Michael Johnson sees positives for country from Grand Slam Track series Grand Slam Track (GST) series founder Michael Johnson says Jamaica stands to benefit greatly from the first staging of the cash-rich event as millions of viewers from around the world will be tuning in when Kingston hosts its leg at the National Stadium from April 4-6. GST, a track-specific professional competition, will involve four race meets, each in a different city. The concept is inspired by tennis, which features four major tournaments in its seasonal schedule. Johnson says that with Kingston, Los Angeles will be one of the host cities, with the other two locations to be announced in the coming weeks. The event has already attracted some of the biggest names in international track and field, including American stars Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Fred Kerley, Kenny Bednarek, Alison Dos Santos of Brazil, and Jasmine Camacho-Quinn of Puerto Rico, as well as Jamaicans Rushell Clayton, Roshawn Clarke, and Ackera Nugent. More athletes are expected to be added to the roster. The championships promise the largest cash prizes in the sport, with a total of US$12.5 million (just under $2 billion). Each winner receives US$100,000 (just under $16 million). “Track is the third most popular sport in the world, with 2.5 billion people interested in participating in and following it. Millions of eyes will be tuning into this event,” Johnson said after the media launch in Kingston on Monday. “We are committed to using this platform and this great global sport to highlight the work happening here, and we are dedicated to working with the track and field community for the betterment of all sports in Jamaica. “Jamaican athletes have represented this country in an amazing way around the world for years, and I think it’s time to bring it back here and highlight the sport, as well as the country’s excellence in track.” With the addition of Clarke, Clayton, and Nugent, Johnson, a four-time Olympic champion and former 200m world record holder, says they will continue to recruit more Jamaican and other international athletes for the event. “We have three Jamaican racers currently signed as Grand Slam Racers, who will compete in all four of our events,” he said. “We’re not done, and we will continue to sign athletes to our league. There will be more Jamaican athletes added to our roster as well. “The inspiration and the vision behind Grand Slam Track is to truly professionalise this sport. We are taking the sport to the next level. Track and field is recognised for its greatness, but it has not evolved and innovated with the times. At the heart of Grand Slam is a desire to revolutionise the sport and present it to a modern audience.” Sport Minister Olivia Grange says hosting the championships in Jamaica next year will boost sports tourism. “Grand Slam Track fits well into our Government’s sports development thrust, which aims to position Jamaica as the best country to participate in, watch, and talk about sports,” Grange said. “This event is an example of the outcome we have been working to achieve, and we want to thank Michael Johnson and his team for ensuring that Jamaica is part of it. “It is an ambition of mine, as minister of sport, and of the Government, to make Jamaica a premier venue for international sports competitions and to host meetings for international federations.”  

TTFA president delighted to land Yorke after JFF’s snub ALTHOUGH Dwight Yorke was unsuccessful in his bid to become the Reggae Boyz head coach earlier this summer, Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) President Kieron Edwards says getting him to sign on as coach of their national senior men’s team was a “steal”. The former Manchester United striker who helped lead T&T to the FIFA World Cup in 2006, was named manager of the Soca Warriors on November 1, replacing former international teammate Angus Eve. Yorke, 53, has only managed Macarthur FC in Australia’s A League between 2022 and 2023, and applied for Jamaica’s vacant head coach position in July after the resignation of Heimir Hallgrimsson when the Reggae Boyz exited the Copa America tournament in June. However, Yorke wasn’t a shortlisted candidate, with Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) Technical Committee Chairman Rudolph Speid saying he wasn’t interviewed for the role. Former England manager and Manchester United assistant Steve McClaren was then named head coach at the end of July. Yorke was successful with his application to his home country, after being chosen out of five candidates shortlisted by the TTFA Technical Committee. He arrived in Trinidad on Friday and said, “I’m very excited, really honoured and privileged to be given such a prestigious position. I probably should say I