KINGSTON, Jamaica – Authorities have prolonged a 48-hour curfew initially imposed in specific areas of the Kingston Eastern Police Division. The curfew, which commenced at 6:00 pm on Monday, September 29, will now continue until 6:00 pm on Wednesday, October 1. The restricted zone is demarcated by the following boundaries: North – an imaginary line stretching from Mountain View Primary School to Cane River Falls; East – a line from Cane River Falls to the bridge at 10 Miles Bull Bay; South – the coastline from the bridge at 10 Miles Bull Bay to Flag Circle; and West – South Camp Road from Flag Circle to Vineyard Road, extending to an imaginary line back to Mountain View Primary School. Residents within these boundaries are mandated to stay indoors during curfew hours unless granted explicit permission by the ground commander.
标签： Jamaica
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‘Better health for Jamaica’
Jamaica’s public health sector witnessed a significant enhancement on Monday with the donation of vital medical equipment worth over $34 million. Esteemed philanthropist Carol Picart, in partnership with the National Health Care Enhancement Foundation, contributed two ventilators valued at $11.57 million and an endoscopy unit, including a gastroscope and colonoscope, priced at $23 million. The ceremonial handover took place at Kingston Public Hospital (KPH). The donated equipment, which will also benefit Cornwall Regional and Black River hospitals, is expected to play a pivotal role in diagnosing and treating various medical conditions, including ulcers, gastritis, and colorectal issues. Picart emphasized her commitment to improving Jamaica’s life expectancy and reversing the declining birth rate, attributing these challenges to insufficient resources. She drew parallels to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, highlighting her desire to give back to society. Recent data from the World Health Organization (WHO) underscores the urgency of such initiatives, revealing a decline in Jamaica’s life expectancy from 72.3 years in 2000 to 70.1 years in 2021. Additionally, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) reports that Jamaica’s fertility rate has plummeted to 1.3 children per woman, well below the replacement level of 2.1. Krystal Lee, the junior minister of health and wellness, expressed profound gratitude for the donation, acknowledging the ongoing efforts to transform Jamaica’s healthcare system. She stressed the importance of public-private partnerships in bridging gaps in primary healthcare and called for continued collaboration to achieve national health goals. Lee also outlined the ministry’s plans to equip healthcare facilities with additional resources, emphasizing the critical role of health in fostering national development and prosperity.
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Chef Brian Lumley gives Ugandans a taste of Jamaica
Renowned Jamaican Executive Chef Brian Lumley, celebrated for his culinary expertise, recently garnered significant attention in Uganda’s Daily Monitor newspaper. Lumley’s exceptional skills were showcased at a fine dining event orchestrated by the Consulate of Jamaica in Kampala, Uganda’s capital. The event aimed to highlight the pinnacle of Jamaican gastronomy, a mission that Lumley executed flawlessly, according to attendees. Michael Idusso, Jamaica’s honorary consul to Uganda, emphasized that the event was designed to present the best of Jamaican cuisine to Ugandan food enthusiasts. Daily Monitor journalist Gloria Haguma described the evening as a luxurious culinary journey, where each course was a masterpiece worth the anticipation. Lumley, assisted by students from Culinary School Uganda, crafted a five-course meal that artfully blended Jamaican and Ugandan flavors. The evening commenced with pre-cocktails featuring crispy pork belly adorned with sorrel glaze and jam. The main course included a jerk chicken roulade with callaloo and cheese, accompanied by baked apple and garden vegetables, followed by pimento-smoked beef tenderloin with Appleton buerre blanc. Haguma particularly praised the duo of purple sweet potato and pumpkin soup, noting that the event transcended a mere meal, evolving into a cultural exchange. Lumley, in an interview, highlighted the untapped potential of Ugandan cuisine and noted the shared ingredients between the two nations, attributing this to similar climates. He pointed out subtle differences in spice usage, with Jamaican cuisine favoring bolder flavors compared to Uganda’s more restrained approach.
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PNP criticises govt’s silence on Palestine at UN
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The People’s National Party (PNP), Jamaica’s primary opposition party, has strongly criticized the current administration for its perceived lack of solidarity with the Palestinian people during critical moments at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
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Para-mount importance
Jamaica’s para-athletes, brimming with untapped potential, are set to take center stage this week as the Jamaica Paralympic Association (JPA) launches a groundbreaking initiative to elevate para-sports in the country. On Saturday, the JPA will host the Grassroots Para Sport Festival at Liberty Academy in St. Andrew, featuring competitions in track and field, powerlifting, archery, and fencing. This event is a cornerstone of the JPA’s I Am Phenomenal campaign, aimed at fostering public awareness and education about para-sports. JPA President Christopher Samuda emphasized the festival’s role in reshaping public perception of the paralympic movement, highlighting the athletes’ resilience and determination to transcend challenges and achieve excellence. Samuda also called for increased corporate involvement, urging private sector stakeholders to become long-term partners in the movement. The festival, supported by the Americas Paralympic Committee, the Latin American Development Bank, and the Caribbean Development Bank, is expected to serve as a model for future para-sport development both nationally and regionally. By showcasing the athletes’ skills and inspiring stories, the JPA hopes to ignite a lasting transformation in how para-sports are perceived and supported in Jamaica.
