KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the latest trading session on Thursday, September 25, the US dollar demonstrated a slight upward trend against the Jamaican dollar, closing at $161.12, an increase of eight cents, as reported by the Bank of Jamaica’s daily exchange trading summary. Concurrently, the Canadian dollar also saw a notable rise, ending the day at $117.65, up from its previous close of $115.52. In contrast, the British pound experienced a minor decline, settling at $216.08, down from $216. These fluctuations highlight the dynamic nature of foreign exchange markets and the varying performance of major currencies against the Jamaican dollar. The Bank of Jamaica continues to monitor these trends closely, providing essential data for investors and policymakers.
标签： Jamaica
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Indecom investigating four deaths in three police shootings
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Independent Commission of Investigations (Indecom) has launched probes into three separate fatal shooting incidents that occurred between Wednesday and Thursday, claiming the lives of four men. These incidents have further escalated concerns over police-related fatalities in the country.
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White House threatens mass firings as government shutdown looms
The White House has escalated tensions in a looming government shutdown crisis, instructing federal agencies to prepare for potential mass layoffs under President Donald Trump’s administration. In a memo obtained by AFP, the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) warned that this shutdown would deviate from past practices of temporary furloughs, instead considering permanent staff reductions. The memo directed agencies to issue Reduction in Force (RIF) notices and submit plans for workforce cuts, particularly in departments most affected by a shutdown. This approach mirrors the Trump administration’s earlier large-scale firings under Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The White House accused congressional Democrats of making “insane demands” and breaking a decade-long bipartisan tradition of avoiding shutdowns. However, the OMB expressed hope that Democrats would avert a crisis. Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries dismissed the threats, calling OMB chief Russ Vought a “malignant political hack” and vowing not to be intimidated. A shutdown would halt non-essential operations and leave hundreds of thousands of federal employees temporarily unpaid. The standoff stems from a funding dispute ahead of the September 30 fiscal deadline, with Democrats rejecting a stopgap bill passed by the Republican-controlled House. Trump canceled a meeting with Democratic leaders, demanding they “become realistic.” With Congress in recess and time running out, Republicans warned they would not return before the deadline, forcing the Senate to accept their proposal or face a shutdown. The bill, if passed, would only provide temporary funding until November 21. The last shutdown in March resulted from Republican refusal to negotiate over Trump’s budget cuts and layoffs.
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Police ramp up search for ‘Bloodstain’
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has escalated its efforts to capture Courtney Ashley, alias ‘Bloodstain,’ the alleged leader of the Bottom Marverly Gang. Ashley, 40, is wanted for his involvement in multiple violent crimes, including murder and assault. His last known residence is Abby Close, Leas Flat, Red Hills in St Andrew.
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EU and Caribbean Export launch BRIDGE to accelerate MSME growth
The Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export), in collaboration with the European Union’s Global Gateway initiative, has unveiled a groundbreaking facility to empower micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) across the Caribbean. Named the Building Resilient Innovation for Digital & Green Enterprises (BRIDGE) facility, the program provides co-financing of up to EUR 100,000 to help MSMEs adopt sustainable and digitally advanced business models. The initiative is strategically designed to address two critical priorities for the private sector: green transition and digital transformation. Through two distinct funding streams, MSMEs can secure financial support to accelerate their growth and competitiveness. The Green Transition stream offers co-financing of up to EUR 100,000 (covering 60% of project costs) for initiatives in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, circular economy, blue economy, and green technologies. Meanwhile, the Digital Transformation stream provides up to EUR 50,000 (60% of project costs) for projects in e-commerce, business process automation, cybersecurity, digital products, and supply chain digitization. Beneficiaries are required to contribute at least 40% of project costs, ensuring a shared commitment to success and sustainability. Dr. Damie Sinanan, Executive Director of Caribbean Export, highlighted the transformative potential of BRIDGE, stating, ‘This initiative is about co-investing in the future of our businesses. By supporting green and digital transitions, we are enabling businesses to reduce costs, innovate, and access new export markets, ultimately fostering a more competitive and resilient Caribbean economy.’ Fiona Ramsey, the EU Ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean States, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the EU’s commitment to supporting Caribbean businesses in achieving sustainability and digitalization. Applications for the BRIDGE facility are now open and will close on November 9, 2025. Eligible firms can access detailed guidelines, application forms, and budget templates on the Caribbean Export website.
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Spotify moves to tackle AI abuse with transparency measures
KINGSTON, Jamaica — A 35-year-old taxi operator, Andre Catnott from Longwall, Stony Hill, has been formally charged with the trafficking of a 16-year-old girl. The case has drawn significant attention to the issue of human exploitation in the region. According to police reports, Catnott, who was working as a driver for a ride-share company in November 2024, encountered the teenager during one of his trips. Upon learning that she had run away from home, he allegedly offered her a modeling job at his massage company. This offer, however, turned out to be a ruse for exploitation. After exchanging contact information, the girl was reportedly coerced into performing sexual acts for money with various clients in the corporate area, with Catnott allegedly collecting the proceeds. The situation came to light in February 2025 when a family member located the teenager and reported the matter to the police, initiating an investigation. On September 17, officers from the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigation Branch (C-TOC) conducted a raid at Catnott’s residence, leading to his arrest. Acting Senior Superintendent of Police Victor Barrett emphasized the JCF’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable individuals. ‘The Jamaica Constabulary Force is working tirelessly to locate and arrest individuals who exploit children and prey on the most vulnerable in our country,’ Barrett stated. ‘Public support and information on these individuals are crucial to our investigations; they must be brought to justice.’ The police have indicated that investigations into Catnott’s operations are ongoing, with efforts to identify and apprehend other individuals involved. Catnott was formally charged on Monday, September 22, and is scheduled to appear before the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Friday, September 26, 2025. Authorities are urging members of the public with information about human trafficking or other organized crimes to contact C-TOC at 876-967-1389, the National Intelligence Bureau at 811, Crime Stop at 311, or their nearest police station.
