KINGSTON, Jamaica—In anticipation of Tropical Storm Melissa’s potential impact this weekend, Education Minister Dana Morris Dixon has called on schools across the nation to prepare for a transition to online learning. Speaking at a special press briefing on Wednesday, Morris Dixon emphasized the dual role of schools as educational institutions and emergency shelters. She revealed that 798 of Jamaica’s 881 designated national shelters are schools, highlighting their critical function during natural disasters.
标签： Jamaica
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Cuba nabs suspected Chinese fentanyl kingpin wanted by Mexico, US
Cuba has apprehended Zhi Dong Zhang, a notorious Chinese fentanyl trafficker who escaped from house arrest in Mexico and is wanted by both the United States and Mexico, according to the Mexican Government. Known by the alias ‘Brother Wang,’ Zhang is accused of collaborating with Mexico’s Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation cartels, both designated as foreign terrorist organizations by the US. His arrest was confirmed by Mexico’s Security Secretariat, though it remains unclear whether he will be deported to Mexico or undergo a formal extradition process. Zhang was initially detained in Mexico in October 2024 on charges related to money laundering and was awaiting extradition to the US when he escaped custody in July. Mexican Security Secretary Omar Garcia Harfuch described Zhang as a key figure in international money laundering and fentanyl trafficking, facilitating the drug’s distribution from China to Central and South America, Europe, and the US. The arrest comes amid heightened US pressure on Mexico and China to combat fentanyl trafficking, a synthetic opioid 50 times more potent than heroin and a major contributor to the US overdose epidemic. While Mexico has been the primary source of fentanyl in the US, Washington has increasingly targeted Chinese suppliers of precursor chemicals. Sources in Havana suggest Zhang will be extradited to Mexico, though details remain undisclosed. Cuba has yet to officially comment on the arrest.
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Jamaican airports generate over $9 billion in revenue
Jamaica’s two major international airports, operated by Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP), reported an estimated $60.64 million in revenue during the third quarter of 2025. This financial performance was driven by the processing of 1.77 million passengers across both facilities. Sangster International Airport (SIA), managed by MBJ Airports Limited, saw a 9% revenue increase to $41.46 million, largely attributed to higher aeronautical service fees, including passenger, landing, and bridge fees, which rose 9% to $26.25 million. Passenger traffic at SIA grew by 7.7% to 1.24 million, recovering from the impact of Hurricane Beryl in the previous period, though it remained below the 1.31 million passengers recorded in Q3 2024. Operating expenses for both airports surged by 22% ($10.24 million) due to increased concession fees, improvement costs, and depreciation charges. Despite this, SIA’s operating profit improved by 1.7% to $13.17 million, with EBITDA rising 2.5% to $17.64 million. GAP’s quarterly report highlighted a 200-basis-point decline in the operating income margin for Jamaican airports to 43.3%, or 52.5% excluding concession asset improvement costs. Operating profit increased by $23.04 million (11.5%) compared to Q3 2024, while net profit rose by $38.25 million (36%). However, comprehensive income fell by $8.73 million (6.2%) due to foreign currency translation losses. Over the first nine months of 2025, Jamaican airports generated $178.14 million in revenue, with MBJ Airports reporting a 14.6% increase to $126.25 million. Operating profit surged by $118.52 billion (19.7%) despite a 17.9% rise in expenses. GAP plans $203.30 million in investments to enhance both airports between 2026 and 2030, supported by newly approved aeronautical rate increases. SIA’s rates will rise from $17.38 in 2026 to $19.07 in 2030, while Kingston’s rates will increase from $38.18 to $60.10. GAP remains optimistic about Jamaica’s long-term tourism growth, citing planned hotel expansions and increased tourist arrivals.
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Jamaica Customs secures court resolution supporting modernisation and efficiency in trade
KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) has achieved a significant legal milestone with the resolution of court proceedings before Chief Justice Bryan Sykes, affirming the ongoing implementation of the Customs Contactless Clearance Process (CCCP). The previously imposed injunction against the agency has been fully lifted, enabling the JCA to proceed with its modernization agenda.
