A heated debate has emerged in Jamaica as the Unuchi Foundation, a non-profit advocating for Africana spirituality, campaigns to repeal the Obeah Act of 1898. This move has sparked strong opposition from Christian groups, who fear that legalizing the folk practice could unleash demonic forces and exacerbate societal issues. On Wednesday, representatives from various church groups gathered in Spanish Town, St. Catherine, to pray against the potential decriminalization of Obeah. They urged Jamaicans to recognize the dangers of the practice and resist efforts to legitimize it. Bishop Dr. Alvin Bailey, president of the Jamaica Evangelical Alliance, emphasized that while Obeah is currently illegal, it remains prevalent and destructive. He warned that legalizing it would be a disastrous decision, enabling deviant behaviors and spiritual wickedness. The Unuchi Foundation, however, argues that Obeah is an integral part of African heritage and seeks to empower and heal people through its practice. The foundation organized a candlelight vigil and a virtual event to mark the first constitutional hearing on decriminalizing Obeah. Christian leaders, including Bishop Rowan Edwards and Pastor Dalbert Simmonds, have vowed to oppose any such legalization, citing the negative impact of similar practices like Voodoo in Haiti. The Church’s stance reflects deep concerns about the societal and spiritual consequences of legitimizing Obeah, which they believe could further destabilize the nation.
标签： Jamaica
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JTA calls for school board to pay Glenmuir High teachers full salary in 24 hours
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) has raised concerns over the repeated failure of Glenmuir High School to fully compensate its teaching staff. This marks the second instance this year where educators at the institution have not received their complete salaries on time. In a strongly worded letter addressed to the school’s board chairman, the JTA expressed deep disappointment and demanded immediate rectification. The association emphasized that the school is in violation of the Education Regulation of 1980, which mandates that teachers employed from the first day of the term must receive their full monthly salary. The JTA warned that the institution is liable for any late charges incurred by staff if the payment is not made within 24 hours. They urged the school to ensure that teachers receive their full salaries promptly to enable them to meet their financial obligations. This issue highlights ongoing challenges in the education sector regarding fair compensation and adherence to regulatory standards.
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Kenya reiterates support for Haiti
During the United Nations General Assembly Debate on Wednesday, Kenyan President William Ruto reaffirmed his nation’s steadfast support for Haiti, hailing the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission as a significant achievement. Authorized by the UN Security Council in October 2023, the mission, led by Kenya, aims to bolster security and policing in the Caribbean nation. Ruto described the initiative as both a success and a cautionary tale on global security governance, emphasizing Kenya’s proactive role in addressing rampant gang violence in Port-au-Prince. However, he lamented the mission’s chronic underfunding and understaffing, operating at less than 40% of its authorized capacity. Despite these constraints, Ruto highlighted tangible progress: government institutions have been reclaimed from gangs, schools have reopened, kidnappings have decreased, and Haiti’s airport and seaport have resumed normal operations. Ruto posed a critical question: “If so much could be achieved with limited resources, what more could be accomplished with unified global solidarity?” He urged the UN Security Council to consolidate the mission’s gains as it deliberates on next steps. Haiti’s Foreign Minister Jean-Victor Harvel Jean-Baptiste echoed the urgency, describing the security crisis as a looming threat akin to the Sword of Damocles. He outlined priorities, including re-establishing social peace for safe elections and supporting government-led development programs. The UN reported that armed gangs control vast territories, with over six million Haitians in urgent need of assistance and 1.4 million displaced. Canada pledged additional support, with Foreign Minister Anita Anand announcing CAN$40 million for the MSS mission and CAN$20 million for Caribbean maritime security. UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed stressed that security alone is insufficient, calling for a political process, credible elections, and economic recovery. The new UN Special Representative for Haiti, Carlos Massieu Ruiz, urged swift action on the secretary-general’s proposals, emphasizing the need for political will and resolve. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised Kenya’s contributions during a meeting with Ruto, underscoring the urgency of establishing a gang suppression force and a UN support office for Haiti.
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‘Aligning ambition with action’
Jamaica has reaffirmed its commitment to combating climate change by submitting its updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) 3.0 to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This move aligns with the Paris Agreement’s mandate for countries to revise their climate action plans every five years, ensuring increased ambition and alignment with global temperature goals. Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness announced the submission during his address at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, emphasizing Jamaica’s leadership in climate action. The updated NDC 3.0 builds on previous commitments, expanding its scope to include energy, transport, industry, forestry, and land use. Key targets include a 25.4% unconditional reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, with a conditional target of 28.5%. Additionally, Jamaica aims to achieve 12% electric vehicle adoption in private fleets and 16% in public fleets by the same year. Holness highlighted the disproportionate impact of climate change on small island developing states like Jamaica, stressing the urgent need for enhanced adaptation and mitigation measures. The updated NDC is grounded in Jamaica’s Vision 2030, Climate Change Policy Framework, and Long-Term Low-Emission Strategy, reflecting a comprehensive and realistic approach to climate resilience.
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Guyana calls for strengthening of ideals that led to formation of United Nations
In a powerful address to the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali called on the international community to reaffirm the principles that led to the UN’s creation eight decades ago. Speaking on Wednesday, Ali emphasized that the organization must remain steadfast against aggression and address the pressing challenges of our time. He reminded the assembly that the UN was born out of crisis, not comfort, and its mission to serve as humanity’s conscience and compass remains as urgent as ever. Ali warned that the current generation will be judged not by rhetoric but by tangible actions, particularly in addressing conflicts, human rights violations, and climate change. He highlighted the dire situations in Gaza, Ukraine, Haiti, and Sudan, urging the UN to act decisively to uphold international law and justice. Ali also condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza, calling them a war crime, and reiterated Guyana’s support for a Two-State Solution. He addressed the escalating gang violence in Haiti, calling for international support to restore security and address the nation’s historical debt burdens. Additionally, Ali updated the assembly on Guyana’s ongoing border dispute with Venezuela, reaffirming his country’s commitment to international law and sovereignty. He also advocated for the lifting of the US embargo on Cuba and emphasized the need for regional cooperation against drug trafficking and illegal migration. Ali concluded by urging the UN to reflect honestly on its progress and take bold steps to ensure its relevance and effectiveness in the years to come.
