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标签： Jamaica

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  • JPS rebuilding 10 miles of power lines to restore water to 50,000 Westmoreland residents

    JPS rebuilding 10 miles of power lines to restore water to 50,000 Westmoreland residents

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica Public Service (JPS) has initiated a comprehensive reconstruction project to reactivate electricity transmission to the National Water Commission’s (NWC) Roaring River Pump, a critical facility providing water to approximately 50,000 residents in Westmoreland. The initiative, described as part of the ‘last mile’ restoration phase, also aims to reinstate power to over 1,700 local customers.

    JPS President and CEO Hugh Grant emphasized the project’s prioritization of essential services despite the disproportionate effort required. ‘We recognize the significant inconvenience and health implications caused by water shortages. Although this extensive work will restore power to a relatively small number of JPS customers, the primary benefit is restoring water supply to tens of thousands. This aligns with our strategy to prioritize critical infrastructure including water systems, hospitals, and telecommunications,’ Grant stated in a Tuesday media release.

    The reconstruction effort involves rebuilding over 10 miles of electrical infrastructure from the JPS Paradise Substation to the Roaring River pump. Hurricane Melissa’s Category 5 impact caused catastrophic damage, washing away roadways and flooding entire areas. The utility company has had to redesign routes, relocate infrastructure, and reconstruct entire line sections to establish a more resilient network.

    Canadian contracting firm Holland Power Services, assisted by digger derricks and specialized equipment, is replanting more than 300 uprooted electricity poles along the corridor. Over 100 line workers comprising international contractors and local JPS teams have been deployed to complete the challenging terrain work.

    JPS Operations Area Manager Kenyatta Campbell detailed the extraordinary challenges: ‘This represents some of the most difficult work our teams have faced during restoration. We’re relocating poles from swamp-created areas to stable ground, encountering rocky soil conditions that require specialized rock-digging equipment in newly identified locations.’

    Upon completion, the project will restore electricity to Petersfield, Shrewsbury, Carawina, Waterworks, Dean’s Valley, Petersfield High School, and surrounding communities while reactivating the crucial water pump. Similar ‘last mile’ restoration efforts continue in St. Elizabeth, Hanover, St. James, and Trelawny.

    JPS advises affected customers to employ licensed electricians for premises inspection to ensure internal wiring systems are safe before power restoration.

  • Damage to Jamaica’s forests by Melissa up to 100 per cent in some areas – Samuda

    Damage to Jamaica’s forests by Melissa up to 100 per cent in some areas – Samuda

    Jamaica’s ecosystem has sustained catastrophic damage from Hurricane Melissa, with forest destruction reaching near-total levels in certain regions. Environmental Minister Matthew Samuda presented alarming data to the House of Representatives revealing that the hurricane created a devastating west-to-northwest path of destruction across the island during its November-December impact period.

    The most severe devastation occurred in forests situated on steep slopes with shallow soil foundations, where damage assessments recorded 76% to 100% destruction. The hurricane’s fury manifested through complete canopy elimination, mature trees torn from their roots, shattered trunks, and significant slope destabilization. Particularly distressing was the impact on disturbed broadleaf forests, which suffered degradation across 42,000 hectares—representing over 30% of all documented damage.

    Secondary forests, which had been recovering from previous human-induced damage, experienced substantial setbacks with urban tree coverage declining by more than 26%. The environmental catastrophe extended to coastal regions where mangrove ecosystems, vital for shoreline protection, endured nearly 24% degradation.

    In crucial mangrove complexes spanning Trelawny, St James, Hanover, St Elizabeth and Westmoreland, approximately 90% of trees displayed evidence of uprooting, canopy destruction, or severe defoliation. These structural damages have immediate consequences for coastal protection mechanisms, aquatic habitat preservation, and carbon storage capacity.

    In response to this ecological crisis, the Jamaican government has prioritized mangrove restoration within its national recovery strategy. Targeted replanting initiatives are underway in Parottee and other vulnerable wetlands, employing scientifically-proven species and techniques designed to stabilize shorelines and accelerate natural regeneration processes.

