标签： Jamaica

The Jamaica Meteorological Service has prolonged its flash flood alert for vulnerable regions, including St Thomas, Kingston, St Andrew, St Catherine, Clarendon, Manchester, St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, and Hanover, until 8:00 am on Monday. Meanwhile, the warning has been lifted for other parishes with immediate effect. The adverse weather conditions are attributed to a trough generated by Tropical Depression Nine, currently situated near The Bahamas, which has triggered widespread instability across the island. Satellite imagery, radar data, and automated rainfall reports confirm that moderate to heavy showers and thunderstorms have impacted southern parishes and Hanover from Saturday night into Sunday morning. The forecast predicts continued periods of intense showers and thunderstorms, particularly in southern regions, extending into Monday. This persistent rainfall has saturated the soil, heightening the risk of flooding and landslides. Fishermen operating near cays and banks are advised to exercise extreme caution due to deteriorating sea conditions caused by thunderstorms and strong winds. A flash flood warning indicates that flooding is either occurring or imminent. Authorities urge motorists and pedestrians to avoid flooded roadways and low-lying areas due to dangerous currents. Residents in flood-prone zones are encouraged to remain vigilant and prepare for swift relocation to higher ground. The Met Service will continue to monitor the situation closely.

KINGSTON, Jamaica – Kingston has been selected as one of 13 cities worldwide to participate in the Carter Center’s Inform Women, Transform Lives campaign. This global initiative seeks to enhance women’s access to government information and essential city services, fostering gender equity and transparency. Mayor Andrew Swaby hailed the inclusion as a significant milestone in the city’s ongoing efforts to empower women and promote inclusivity. He emphasized that the campaign aligns with Kingston’s broader objectives, including the potential adoption of frameworks like CEDAW, which would further solidify the city’s commitment to gender equality. The initiative will provide Kingston with resources to implement activities such as media outreach, community programs, government training, and public art installations, while also facilitating knowledge-sharing among participating cities. Now in its fourth phase, the campaign spans 48 cities across five continents, impacting over 255 million people. Kingston joins a diverse group of cities, including Abuja, Cardiff, Guadalajara, Karachi, and Toronto. The launch coincides with the International Day of Universal Access to Information, highlighting the campaign’s focus on transparency and the fundamental right to information. For further details, visit www.informwomen.org.

The untimely death of Tyra Spaulding, a former Miss Universe Jamaica contestant, has reignited conversations about mental health awareness and the role of social media in identifying and addressing mental health crises. Spaulding, a 26-year-old accountant, was found dead in her home under circumstances that suggest suicide. Her passing has left a profound impact on her family, friends, and the broader community, particularly Dr. Saphire Longmore, a consultant psychiatrist and former Miss Universe Jamaica contestant, who expressed deep regret over not recognizing the warning signs in Spaulding’s social media posts.

A tragic incident unfolded on Sunday in Grand Blanc, Michigan, when a shooter targeted a Mormon church, resulting in one fatality and multiple injuries. The assailant, a 40-year-old man from a nearby town, was fatally shot by law enforcement following the attack. Authorities have yet to determine a motive for the violence, which also involved the suspect setting the church on fire. President Donald Trump condemned the act on his Truth Social platform, labeling it as a “horrendous” attack on Christians in the United States. Eyewitness accounts and images from the scene depicted emergency services evacuating victims on stretchers and a massive plume of dark smoke rising from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Local Police Chief William Renye reported that the suspect drove his vehicle through the church’s front doors before opening fire with an assault rifle. The service was reportedly attended by hundreds of congregants. Authorities believe the gunman intentionally ignited the fire before being neutralized by responding officers. Ten individuals with gunshot wounds were hospitalized, one of whom succumbed to injuries. The fire has since been extinguished, but officials anticipate discovering additional victims once the scene is secured. A nearby resident recounted hearing screams and pleas for help. FBI agents have joined the investigation, with Chief Kash Patel denouncing the act as a “cowardly and criminal” attack on a place of worship. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed she has been briefed on the incident.