thought it would be happening at some point in my career. I didn’t expect it to happen so quickly, but it’s something I embrace.” When asked by i95fm’s Andre Baptiste about why they didn’t select an overseas coach to potentially help in the recruitment of English-born players, TTFA President Kieron Edwards says they didn’t want to follow the JFF as they believed hiring a local coach was essential. “That’s not our pathway,” Edwards said. “Jamaica’s pathway is a bit different. They selected a coach based on their pathway to qualify for the World Cup. Our pathway is different; we need a coach that understands the culture we have, with players coming back in two, three days before a game. “Dwight was the ideal choice for us, and he understands the culture of teams in Concacaf as well that we will face. They’ve changed the format of World Cup qualifying so we need now to get those guys revved up and get their mindset right in terms of that professional approach to the game. I think Dwight really brings that to T&T football.” Edwards says TTFA is also getting value for money with Yorke’s appointment as it is spending significantly less than what the JFF is paying McClaren and his technical team. “I’m not going to state Dwight Yorke’s salary but it’s nowhere close to [McClaren’s] numbers,” he said. “What Dwight has done at this point for Trinidad and Tobago football, it’s not even about money for him at this point. Persons talking about McClaren’s salary and what not; persons in Jamaica will know the coach that we have and the salaries we have [available] for our coaches. [Yorke] is a steal of a deal, and it’s down to the management of the team and our executive to get this deal done.” Edwards says Yorke’s main goal is to qualify the team for the 2026 World Cup in USA, Mexico, and Canada. Trinidad is second with four points in Group B in the second round of qualifying, behind first-placed Costa Rica on six, and ahead of St Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, and The Bahamas. Only the top two will qualify for the third and final round where only three teams out of 12 are guaranteed a spot at the World Cup.

An eight-part series, titled World Boss: The Vybz Kartel Story, will premiere on December 16. The initiative — a collaboration between SALT, Big Wave More Fire, and Gulfstream Studios — was created by Tahir Garcia and Sam Griesemer, with Nick Panama and Max Musina serving as executive producers. The project’s management team also included local music and entertainment executives Cheraine Marshall and Abigail Rowe. “The story itself is objectively interesting. You don’t have to know Kartel to be deeply invested in his story to appreciate it. Somebody who’s brand new [and] fresh can hear about him, can hear his stories, and it still be just as impactful,” Garcia told the Jamaica Observer. With filming beginning in Jamaica in the summer of 2022, the production has taken the team across various landscapes and stories, building an in-depth portrait of Vybz Kartel that goes beyond the headlines. The episodes will be strategically released, with each ranging from 40 to 50 minutes. Meanwhile, Griesemer said that the project captures the essence of Vybz Kartel’s career. “It’s really like [an] audio documentary. There’s a lot of different voices and different interviews that are interwoven into each episode. But there’s also music and original scoring and archival pieces pulled from various important moments in Kartel’s career. We’re particularly proud of it because it’s ambitious,” he told the Observer. Griesemer, who hails from the US, noted that he was thrilled to undertake this initiative because Vybz Kartel is one of the most talented acts he has ever encountered. “I come from a music producer background, so I had worked with artistes here in the United States like Kanye West and I had been doing a lot of work with Burna Boy, and I found out that Tahir and Serani were friends, which led to us taking a trip to Kingston and working with a lot more artistes. Coming from a producer’s background, and having worked with and been around some great artistes, the more I learnt about Kartel, the more blown away I was,” he said. Garcia added that he hopes the podcast will create a trend for other creatives to help to highlight the untold aspects of Jamaica’s culture. “I think one of the things that is important to me is for our culture to be presented at a very high level. I think a lot of times we end up doing things that could be elevated so much more, and part of the reason why is that people don’t know how much further it can go… What we’re really looking forward to is being able to showcase the different ways we can tell our stories in a new, fresh kind of way and, hopefully, inspire the people to want to do the same,” he said.