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OCHA reports increase in cholera cases in Haiti
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has raised alarms over a sharp increase in cholera cases in Haiti, particularly in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area. Pétion-Ville, a key economic and educational center, has become a major hotspot for the disease. Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, revealed that between September 21 and 25, 40 suspected cases and three deaths were reported in Pétion-Ville alone. This surge coincides with the imminent start of the new school year, heightening concerns about further transmission. In total, 66 suspected cases have been recorded in the capital and surrounding communes in recent days, marking a significant escalation compared to previous weeks. Young adults, who are highly mobile due to work and daily activities, constitute the majority of cases, raising fears of the disease spreading to other areas such as Delmas, Tabarre, and Carrefour. Nationwide, over 3,100 suspected cholera cases have been reported this year. In response, local health teams are conducting investigations, collecting samples, distributing water purification tablets, and launching awareness campaigns in affected neighborhoods like Brisetoux and Bobin. OCHA, in collaboration with Haitian authorities and partners, is intensifying efforts to monitor cases and mobilize health workers to curb the outbreak’s spread.
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Flooding forces temporary closure of MLSS Harbour Street office
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) has been forced to temporarily shut down its Harbour Street office after torrential rains over the weekend led to severe flooding. The office suffered substantial water damage, necessitating immediate action from staff and cleaning teams who worked tirelessly into the night to initiate restoration efforts.
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MP power struggle
A political dispute has erupted in St James Southern, Jamaica, as former Member of Parliament (MP) Homer Davis has refuted allegations from current MP Nekeisha Burchell that he is overstepping his role by continuing to engage in constituency affairs. Burchell, who recently defeated Davis in the September 2025 General Election, accused him of undermining her mandate by involving himself in government-funded projects and overcommitting the constituency’s $20-million budget for the fiscal year. In a video posted on social media, Burchell claimed that Davis has been directing contractors and communities on initiatives, including a roadwork project in Nigga Ground, Anchovy, and six others. She announced plans for an audit to ensure transparency and value for money. However, Davis, in an interview with the Jamaica Observer, denied the accusations, asserting that he is acting as a concerned citizen and caretaker for the constituency. He emphasized that his visits to project sites are to ensure the fulfillment of commitments made during his tenure, not to interfere with Burchell’s governance. Davis also disputed claims of overcommitting funds, explaining that the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) operates in quarterly allocations, making it impossible to overspend. Burchell, in her response, stood firm on her allegations, stating that Davis’s actions have created confusion among residents and contractors. She pointed to his social media accounts, which still list him as the MP, as evidence of his continued assertion of authority. Burchell emphasized that as the newly elected MP, she is responsible for managing the constituency’s affairs and will proceed without interference. The conflict highlights the challenges of transitioning power in Jamaican politics, with both parties standing their ground on their respective roles and responsibilities.
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YouTube to pay $22 million in settlement with Trump
YouTube has reached a $22 million settlement with former President Donald Trump, resolving a lawsuit stemming from the suspension of his account following the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. The agreement, disclosed in a court document on Monday, marks another legal resolution between Trump and major tech companies. The Google-owned platform suspended Trump’s account amid concerns that his posts could incite further violence, particularly after he repeatedly claimed without evidence that the 2020 election was marred by voter fraud. Trump, 79, argued that the suspension constituted wrongful censorship and took legal action against YouTube and other social media platforms. The settlement funds will reportedly support a construction project at the White House through the nonprofit Trust for the National Mall, which focuses on preserving and enhancing the National Mall. The January 6 riot, which involved violent clashes between pro-Trump rioters and law enforcement, resulted in injuries to over 140 police officers. This settlement follows similar agreements with other tech giants, including Meta’s $25 million payout earlier this year and X’s $10 million settlement in February. Meanwhile, Alphabet’s 2025 annual report revealed that YouTube’s ad sales alone generated over $36 billion in revenue in 2024.
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Steele wins Male Vocalist of the Year at Canada’s Reggae North Music Awards
KINGSTON, Jamaica—Mark Steele, the Jamaican-born reggae artist known professionally as Steele, has been crowned Male Vocalist of the Year at the 2nd annual Reggae North Music Awards. The prestigious event, held at the Rose Theatre in Brampton, Ontario, Canada, was founded by fellow Jamaican artist and producer Tony Anthony. Steele, who hails from Lucea in Hanover, migrated to Canada over two decades ago and has since carved out a significant presence in the reggae music industry. His hit single, ‘Pick Up the Pieces,’ which addresses relationship challenges, made waves on the Rebel Vibez Top Ten Canadian Reggae chart last year. In an exclusive interview with Observer Online, Steele expressed his elation over the accolade, emphasizing the importance of consistency in maintaining relevance. ‘This achievement is a testament to the love and respect I’ve garnered from my fans and peers in the Canadian reggae scene and beyond,’ he remarked. Steele, who was also nominated for Reggae Single of the Year for ‘Pick Up the Pieces,’ has an impressive discography that includes six studio albums: ‘Uncorrupted,’ ‘The Love of Jah,’ ‘The Man,’ ‘The Music,’ ‘Reality,’ ‘Your Attention Please,’ and ‘Just Breathe,’ released four years ago. Additionally, he has been nominated three times for a JUNO Award in the Reggae Recording of the Year category.