marks a substantial escalation from the current Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, which comprises only 1,000 officers. The decision, supported by 12 council members, underscores the international community’s commitment to addressing Haiti’s escalating security crisis. U.S. Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz hailed the resolution as a beacon of hope for a nation besieged by violent gangs that have terrorized the population through murder, rape, and pillaging. The initiative, co-sponsored by the United States and Panama, aims to restore stability in a country grappling with chronic political instability and gang dominance. Kenya, which has already contributed police officers to the MSS, expressed optimism about the mission’s potential success, provided it receives adequate resources and logistical support. However, China and Russia abstained from the vote, with China voicing concerns about the efficacy of military intervention without a concurrent political transition. The resolution also establishes a UN support office to facilitate logistical and financial assistance. Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council welcomed the move, describing it as a pivotal step in combating one of the nation’s most severe challenges. The decision comes amid worsening gang violence, which has paralyzed the country and forced the resignation of former Prime Minister Ariel Henry earlier this year.
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Blk Orchid’s ‘How Long’ takes the prize at Canada’s Reggae North Music Awards
At the prestigious 2025 Reggae North Music Awards in Canada, singer Blk Orchid clinched the award for Top Reggae Single of the Year with her powerful track ‘How Long.’ The song, penned in 2016, was deeply inspired by the tragic events surrounding the police killing of 18-year-old Mike Brown in Ferguson, Missouri. Blk Orchid described the track as an emotional outcry against systemic violence targeting Black communities, channeled through music. Despite its timely message, she hesitated to release it immediately due to its politically charged nature and her initial focus on producing rather than performing. The song was eventually brought to life by Cut and Clear Productions and Indie Rootz Records. Blk Orchid expressed her astonishment at the song’s success, admitting she never anticipated such a profound connection with listeners. ‘I was overwhelmed with gratitude when my name was announced,’ she shared, reflecting on the surreal moment of her victory. The category featured strong contenders, including Tonya P’s ‘Rise,’ Ammoye’s ‘Baby I Love You,’ and Paris Ivey’s ‘Mek it to Di Top.’ Blk Orchid was also nominated for Top Female Vocalist, further cementing her rising influence in the reggae scene. Beyond her recent win, Blk Orchid is actively working on new projects, including a collaboration with Empress Divine titled ‘No Longer Lonely’ and an innovative venture into AI-driven music production. Her multicultural heritage and collaborations with industry legends like Sly Dunbar have shaped her unique artistic journey, solidifying her place in the global music landscape.
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Big tackle on HIV
In a significant move to combat the HIV epidemic, Jamaica’s Ministry of Health and Wellness is preparing to launch a pilot programme for lenacapavir, the first US Food and Drug Administration-approved injectable HIV prevention drug. This initiative, described by former US President Bill Clinton as a “genuine chance to end” the global HIV crisis, aims to provide a long-acting alternative to daily oral pills. Lenacapavir, administered twice a year, will be offered free of charge in Jamaica’s public health system, targeting vulnerable populations. Dr. Nicola Skyers, senior medical officer of the National HIV/STI programme, emphasized the drug’s potential to address adherence challenges, particularly among younger individuals less accustomed to daily pill regimens. The pilot will also include cabotegravir, another injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) taken every two months. While the cost of injectable antiretrovirals remains high, Jamaica is exploring partnerships to make these treatments more accessible. Lenacapavir, set for rollout in the US by year-end at $28,000 annually, will be available in 120 low- and middle-income countries by 2027 at a reduced cost of $40 per person, thanks to collaborations between the Clinton Health Access Initiative, the Gates Foundation, and Wits RHI. The World Health Organization has endorsed lenacapavir as a transformative preventive measure, with WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus calling it “the next best thing” to an HIV vaccine. In Jamaica, where approximately 26,000 individuals live with HIV/AIDS, young adults have expressed enthusiasm for the injectable option, citing convenience and effectiveness over daily oral PrEP.
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UN Security Council to vote on future of foreign Haiti force
The United Nations Security Council is set to vote on Tuesday on a pivotal proposal to transform the current UN-backed security mission in Haiti into a robust, full-scale force. This initiative aims to address the escalating gang violence that has plunged the Caribbean nation into chaos. Currently, the Multinational Security Mission (MSS) comprises 1,000 police officers, predominantly from Kenya, who are assisting the overwhelmed Haitian police force. However, the mission, established in 2023, has yielded inconsistent results. Laurent Saint-Cyr, head of the Haitian Transitional Presidential Council, recently highlighted the dire situation at a UN diplomatic gathering, describing Haiti as a ‘country at war’ and a ‘human tragedy on America’s doorstep.’ He emphasized the urgent need for international intervention, citing the displacement of over a million people and the destruction of entire neighborhoods. The proposed expansion, spearheaded by the United States and Panama, would increase the force to a maximum of 5,500 personnel, including both police and military units, for an initial one-year period. Kenya’s President William Ruto expressed confidence that with adequate resources and logistics, Haiti’s security could be restored. The plan also includes establishing a UN support office to provide logistical and financial backing. US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau underscored the mission’s mandate to proactively target gangs and restore stability. However, the resolution faces potential opposition, with China and Russia expressing skepticism about the mission’s effectiveness without political reforms in Haiti. Both countries abstained from the initial vote, and their positions remain uncertain ahead of Tuesday’s decision. Haiti, the poorest nation in the Americas, has been plagued by violent gangs, political instability, and a lack of elections since 2016. The situation deteriorated further in early 2024 when gangs forced Prime Minister Ariel Henry to resign, leaving the country under the leadership of a Transitional Presidential Council.