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Meta to cut 600 jobs in artificial intelligence — reports
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has announced the elimination of 600 positions within its artificial intelligence (AI) division, as reported by major U.S. media outlets on Wednesday. This strategic move is part of the company’s broader effort to enhance operational efficiency following a period of rapid expansion and aggressive hiring. Notably, the job cuts will not impact the TBD Lab, a specialized unit established by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, which has been instrumental in recruiting top-tier researchers from competitors such as OpenAI and Apple through lucrative compensation packages. Instead, the layoffs will primarily affect teams dedicated to AI product development and infrastructure, with the goal of optimizing resources while maintaining progress on Meta’s most ambitious projects. According to a Wall Street Journal report, many of the displaced employees may be reassigned to other roles within the company. The New York Times characterized the layoffs as a response to ‘organizational bloat’ resulting from the company’s intensive hiring spree to bolster its AI initiatives. Both publications referenced a memo from Chief AI Officer Alexandr Wang, who emphasized that the reduction in workforce would lead to ‘fewer conversations required to make decisions,’ thereby streamlining operations. Meta has yet to comment on the matter in response to inquiries from AFP.
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Sir Gallant
Adrian Ellis, a 14-year-old student from Ascot High School, was celebrated for his extraordinary courage during the Ceremony of Investiture and Presentation of National Honours and Awards at King’s House on Monday. Adrian was the sole recipient of the Badge of Honour for Gallantry, recognizing his swift and selfless actions that saved the life of his classmate, Roxanne Riley, on April 30, 2025. The incident occurred when Roxanne fell and sustained a severe head injury after being tripped by another student. Demonstrating remarkable presence of mind, Adrian removed his undershirt, used it to stem the bleeding, and applied first-aid techniques he had learned from movies and TikTok videos. His quick thinking and bravery not only stabilized Roxanne but also ensured her survival until professional medical help arrived. Adrian, the youngest among the 141 Jamaicans honored this year, received a heartfelt congratulatory hug from Roxanne during the ceremony, symbolizing the profound impact of his heroic deed.
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Tropical storm watch now in effect for Jamaica
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Authorities in Jamaica have issued a tropical storm watch as a developing weather system in the central Caribbean threatens to escalate into a tropical cyclone. The alert, effective immediately, indicates that tropical storm conditions could impact the island within the next 48 hours.
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Dembele scores on return as PSG hammer Leverkusen 7-2
In a stunning display of attacking prowess, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) demolished Bayer Leverkusen 7-2 in the Champions League on Tuesday, despite both teams finishing the match with 10 men. The defending champions showcased their depth and resilience, with Ousmane Dembele marking his return from injury with a goal just three minutes after coming on as a substitute. The French forward had been sidelined since early September due to a hamstring injury. PSG’s Desire Doue netted a brace, while Willian Pacho, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Nuno Mendes, and Vitinha also found the back of the net at Leverkusen’s BayArena. PSG coach Luis Enrique emphasized the team’s ambition, stating, ‘We are a team that always wants to win everything. This season, we want to win everything again.’ Leverkusen’s Aleix Garcia scored both of the hosts’ goals, but their efforts were overshadowed by defensive lapses and disciplinary issues. Captain Robert Andrich was sent off for an elbow to Doue’s jaw, while PSG’s Illia Zabarnyi received a red card for conceding a second penalty. Leverkusen coach Kasper Hjulmand acknowledged the gulf in quality, admitting, ‘We met the best team in the world right now.’ Despite PSG’s injury struggles and inconsistent form this season, they demonstrated their championship pedigree, overwhelming Leverkusen with a relentless attacking display. The match highlighted PSG’s determination to defend their European crown, even as they face tougher challenges ahead.
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Retired, but still ready to serve
Dr. Marlene Street Forrest, the former managing director of the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE), was awarded the prestigious Order of Jamaica during the 2025 Ceremony of Investiture and Presentation of National Honours and Awards at King’s House. As the sole female recipient of this honor, Dr. Street Forrest expressed her gratitude and unwavering commitment to contributing to the capital markets, despite her recent retirement from the JSE.
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KFTL invests in modernisation to strengthen port operations
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Kingston Freeport Terminal Limited (KFTL) is making significant strides in its modernization and expansion efforts with the acquisition of two cutting-edge ship-to-shore cranes, valued at nearly US$24 million. This strategic move underscores KFTL’s commitment to establishing Jamaica as a premier logistics hub in the Caribbean region.