  • United States withdrawal from WHO makes US, world ‘unsafe’—WHO chief

    United States withdrawal from WHO makes US, world ‘unsafe’—WHO chief

    GENEVA—The Director-General of the World Health Organization issued a grave warning on Tuesday regarding the imminent U.S. departure from the UN health agency, characterizing the move as detrimental to both American and global health security. The caution came as the one-year withdrawal process, initiated by former President Donald Trump’s executive order on January 20, 2025, approaches its finalization.

    WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed profound regret during a press briefing from the agency’s Geneva headquarters, stating that the withdrawal represents a significant loss for international public health cooperation. ‘This decision compromises safety not only within the United States but across the globe,’ Tedros emphasized. ‘It ultimately represents an ill-advised course of action.’

    The WHO leader highlighted the critical benefits that the United States derives from its participation in the organization, particularly regarding health security initiatives. ‘There are numerous WHO-coordinated activities that substantially benefit the U.S., especially in the realm of health security preparedness,’ Tedros noted. ‘This is precisely why I maintain that American safety cannot be guaranteed without collaborative engagement with WHO.’

    Legal complexities surrounding the withdrawal process emerged during the briefing. WHO Chief Legal Officer Steve Solomon clarified that while the organization’s constitution lacks explicit withdrawal provisions, the United States had established specific conditions for departure in 1948. These conditions include providing one year’s advance notice and fulfilling all financial obligations for the current fiscal year.

    Solomon revealed that the United States currently maintains outstanding payments for both 2024 and 2025, though specific figures were not disclosed. This financial delinquency raises questions about whether the technical conditions for withdrawal have been satisfactorily met, a determination that ultimately rests with WHO member states.

    The timing of the American exit proves particularly challenging as international health aid budgets face substantial reductions worldwide. Tedros acknowledged that ‘adequate funding remains crucial for our organization’s operational capacity,’ but stressed that the appeal for U.S. reconsideration ‘transcends financial considerations.’

    The Director-General concluded with a powerful message about global health solidarity: ‘What truly matters is our collective cooperation and worldwide preparedness against common threats such as viral pathogens. In facing adversaries like COVID-19, our strongest defense remains unity. The most effective immunity is indeed solidarity.’

  • ‘Put her in a bikini’

    ‘Put her in a bikini’

    PARIS — Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence venture, xAI, is confronting intense international criticism following revelations that its Grok chatbot facilitated the creation of sexually explicit deepfake imagery depicting women and minors. The controversy has triggered swift governmental responses worldwide and raised profound questions about AI ethics and content moderation.

    The scandal emerged when users discovered Grok’s capability to generate and manipulate images through simple text prompts on the X social network. By tagging the AI bot in posts, individuals could request alterations such as ‘put her in a bikini’ or ‘remove her clothing,’ receiving photorealistic fake images in response. This functionality effectively mainstreamed AI-powered nonconsensual ‘nudifying’ services that were previously confined to niche websites, offering them freely within a major social media platform.

    Disturbingly, investigators discovered widespread misuse targeting both living women and deceased victims, including individuals killed in the Crans-Montana ski resort fire and a woman fatally shot by Minneapolis immigration authorities. A comprehensive analysis by Paris-based AI Forensics examining over 20,000 Grok-generated images revealed more than half depicted ‘individuals in minimal attire,’ predominantly women, with approximately two percent appearing to be underage subjects.

    Global regulatory reactions have been decisive. Indonesia became the first nation to completely block access to Grok on January 13, with Malaysia implementing similar restrictions within 24 hours. Indian authorities confirmed the removal of 3,500 posts and 600 user accounts following formal complaints. Britain’s Ofcom media regulator launched an official investigation into whether X violated UK laws regarding sexual imagery, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer vowing rapid intervention if the platform cannot control its AI tool.