A Ministry of Heath snapshot study of the current landscape of drug use among Jamaicans has revealed “clear indications of increases in substance use over the past seven years”, with alcohol prevalence rates for the individual parishes of Trelawny, St Ann and Kingston outstripping the national prevalence rate which now stands at 46.2 per cent. According to the data, which is contained in the 2023 Jamaica Drug Prevalence Statistics released by the Ministry of Health on Monday, “alcohol prevalence is significantly higher” in Trelawny (57.5 per cent), St Ann (54.3 per cent) and Kingston (52.2 per cent). Other parishes with high alcohol usage are Hanover (46.8 per cent), St Elizabeth (41.5 per cent), Clarendon (48.1 per cent), St Catherine (50.4 per cent), St Mary (43 per cent), and St Thomas (44.5 per cent). Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton, in unveiling the findings during a press briefing in the Corporate Area, said the surge was “most notable” in the four per cent increase last year in alcohol use (56 per cent to 60 per cent) as well as in the current year (42 per cent to 46 per cent) and the same level of increase last year in the use of cigarettes (12.7 per cent to 16.8 per cent). According to the health minister, harmful use of alcohol is most evident among the 25-35 age group while current ganja use is most prevalent among the 18-25 age group. Tufton said among those who smoke cigarettes, daily use increased from seven per cent in 2016 to 11.6 per cent at present. The health minister, in the meantime, said another concerning finding was the fact that among people who smoked ganja in the past year, approximately 66 per cent were deemed as high risk for dependence representing a 15 per cent increase from the 50 per cent seven years ago. “This is significant and we need to pay keen attention as it reflects what studies are showing in other countries that have changed their cannabis regulatory framework [legalisation/decriminalisation],” Tufton told the briefing. “What we are seeing is that the overall prevalence has not increased significantly, but the intensity of use among those who already use has increased. This is what other countries have also found,” he said further. Health officials have also found that the number of people driving under the influence of alcohol has increased since 2016, from 14.4 per cent to 17.5 per cent. “Approximately 18 per cent of drivers have driven on our roads under the influence of alcohol in the past year with significantly more males (23.9 per cent) than females (5.2 per cent) reporting this. This practice is the highest reported among the 25-34 age group — approximately one in three persons in this age group,” Tufton revealed. Conversely, he said, 10 per cent of drivers reported driving under the influence of other drugs (to include cannabis and other illegal drugs), down from 14 per cent in 2016. In the meantime, Tufton said the data revealed that the use of edibles (cannabis-infused food) has increased by seven per cent (from 6.6 per cent in 2016 to 13.3 per cent in 2023). According to the minister, health officials are “not surprised by this finding as the popularity of edibles is evident among youth and young adults, popular in parties and stage shows and easily accessible in a variety of places island wide”. Based on the data, 10 per cent of adolescents 15-17 years reported use of edibles. It said the highest level of use was reported among males in the 35-44 age group (which translates to 28 per cent, or almost three in 10) and females in the 25-34 age group (13 per cent). On Monday, Tufton said the audit tool used in the study, which determined the type of intervention needed depending on the alcohol use pattern, showed that “the majority of our population need education about alcohol (75.7 per cent) and approximately 20 per cent need simple advice”. “When broken down by parish, specialized treatment services are most needed in Clarendon, St James and KSA, while brief interventions are most needed in Trelawny, Westmoreland, Manchester, Clarendon and KSA. There is more to drill down with the data to tailor interventions according to the landscape of needs,” Tufton told the briefing. A National Drug Research Network, said the minister, is to be established. It will comprise academics and technical experts who will draft an agenda for drug research that goes beyond prevalence studies for a deeper dive into the issues. He said initiatives geared toward the high-risk areas and groups will also be informed by these findings. The data in the study were drawn from some 4,991 respondents island wide.