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Nepal defeat West Indies by 90 runs – 2nd T20I
In a stunning display of cricketing prowess, Nepal triumphed over the West Indies by a commanding 90 runs in the second T20I of the Unity Cup at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Monday. Nepal posted a formidable total of 173-6 in their allotted 20 overs, thanks to standout performances from Asif Sheikh, who remained unbeaten with 68 runs, and Sundeep Jora, who contributed a solid 63. The West Indies’ bowling attack, led by Akeal Hosein (2-21) and Kyle Mayers (2-26), struggled to contain Nepal’s aggressive batting. In response, the West Indies faltered, managing only 83 runs in 17.1 overs. Jason Holder top-scored with 21, but the team was dismantled by Nepal’s bowlers, particularly Mohammad Aadil Alam, who claimed 4-24, and Kushal Bhurtel, who took 3-16. With this victory, Nepal now leads the 3-match series 2-0, showcasing their growing strength in international cricket.
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‘We are keeping hope alive’
MANCHESTER, Jamaica—The administration of Manchester High School in Mandeville has renewed its appeal for the safe return of Jayden Smith, a 12-year-old student who has been missing since Friday. The school’s principal, Jasford Gabriel, expressed deep concern in an audio statement released on Sunday, emphasizing the anxiety gripping the school community and the wider Jamaican diaspora.
Jayden was last seen leaving school on Friday evening after prayers, reportedly spotted in Mandeville around 5:00 pm. However, conflicting reports from the Alligator Pond police suggest he was last seen at home earlier that morning, dressed in his khaki uniform and brown shoes. The police have since activated a high alert and are urging the public to assist in locating the boy, described as having a dark complexion, slim build, and standing approximately 152 centimetres (5 feet) tall.
Principal Gabriel described Jayden as a quiet yet brilliant student who had recently joined Manchester High School with an exceptional primary exit profile average of over 90%. He emphasized the school’s efforts to collaborate with law enforcement and other agencies to ensure Jayden’s safe return. The principal also called for national and international support in the search efforts, expressing hope and faith in Jayden’s safety.
Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the Alligator Pond police at 876-224-3113, the police emergency number 119, or the nearest police station. The community remains united in its prayers and efforts to bring Jayden home safely.
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Lives and economies at risk from weak primary healthcare in region — report
A groundbreaking report released on Monday by the World Bank and the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) has issued a stark warning: the lack of resilience in primary healthcare (PHC) systems across Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) could result in catastrophic losses, both in human lives and economic stability. The report, titled “No Time to Wait: Resilience as the Cornerstone of Primary Health Care in Latin America and the Caribbean,” was unveiled during PAHO’s 62nd Directing Council, attended by health ministers and high-level delegates from the region. The study highlights that a 25–50 per cent reduction in PHC delivery due to a health emergency, such as a pandemic or natural disaster, could lead to up to 165,000 preventable deaths and economic losses ranging from US$7 to 37 billion over one to five years. Among the projected fatalities are 11,300 maternal deaths, 10,000 child deaths, and over 149,000 deaths from noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), alongside 14 million unintended pregnancies. Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, PAHO Director, emphasized that building robust PHC and resilience are inseparable. “Without resilient PHC, the next crisis will disproportionately affect the poorest and most marginalized communities,” he stated. The report defines resilience as the ability of health systems to maintain essential services equitably before, during, and after shocks, including pandemics, hurricanes, and floods. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the region’s vulnerabilities, with LAC accounting for 30 per cent of global COVID-19 deaths despite representing only 8.5 per cent of the world’s population. Essential services like maternal care, childhood immunization, and chronic disease treatment plummeted by up to 50 per cent, with some countries experiencing gaps for over two years. The region, prone to hurricanes, floods, and vector-borne outbreaks, remains heavily reliant on hospital-centered, fragmented health systems with insufficient investment in PHC. Jaime Saavedra, World Bank’s Director of Human Development for LAC, stressed that strengthening PHC is one of the region’s greatest health challenges. The report outlines a five-point action plan to build resilience, including expanding equitable care models, embedding public health functions within PHC, and ensuring sustainable financing. PAHO urges health leaders to prioritize PHC resilience as a political and economic imperative.
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Court date rescheduled in battle of neurosurgeons
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The legal case involving Dr. Carl Bruce, the medical chief of staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI), and his colleague, neurosurgeon Dr. Roger Hunter, faced an adjournment on Monday. The delay was requested by Dr. Bruce’s legal team, who cited insufficient time to prepare after receiving case documents recently. Dr. Hunter’s attorney, Hugh Wildman, expressed no objection to the postponement but emphasized his client’s readiness to proceed. ‘We could have started today if they were prepared,’ Wildman remarked. Dr. Hunter voiced his disappointment, highlighting concerns over the efficient use of judicial resources. ‘We are surprised by their lack of readiness, especially since the police have been involved since November last year,’ he stated. Dr. Bruce faces charges of malicious destruction of property and assault following an alleged incident during Dr. Hunter’s surgical preparations in April. The case, which Dr. Hunter previously declined to mediate, is set to resume on February 9.