    European institutions have responded with particular vigor. France’s children’s commissioner referred the matter to prosecutors and regulatory bodies, while Digital Affairs Minister Anne Le Henanff denounced xAI’s mitigation measures as ‘insufficient and hypocritical.’ The European Commission issued a formal preservation order requiring X to retain all internal Grok-related documents and data through 2026, extending an existing investigation into potential digital rule violations. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declared unequivocally that child protection ‘will not be outsourced to Silicon Valley.’

    xAI initially responded through its safety team, emphasizing actions against ‘illegal content including Child Sexual Abuse Material through removal, permanent suspensions, and cooperation with governments.’ Musk personally stated that Grok users creating illegal content would face consequences equivalent to uploading such material directly. However, the executive simultaneously minimized the controversy by sharing a mock image of a bikini-clad toaster with laughing emojis to his 232 million followers.

    By January 9, Grok implemented technical changes restricting image generation exclusively to premium subscribers, though critics maintain this fails to address fundamental ethical concerns. Musk subsequently accused politicians demanding action of attempting to ‘suppress free speech,’ framing the debate as a clash between regulation and digital liberty.

  • Solar technician electrocuted in Santa Cruz

    Solar technician electrocuted in Santa Cruz

    A tragic workplace incident in Santa Cruz has claimed the life of a seasoned solar technician, casting a shadow over Jamaica’s growing renewable energy sector. Steve White, a 54-year-old electrician from Old Porus in Manchester, was fatally electrocuted on Monday evening while installing solar panels atop a commercial plaza located on Main Street.

    According to preliminary investigative reports compiled by local law enforcement, the accident occurred at approximately 7:00 PM. White was actively engaged in the installation process when a sudden electrical discharge occurred. Colleagues present at the scene reported witnessing a bright flash of light followed by White’s cry indicating he had received a severe shock.

    Despite initially assuring his coworkers that he was uninjured and walking away from the immediate site, White collapsed mere moments later. Emergency services were promptly alerted and transported the technician to Mandeville Regional Hospital. Medical personnel pronounced him dead upon arrival, despite attempts to administer life-saving treatment.

    The Jamaica Constabulary Force has launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal electrocution. Industry experts note that such incidents highlight the critical importance of stringent safety protocols in the rapidly expanding solar installation field, particularly when working with high-voltage systems. This event marks another sobering reminder of the occupational hazards faced by technicians in the renewable energy sector.

  • ACP urging wanted men to give up willingly following ‘quiet’ capture of ‘Bloodstain’

    ACP urging wanted men to give up willingly following ‘quiet’ capture of ‘Bloodstain’

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaican law enforcement authorities are calling upon the nation’s most wanted fugitives to voluntarily surrender following the peaceful apprehension of a high-profile gang leader this week. The appeal comes after Courtney Ashley, alias ‘Bloodstain’—a prime suspect on the Area Four police Most Wanted list—was captured without incident during a tactical operation in Portmore, St Catherine.

    Assistant Commissioner of Police Michael Phipps publicly commended Ashley’s compliance during the arrest, which occurred within the gated community of Phoenix Park. According to official reports, members of the St Catherine South Special Operations team confronted Ashley alongside another male individual and a female associate at approximately 7:10 PM on Monday. Although Ashley and his male companion initially attempted flight, security forces promptly intercepted and detained all three individuals.

    Investigators subsequently conducted a thorough search of the premises, resulting in the seizure of multiple evidentiary items including electronic devices such as laptops and cellular phones, a card reader, and substantial quantities of both Jamaican and United States currency.

    ACP Phipps emphasized the operational benefits of peaceful surrender, stating: ‘Ashley’s cooperative disposition eliminated any necessity for forceful engagement. We strongly urge other high-risk targets and wanted persons to emulate this example when confronted by security personnel.’

    The police commander further issued a stern warning to civilians against harboring fugitives, indicating that the detained woman faces potential prosecution for providing refuge to a wanted individual. Ashley himself remains in custody facing multiple charges including homicide and organized violence allegations linked to his purported leadership of the Bottom Marverly Gang.