Morrison wants Mario Deane case transferred from St James MONTEGO BAY, St James — Pointing to the almost decade-long delay in determining whether three cops were culpable in the death of Mario Deane while he was in police lock-up in St James, Supreme Court Judge Justice Bertram Morrison on Monday made clear his preference for the stalled case to be transferred elsewhere. “The Crown must actively consider a change in venue because it is an embarrassing fact that we are celebrating 10 years. The accused has human rights and so do the victims’ relatives, [who have an] expectation that this matter should be tried and brought to closure. That can’t be achieved in this current scenario,” he said Monday when the case was called up in the St James Circuit Court. “I am making a decision, for this matter — in my view, and I expect it to be embraced — ought to be transferred and never to be tried in St James; never!” said a tough-talking Justice Morrison. His comments came after the court was told, yet again, that the trial could not proceed because there were no jurors available. The members of Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) on trial are Corporal Elaine Stewart, along with constables Juliana Clevon and Marlon Grant. They are facing charges of manslaughter, perverting the course of justice, and misconduct in a public office in connection with the 2014 beating that left Deane dead. As part of the trial, jurors must be empanelled. For that to happen, they must be served with notices to appear for jury duty. These notices are served by JCF members on citizens who are often reluctant to serve. On Monday, Justice Morrison pointed out the implications of the cops’ failure to fulfil their duty. “So, it is going to be the Crown’s application for an adjournment because of insufficient jurors, zero jurors. Three hundred summonses were sent out which were supposed to be served by the police. Read what you may into that now,” he said. He continued cryptically, “Who is on trial?” “The matter concerns police officers,” the Crown replied. “Good, so can’t you see what is happening? And, mind you, is the DPP [Director of Public Prosecutions] office impotent to remedy that situation?” Justice Morrison said. “It can’t be that these three defendants, who are presumed innocent until proven guilty, do not want this matter to be tried. It can’t be,” he said. Obviously displeased, he then indicated that he was “going to put everything on the record now”, and the Crown was asked to give a chronicle of the case. In addition to the issue raised on Monday, other reasons cited for the almost 10-year delay are general postponement of jury trials during the COVID-19 pandemic, a delay in Constable Clevon securing representation, challenges with witnesses, jurors being engaged in other matters, and a general insufficiency in the number of individuals willing to be jurors. The case has been postponed multiple times since it was first brought before the St James Circuit Court in 2018. On Monday, in response to Justice Morrison’s concerns about the JCF’s failure to serve summonses on jurors, the Crown suggested that the superintendent of police may be able to shed light on the matter. However, the judge dismissed the suggestion to have the senior cop take the stand. “Self-inflicting wounds,” he said curtly. “The matter is to move for a mention date on November 14. Bail extended for all three,” Justice Morrison later told the accused. Allegations are that Deane was arrested for possession of a ganja spliff and placed in custody where he was brutally beaten on August 3, 2014. He received severe injuries to his brain which left him in a coma. He died three days later at Cornwall Regional Hospital in St James. It is alleged that the three cops had been on duty at the police station at the time when Deane was beaten. It is further alleged that Corporal Stewart gave instructions for the cell in which the attack took place to be cleaned before the arrival of investigators from the Independent Commission of Investigations. Following Deane’s death the police charged Adrian Morgan and Marvin Orr, who were also in custody at the time. Both men, who suffer from schizophrenia, pleaded guilty to manslaughter and were sentenced to five years and six months. However, they had been in custody for six years so in July 2020 they were set free based on time served. A third man, Damion Cargill, was charged in 2015. However he was ruled unfit to answer the charges or stand trial. In July 2017 he was released into the care of his family. In May 2014 St James Parish Judge Sandria Wong Small ruled that the three cops should stand trial. At the time Stewart was 50, Clevon 32, and Grant 27 years old.

ST CATHERINE, Jamaica — Portmore United edged Humble Lion 1-0 at Effortville Community Centre on Sunday to maintain the lead in the points tables of the Jamaica Premier League. Rashaun Small’s 60th minute goal was all Portmore needed to win back-to-back games and extend their unbeaten run to seven games as they improved to 19 points from nine matches played. Montego Bay United came from a goal down to beat Dunbeholden United 2-1 at the Montego Bay Sports Complex, ending the St Catherine-based club’s three-game winning run. The win was the first for MBU in three games, after back-to-back draws and saw them stay in second place on 17 points from six games. Dunbeholden, who came into the game on the back of a good run that saw them score six of their then seven goals, took the lead in the 14th minute when Rojay Smith fired home from close range. After missing a handful of good scoring chances, in part to an outstanding display by Dunbeholden’s goalkeeper Romaine Hamilton, MBU managed to draw level when Owayne Gordon scored from the penalty, four minutes into stoppage time in the first half. Central defender Josiah Trimmingham scored the winner when he headed home a corner kick at the far left post in the 53rd minute. Mt Pleasant FA were also winners on Sunday, beating Harbour View 3-1 at Drax Hall to rebound from their loss to Dunbeholden last week. Kimoni Bailey got Mt Pleasant off to a fast start when he scored in the first minute but they had to wait until early in the second half for the second goal, scored by Daniel Green before Nicholas Nelson scored a third goal in the 55th minute. Oquassa Chong came off the bench to score a consolation goal for Harbour View in time added at the end of the second half.

