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  • A&E staff protest conditions at Cornwall Regional Hospital

    A&E staff protest conditions at Cornwall Regional Hospital

    Healthcare professionals at Cornwall Regional Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Department in St. James, Jamaica, have initiated organized demonstrations to protest what they describe as intolerable working conditions and inadequate patient care facilities.

    Medical staff, including physicians and nursing personnel, assembled outside the healthcare facility holding prominently displayed placards that highlighted systemic deficiencies within the institution. The protest represents an escalating frustration among healthcare workers who have reached their threshold for enduring substandard operational environments.

    Among the most alarming revelations emerging from the demonstration was the staggering ratio of medical equipment to patients, with protesters chanting about approximately fifty patients being dependent on a single blood pressure monitoring device. This critical shortage of essential medical equipment underscores the severe resource constraints affecting both staff effectiveness and patient safety.

    The protesting healthcare workers have issued an urgent appeal to relevant governmental authorities and administrative bodies, demanding immediate intervention to address the deteriorating conditions. Their grievances encompass multiple facets of hospital operations, ranging from inadequate medical equipment to broader systemic issues compromising both staff welfare and patient treatment standards.

    This organized action by medical professionals signals a potentially critical juncture for Jamaica’s healthcare infrastructure, particularly within the public hospital system where resource allocation challenges have persisted. The protest at Cornwall Regional Hospital highlights the ongoing struggle between healthcare workforce expectations and institutional capabilities in delivering quality medical services.

  • Spanish singer Julio Iglesias says abuse allegations ‘absolutely false’

    Spanish singer Julio Iglesias says abuse allegations ‘absolutely false’

    MADRID, Spain—Global music icon Julio Iglesias has publicly refuted serious allegations of misconduct brought forward by two former employees. The 82-year-old recording artist, recognized as one of Latin music’s most accomplished performers, took to Instagram to address the claims that have captivated Spanish media.

    In a formal statement, Iglesias asserted: “I categorically deny having abused, coerced, or disrespected any woman. These accusations are not only completely untrue but have caused me profound distress.” The singer, whose career has spanned decades with over 300 million records sold worldwide, expressed his dismay at the allegations.

    The complaints originated from a domestic worker and physiotherapist who alleged they experienced various forms of abuse while employed at Iglesias’s residences in the Dominican Republic and Bahamas during 2021. Their accounts, compiled by advocacy organizations Women’s Link Worldwide and Amnesty International, were formally presented to Spanish prosecutors on January 5.

    The submitted documentation outlines alleged behaviors that could potentially constitute “human trafficking for forced labor” and “crimes against sexual freedom” under Spanish law. Specific claims include allegations of sexual harassment, communication monitoring through phone checks, movement restrictions, and demanding work schedules extending to 16-hour days without time off.

    Iglesias responded emotionally to the allegations, stating: “It is with deep sorrow that I address these accusations from individuals previously in my employ. While I’ve never encountered such malice before, I retain sufficient resolve to reveal the complete truth and protect my reputation against these grave charges.” He additionally acknowledged receiving numerous supportive messages during this period.

    The allegations against the renowned crooner have generated significant political and social reactions throughout Spain. Left-leaning government representatives have expressed support for the complainants and called for thorough investigation. Meanwhile, Alberto Nunez Feijoo, leader of the conservative Popular Party and personal acquaintance of Iglesias, described himself as “exceptionally surprised” while cautioning against premature speculation.

    Adding perspective to the character assessment, Iglesias’s former manager Fernan Martinez acknowledged the artist’s affectionate nature and comfort with physical contact but emphasized he never witnessed aggressive behavior from the music legend.

  • Maitland lacked murderer’s profile, former supervisor tells court

    Maitland lacked murderer’s profile, former supervisor tells court

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – A serving police inspector delivered unexpected testimony Wednesday in the murder trial of Constable Noel Maitland, expressing profound astonishment at the charges against his former subordinate. The inspector, currently stationed at Rockfort Police Station in the Kingston Eastern Division, appeared as a defense character witness in the high-profile case.

    The court heard how the veteran officer characterized Maitland as a dedicated professional who displayed no indicators of violent tendencies. “I was very surprised. This came as a shock,” the inspector testified. “Nothing in his behavior and general character suggested that he was a person who could have done something like that.”

    Maitland faces charges of murder and preventing the lawful burial of his girlfriend, Donna-Lee Donaldson, who vanished from the Chelsea Manor Apartments in St. Andrew on July 12, 2022. The apartment was Maitland’s registered residence at the time of Donaldson’s disappearance.

