SAVANNA LA MAR, Westmoreland — Dwayne Vaz, Member of Parliament (MP) for Westmoreland Central, has firmly refuted allegations of politically biased distribution of relief supplies in his constituency. The accusations were leveled by George Wright, the former MP from the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), who claimed that Vaz was selectively providing care packages only to supporters of the People’s National Party (PNP).
标签： Jamaica
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WHO chief urges clampdown on nicotine products aimed at kids
GENEVA, Switzerland—The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a stark warning about the growing threat of new tobacco and nicotine products targeting young people. Speaking at the opening of a global conference on tobacco control, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted the alarming rise in the use of disposable e-cigarettes and flavored nicotine pouches among adolescents. He emphasized that these products are fueling a new wave of addiction, with schools becoming the new battleground in the fight against tobacco.
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JDF Coast Guard recovers body of suspected drowning victim
KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) has confirmed the recovery of a man’s body from the Step River in St James, following a suspected drowning incident on Sunday, November 16. According to reports, the victim was attempting to cross the river when he was overwhelmed by strong currents and swept away. The JDF Coast Guard was promptly called in to assist with search and recovery operations. A specialized dive team from the Second District JDF Coast Guard was dispatched to the scene, where they conducted an underwater search and successfully retrieved the body. The remains were subsequently handed over to local authorities for further investigation. In a statement, the JDF Coast Guard expressed its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the deceased. They also issued a public reminder to exercise extreme caution around rivers, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall when water levels and currents can become dangerously unpredictable.
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New study to be released on impact of US tariffs on region
SANTIAGO, Chile — The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) is set to release a comprehensive study this Wednesday, delving into the ramifications of the United States’ tariff policy on the Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) region. The study, part of ECLAC’s annual report titled ‘International Trade Outlook for Latin America and the Caribbean 2025: International trade in a new era of weaponised interdependence,’ offers a detailed analysis of how the US’s recent tariff measures have influenced the region.
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St Ann-based medical ganja farmer wants CLA’s help to boost production
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, licensed medical marijuana farmer Errol Whyte is grappling with significant losses, estimating damages in the millions of dollars. His one-acre ganja farm in Claremont, St Ann, was severely impacted by the storm. Despite the setback, Whyte, who has operated Mellow Bud Ganja Farms for five years, remains hopeful. He sees an opportunity for licensed ganja farmers in the northern and eastern regions of Jamaica to ramp up production and compensate for the losses suffered by their counterparts in the storm-ravaged southwestern areas. Whyte emphasizes the urgent need for the Cannabis Licensing Authority (CLA) and the government to provide relief and support to affected farmers. ‘This isn’t just about me or a few farmers; it’s about the entire industry,’ he stated. Whyte believes that with adequate support, northern and eastern farmers can meet the rising demand for medical marijuana. He calls for a more proactive approach from the CLA to ensure the industry’s sustainability, highlighting the role of farmers as entrepreneurs and job creators. ‘We are committed to this industry, and we need the CLA to be committed to us,’ he asserted.
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Black River High charting a path for safe return of students
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s destructive impact on Jamaica’s southwestern coast, Black River High School is spearheading efforts to restore normalcy for its 1,500 students. The Category 5 storm, which struck on October 28, caused extensive damage to the school’s infrastructure, including classrooms, the auditorium, and the computer-aided design (CAD) laboratory. Principal Christopher Romans emphasized the urgency of resuming classes, particularly for upper-school students preparing for exams, to minimize learning loss.
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Antigua PM urges US to resolve differences with Venezuela using diplomacy
ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC)—Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne has called on the United States to address its ongoing tensions with Venezuela through diplomatic channels, emphasizing the Caribbean’s commitment to maintaining peace in the region. Browne’s appeal comes in response to recent remarks by US President Donald Trump, who hinted at decisive action regarding Venezuela following extensive briefings and a significant military presence in the Caribbean, including the deployment of the USS Gerald Forde, the US Navy’s largest aircraft carrier. In a statement posted on his Facebook page, Browne urged, “We encourage President Trump to resolve the differences between the US and Venezuela through diplomacy and dialogue. Let’s continue to preserve our hemisphere as a zone of peace.” This sentiment echoes the Caribbean Community (Caricom)’s recent declaration, which reaffirmed the region’s stance as a Zone of Peace, advocating for dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution. Caricom leaders, with the exception of Trinidad and Tobago, unanimously supported this principle during a meeting last month. Additionally, Caricom foreign ministers have previously expressed concerns to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, requesting assurances that any military action against Venezuela would not destabilize the region and would involve prior consultation. Meanwhile, the US has intensified its military presence in the Caribbean, deploying an amphibious squadron, a nuclear-powered attack submarine, and reconnaissance aircraft as part of efforts to combat drug cartels in Latin America. Venezuela has responded by mobilizing troops along its borders, citing perceived threats from the US.
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Nigeria coach blames ‘voodoo’ after World Cup hopes crushed
LAGOS, Nigeria — Nigeria’s aspirations to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup were dashed in a dramatic penalty shootout loss to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the African play-offs final on Sunday. The match, held in Rabat, Morocco, ended 1-1 after extra time, with DR Congo securing a 4-3 victory on penalties, advancing to the inter-confederation play-offs in Mexico next March.
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Curaçao Football Federation donates gear to Jamaican children affected by Melissa
KINGSTON, Jamaica—In a heartfelt gesture of solidarity, the Curaçao Football Federation has stepped forward to support Jamaican children affected by the devastation of Hurricane Melissa. The federation is donating essential football equipment, including balls, shirts, and cones, to young residents in the storm-battered western region of the island.
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Rhodes Scholar, Tiana Dinham: Championing safe drinking water for every Jamaican household
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a moment brimming with raw emotion, 22-year-old Tiana Dinham was declared Jamaica’s 2026 Rhodes Scholar during a ceremony at King’s House on November 13. Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen made the formal announcement, marking a pivotal milestone in Dinham’s life. Overwhelmed with joy, Dinham immediately called her mother on speakerphone, who exclaimed, “Oh my God!” 13 times before tearfully expressing her pride.