KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant move to enhance digital education, the Flow Foundation has partnered with the Ministry of Education, Youth, Skills, and Information to launch the ‘ICT Teacher of the Year’ award in 2026. The initiative, endorsed by Education Minister Dr. Dana Morris Dixon, aims to recognize and reward high school educators who excel in integrating innovative information and communication technology (ICT) tools into their teaching practices. The announcement was made during the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) ICT Week 2025 Conference held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel. Minister Dixon emphasized the importance of ICT in achieving educational goals, stating, ‘This award is a meaningful way to affirm that ICT is central to helping every child reach their full potential. Stronger partnerships are essential to bridge the digital divide.’ The Flow Foundation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Jamaica Teaching Council (JTC) to formalize the award. The selection process will evaluate teachers across four ICT categories: innovation, equity and inclusion, resilience and resourcefulness, and community engagement. From 63 regional winners, three national awardees will be chosen, with the overall winner receiving a national trophy, a cash prize, and an all-expenses-paid trip to the 2026 CANTO Trade and Exhibition Conference in the Dominican Republic. Additionally, the winner’s school will receive an ICT investment and be recognized as an ICT ambassador. Rhys Campbell, Director of the Flow Foundation, highlighted the initiative’s significance, stating, ‘The classroom is a launchpad for digital transformation, and we’re proud to spotlight educators who are empowering the next generation through ICT.’ Dr. Winsome Gordon, CEO of the Jamaica Teaching Council, expressed excitement about the partnership, noting its potential to motivate educators and advance ICT development in Jamaica. Applications for the award will open on World Teacher Day, October 5, 2025, with the awards ceremony scheduled for May 2026.
标签： Jamaica
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Kenne Blessin releases new song
Atlanta-based artist Kenne Blessin has transcended conventional music boundaries with his latest spiritual track, ‘God is My Strength,’ released on September 26 as part of the Blue Flame Riddim EP. The four-song project also features contributions from Anthony Malvo, Delly Ranx, and Fucha Kid, showcasing a unique blend of musical artistry. Kenne Blessin aimed to create a track that resonated deeply with listeners, emphasizing meaningful content over mere rhythmic appeal. ‘The piano and violin arrangement evokes profound emotions, delivering a message that holds significant value,’ he explained in an interview with Observer Online. Co-produced by Dacosta Music and Malvo Ent, the EP includes Malvo’s ‘Watch da Girl Deh,’ Delly Ranx’s ‘How I’m Living,’ and Fucha Kid’s ‘Big Man Cry.’ Unlike typical riddim projects that reflect the artist’s persona, Kenne Blessin focused on crafting a cohesive concept for Blue Flame. ‘I wasn’t chasing a specific sound; I wanted content that truly matters,’ he stated. Beyond this project, Kenne Blessin is also promoting his cover of Elton John’s ‘Nikita,’ inspired by Russia. Born in Kingston and raised in St. Thomas, he debuted with his first album, ‘Get Up & Go,’ in 2018, followed by his EP ‘Millions’ in 2020. Kenne Blessin continues to make waves in the music industry with his innovative and soulful creations.
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US judge temporarily halts mass layoff of Voice of America employees
In a significant legal development, a U.S. federal judge has temporarily halted the Trump administration’s plan to terminate more than 500 employees of the Voice of America (VOA). The decision, issued on Monday by U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth, suspends the layoffs that were scheduled to take effect on September 30. The move comes as part of an ongoing legal battle over the administration’s efforts to restructure government-funded media. Kari Lake, a senior advisor to the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), has been leading the charge to reduce the workforce, arguing it is a necessary step to dismantle what she describes as a ‘bloated, unaccountable bureaucracy.’ However, Judge Lamberth ruled that Lake’s actions were ‘arbitrary and capricious and not in accordance with law,’ and emphasized the need for USAGM to fulfill its statutory mandate. The court also expressed concerns that the defendants lacked a plan to comply with an earlier injunction issued in April. The USAGM, established during World War II, plays a crucial role in promoting democracy and countering propaganda through entities like VOA, Radio Free Europe, and Radio Free Asia. President Trump has frequently criticized VOA, accusing it of being overly critical of his administration and undermining its editorial independence.