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Bowl & Spoon opens new location at UWI, Mona
KINGSTON, Jamaica—The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona campus, has unveiled a groundbreaking dining experience with the launch of Bowl & Spoon, a new eatery dedicated to providing healthy, convenient, and enjoyable meal options for students and staff. This initiative aims to transform campus dining by addressing the persistent challenge of limited nutritious choices during hectic school days.
PJ Wright, Director of Bowl & Spoon, emphasized the restaurant’s mission to make healthy eating both accessible and enjoyable. ‘Our goal is to ensure that no one on campus has to compromise between convenience and health,’ Wright stated. He highlighted the common issue of students and staff skipping meals or resorting to fast food due to long queues or lack of variety, a problem Bowl & Spoon seeks to resolve.
Early feedback from the campus community has been overwhelmingly positive. Students have praised the meals for being quick, satisfying, and nourishing, while staff members have lauded the balance of convenience, freshness, and quality. The restaurant’s innovative approach has already made a significant impact on campus dining culture.
Bowl & Spoon’s launch at UWI Mona marks the first of three planned locations. The next outlet is set to open in New Kingston on Grenada Crescent, with a third location to follow shortly. The company has also announced two key initiatives to enhance the dining experience: a loyalty program to reward frequent diners with exclusive perks and an on-campus delivery service, a pioneering effort to bring meals directly to residences, classrooms, offices, and study areas.
This initiative underscores Bowl & Spoon’s commitment to improving the overall well-being of the campus community by prioritizing health, convenience, and quality in every meal.
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Former Miss Jamaica Universe contestant found dead at home
KINGSTON, Jamaica—A tragic incident has shaken the nation as Tyra Spaulding, a former contestant in the Miss Universe Jamaica 2023 pageant, was discovered deceased at her residence on Tuesday evening. The 26-year-old was found hanging from her bed frame with a pink curtain around her neck, according to reports. The Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Corporate Communications Network (CCN) confirmed the incident occurred around 6:55 pm, and authorities are currently investigating the case as a suspected suicide. Spaulding, who was known for her advocacy in mental health and suicide prevention, leaves behind a legacy of raising awareness on critical issues. Her untimely death has sparked conversations about the importance of mental health support and the challenges faced by individuals in the public eye.
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Holness meets with new Canadian PM
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has emphasized the enduring partnership between Jamaica and Canada following a productive bilateral meeting with Canada’s newly appointed Prime Minister, Mark Carney. The discussions, held recently, centered on enhancing collaboration in critical areas such as security, regional affairs, education, and training. Holness shared insights from the meeting via an Instagram post, highlighting the mutual commitment to fortifying the longstanding ties between the two nations. He underscored the shared history of friendship, respect, and close cooperation between Jamaica and Canada, expressing optimism about advancing joint objectives in sustainable development, economic prosperity, and regional stability. Mark Carney, who assumed office as Canada’s 24th Prime Minister earlier this year, leads the Liberal Party of Canada and has been instrumental in fostering international partnerships since his appointment.
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Kimmel scores decade-high ratings amid Trump fight—Disney
HOLLYWOOD, United States (AFP)—Jimmy Kimmel, the renowned late-night host, made a dramatic comeback to U.S. television screens this week, drawing his largest audience in a decade. This resurgence followed a brief suspension triggered by pressure from Donald Trump’s administration, according to Disney, the parent company of ABC, which airs Kimmel’s show. The suspension was reportedly a response to Kimmel’s comments following the assassination of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, with government officials threatening to revoke broadcast licenses. However, widespread public backlash and criticism from even some Trump allies, who viewed the move as an attack on free speech, led to the swift reversal of the decision. Kimmel returned to the airwaves on Tuesday with a scathing monologue condemning censorship. “A government threat to silence a comedian the president doesn’t like is anti-American,” Kimmel declared. He also criticized Trump for celebrating the potential loss of jobs for him and his team, stating, “Our leader celebrates Americans losing their livelihoods because he can’t take a joke.” Early ratings revealed that over six million viewers tuned in to the broadcast, despite the show being unavailable to nearly a quarter of American households due to a boycott by local TV station owners. This marked a significant increase from the show’s average viewership of 1.42 million during the 2024/2025 season. Additionally, 26 million people watched Kimmel’s monologue on social media, making it the show’s most successful night in a decade. Trump, who has frequently targeted Kimmel and other late-night hosts with criticism, had previously celebrated the suspension, calling it “Great news for America.” However, Kimmel quipped during his return, “He tried his best to cancel me. Instead, he forced millions of people to watch the show. That backfired bigly,” to thunderous applause from the studio audience.
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FOREX: $161.04 to one US dollar
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The US dollar demonstrated a slight upward trend against the Jamaican dollar on Wednesday, September 24, closing at $161.04, marking an increase of 12 cents, as reported by the Bank of Jamaica’s daily exchange trading summary. This marginal rise reflects ongoing fluctuations in the foreign exchange market. In contrast, the Canadian dollar experienced a decline, ending the day at $115.52, down from its previous close of $117.50. Similarly, the British pound saw a minor dip, settling at $216.12 compared to $216.90 the day before. These shifts highlight the dynamic nature of global currency markets, influenced by a range of economic factors and international trade dynamics.