    Under cross-examination by Director of Public Prosecutions Claudette Thompson, the inspector elaborated on his perception of typical murder suspects. He suggested such individuals often demonstrate visible signs of rage, uncontrollable behavior, and violent outbursts – particularly during high-stress public interactions. These traits, he maintained, were completely absent in Maitland’s professional conduct.

    The inspector portrayed the accused constable as an exemplary officer who required minimal supervision and demonstrated exceptional reliability in his duties. “He was serious about his work so he would arrive early. He would always be on top of things to be done,” the witness told the seven-member jury.

    Testimony revealed Maitland primarily handled prisoner transport operations, responsible for transferring detainees between facilities including Constant Spring, Red Hills, Lawrence Tavern, and Grants Pen. His supervisor described him as “very vibrant” and sociable, noting he often became “the center of attention” in social settings due to his outgoing personality.

    The prosecution challenged the witness’s familiarity with Maitland’s private life, prompting the inspector to acknowledge he had no knowledge of Maitland’s relationships with either Donaldson or Kathanya Smith, the mother of Maitland’s child. The inspector also confirmed providing an earlier statement to prosecutors, technically making him a Crown witness despite his defense testimony.

    With the defense resting its case after this testimony, the trial proceeds to closing arguments from the prosecution team on Thursday.

  • Venezuela’s sidelined Machado arrives at White House for Trump talks

    Venezuela’s sidelined Machado arrives at White House for Trump talks

    WASHINGTON, United States – Venezuelan opposition figure Maria Corina Machado convened with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday for a private luncheon, marking a critical diplomatic engagement amid shifting U.S. policy toward Venezuela. The meeting occurred against the backdrop of Machado’s recent receipt of the Nobel Peace Prize—an award Trump has openly expressed interest in sharing—and growing U.S. military and economic intervention in the oil-rich nation.

    Machado arrived at the executive compound wearing a white suit and was escorted into the building. The closed-door meeting came just one day after Trump praised interim Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez—an ally of deposed leader Nicolas Maduro—as a “terrific person” and applauded the “terrific progress” made under her administration. This stance represents a notable departure from earlier U.S. support for Machado’s leadership claims.

    Since the U.S.-led military operation that ousted Maduro on January 3, Trump has publicly questioned Machado’s domestic support, dealing a significant blow to her political standing. Despite this, Machado previously offered to share her Nobel Prize with Trump, a gesture he described as “a great honor” during a Fox News interview. The Norwegian Nobel Institute has clarified that Nobel prizes are non-transferable.

    Meanwhile, the U.S. continues to tighten its grip on Venezuelan oil resources. On Wednesday, U.S. forces seized a sixth oil tanker, the Veronica, in a Caribbean raid. The military confirmed the seizure in a social media post accompanied by footage of soldiers rappelling onto the vessel. A U.S. official also disclosed that the first U.S.-brokered sale of Venezuelan oil—valued at approximately $500 million—has been finalized.

    Although Washington has historically supported Machado’s claims of electoral fraud in the 2024 election—which opposition leaders argue was stolen from Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia—recent communications suggest a pivot toward economic and security interests rather than democratic transition. In a social media statement, Trump highlighted discussions with Rodriguez about “Oil, Minerals, Trade, and National Security” without referencing political reform.

    Under international pressure, Caracas has released dozens of political prisoners over the past week, though hundreds remain incarcerated. Machado, who evaded capture post-election and eventually fled by boat to accept her Nobel Prize, has been living in effective exile. Her meeting with Trump aimed to reinvigorate U.S. commitment to a democratic transition in Venezuela.

  • Plans in place to respond to earthquakes – JCF

    Plans in place to respond to earthquakes – JCF

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—Jamaican authorities have publicly detailed their operational blueprint for responding to significant seismic events, emphasizing coordinated emergency management. Assistant Police Commissioner Dr. Gary McKenzie, overseeing Strategic Operations, articulated the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s (JCF) structured approach during a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank session on January 13.

    The disclosure coincides with the nation’s observance of Earthquake Awareness Week (January 11-18), championed under the banner ‘Resilient Jamaica: We Weather the Storm and Brace for the Shake’.

    Dr. McKenzie outlined the protocol: immediate activation of a central command headquarters followed by the swift establishment of subsidiary command units across all parishes. This foundational step ensures rapid deployment of resources and personnel. The strategy prioritizes seamless collaboration with critical national agencies, including the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB), the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the National Works Agency (NWA), and the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF).

    A core component of the response is maintaining robust communication networks and achieving swift community penetration to manage public panic, direct traffic flow, and facilitate urgent aid. Citizens are urged to utilize official emergency channels to report crises promptly. The JCF, in tandem with the JFB, will secure perilous zones, implement necessary quarantines, and support search and rescue operations.