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NEPA forges partnerships for coral reef restoration
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a groundbreaking initiative to safeguard Jamaica’s coral reefs, the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) has introduced the first-ever ‘Coral Reef Awareness Month’ in September 2025. This campaign seeks to address the escalating threats of ocean warming, pollution, and disease, which have left the nation’s coral ecosystems—often referred to as the ‘rainforests of the sea’—in a precarious state. Without intervention, the degradation of these reefs could have catastrophic effects on Jamaica’s coastal defenses, which rely on coral to mitigate storm surges and erosion.
The initiative focuses on raising public awareness, fostering community involvement, and supporting marine restoration efforts. A key component of the campaign is a coral spawning program, designed to replenish Jamaica’s reefs and establish a spawning calendar to guide ongoing conservation efforts. This program is part of the broader CoralCarib Project, a collaborative effort led by the Nature Conservancy (TNC) and the Alligator Head Foundation (AHF), which spans Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic.
From September 7 to 15, 2025, NEPA coordinated a coral spawning blitz, involving 30 scientists and divers from various organizations. These experts conducted nightly dives to document and collect gametes from three threatened coral species: Acropora palmata, Orbicella faveolata, and Orbicella annularis. The event was informed by a prior mapping exercise that assessed coral health within marine protected areas, providing critical data on bleaching, resilience, and restoration planning.
Chanel Raynor, NEPA’s ecosystems coordinator, emphasized the urgency of the initiative, stating, ‘The CoralCarib Project represents a strategic, collaborative approach to coral restoration, with communities and interest groups at its core.’ Anna-Cherice Ebanks-Chin, TNC’s Marine Conservation Programme Manager, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the need to fast-track efforts in response to recent coral bleaching events. The initiative marks a significant step forward in Jamaica’s efforts to restore its marine ecosystems and develop sustainable policies for coral reef management.
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Statin delays release of 2022 census results to October 15
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Statistical Institute of Jamaica (Statin) has announced a two-week delay in the publication of its preliminary 2022 Population and Housing Census results. Originally slated for release on Tuesday, the findings will now be disclosed on October 15, coinciding with the Caribbean Community’s (Caricom) Statistics Day. This regional event underscores the critical role of data in shaping policy and fostering development across the Caribbean. The new release date also heralds the resumption of Statin’s Quarterly Press Briefings, a platform designed to enhance public engagement, transparency, and dialogue with key stakeholders. The census data, eagerly awaited by policymakers and planners, is poised to inform Jamaica’s national planning, resource distribution, and development strategies in the years ahead. As the nation’s principal authority on economic, social, demographic, and environmental data, Statin’s findings are integral to Jamaica’s progress and decision-making processes.
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PNP appoints Shameel Brown as chair of OT Fairclough Trust Fund
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.
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Waterhouse beat Chapelton in JPL
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Waterhouse FC ended their two-game losing streak with a commanding 3-0 triumph over Chapelton Maroons in a Jamaica Premier League first-round match at Drewsland Stadium on Monday. This victory marked Waterhouse FC’s third win of the season, propelling them to nine points and fifth place in the league standings. The team successfully maintained a first-half lead, a feat they had struggled with in their previous two matches, which resulted in defeats. Chapelton Maroons faced significant challenges after goalkeeper Prince-Daniel Smith was shown a second yellow card for entering the stands to interact with a fan, leaving his team with 10 players for the final minute of regulation and six minutes of added time. This loss extended Chapelton Maroons’ winless streak to three games, leaving them with just one point after a strong start to the season with three consecutive victories. Waterhouse FC’s Mario Simms opened the scoring in the 15th minute with a precise shot into the far left corner, assisted by Denardo Thomas’s incisive pass. Kenly Deacon sealed the win in the 85th minute with a close-range goal, while Omani Leacock capitalized on a penalty opportunity after being fouled by Kevin Graham, scoring past substitute goalkeeper Andrew Vanzie. Earlier in the day, Portmore United and Molynes United played to a goalless draw, with Molynes’ Jason Wright missing a penalty saved by goalkeeper Daniel Russell in the first half.