  • Epstein probe summons Clintons as US Congress warns of contempt

    Epstein probe summons Clintons as US Congress warns of contempt

    WASHINGTON—The U.S. Congressional investigation into the Jeffrey Epstein scandal enters a critical phase this week as former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton face court-ordered depositions before the House Oversight Committee. The high-profile testimonies, scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday respectively, mark a significant escalation in the Republican-led probe examining connections between powerful figures and the convicted sex offender.

    The committee’s chairman, Representative James Comer, has issued stern warnings about potential contempt charges should the Clintons fail to comply with the subpoenas. In an official statement, Comer emphasized that ‘the former president and former secretary of state have delayed, obstructed and largely ignored the committee staff’s efforts to schedule their testimony’ over the past four months.

    This development coincides with mounting pressure on the Trump administration regarding transparency in the Epstein case. The Justice Department recently faced criticism for releasing merely one percent of relevant case documents nearly a month past the legal deadline, angering many supporters of former President Trump who believe Epstein was murdered to conceal involvement of powerful elites.

    The bipartisan investigation, unanimously approved last year, seeks testimony from current and former officials regarding Epstein’s network and how information about his crimes was handled. While the Clintons were initially scheduled to testify in October, dates were postponed during negotiations with their legal representatives.

    Bill Clinton’s spokesman contends that proposed terms mirror those accepted for other witnesses, accusing Comer of unexplained targeting. Hillary Clinton’s office questions the relevance of her testimony, noting the committee has yet to establish why her deposition is necessary.

    Epstein, who associated with numerous high-profile figures including Trump before his conviction for sex crimes and subsequent death in custody, has become the subject of extensive conspiracy theories. His jailhouse death—officially ruled suicide—has fueled suspicions among Trump supporters about an international pedophile ring and alleged cover-up.

    Notably, no evidence has emerged implicating either Clinton in criminal conduct related to Epstein. The former president maintains he was unaware of Epstein’s crimes and severed ties over a decade before his arrest. Clinton’s office has advocated for full disclosure of all remaining case files.

    The potential consequences for defying Congressional subpoenas have gained renewed significance following recent prosecutions. Two allies of former President Trump received jail sentences for refusing subpoenas in the January 6 Capitol attack investigation, demonstrating that Congressional defiance can carry substantial legal repercussions. Criminal contempt of Congress constitutes a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year imprisonment and $100,000 fines, though prosecutions depend on Justice Department cooperation.

  • Seiveright discusses development finance options with US officials

    Seiveright discusses development finance options with US officials

    Jamaican officials initiated high-level discussions with United States financial representatives on Tuesday to explore avenues for catalyzing private investment into the nation’s strategic economic sectors. The pivotal meeting featured Delano Seiveright, State Minister in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, engaging with delegates from the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and the US Embassy stationed in Kingston.

    Central to the dialogue was Michael McNulty, Regional Managing Director for Central America and the Caribbean at the DFC, who represented the US government’s primary development finance institution. The DFC operates with an impressive global investment portfolio authority capped at US$60 billion, employing sophisticated financial instruments including direct loans, comprehensive guarantees, strategic equity investments, and political risk insurance solutions.

    This collaborative engagement focused on identifying concrete mechanisms to mobilize capital toward Jamaica’s priority industries, signaling a strengthened economic partnership between the two nations. The discussions underscored Jamaica’s proactive approach to securing development financing that leverages private sector involvement rather than relying solely on traditional aid models.

    The meeting represents a significant step in Jamaica’s ongoing efforts to attract foreign investment and stimulate economic growth through international partnerships, particularly with United States financial institutions possessing substantial resources for development initiatives across the Caribbean region.

  • WHO says sugary drinks, alcohol getting cheaper, should be taxed more

    WHO says sugary drinks, alcohol getting cheaper, should be taxed more

    GENEVA, Switzerland — The World Health Organization issued a compelling call to action on Tuesday, urging nations worldwide to implement significant tax increases on sugary beverages and alcoholic products. This strategic move aims to curb consumption patterns linked to escalating global health crises while generating crucial funding for overburdened healthcare systems.