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia(AFP) — Kenya’s candidate for the top job at the African Union said Saturday that if US president-elect Donald Trump does not want to work with Africa, the continent has “other friends”. Raila Odinga, a veteran Kenyan politician, is one of four candidates vying to replace Moussa Faki Mahamat as African Union Commission chair next year. “I don’t want to prejudge him,” Odinga said of Trump in an interview with AFP in Addis Ababa following the Republican’s emphatic election win this week. “If he wants to work with Africa as a friend of Africa, we will welcome him and work with him,” the 79-year-old added. “If he does not want to work with Africa… Africa has got other friends.” The continent of around 1.5 billion people is often competed over for influence by the West as well as by China, Russia and Turkey. Many African leaders issued swift congratulations to Trump, even though during his first term from 2017-2021 he described African nations and Haiti as “shithole” countries. Asked about those remarks, Odinga said: “No, it doesn’t worry me at all because that was Trump then. This is now another new Trump. So we want to see the new Trump, the one we are going to deal with.” He reiterated: “I don’t want to prejudge him. I want him to first pronounce himself on Africa and how he wants to work with Africa.” Kenyan President William Ruto, who narrowly defeated Odinga in the country’s 2022 election but has gone on to back his rival’s campaign for the AU, spoke by phone with Trump on Friday. Ruto said they discussed “areas of mutual interest” including trade and investment, security and good governance, as well as Kenya’s role leading a UN-backed mission to try to quell rampant gang violence in Haiti. Odinga, who has failed in five bids to win the Kenyan presidency, also left the door open to another run for the job in 2027, but said he was currently focused on his AU candidacy. He faces a stiff challenge for the role from Djibouti’s long-serving Foreign Minister Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, while two other candidates have also thrown their hats into the ring — Anil Gayan from Mauritius and Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar. The election will take place by secret ballot during the February 2025 summit of the pan-African body.

MONTEGO BAY, St James — Elated over police reports of a sharp decline in murders in St James since the start of this year, deputy mayor of Montego Bay Councillor Dwight “Debo” Crawford (Jamaica Labour Party) is heartened that the tourism resort city is becoming increasingly more friendly. In recent years the St James capital, dubbed the friendly city, has earned notoriety as the murder capital of the country. Between January 1 to November 9 St James recorded 113 murders, which is 57 or 33.5 per cent fewer than the 170 recorded over the corresponding period last year. However, the 113 murders is the most of the 972 murders recorded across the 19 police divisions in the island up to November 9 this year. “The city of Montego Bay is becoming friendlier and friendlier, more than ever. This month of November we have seen 54 fewer murders in St James,” said Crawford on Friday while addressing the World Town Planning Day celebrations at Montego Bay Convention Centre. “We must celebrate our victories; and if it is happening here in St James you can only imagine when you add up all the numbers from all the other parishes how we are doing,” he added. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Dr Horace Chang, who was delivering the keynote address, also welcomed the reduction of murders in St James. “While you might have heard of the issue of crime, which we have to fight and I have a responsibility to do so… and I can report — and Mr Crawford gave us the initial outlet — that we are now moving back to our friendly city,” Chang said. In fact, he revealed that he was informed by Superintendent of Police Eron Samuels, commander of the St James Police Division, that no murders have been recorded in Norwood for a year. Zones of special operations are in place in the St James communities of Norwood and Mount Salem. “The commander [of the St James Police Division] assured me last night [Thursday] that we have not had a single murder in Norwood for a year, and one in Mount Salem, so you can drive through — and we have, in fact, put that in,” said the security minister who is also Member of Parliament for St James North Western. In an apparent swipe at members of the Opposition People’s National Party, who on occasion have argued that the Government does not have a crime plan, Crawford implied that the reduction in crime suggests otherwise. “I remember persons were asking, ‘What is the plan?’ It’s working. It is working minister, it is working,” Crawford said. The theme for the World Town Planning Day celebrations was ‘Unpacking the urban planning nexus with tourism and sustained environment’. Crawford, who argued that, “we are at a crucial moment in our journey as we prepare our sustainable development plan”, pointed out that St James Municipal Corporation in 2016 successfully tackled the issue of flooding in downtown, Montego Bay. “You notice rain is falling, and since we did that clean-up in 2016 and have continued to do the maintenance, downtown Montego Bay has not flooded again. Proof of the pudding! Work is being done. Everytime we would have a little drizzle in Montego Bay, the gas station downtown would be flooded — and it has not happened in seven years,” Crawford said.

