KINGSTON, Jamaica — The People’s National Party (PNP) has unveiled Shameel Brown as the incoming chair of the OT Fairclough Trust Fund Grants Board, marking a significant transition in leadership. Brown takes over from Richard Azan, a Member of Parliament, who has been lauded for his dedicated service in steering the board towards its mission of empowering party workers through various opportunities.
标签： Jamaica
牙买加
-
Mt Pleasant into semis of Concacaf Caribbean Cup
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Mt Pleasant FA has secured a spot in the semi-finals of the Concacaf Caribbean Cup after a commanding 2-0 victory over Universidad O&M FC at the National Stadium in Kingston. The triumph ensured their top position in Group A with a perfect record of 12 points from four matches. Under the guidance of coach Theodore Whitmore, the team showcased a stellar defensive performance, not conceding a single goal throughout the group stage while netting seven times. Their opponents, O&M FC from the Dominican Republic, finished second in the group with six points, followed by SV Robinhood of Suriname and Central FC of Trinidad and Tobago, both with four points. Moca FC languished at the bottom of the table with just three points. The decisive goals came from Gadail Irving and Ranaldo Biggs. Irving’s expertly executed free kick in the 36th minute left O&M FC’s goalkeeper Iraitz Gelbentzu helpless, while Biggs sealed the win in the 63rd minute, courtesy of a precise assist from Raheem Edwards. This marks a historic achievement for Mt Pleasant FA, as they progress beyond the first round for the first time in the competition.
-
Goat thieves further remanded, motor vehicle used to commit the act released by court
In a recent development in Kingston, Jamaica, Andrew Beacon and Anthony Spence faced further custody as their case regarding the theft of four goats from Hayes in Clarendon proceeded in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Tuesday. Beacon is accused of receiving stolen property, while Spence faces charges of unauthorized possession of property. The court highlighted that a crucial statement from the goat owner is still pending, delaying the case’s progress. The incident dates back to August 3, 2025, when police officers in Denham Town noticed a Toyota Fielder speeding suspiciously. Upon pursuit, the vehicle, allegedly driven by Spence, entered Beacon’s premises, where an attempt to close the gate was made. Four goats were discovered inside the car, leading to the arrest of both individuals. In a related decision, Judge Peter Wilson released the Toyota Fielder to its owner under a $100,000 bond, stipulating that the vehicle must remain unaltered and undisposed until the court’s final verdict. Wilson emphasized the necessity of further discussions with the owner regarding the vehicle’s loan details. The accused are scheduled to reappear in court on October 10, 2025.
-
Spain aims to create new gender violence crime category
In a significant step to combat gender-based violence, Spain’s leftist government has approved a groundbreaking bill to classify vicarious violence as a distinct criminal offense. Vicarious violence, defined as harm inflicted on women through their loved ones—often children or close relatives—by a partner or ex-partner, has been a growing concern in the country. Equality Minister Ana Redondo emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue, stating, ‘This form of violence is not currently recognized in our legal system. Given the reality, it is crucial to define and incorporate it.’ Since 2013, 65 children in Spain have been murdered in acts of vicarious violence, highlighting the severity of the problem. Beyond extreme cases, such violence can manifest in subtler forms, such as withholding prescribed medication, preventing children from participating in activities they enjoy, or returning them to their mothers in unsanitary conditions. The proposed amendment to the criminal code would classify vicarious violence as a gender-based aggravating circumstance, with penalties ranging from six months to three years in prison. Additionally, abusers would be prohibited from publishing materials that could further traumatize victims. The bill, championed by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s government, which has prioritized feminism and gender equality, now faces the challenge of gaining parliamentary approval despite lacking a majority. Spain has long been a leader in addressing gender-based violence, with its 2005 law introducing specialized courts, free legal aid, emergency housing, and prosecution without requiring a formal complaint from the victim.
-
Youth-led group tackles mental health stigma with peer-to-peer support
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Nowell Lewin Jr, a 23-year-old law student and farmer, is spearheading a transformative movement to address mental health challenges and suicide in Jamaica. Armed with determination and a phone, Lewin founded the Global Integration Society, a youth-led mental health advocacy group dedicated to dismantling the stigma surrounding mental illness in the country.
-
Haiti, Caricom welcome UN Security Council resolution on Haiti
The United Nations Security Council has unanimously endorsed a resolution to transition the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti into a new Gang Suppression Force (GSF). The resolution, co-sponsored by the United States and Panama, was adopted with 12 votes in favor, three abstentions (China, Pakistan, and Russia), and no opposition. This decision marks a significant step in addressing Haiti’s escalating security crisis, which has been exacerbated by criminal gangs seeking to destabilize the provisional government since the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July 2021. The GSF will operate for an initial period of 12 months, with an authorized personnel ceiling of 5,550, including 5,500 uniformed military and police personnel and 50 civilians. US Ambassador Michael Waltz emphasized that the resolution offers renewed hope for Haiti, describing it as a critical first step in tackling the country’s humanitarian and security challenges. Panama echoed this sentiment, affirming its commitment to Haiti and stating that the international community must act decisively to address the crisis. Haiti’s representative, Ericq Pierre, hailed the transition as a pivotal moment in the nation’s fight against gang violence, acknowledging the limitations of the MSS mission and the need for a more robust mandate. The Caribbean Community (Caricom) has pledged logistical and administrative support for the GSF, while Guyana’s ambassador highlighted the importance of safeguarding human rights, particularly for children, who constitute half of gang membership. However, Russia expressed skepticism, criticizing the lack of assessment of the MSS mission’s effectiveness and warning that the new force could lead to unintended consequences.