    Commissioner McKenzie reassured the public of the force’s operational preparedness, noting that personnel are extensively trained and equipped to handle diverse scenarios, from structural collapses and fires to hazardous material spills. Furthermore, the contingency plan includes deploying Marine Police units and JDF Coast Guard assets to address potential maritime threats, such as oil spills from critical coastal infrastructure like the PetroJam refinery.

    This initiative, spearheaded by ODPEM, aims to bolster societal resilience and enhance public consciousness regarding earthquake preparedness throughout Jamaica.

  • Indecom receives 620 new complaints April – Sept 2025

    Indecom receives 620 new complaints April – Sept 2025

    Jamaica’s Independent Commission of Investigations (Indecom) has documented a significant volume of misconduct allegations against security personnel, receiving 620 formal complaints between April and September 2025. The independent oversight agency recommended criminal charges against 34 law enforcement officers and disciplinary measures for an additional 30 personnel during this period.

    The comprehensive data, legally mandated to be presented to Parliament, was disclosed through Indecom’s quarterly reports tabled on January 13, 2026. The April-June quarter accounted for 303 complaints, with assault cases (144) representing nearly half of all allegations. Other predominant categories included fatal shootings (72), neglect of duty (43), firearm discharges (30), and harassment (17).

    Forensic specialists from Indecom conducted scene investigations at 96 incidents during the first quarter, primarily involving fatal shootings (72 cases), followed by shooting injuries (13), firearm discharges (8), and custody-related deaths (3). Geographically, Kingston and St. Andrew recorded the highest complaint volume with 117 reports, followed by St. Catherine (55), St. James (32), Westmoreland (23), and Hanover (13). Portland registered the fewest incidents at just three.

    The commission finalized 113 investigative reports with recommendations, dismissing 89 cases as unsubstantiated while advancing 10 cases for disciplinary action against 12 officers and 14 cases for criminal prosecution against 18 officers. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions issued 17 rulings during this quarter, resulting in charges against six Jamaica Constabulary Force officers and one correctional officer. Notably, security force engagements resulted in 81 fatalities across 72 shooting incidents.

    During the subsequent July-September quarter, Indecom received 317 new complaints, maintaining similar patterns with assault (126), fatal shootings (61), firearm discharges (52), neglect of duty (45), and unprofessional conduct (19) comprising the primary categories. Forensic teams responded to 94 incidents, including 60 fatal shootings, 14 firearm discharges, 12 shooting injuries, and 9 custody deaths.

    Kingston and St. Andrew again led in complaint frequency (115), followed by St. Catherine (60), Westmoreland (26), St. James (19), and St. Thomas (17). The commission completed 119 reports, recommending disciplinary action for 18 officers and criminal charges for 16 officers. The ODPP issued 19 rulings, leading to charges against 11 JCF members.

  • Funeral service for Donald Oliver to be held at UWI Mona Chapel

    Funeral service for Donald Oliver to be held at UWI Mona Chapel

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican media community will gather to pay final respects to Donald Oliver, the acclaimed sports journalist whose sudden passing last month sent shockwaves through the nation. A formal funeral service has been scheduled for Saturday, January 24 at the University of the West Indies Mona Chapel, commencing at 11:00 am.

    Oliver’s untimely death on December 30 at just 40 years old prompted an extraordinary outpouring of tributes from across Jamaican society. The profound impact of his loss was felt from the highest levels of government to opposition parties, sports organizations, and countless social media users who celebrated his contributions to sports journalism.

    At the time of his passing, Oliver served as audiovisual manager at the Jamaica Observer Media Group, a position he had held since August 2025 following the closure of SportsMax. His distinguished career spanned over two decades, during which he established himself as a prominent figure in Jamaican media through previous roles at CVM TV and TVJ. Oliver was widely recognized as both a senior producer and high-profile commentator, earning numerous awards throughout his prolific career in sports broadcasting.

  • Social media sites block 4.7 million underage accounts in Australia

    Social media sites block 4.7 million underage accounts in Australia

    SYDNEY – Australia’s pioneering legislation prohibiting social media access for users under 16 has resulted in the removal of 4.7 million accounts since its implementation, according to the nation’s online safety regulatory body. The groundbreaking policy, which took effect on December 10, represents the world’s first comprehensive age restriction mandate for social media platforms.

    Initial compliance data indicates substantial action by major technology corporations to eliminate underage users from their platforms. eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant confirmed that regulatory oversight and direct engagement with platforms have yielded significant outcomes in the policy’s initial phase. “Our regulatory guidance and collaborative efforts with platforms are already demonstrating substantial results,” Inman Grant stated.