MONTEGO BAY, St James — The Government is moving to purchase land on the periphery of the under-construction, 14.9-kilometre Montego Bay Perimeter Road, in an effort to keep squatters at bay. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Dr Horace Chang referenced the initiative on Friday. “There are huge acreages of land on the border of the perimeter road which, unless planned now — and I am in fact in discussion with [National] Housing Trust about acquiring those properties, because unless there are plans from now for today and tomorrow — [I] guarantee that within the next five years another Member of Parliament will come here complaining about squatting and the challenge it poses in trying to find money to correct the problem,” he said. He was delivering the keynote address at the World Town Planning Day 2024 conference at Montego Bay Convention Centre in St James. Dr Chang is also Member of Parliament for St James North Western, and sections of the bypass run through that constituency. He blamed a lack of foresight in planning when the existing highway was conceived for traffic snarls that now plague Montego Bay. Latest News, News Kent Village residents concerned after being cut off by floods November 9, 2024 “I started discussing this idea with my good friend Kingsley Thomas some 20 years back,” Dr Chang said. “Had it been built then, we would not have the congestion we now experience in Montego Bay; the cost would have been half the price; and if it was done it would get Montego Bay traffic in some kind of order. So it comes back to the whole question of planning,” he added. Sports SOJ Coach Ellis speaks highly of Caribbean Beach Games November 10, 2024 Dr Chang urged stakeholders engaged in various aspects of urban planning to develop a system that is tailored to the needs of Jamaica. “One of the things I ask for is that our planners and those who are involved in planning — architects and civil engineers, et cetera — need to adopt a Jamaican philosophy,” he appealed. “Collectivism is something I detest, and therefore I don’t like copy. This is one of the things that we need to do, and I urge the planners to look at our environment, our physical layout, our people’s culture, the opportunities for development,” the politician added. He also stressed that there is a need to look at the legal framework as efforts are made to curb squatting, which has plagued the country for years. “We have to look at what legislation fits Jamaica’s situation today. It needs some thinking through. It needs some discussion with the planners, with the security forces, with all the stakeholders in society, the commerce individuals, but involves a framework of planning, of legislation that controls planning effectively,” Dr Chang said. “And if that philosophy is in place and you have the legal framework to operate, the day they [squatters] move there, they know they have to move,” he added. World Town Planning Day 2024 was held under the theme ‘Unpacking the urban planning nexus with tourism and sustainable development’. Work began on the Montego Bay Perimeter Road project in 2019, and despite initial delays caused by the relocation of people living on its route, the project is expected to be completed in 2026. The US$274.5-million project includes construction of the Montego Bay Bypass, accompanied by a comprehensive drainage study; the Barnett Street/West Green Avenue road rehabilitation; and the Long Hill Bypass. The project is being implemented by National Road Operating and Constructing Company. The project is now about 50 per cent complete. Earlier this year, $10.2 billion was allocated from the country’s budget for the project. As outlined in the 2024/25 Estimates of Expenditure, the funds went towards acquiring the remaining parcels of land needed for the Montego Bay and Long Hill bypass road construction, and completion of detailed designs for the Long Hill Bypass and Barnett Street/West Street intersection.