    The UN health agency presented comprehensive data revealing that persistently low taxation structures have inadvertently made these harmful products increasingly affordable relative to other goods. This pricing dynamic, according to WHO experts, actively contributes to the rising prevalence of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and various cancers across populations.

    WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the transformative potential of health-focused taxation, stating, “Fiscal policies represent among the most powerful instruments available to governments for promoting population health and preventing disease. By strategically increasing levies on tobacco, sugar-sweetened beverages, and alcohol, nations can simultaneously reduce harmful consumption and secure essential resources for critical health services.”

    The organization released parallel global reports examining current taxation frameworks for both alcohol and sugar-sweetened beverages. The findings revealed that while 116 countries currently impose some form of tax on sugary drinks, numerous high-sugar products—including fruit juices, sweetened milk beverages, and ready-to-drink coffee and tea—frequently escape taxation entirely.

    Regarding alcoholic beverages, the analysis demonstrated concerning trends: beer became more affordable in 56 countries between 2022 and 2024, while wine received excise tax exemptions in at least 25 nations, predominantly within European markets.

    Dr. Jeremy Farrar, WHO Assistant Director-General for Health Promotion, Disease Prevention and Care, drew parallels with successful tobacco taxation models: “The evidence regarding tobacco taxation’s effectiveness in reducing consumption is unequivocal. We must apply the same principled approach to sugary beverages—using fiscal policy as a behavioral intervention while strengthening prevention capabilities, particularly in nations grappling with the rapid rise of non-communicable diseases.”

    The WHO initiative forms part of its broader “3 by 35” campaign, which seeks to substantially increase prices for tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks by 2035 through strategic taxation redesign. The agency acknowledges implementation challenges, noting that such measures often face strong opposition from well-funded industry groups with significant financial interests at stake.

    Despite political hurdles, the WHO points to successful implementations in the Philippines, Britain, and Lithuania as evidence that well-designed health taxes can achieve both public health improvements and sustainable healthcare financing when implemented effectively.

  • Campbell Rochester appointed PS in the Ministry of Energy, Transport and Telecommunications

    Campbell Rochester appointed PS in the Ministry of Energy, Transport and Telecommunications

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Jamaican government has announced the strategic appointment of Kedesha Campbell Rochester as the new Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Energy, Telecommunications and Transport. This decision places a seasoned governance expert at the helm of a critical ministry overseeing key national infrastructure sectors.

    Campbell Rochester ascends to this pivotal role equipped with an extensive 15-year track record in progressive leadership, institutional reform, and policy implementation. The ministry’s official announcement highlighted her exceptional qualifications to steer the agency’s strategic directives, emphasizing her reputation as a transformational leader. She is particularly acclaimed for her proven capabilities in modernizing operational systems, reinforcing accountability frameworks, and achieving tangible, measurable outcomes that contribute directly to national development goals.

    Her professional portfolio includes an eight-year tenure as director of a major national development program. In this capacity, she was credited with demonstrating significant vision and innovation by pioneering the integration of advanced monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. She successfully embedded results-based management methodologies throughout the organization, fundamentally establishing a corporate culture dedicated to performance excellence.

    Further underscoring her appointment, the ministry cited her demonstrated proficiency in navigating complex organizational hierarchies, orchestrating multi-stakeholder initiatives, and ensuring that all operational activities are precisely aligned with overarching strategic objectives. Her expertise encompasses comprehensive program oversight, rigorous fiscal management, institutional capacity building, and fostering cross-sectoral collaboration.

    Academically, Campbell Rochester is fortified by a Master of Science in Project Management from the University of Salford in the United Kingdom and a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Political Science from The University of the West Indies, Mona. Her formal education is further enhanced by specialized advanced training in Corporate Governance and General Management.

    Beyond her executive roles, she has contributed to national policy shaping through service on the boards of several prominent public bodies, including the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), the Urban Development Corporation (UDC), and the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF). In recognition of her distinguished service to the nation, she has been conferred with the honor of Officer of the Order of Distinction. Campbell Rochester also serves her community as a justice of the peace.