KINGSTON, Jamaica — Suzette Buchanan, CEO of Bellevue Hospital, has been awarded the prestigious title of International Mental Health Advocate of the Year by the Mental Health Foundation Australia (MHFA). Buchanan will travel to Melbourne on October 4 to receive the accolade at the 8th Annual Australian Mental Health Awards, coinciding with Australia’s National Multicultural Mental Health Month. She is among six honorees recognized this year for their exceptional contributions to mental health awareness and stigma reduction. Buchanan’s leadership at Bellevue Hospital and her role as host of the groundbreaking mental health television series *MindSet* were key factors in her selection. With over 14 years of experience in health, media, and public service governance, Buchanan has championed national reforms and combatted mental health stigma through both policy and storytelling. A Harvard-trained Mental Health Leadership graduate, she combines strategic vision with personal experience and empathy, ensuring her work prioritizes individuals and communities. “This award is deeply personal. My work at Bellevue, the creation of *MindSet*, and supporting my daughter living with bipolar disorder have driven my mission to break the silence and dismantle stigma,” Buchanan shared. She dedicated the honor to individuals and families facing mental health challenges, including the over 400 unsupported social cases at Bellevue Hospital, reaffirming her commitment to advocacy, awareness, and healing. Buchanan’s recognition highlights Jamaica’s expanding influence in global mental health advocacy, positioning the nation as a key contributor to international discussions on care, resilience, and stigma reduction. The Mental Health Foundation Australia, the country’s oldest mental health association, celebrates innovative and impactful leadership in mental health through its awards, emphasizing the value of cross-cultural collaboration and diverse perspectives in shaping global mental health strategies.
标签： Jamaica
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Facebook, Instagram to offer paid ad-free UK subscriptions
In a significant move to align with regulatory requirements, Meta has announced that Facebook and Instagram users in the United Kingdom will soon have the option to purchase ad-free subscriptions. This initiative, set to roll out in the coming weeks, mirrors a model already implemented across the European Union. UK users can opt out of personalized ads by paying a monthly fee of £2.99 ($4) via the web or £3.99 through iOS and Android apps. The company emphasized that this subscription model offers users greater control over their ad preferences, aligning with recent UK regulatory guidance. Notably, the UK pricing is more affordable compared to the EU, where ad-free subscriptions start at 5.99 euros ($7) per month. Meta first introduced this ad-free option in the EU in late 2023 to comply with stricter regulations aimed at curbing the influence of big tech companies. Historically, Meta has relied heavily on selling user data to advertisers, a practice that has sparked numerous disputes with regulators over data privacy concerns. Last year, the European data regulator mandated that Meta cannot compel users to pay for data protection, prompting the company to revise its approach. While Meta criticized what it termed as regulatory ‘overreach’ in the EU, it praised the ‘constructive approach’ of the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). The ICO acknowledged that the subscription model would enable Meta to adhere to UK data protection laws.
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Nelson aims for international glory at Century Downs
Dane “The Warrior Chief” Nelson, fresh off his recent triumph as jockeys’ champion at Century Mile, is gearing up for a pivotal weekend at Century Downs racetrack in Canada. With his sights set on securing a second international title this season, Nelson is brimming with confidence as he prepares to face stiff competition.
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Trinidad PM reiterates support for US military presence in the Caribbean
Trinidad and Tobago has reaffirmed its support for the United States’ military operations in the southern Caribbean, emphasizing their effectiveness in curbing the activities of drug cartels. Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar, addressing the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), highlighted the necessity of aggressive measures to combat these cartels, which she described as a destructive force undermining societal stability. She expressed her country’s endorsement of the international security alliance proposed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, aimed at tackling drug trafficking across the hemisphere.
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Court of Appeal records 560 per cent judgment delivery rate in 2024
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican Court of Appeal has achieved an unprecedented judgment delivery rate of 560% in 2024, far surpassing international standards. This remarkable milestone was announced by Justice of Appeal Paulette Williams during the opening of the Michaelmas Term on September 22 in Kingston. Williams explained that for every 10 newly reserved judgments, approximately 56 were delivered, significantly exceeding the global benchmark of 100%.
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Central Avenue to be closed this weekend to vehicular traffic
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Works Agency (NWA) has announced a temporary closure of Central Avenue in St Andrew to carry out critical drainage improvement works. The road will be shut down for 10 hours each day on Saturday and Sunday, from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. Central Avenue, a vital thoroughfare connecting Constant Spring Road to West Avenue and providing access to Queens High School, will be inaccessible to vehicular traffic during this period. Residents needing to access their properties will be permitted entry via West Avenue. Stephen Shaw, Manager of Communication and Customer Services at the NWA, emphasized that the project aims to mitigate frequent flooding issues along Central Avenue, particularly during heavy rainfall. The works are scheduled for the weekend of October 4 and 5. Motorists are urged to exercise caution, adhere to flagmen’s instructions, and follow posted warning signs to ensure safety during the closure.