-
Forex: $161.22 to one US dollar
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The United States dollar demonstrated a notable uptick in its value against the Jamaican dollar on Tuesday, September 30, closing at $161.22, marking an increase of 17 cents. This development was highlighted in the Bank of Jamaica’s daily exchange trading summary, reflecting the ongoing dynamics in the foreign exchange market. Concurrently, the Canadian dollar also experienced a rise, ending the day at $116.51, up from its previous close of $116.11. Similarly, the British pound saw a significant surge, concluding the trading session at $216.87, compared to $214.99 the day before. These fluctuations underscore the volatile nature of global currency markets and their impact on local economies. The strengthening of major currencies like the US dollar, Canadian dollar, and British pound against the Jamaican dollar could have broader implications for trade, investment, and economic stability in the region.
-
Four Jamaicans to compete in 2025 Caribbean Elite Road Cycling Championships in Belize
KINGSTON, Jamaica — A formidable quartet of Jamaican cyclists is set to embark on a journey to Belize next week, representing the nation at the 2025 Caribbean Elite Road Cycling Championships, scheduled from October 9th to 13th. The team, led by seasoned coach Carlton Simmonds, includes accomplished riders Andrey Ramsay and Jaequan Dixon, alongside rising stars Melvin McFarlane and Llori Sharpe. This prestigious event will see athletes from 15 Caribbean nations vying for qualification to the 2026 Caribbean and Central American (CAC) Games, slated to take place in Santo Domingo from July 24th to August 8th. Ramsay, a former national champion with extensive experience in regional competitions, is poised to deliver a strong performance. McFarlane, who recently clinched the national title in July, will make his elite debut, while Dixon competes in the U23 category. Sharpe, recovering from a recent injury caused by a motorist collision, is determined to defend her championship title and secure a spot for the CAC Games. Coach Simmonds expressed confidence in the team’s rigorous preparation, both physically and mentally, as they aim to secure top positions in Belize.
-
US lists Caribbean countries in 2025 Trafficking in Persons Report
The United States Department of State has unveiled its 2025 Trafficking in Persons Report, highlighting the status of several Caribbean nations in combating human trafficking. The report underscores that ‘trafficking in persons’ and ‘human trafficking’ are interchangeable terms describing crimes where traffickers exploit individuals, including children, for forced labor or commercial sex. The State Department emphasized that any involvement of minors under 18 in commercial sex acts constitutes a crime, irrespective of coercion or fraud. The report categorizes countries into tiers based on their adherence to the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) standards. The Bahamas, Guyana, and Suriname were placed in Tier 1, signifying full compliance with TVPA standards. Tier 2 includes Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Belize, Jamaica, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Curaçao, the Dominican Republic, and Trinidad and Tobago, which are making significant efforts toward compliance. St Lucia and Barbados were placed on the Tier 2 Watch List due to increasing trafficking cases and insufficient actions. Saint Maarten, Venezuela, and Cuba were relegated to Tier 3 for failing to meet minimum standards and lacking significant efforts. Haiti, along with Libya, Somalia, and Yemen, was classified as a ‘Special Case.’ The report also outlined potential consequences for Tier 3 countries, including restrictions on foreign assistance and opposition to multilateral development bank loans. The TVPA defines severe forms of trafficking and aligns with the UN TIP Protocol, ratified by over 180 countries, to combat this global issue.
-
Strong quake in central Philippines kills 26 as search ongoing
A devastating 6.9-magnitude earthquake rocked the central Philippines late Tuesday, causing widespread destruction and claiming at least 26 lives on the island of Cebu. Authorities fear the death toll may rise as rescue teams continue to search for survivors amidst the rubble of collapsed buildings. The quake, which struck at 9:59 pm near the northern city of Bogo, was shallow and powerful, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported 147 injuries and damage to 22 structures, though specific details remain unclear. Local rescuers in Bogo and the nearby municipality of San Remigio confirmed fatalities, with efforts to recover victims hindered by darkness and ongoing aftershocks. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology recorded 379 aftershocks in the region.
Dramatic footage shared on social media captured the moment a historic Catholic church on Bantayan Island crumbled, its belfry collapsing into the courtyard. Local television also showed a bridge in Cebu violently shaking, forcing motorcyclists to dismount and cling to railings for safety. Power outages affected Cebu and neighboring islands, though electricity was restored shortly after midnight.
The Cebu provincial government has appealed for medical volunteers via its official Facebook page, emphasizing the urgent need for assistance. Rescue official Wilson Ramos highlighted ongoing efforts in San Remigio and Bogo, where survivors may still be trapped under debris. Residents described the terrifying experience, with one witness recounting the collapse of the church belfry and another noting cracked kitchen tiles and neighbors fleeing their homes.
Governor Pamela Baricuatro urged residents to remain calm, avoid unstable structures, and prepare for aftershocks. The USGS initially reported a magnitude of 7.0 before revising it downward, while the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center confirmed no tsunami threat. The Philippines, located on the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire,’ experiences frequent seismic activity, with unpredictable and destructive quakes posing a constant risk.