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Typhoon Ragasa slams into south China after killing 14 in Taiwan
Southern China and Taiwan faced the wrath of Typhoon Ragasa on Wednesday as the powerful storm made landfall in Guangdong province, bringing with it fierce winds, torrential rain, and rough seas. The typhoon, which had already claimed at least 14 lives in Taiwan, struck Guangdong with wind speeds reaching up to 145 kilometers per hour (90 miles per hour). AFP journalists in Yangjiang, one of the hardest-hit cities, reported scenes of chaos, with debris flying through the air and gusts tearing advertisements from buildings. Earlier, the storm had swept past Hong Kong, where it was classified as the strongest typhoon in the northwestern Pacific this year by the city’s weather service. In Taiwan, the typhoon caused a decades-old barrier lake to burst in Hualien county, resulting in 14 deaths and 46 injuries. Authorities initially reported 152 people missing but later confirmed contact with over 100 of them, leaving the actual number of missing individuals still unclear. Across mainland China, businesses and schools in at least 10 southern cities were ordered to shut down, affecting tens of millions of residents. In Guangdong alone, nearly 2.2 million people were relocated by Wednesday afternoon, according to state news agency Xinhua. The storm made landfall near Yangjiang city, where ferocious winds destroyed fences, uprooted trees, and left streets deserted. Rail travel across Guangdong was suspended, and fire trucks navigated flooded streets strewn with debris. Chinese authorities have allocated approximately $49.2 million to support rescue and relief efforts in the affected regions.
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UPDATE: St Catherine Parish Court cleared to resume afternoon operations
The St. Catherine Parish Court in Jamaica has returned to normal operations after a brief closure on Wednesday prompted by a bomb threat. The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) swiftly responded to the situation, conducting a thorough search of the premises. Following a meticulous inspection, authorities confirmed that no explosive devices or threats were found, allowing the court to resume its afternoon sessions without further delay. The Court Administration Division (CAD) expressed gratitude to the court staff, users, and the general public for their understanding and cooperation during the temporary disruption. This incident highlights the importance of vigilance and preparedness in ensuring public safety, particularly in high-traffic institutions like courts. While the threat proved unfounded, the swift response by law enforcement underscores the effectiveness of Jamaica’s emergency protocols in handling potential security risks.
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Jamaican Olympian Danusia Francis welcomes baby boy
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Celebrations are in order for Jamaican Olympic gymnast Danusia Francis and her husband, Elliot Reid, as they joyfully announced the arrival of their first child, a baby boy. The couple shared their exciting news on Wednesday through Francis’ Instagram stories, where she posted a heartwarming photo of their newborn accompanied by the caption, “23/09/2025 Our baby boy was born.” In a subsequent post, Francis unveiled a tender maternity photo alongside her husband, proudly introducing their son with the words, “Welcome baby boy Reid to the world.”
Danusia Francis, who represented Jamaica at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, tied the knot with Elliot Reid in 2022 in the United Kingdom. The birth of their son marks a new chapter in their lives, blending their personal joy with the pride of their growing family. Fans and well-wishers from around the globe have flooded social media with congratulatory messages, celebrating this milestone with the couple.
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CARLA conference being held in Jamaica for the first time
KINGSTON, Jamaica—The Latin America High Performance Computing Conference (CARLA), a pivotal event dedicated to advancing the High Performance Computing (HPC) community across Latin America and beyond, has officially commenced at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston. This marks the first time the conference is being held in the Caribbean, signifying a milestone for the region’s technological and scientific landscape. Organized annually since 2014, CARLA has established itself as the premier HPC conference in Latin America, attracting leading researchers, technologists, and industry professionals. This year’s edition, running until Friday, September 26, focuses on fostering innovation and collaboration in HPC and HPC-for-AI applications. The Scientific Research Council (SRC), Jamaica’s foremost institution for science and technology development, has expressed its pride in supporting the event. In a statement, the SRC emphasized its commitment to enhancing local visibility and impact, highlighting the conference’s role in advancing computational research, building regional HPC capacity, and positioning Jamaica as a hub for innovation. The agenda includes keynote speeches by renowned experts such as Professor Felix Wolf and Kate Keahey, alongside paper presentations, poster sessions, and workshops on cutting-edge topics like DevOps for HPC, AI program development, bioinformatics, and weather forecasting. Additionally, the conference will host an open day on Thursday and Friday, inviting the public to explore the exhibition and engage with groundbreaking research.