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J.K. Rowling attacks ‘ignorant’ Harry Potter star Emma Watson
In a striking public statement, J.K. Rowling, the celebrated author of the Harry Potter series, has openly criticized Emma Watson for her stance on transgender rights. Rowling expressed her frustration on social media platform X, targeting Watson and Daniel Radcliffe, both of whom rose to fame through the film adaptations of her novels, for positioning themselves as unofficial representatives of the Harry Potter universe. Rowling, who has previously faced backlash for her views on gender identity, accused Watson of being out of touch due to her privileged background. She highlighted her own experiences of poverty and hardship, contrasting them with Watson’s early fame and wealth, to underscore the gravity of the issues at hand. Rowling also recounted a personal exchange with Watson in 2022, where she felt that Watson’s brief message of sympathy was insufficient given the severe threats Rowling was facing at the time. The author suggested that Watson’s recent expressions of affection towards her were a strategic shift in response to changing public opinion. Rowling concluded by asserting her right to publicly express her views, just as Watson does, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect in their ongoing discourse.
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‘We have an entertainment culture in St Elizabeth’, says Floyd Green
ST ELIZABETH, Jamaica—The parish of St Elizabeth is rapidly becoming a focal point for entertainment and cultural events, showcasing its vibrant local culture and boosting the regional economy. Beyond the annual Calabash literary festival, the parish recently hosted the inaugural BLK Festival, headlined by dancehall artist Masicka. The upcoming Heroes holiday weekend will see the popular soca series, I Love Soca, make its debut in the area, alongside the renowned Sandz party series. Floyd Green, Member of Parliament for St Elizabeth South Western and Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Mining, emphasized the parish’s rich entertainment culture and its potential to drive economic growth. In an interview with Observer Online during the launch of the Jamaica Food and Drink Festival, Green highlighted the historical and tourism assets of Black River, the parish capital, and their proximity to each other. He noted the ‘snowball effect’ of recent events, which are gaining momentum and attracting widespread attention. Green also pointed out the economic benefits of these events, which provide opportunities for various stakeholders, from event staff to local vendors. He expressed his vision for more family-oriented events, such as a Funfest, to further enhance the parish’s appeal. Venues like Independence Park and the beaches along Black River are being utilized to host these growing festivities, solidifying St Elizabeth’s reputation as a cultural and entertainment hub.
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‘TV Boss’ shines in Paradox Pt 2
Johnoy ‘TV Boss’ Williams is basking in the spotlight for his standout performance in the official music video for Valiant and Shaneil Muir’s ‘Paradox Pt. 2.’ Released on September 12, the video has already amassed over 1.2 million streams on YouTube, showcasing its widespread appeal. In the narrative, TV Boss portrays Muir’s brother, who advises her to leave her partner (Valiant) after repeated letdowns. Reflecting on his role, TV Boss confidently stated, ‘My performance was 10 out of 10. I always give my best, which is why I keep getting opportunities.’ Born in Portland, Jamaica, and now based in the United States, TV Boss discovered his passion for acting during his time at Buff Bay High School. He honed his craft at the School of Drama at Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, setting the stage for a flourishing career. His portfolio includes notable projects like Sting and Shaggy’s ‘Til A Mawnin,’ Stephen Marley’s ‘Rock Stone,’ Busy Signal’s ‘Stay Suh,’ and Alkaline’s ‘Juggernaught.’ Additionally, he became a familiar face on Television Jamaica’s ‘The Ity and Fancy Cat Show’ and appeared in Nick Cannon’s ‘King of Dancehall.’ TV Boss attributes his success to his natural ability to embody characters, blending humor and wit to resonate with audiences. Reflecting on his journey, he shared, ‘I’ve grown a lot, transitioning from Jamaica to the US. My work in Jamaica laid the foundation for my career, and America offers vast opportunities.’ Looking ahead, TV Boss is exploring avenues in film production and business to expand his influence in the industry.