    The legislative framework imposes severe financial penalties for non-compliance, with companies facing fines up to AU$49.5 million (approximately US$33 million) if they fail to implement “reasonable steps” to enforce the age restrictions. Major platforms including Meta, TikTok, and YouTube are subject to these requirements.

    Meta reported removing 331,000 underage accounts from Instagram, 173,000 from Facebook, and 40,000 from Threads during the week ending December 11. Despite this enforcement action, the company reiterated its position that app stores should bear responsibility for age verification and parental consent processes before under-16 users can download applications.

    The regulatory challenge involves preventing circumvention attempts, with Commissioner Inman Grant emphasizing that industry participants must actively work against users migrating to alternative platforms. While acknowledging that some determined teenagers may find creative workarounds, she compared the policy to other societal safety measures where success is measured through harm reduction and cultural norm transformation rather than perfect compliance.

    Notably, lesser-known platforms including BlueSky and Lemon8 experienced significant download surges preceding the ban’s implementation. Both platforms have acknowledged their obligation to comply with Australian regulations and are cooperating with the eSafety Commission.

    Given the rapidly evolving digital landscape and countless online services, the regulator maintains its compliance focus will prioritize platforms with the highest Australian user bases rather than attempting comprehensive coverage of all services.

  • Cop killed in Waltham Park shooting laid to rest

    Cop killed in Waltham Park shooting laid to rest

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The New Haven Seventh Day Adventist Church in St Andrew became a place of solemn remembrance on Wednesday as hundreds gathered to honor the life and service of Constable Charles Stewart, slain in a tragic off-duty shooting incident last month.

    The ceremony, described as both a funeral and thanksgiving service, brought together uniformed colleagues, grieving family members, and community supporters. Stewart and his fellow officer, Constable Jemarey Gordon, lost their lives on November 13, 2025, during a violent confrontation at a commercial establishment on Waltham Park Road. According to police reports, multiple assailants engaged the off-duty officers before one produced a firearm and shot both men in their upper torsos. The perpetrators fled the scene on foot, while the wounded constables were transported to a medical facility where they were subsequently pronounced deceased.

    This double homicide triggered an intensive investigation by Jamaican law enforcement authorities, resulting in the apprehension and formal charging of two suspects currently facing justice.

    During the emotional service, Sergeant Arleen McBean, Chairman of the Jamaica Police Federation, delivered a poignant eulogy celebrating Stewart’s professional dedication and personal character. McBean’s tribute transcended individual mourning to address systemic challenges within the police force, highlighting critical issues such as officer working conditions, psychological morale, and institutional support structures for personnel and their families.

    In a significant portion of her address, McBean directed criticism toward the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM), articulating widespread frustration among rank-and-file officers regarding the oversight body’s operational methodologies and approach to police accountability.

    Following the religious proceedings, Constable Stewart was laid to rest with full honors at Meadowrest Memorial Gardens in St Catherine, surrounded by a final salute from his comrades and the tearful farewells of loved ones.

  • Guyana, Suriname, T&T not included in latest US visa policy for the Caribbean

    Guyana, Suriname, T&T not included in latest US visa policy for the Caribbean

    BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – The government of Antigua and Barbuda has indicated it remains without official notification regarding a potential suspension of immigrant visa processing by the United States, which reportedly targets 75 nations including twelve Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states. This development follows media reports indicating the U.S. Department of State is considering such measures under a new White House directive.

    Ambassador Sir Ronald Sanders, Antigua and Barbuda’s representative to the United States, confirmed conducting immediate inquiries with State Department officials. He clarified that while discussions are ongoing, no formal announcement or written communication has been delivered to embassies of the purportedly affected countries. According to Sanders, the measure under consideration would specifically target immigrant visas—commonly known as green cards—and entail a temporary pause of up to 60 days to reassess vetting and screening protocols.

    The proposed suspension, attributed to the Trump administration, is framed as an effort to prevent the alleged exploitation of the U.S. immigration system and public benefits. State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott stated the review aims to block entry of foreign nationals who might seek welfare assistance.

    Twelve CARICOM countries are identified as potentially impacted: Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Notably exempted are Guyana, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago. Additional nations reportedly under review include Somalia, Russia, and Iran.

    Ambassador Sanders emphasized that immigrant visa applications remain strictly bilateral matters between individual applicants and U.S. authorities, without involvement from applicants’ home governments. Concurrently, the Gaston Browne administration continues diplomatic efforts to have Antigua and Barbuda removed from existing visa restriction lists, including bond requirements for certain applicants.