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标签： Jamaica

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  • ‘We are keeping hope alive’

    ‘We are keeping hope alive’

    MANCHESTER, Jamaica—The administration of Manchester High School in Mandeville has renewed its appeal for the safe return of Jayden Smith, a 12-year-old student who has been missing since Friday. The school’s principal, Jasford Gabriel, expressed deep concern in an audio statement released on Sunday, emphasizing the anxiety gripping the school community and the wider Jamaican diaspora.

    Jayden was last seen leaving school on Friday evening after prayers, reportedly spotted in Mandeville around 5:00 pm. However, conflicting reports from the Alligator Pond police suggest he was last seen at home earlier that morning, dressed in his khaki uniform and brown shoes. The police have since activated a high alert and are urging the public to assist in locating the boy, described as having a dark complexion, slim build, and standing approximately 152 centimetres (5 feet) tall.

    Principal Gabriel described Jayden as a quiet yet brilliant student who had recently joined Manchester High School with an exceptional primary exit profile average of over 90%. He emphasized the school’s efforts to collaborate with law enforcement and other agencies to ensure Jayden’s safe return. The principal also called for national and international support in the search efforts, expressing hope and faith in Jayden’s safety.

    Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the Alligator Pond police at 876-224-3113, the police emergency number 119, or the nearest police station. The community remains united in its prayers and efforts to bring Jayden home safely.

  • Lives and economies at risk from weak primary healthcare in region — report

    Lives and economies at risk from weak primary healthcare in region — report

    A groundbreaking report released on Monday by the World Bank and the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) has issued a stark warning: the lack of resilience in primary healthcare (PHC) systems across Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) could result in catastrophic losses, both in human lives and economic stability. The report, titled “No Time to Wait: Resilience as the Cornerstone of Primary Health Care in Latin America and the Caribbean,” was unveiled during PAHO’s 62nd Directing Council, attended by health ministers and high-level delegates from the region. The study highlights that a 25–50 per cent reduction in PHC delivery due to a health emergency, such as a pandemic or natural disaster, could lead to up to 165,000 preventable deaths and economic losses ranging from US$7 to 37 billion over one to five years. Among the projected fatalities are 11,300 maternal deaths, 10,000 child deaths, and over 149,000 deaths from noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), alongside 14 million unintended pregnancies. Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, PAHO Director, emphasized that building robust PHC and resilience are inseparable. “Without resilient PHC, the next crisis will disproportionately affect the poorest and most marginalized communities,” he stated. The report defines resilience as the ability of health systems to maintain essential services equitably before, during, and after shocks, including pandemics, hurricanes, and floods. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the region’s vulnerabilities, with LAC accounting for 30 per cent of global COVID-19 deaths despite representing only 8.5 per cent of the world’s population. Essential services like maternal care, childhood immunization, and chronic disease treatment plummeted by up to 50 per cent, with some countries experiencing gaps for over two years. The region, prone to hurricanes, floods, and vector-borne outbreaks, remains heavily reliant on hospital-centered, fragmented health systems with insufficient investment in PHC. Jaime Saavedra, World Bank’s Director of Human Development for LAC, stressed that strengthening PHC is one of the region’s greatest health challenges. The report outlines a five-point action plan to build resilience, including expanding equitable care models, embedding public health functions within PHC, and ensuring sustainable financing. PAHO urges health leaders to prioritize PHC resilience as a political and economic imperative.

  • Court date rescheduled in battle of neurosurgeons

    Court date rescheduled in battle of neurosurgeons

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The legal case involving Dr. Carl Bruce, the medical chief of staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI), and his colleague, neurosurgeon Dr. Roger Hunter, faced an adjournment on Monday. The delay was requested by Dr. Bruce’s legal team, who cited insufficient time to prepare after receiving case documents recently. Dr. Hunter’s attorney, Hugh Wildman, expressed no objection to the postponement but emphasized his client’s readiness to proceed. ‘We could have started today if they were prepared,’ Wildman remarked. Dr. Hunter voiced his disappointment, highlighting concerns over the efficient use of judicial resources. ‘We are surprised by their lack of readiness, especially since the police have been involved since November last year,’ he stated. Dr. Bruce faces charges of malicious destruction of property and assault following an alleged incident during Dr. Hunter’s surgical preparations in April. The case, which Dr. Hunter previously declined to mediate, is set to resume on February 9.

