Carib Scope

标签： Jamaica

牙买加

  • Cancer gave my life purpose, says advocate Yvonne Dunkley

    Cancer gave my life purpose, says advocate Yvonne Dunkley

    FALMOUTH, Trelawny — Sixteen years after receiving a stage three breast cancer diagnosis with a five-year life expectancy, Yvonne Dunkley has not only surpassed medical predictions but has fundamentally transformed her relationship with the disease. As founder of Feed the Fight Breast Cancer Foundation, she now views her cancer journey as divinely purposeful rather than merely tragic.

    Addressing attendees at the first anniversary celebration of the Trelawny Cancer Support Group, Dunkley reframed her identity: “I am not a survivor. I am a striver. I am going to live every day as if I’m dying tomorrow.” Her foundation, established in 2013, now operates support networks across the United States, Africa, Thailand, and the Caribbean with particular focus on her native Jamaica.

    Dunkley spoke with raw honesty about the psychological impact of her double mastectomy, describing the moment she removed her bandages as mentally devastating. “As women, we see our identity through our breasts. Mentally, I wasn’t ready,” she confessed. Yet she balanced this vulnerability with humorous anecdotes, including prosthetic breasts slipping from her blouse in a crowded airport.

    Her advocacy extends beyond emotional support. The foundation recently purchased 20 chemotherapy needles for patients unable to afford them, highlighting systemic healthcare gaps. Dunkley emphasized preventive care for all genders: “Check your breasts. Do your annual check-ups. Men, go and do your PSA. Don’t wait until there’s a problem.”

    Medical professionals praised Dunkley’s transformative impact. Dr. Marcia Johnson Campbell, regional non-communicable disease coordinator for WRHA, described her as “a mover and a shaker” driven by profound purpose. Dr. Latrecia Blake from the Trelawny Health Department noted that since 2023, Jamaica’s Ministry of Health has actively promoted cancer support groups to address the comprehensive needs of patients beyond medical treatment alone.

    Through her foundation’s work at institutions like Cornwall Regional Hospital, where they’ve provided support for four years, Dunkley embodies what she calls “living with gratitude”—finding purpose in pain and transforming personal struggle into collective strength.

  • Macron urges diplomacy, says France not involved in US strikes on Iran

    Macron urges diplomacy, says France not involved in US strikes on Iran

    PARIS, France — In a decisive move to address escalating Middle East tensions, French President Emmanuel Macron convened an emergency defence council meeting at the Élysée Palace late Saturday. The session, which followed a trilateral discussion with British and German leaders, centered on de-escalation strategies amid the ongoing conflict between the United States-Israel alliance and Iran.

    President Macron articulated a firm stance favoring diplomatic resolution over military action. ‘France was neither warned of nor involved in the recent US-Israeli strikes on Iran,’ he emphasized, noting this position aligned with regional nations and allied countries. The French leader challenged the efficacy of military solutions, stating, ‘Nobody can think that the issues of Iran’s nuclear programme, ballistic activities, regional destabilisation efforts can be simply solved with strikes.’

    The defence council meeting occurred hours after Macron’s coordinated call with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. This diplomatic consultation produced a joint statement from the three NATO members condemning Iran’s retaliatory attacks on Gulf nations while explicitly distancing themselves from the US-Israeli offensive operations. The unified European position underscores a significant divergence in approach among Western allies regarding Middle East conflict resolution, with France leading calls for restraint and negotiated settlements.

  • Westmoreland welcomes JPS emergency generator in Bethel Town

    Westmoreland welcomes JPS emergency generator in Bethel Town

    The Westmoreland Chamber of Commerce has applauded the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) for deploying an emergency mobile power generation unit in Bethel Town, a critical intervention following the devastating Hurricane Melissa in October. This temporary installation will supply electricity to approximately 850 customers while JPS crews complete extensive repairs to the primary infrastructure, which sustained severe damage during the storm.

    Moses Chybar, President of the Chamber, emphasized the unit’s vital role in revitalizing local commerce. He identified micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) as the nation’s economic backbone, crucial for employment and community stability. With commercial power now returning, Chybar issued a challenge to local business operators: to act responsibly by rolling back the inflated prices that were necessitated by the high cost of fuel and generator usage post-hurricane. He framed this moment as an opportunity for a resilient reset, urging entrepreneurs to integrate stronger preparedness into their future planning.