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American Aviator to lead home rivals in RonRon Trophy
The highly anticipated RonRon Trophy, valued at $1.19 million, will be the highlight of tomorrow’s 10-race event at Caymanas Park. This Restricted Stakes race features imported three-year-olds and older horses (non-winners of three) alongside native-bred three-year-olds and four-year-olds (non-winners of four), competing over a six-furlong (1,200m) course. The Jamaica Observer’s Supreme Racing Guide provides an in-depth analysis of the eight contenders vying for the prestigious trophy.
1. **Lockdown**: A competent runner, Lockdown has shown potential but is unlikely to make a significant impact based on past performances.
2. **Bowmore**: This consistent performer from the USA could secure a minor placing.
3. **Riley J**: Despite a disappointing ninth-place finish in the Jamaica Oaks, Riley J has the potential to improve at this distance.
4. **Mighty Gully**: Fresh off an impressive win at 5½ furlongs, Mighty Gully might thrive over the extended distance.
5. **Strong Mind**: While repeating his recent victory may be challenging, Strong Mind remains a contender for minor placings.
6. **American Aviator**: After a promising run following a four-month break, this talented horse could challenge for top honors.
7. **Miss MoneyPenny**: With two consecutive second-place finishes, Miss MoneyPenny is expected to put up a strong fight.
8. **Dutchess**: Likely to struggle with the race’s pace, Dutchess is expected to fall behind.The race promises excitement and fierce competition as these contenders battle for the coveted RonRon Trophy.
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King Charles III to visit Vatican October
Buckingham Palace announced on Saturday that King Charles III and Queen Camilla will undertake a state visit to the Vatican in late October 2025. This marks their first meeting with Pope Leo XIV, who was elected on May 8, 2025, following the passing of his predecessor, Pope Francis, on April 21, 2025. The visit coincides with the special jubilee year, celebrated every 25 years, and will emphasize the ecumenical collaboration between the Church of England and the Catholic Church under the theme ‘Pilgrims of Hope.’
King Charles, as the head of the Church of England, has a long history of engagement with the Vatican, having met three previous popes—John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis—during his tenure as Prince of Wales. The upcoming visit underscores the amicable relations between the two churches, which have evolved since the 16th-century split initiated by Henry VIII.
The royal couple’s trip also holds personal significance, as it follows a period of health challenges for both King Charles and Pope Francis. Earlier this year, Charles postponed an audience with Francis due to the pontiff’s declining health, while his own cancer treatment briefly hospitalized him in March. Despite these setbacks, the visit symbolizes a renewed commitment to unity and shared values, particularly in environmental advocacy, a cause both Charles and Francis championed.
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UK nursery worker jailed for abusing 21 babies
A London-based nursery worker, Roksana Lecka, 22, has been sentenced to eight years in prison for a series of ‘gratuitous’ and ‘sadistic’ assaults on infants under her care. The shocking case, which came to light in June 2024, involved multiple acts of violence against 21 babies at two nurseries where Lecka was employed. Among the incidents, she was found to have repeatedly kicked a young boy in the face, pinched, slapped, and even toppled children headfirst into their cots. Judge Sarah Plaschkes described Lecka’s actions as deliberate and cruel, often targeting children who were peacefully occupied. Lecka admitted to seven counts of cruelty to a person under 16 and was convicted of an additional 14 counts following a trial. She was acquitted of three further charges. The abuse was uncovered after nursery CCTV footage captured her mistreating the children, prompting police involvement. Victim impact statements from parents revealed the profound emotional toll the attacks had taken, with one mother describing the infants as ‘innocent, vulnerable, and helpless.’ Lecka, who blamed her actions on cannabis addiction, apologized in a letter to the court, claiming the drug had altered her personality. However, her remorse did little to mitigate the severity of her crimes, as the judge emphasized the ‘sadistic’ nature of her conduct.
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Stush in the Bush named among North America’s 50 Best Restaurants
Jamaica’s culinary scene has achieved a remarkable milestone as ‘Stush in the Bush,’ a unique farm-to-table restaurant located in St. Ann, has been recognized among North America’s 50 Best Restaurants. Owned by Lisa and Christopher Binns, the establishment secured the 49th spot on the prestigious list, which was unveiled during a glamorous awards ceremony in Las Vegas on Thursday night. The top honors went to New York’s Atomix, followed by Mon Lapin, Restaurant Pearl Morissette, Smyth, and Tanière 3, all of which are based in Canada. ‘Stush in the Bush’ has carved a niche for itself with its immersive dining experience, offering a tantalizing array of plant-based dishes. Signature items include crispy plantain and hot pink dasheen chips, zero-waste almond and pumpkin hummus, calulu dip, and accras with remoulade and cho cho ceviche. This recognition not only highlights the restaurant’s innovative approach to cuisine but also underscores Jamaica’s growing influence in the global culinary landscape.