  • Montego Bay United whip Spanish Town Police to retake JPL lead

    Montego Bay United whip Spanish Town Police to retake JPL lead

    Montego Bay United delivered a commanding performance on Sunday, securing a resounding 4-0 victory over newly promoted Spanish Town Police at the Montego Bay Sports Complex. This triumph propelled them back to the summit of the Jamaica Premier League standings with 13 points, two ahead of Racing United, who were held to a goalless draw against Tivoli Gardens for the second consecutive match. Portmore United and Chapelton Maroons trail closely, both tied on 10 points but having played one fewer game than the league leaders. The match was marred by disciplinary issues for Spanish Town Police, as two of their players received red cards. Anil Ferguson was sent off in the 88th minute, while Shevan James, already substituted, was dismissed from the bench. Montego Bay United showcased their attacking prowess, with three of their four scorers netting their first goals of the season. Josiah Trimmingham opened the scoring in the eighth minute with a header from a corner, followed by Timar Lewis doubling the lead in the 28th minute with another header. Deonjay Brown, a second-half substitute, capitalized on a swift counterattack in the 74th minute, and Jahmari Clarke, returning from injury, sealed the victory with his third goal of the season in the 85th minute.

  • OCHA reports increase in cholera cases in Haiti

    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.

  • Flooding forces temporary closure of MLSS Harbour Street office

    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.

  • MP power struggle

    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.

  • YouTube to pay $22 million in settlement with Trump

    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.

  • Steele wins Male Vocalist of the Year at Canada’s Reggae North Music Awards

    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.

  • New lord bishop calls for unity

    New lord bishop calls for unity

    In a momentous ceremony at the Cathedral of St Jago de la Vega in Spanish Town, St Catherine, the Anglican Diocese of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands welcomed its 15th Lord Bishop, Right Reverend Leon Paul Golding, on Sunday. The liturgy of induction, investiture, and enthronement began with three symbolic knocks on the cathedral door by Golding, a former suffragan bishop of Montego Bay. Upon entering, he was greeted by a congregation of clergy and laypeople who had elected him during a special synod in March 2025. Adorned in a golden cape and mitre bearing the diocesan emblem, Golding sought permission to enter the church, a tradition followed by his predecessors. The ceremony included prayers for the church, the nation, and Christian causes, culminating in his installation as the spiritual leader of the diocese. Chancellor Zaila McCalla and Registrar Rev Peter DePass officiated the reading of letters conferring episcopal rights and duties. Outgoing Lord Bishop Howard Gregory passed the pastoral staff, a symbol of Christian leadership, to Golding. The service featured hymns such as Noel Dexter’s Psalm 23 and Te Deum Laudamus, accompanied by a fanfare of drums and applause. In his inaugural sermon, Golding emphasized unity within the diverse Christian denominations, quoting 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 and the hymn Summoned by the God who made us. He urged church workers to collaborate with governmental and non-governmental organizations in serving communities. The service included scripture readings by Golding’s daughter LeeAnne and Vincent Lawrence, with Deacon Anna-Lise Wisdom proclaiming the gospel. Representatives from the Roman Catholic and Methodist churches, including Archbishop Kenneth Richards and Rev Wayneford McFarlane, also participated. Music was led by the Diocesan Festival Choir, St Hilda’s Diocesan High School Choir, St Jago High School Choir, and Philippians Steel Band, showcasing Jamaican composers and traditional hymns. Golding, ordained a deacon in 1984 and a priest in 1985, has served in various churches across Kingston, St Andrew, and St James. He was consecrated as a suffragan bishop in 2012 and assumed the role of canonical administrator on January 1, 2025, following Gregory’s retirement. Married to Lauren, Golding has three children actively involved in the church. The diocese will convene an elective assembly in November to determine his successor as bishop of Montego Bay.