    This initiative represents the third such emergency unit deployed by JPS in its ongoing restoration efforts across western Jamaica. At the official commissioning on February 20, 2026, JPS President and CEO Hugh Grant addressed residents, thanking them for their patience and reaffirming an unwavering commitment. “No community is forgotten,” Grant stated, pledging round-the-clock work until every eligible customer is reconnected.

    The emergency generator will power essential services including the Bethel Town Health Centre, the local police station, and the primary school, while also enabling small businesses to resume operations. Member of Parliament for Westmoreland Eastern, Dr. Dayton Campbell, detailed the scale of destruction in the constituency, where nearly 5,000 homes were destroyed. Campbell urged homeowners to have their properties professionally assessed by licensed electricians to ensure they can safely receive the restored power. He also highlighted available government support, including grants from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and rewiring assistance from the Jamaica Social Investment Fund, underscoring the imperative to build back stronger and safer.

  • Dominican Republic to build ‘economic wall’ on border with Haiti

    Dominican Republic to build ‘economic wall’ on border with Haiti

    SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic – In a landmark address marking the nation’s 182nd Independence anniversary, President Luis Abinader unveiled a transformative infrastructure initiative: a network of dry ports along the volatile border with Haiti. Declaring it the most ambitious logistics project in regional history, Abinader framed the development as a dual-purpose strategy to bolster national sovereignty and stimulate economic growth.

    The project, fueled by an estimated US$300 million in private investment, will operate under a free trade zone framework. President Abinader characterized this as a strategic state decision designed to enhance development and competitiveness. He positioned the dry ports as an ‘economic wall’—a complementary structure to the recently constructed border wall. This economic barrier aims to revitalize impoverished border provinces, streamline formal trade channels with Haiti, and decisively dismantle pervasive smuggling networks.

    Citing successful precedents in Mexico and the United States, Abinader emphasized that the dry port model has proven effective for centralizing customs operations, normalizing cross-border commerce, and converting peripheral regions into dynamic hubs of development. He further elaborated that true border stability cannot exist amidst widespread informality, asserting that security is achieved not merely through surveillance but via job creation, organized trade, and the generation of tangible economic opportunities.

    Functioning as inland logistics platforms connected to maritime ports via rail or road, dry ports provide comprehensive services including customs clearance, storage, and container transshipment. This system is engineered to alleviate congestion in coastal port areas and efficiently channel goods to inland consumption and production centers.

  • AGONISING LOSS

    AGONISING LOSS

    Jamaica’s national basketball team suffered a devastating collapse in their historic home FIBA World Cup qualifier, surrendering a nine-point lead in the final quarter to fall 96-99 to The Bahamas on Thursday. The electrifying match at a packed National Indoor Sports Centre marked Jamaica’s first-ever hosting of major international basketball, making the last-minute defeat particularly painful for players and fans alike.

    Head Coach Rick Turner expressed profound disappointment following the dramatic reversal, characterizing the loss as ‘an incredible missed opportunity’ for Jamaican basketball. Despite strong performances from Chase Audige (27 points) and Kofi Cockburn (18 points, 12 rebounds), Jamaica couldn’t maintain their 80-71 advantage with under 12 minutes remaining. The Bahamas mounted a stunning comeback led by Franco Miller’s 32-point performance, seizing control in the final three minutes.

    The defeat carries significant implications for Group B standings in the Americas qualifiers. Jamaica now sits second with five points, requiring a victory against group leaders Canada (6 points) on Sunday to secure automatic advancement to the final round. The Bahamas improved to four points and could potentially overtake Jamaica with a strong performance against Puerto Rico.

    Coach Turner identified concerning psychological factors behind the collapse, noting his team lacked the ‘bunker mentality’ and communication that characterized their previous successful outings. ‘We played with a togetherness that allows us to overcome mistakes,’ Turner reflected, ‘and that just wasn’t there tonight.’

    Bahamas Head Coach Moses Johnson acknowledged the historic significance of the event for Jamaican basketball while praising his team’s resilience in a ‘tough environment.’ Johnson noted the game featured 15 lead changes and could have gone either way, ultimately crediting his players for making crucial plays down the stretch.