Michael Johnson salutes Jamaica ahead of Grand Slam Track spectacle AS Jamaica’s National Stadium was confirmed a host venue for the inaugural Grand Slam Track (GST), the league’s founder Michael Johnson says the Caribbean island’s rich racing tradition makes it “a perfect fit”. GST, a track-specific professional competition, is scheduled to roll out in 2025 with the staging of four race meets, each in a different city. The concept is derived from tennis, which has four majors in a seasonal schedule. The National Stadium is scheduled to open the GST season with a three-day meet from April 4-6, read the league’s latest press release. “Jamaica has such a strong history in this sport. The talent and love for the sport here make it a perfect fit for what we’re building,” said the legendary American and four-time Olympic Games champion Johnson, who is also the league commissioner. “It’s going to be an incredible event, and we’re proud to have Kingston [Jamaica’s capital] as one of our four slams in our inaugural season to kick this whole thing off,” added the former 200m and 400m world record holder. The conceptualisers of the made-for-television racing festival want to fuse high-quality displays on the track with cultural entertainment to showcase the uniqueness of each host city. A GST team, led by Venue Director Don Lockerbie, made recent site visits to the National Stadium. The stadium, built over 60 years ago, has long been earmarked for major renovation. In October the Jamaican Government announced that redevelopment work on the stadium is to begin in 2025. There is concern in some quarters about the condition of the running track and the lighting infrastructure. In March, overnight work on the track by the stadium’s operators, Independence Park Limited, during the staging of Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships forced a significant delay on the fourth and penultimate day. Many deemed the stadium lights to have been substandard during the high school championships. The venue was further placed under the microscope after lighting issues arose for World Cup-qualifying football and Concacaf men’s and women’s club matches. Jamaica’s Minister of Sport Olivia Grange said the country will be ready to host “track fans from across the globe” for the historic GST season opener. “This is a chance for us to be part of something huge, bringing top athletes to our track and helping the sport [to] grow in a new and exciting way,” she added in the release. Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association President Garth Gayle was said to have been instrumental in facilitating talks for the country to be a host venue. He said Jamaica’s athletics history was influential regarding the final decision. “As the local governing body for the sport we see this as a testament to our past and present athletes whose achievements and legacy have established Jamaica as the track capital of the world. “This event also marks an important milestone for the development of our future athletes who will benefit from the opportunity to see the world’s greatest track stars up close and personal on a local calendar,” said Jamaica’s athletics boss. The star-studded cast of athletes contracted to compete in Grand Slam Track’s 2025 campaign is highlighted by the otherworldly American Women’s 400m Hurdles world record holder and Olympic gold medallist Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. The global line-up comprises Jamaican flavour in the form of 400m Hurdles World Championships bronze medallist Rushell Clayton, national 100m Hurdles record holder Ackera Nugent, and world Under-20 Men’s 400m Hurdles record holder Roshawn Clarke. Other big-name signings to date include Marileidy Paulino, Fred Kerley, Jasmine Camacho-Quinn and Alison Dos Santos. GST organisers had long declared Los Angeles, United States, as one of the host cities, and stated in the press release that the other two stops are to be announced this week. The release said tickets for the Jamaica leg are to go on sale on December 6, 2024. It did not state the cost for entry. From left: Grand Slam Track Venue Director Don Lockerbie, Chief Technology Officer Rina Thakker, and President and Chief Operating Officer Steve Gera pause for a photo during a recent visit to Jamaica. JOHNSON … the talent and love for the sport here make it a perfect fit for what we’re building Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (Photo: AP)