    The result sets up a critical final group stage match against world No. 5 Canada, with Jamaica’s World Cup aspirations hanging in the balance. Coach Turner emphasized the need to rediscover their underdog identity before facing one of international basketball’s powerhouse programs.

  • Green Island Police Station telephone lines temporarily down

    Green Island Police Station telephone lines temporarily down

    Residents of Hanover, Jamaica, received official notification from the Green Island Police Station regarding a significant service interruption affecting its primary telephone communications. According to a public advisory released on Saturday, the station confirmed that all standard telephone lines are temporarily non-operational due to unforeseen technical difficulties.

    Police authorities have assured the community that restoration teams are actively working to resolve the telecommunications outage and return services to normal capacity at the earliest opportunity. While the exact cause of the disruption remains unspecified, the station emphasized the temporary nature of the situation.

    To maintain essential public communication during this period, the Hanover law enforcement division has instituted an alternative contact protocol. Citizens requiring urgent police assistance or needing to make critical inquiries are directed to utilize the emergency contact number 876-525-7905 until further notice.

    The Green Island Police Station extended formal apologies for any inconveniences resulting from the service disruption and acknowledged public understanding and cooperation while technical resolutions are underway. This transparent communication approach reflects the department’s commitment to maintaining community connectivity despite infrastructure challenges.

  • Domino boss says Global Thinkers Academy helping to drive youth education

    Domino boss says Global Thinkers Academy helping to drive youth education

    Under the leadership of its president, Humbert Davis, the National Association of Domino Bodies (NADB) is spearheading a transformative movement to revolutionize Jamaica’s educational landscape. The organization is implementing groundbreaking initiatives designed not merely to educate, but to fundamentally inspire the nation’s youth.

    Davis articulated a vision that moves beyond traditional pedagogy, emphasizing that the NADB’s core mission is to ignite an enduring passion for knowledge. This vision is being realized through strategic programs like the Global Thinkers Academy, which the NADB actively supports. This academy represents the vanguard of educational innovation, with a specialized curriculum centered on cultivating critical thinking, complex problem-solving, and practical application skills.

    “Our approach is about empowerment, not just instruction,” Davis stated. “We are demonstrating to young Jamaicans that possessing the right mindset, coupled with robust support systems, is the key to unlocking their immense potential for greatness.”

    The academy’s methodology is notably hands-on, compelling students to engage with academic concepts, particularly in mathematics, by applying them to tangible, real-world challenges. This experiential learning model aims to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical utility, making education both dynamic and relevant.

    While celebrating the tangible successes and markedly improved student performances already achieved, Davis confirmed the NADB’s commitment is unwavering. The association pledges to continue pushing the boundaries of educational excellence, creating expansive opportunities, and ensuring that learning remains an engaging, accessible, and empowering journey for every young mind in Jamaica. The ultimate goal is a sustained investment in shaping the country’s future leaders, innovators, and thinkers.

  • Netanyahu says ‘many signs’ Khamenei is dead after Israel, US attack Iran

    Netanyahu says ‘many signs’ Khamenei is dead after Israel, US attack Iran

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made a dramatic televised announcement suggesting that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei may have been killed during a coordinated military operation targeting his compound in Tehran. The alleged strike, which Netanyahu characterized as a “powerful surprise” attack, reportedly destroyed Khamenei’s residential complex in the Iranian capital.

    In his address to the nation, Netanyahu described Khamenei as a “cruel tyrant” who had “spread terror across the world” while oppressing the Iranian people and relentlessly pursuing Israel’s destruction. The Israeli leader asserted that both objectives had been neutralized through the military action, stating: “That plan is no more—and there are many signs that this tyrant is no longer alive.”

    The claims gained additional traction through reports from two major Israeli television networks. Public broadcaster Kan announced via social media that “Ali Khamenei is dead,” while Channel 12 cited anonymous sources making similar claims. Notably, Iranian authorities have yet to confirm or deny these allegations, leaving the supreme leader’s status uncertain.

    Netanyahu further revealed that the operation, which he described as a “decisive” joint effort with the United States, had successfully eliminated high-ranking officials within Iran’s Revolutionary Guards and senior figures involved in the country’s nuclear program. The Israeli prime minister warned that the campaign would continue “as long as necessary,” with plans to strike “thousands of targets” associated with what he termed Iran’s “terror regime” in the coming days.

    The unprecedented nature of these claims, combined with the lack of independent verification from Tehran, creates a highly volatile geopolitical situation. If confirmed, Khamenei’s death would represent the most significant leadership change in Iran since the 1979 revolution, with potentially far-reaching consequences for regional stability and international security.

  • Grace underlines commitment to grass roots sport with All-Star Football

    Grace underlines commitment to grass roots sport with All-Star Football

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – Grace Kennedy Limited has reinforced its commitment to nurturing athletic excellence at the foundational level through its sponsorship of the 2026 All-Star Jamaica Youth Football Event. The tournament, orchestrated by Football Society at the American International School of Kingston (AISK), featured the nation’s most promising under-12 football talents from leading preparatory and primary schools.

    This elite exhibition, designed to identify and develop future stars, assembled Form A and B All-Star teams in both educational divisions. Selection was merit-based, drawing from the top performers of the competitive season, to provide a superior platform for skill enhancement, mentorship, and increased visibility within the sport.

    Grace’s support was channeled through its non-alcoholic energy malt drink, Mighty Malt, via a combination of financial backing and in-kind contributions. The brand’s presence allowed young athletes and attendees to sample the product, a premium beverage enriched with Vitamins B6, B12, and biotin, nutrients scientifically recognized for supporting energy metabolism and overall wellness.

    Kristina Hill, Beverage Brand Manager at Grace Foods and Services, articulated the company’s overarching mission. ‘Our investment in grassroots sports is a strategic pillar of our Good Moves philosophy. It extends far beyond the pitch, aiming to build discipline, teamwork, and confidence in young people, thereby creating tangible pathways for holistic development,’ Hill stated. She emphasized that such events allow the brand to contribute substantively to the athletic and personal journey of youth.

    Now in its third iteration, the All-Star event is a key component of Grace’s expanding ecosystem of youth football initiatives. This includes the brand’s title sponsorship of the Victory Cup, the Caribbean’s largest youth football tournament, which provides critical funding for coaching, mentorship, and competitive structures over the past two years.

    The on-field action at the 2026 showcase delivered thrilling competition. The day commenced with the Prep B team clinching a narrow 3-2 win over the Primary B squad in a high-energy opener. The subsequent match featured a tightly contested battle where the Primary A team secured a 2-1 victory against the Prep A side, demonstrating the remarkable depth of emerging talent across age groups.

    Event creator Leighton Davis highlighted the indispensable role of corporate partnerships. ‘Private sector support from entities like Grace is fundamental to the sustainability and quality of our youth programs. It empowers us to offer these exceptional young athletes the high-caliber experiences and developmental pathways they deserve,’ Davis remarked.

    With significant attendance from athletes, coaches, and spectators, the event underscored the critical importance of structured investment in Jamaica’s sporting grassroots—a domain where Grace Mighty Malt is steadily amplifying its influential and active role.

  • Foreign Affairs ministry urges Jamaicans to avoid travel to Middle East

    Foreign Affairs ministry urges Jamaicans to avoid travel to Middle East

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade has issued an urgent travel advisory strongly discouraging all citizens from traveling to Middle Eastern territories following significant military escalation between the United States, Israel, and Iran this past Saturday.

    The governmental body confirmed it is actively monitoring developing military hostilities throughout the region. Officials have specifically instructed Jamaican nationals currently residing in or visiting Middle Eastern countries to exercise extreme vigilance and prepare to shelter in place as security conditions deteriorate.

    The advisory comes in direct response to coordinated US-Israeli aerial strikes targeting Iranian military assets, which both nations justified as necessary defensive measures against perceived Iranian threats. Iran subsequently launched retaliatory missile volleys targeting both Gulf states housing US military installations and Israeli territories.

    In a previously recorded video statement, former US President Donald Trump explicitly characterized the military operation’s objectives as the comprehensive dismantling of Iran’s military infrastructure and the removal of the political leadership established after the 1979 revolution.

    Jamaican citizens requiring consular assistance or facing emergencies abroad are directed to contact the Ministry’s dedicated crisis response channels at consular@mfaft.gov.jm or the emergency hotline: +1 876 391 8105.