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania — A journalism professor and award-winning journalist believes, aside from issues with the economy, inflation and immigration, Democratic candidate Vice-President Kamala Harris’s stinging defeat in the US presidential election last week had a lot to do with her gender. “I think that she suffered from some of the vulgarities of American [culture]. She also suffered from the fact that she is a woman and there are a lot of people in America — a lot of men just can’t get the notion of having a woman as president,” said Linn Washington, a professor at Temple University. Washington, in responding to a question posed by the Jamaica Observer a day after Donald Trump, the Republican candidate and former president, won the election, pointed to the struggle of American politician Shirley Chisholm, the first black woman elected to the US Congress in the late 1960s, to make his point. “During the campaign it was the talk of Shirley Chisholm, who ran in the early 70s as a candidate for the Democratic nomination and she was not successful,” Washington said, then argued that misogyny was a major factor in last Tuesday’s election which saw Trump getting just over 74.5 million votes while Harris polled almost 71 million. “The country has been in existence since 1791. She [Chisholm] said that the largest and most persistent impediment that she faced was the fact, not that she was black, but that she was a woman. I think that a lot of the vote that we saw in this election from some black and Latino men was related to misogyny,” he said. Washington believes Harris “ran an incredible campaign” within a short span of time. “… [It] was just 100 days between when she was selected to be the candidate and the election, so there was tremendous effort. I think she should be credited for running a very good campaign but the reality, too, is she was running an uphill campaign and it was difficult,” he explained. Trump made illegal immigration a major plank of his campaign, and Washington believes it worked in his favour while the Democrats handled it wrongly. “They allowed the Republicans to pretty much command a narrative on how there have been efforts over the years to address that issue. Earlier this year there was bipartisan agreement as to how to pass legislation that would have addressed some of the issues at the border, and the Republicans who were on board with this got a call from a guy named Donald Trump who said, ‘Don’t do this, because I am going to make it an election issue, a campaign issue,’ and they backed away from that,” the professor said. “I don’t think that move was highlighted enough by the Democrats. There were a few tactical errors there, but just understand that she was running from behind, and she did an incredible job. If she had more time I think she would have done better,” he added. Washington pointed to his personal experience interacting with illegal immigrants who came to the US as children. Noting Trump’s vow to start deporting illegal immigrants on day one of his presidency next January, Washington said, “I think he will try to do that, and I think a lot of people are a little naïve about it. I remember a [few] years ago I covered a press conference in City Hall and it was about dreamers — young people who were brought to this country as children and had grown up here, had roots here, but they are not legitimate citizens because they didn’t go through the immigration process. “…some folks from Jamaica are going to get caught up in this, and it is going to be a situation where you are guilty or you are presumed guilty until you prove yourself innocent — and that is going to cause utter chaos,” he said. He claimed that many illegal immigrants are pumping their energy into the American workforce. “People who are here working, if they get a pay cheque [then] social security payments are deducted from that, taxes are deducted from that, but they have no say in any of it. They can’t get social security — so they are putting more into the system than what they are getting out of it,” he said. “Let me be clear, there is a problem at the border. There was a time when, to get into the country you had to go through certain procedures, and if you wanted to claim asylum — that you were running away from something — it couldn’t be because you wanted a better life here; you had to have a legitimate [threat] from where you were. There is this notion that people come here, they automatically get jobs and support from the Government. Who is hiring those people?” he asked. “… Are they coming into America and going to an employer and putting a gun to their head and say, ‘Hire me’? No, it is Americans hiring them, so Americans are a part of this problem, but we don’t say that… it is crazy,” he said.

Dancehall artiste Malie Donn’s début EP, The Grand Rising, is scheduled to be released on November 15 via VP Records. The 10-track set, which features the bonus track Code Life with Skippa, sees Malie Donn working with a variety of producers, including Attomatic Records, Dan Sky Records, and DJ Mac. The first single released from the project, Don Julio, was released on November 1. “The track Don Julio has been in the pipeline for some time now. The massive and the audience been asking for that song, so it was highly anticipated. I believe this one is going to make an impact,” Malie Donn told the Jamaica Observer in a recent interview. He said the title of the EP represents his musical growth. “To me… it signifies growth in my career and, seeing that it’s my first project ever, this is me taking it to the next level. But I need to do some more work before I consider releasing an album. Me, personally, just put together a project to put out to the world and my supporters,” said Malie Donn. The deejay said he invested a lot into the project. “This one is personal… [I]t was my intention, my dream, to have this EP done,” he shared. Haiti, Uptown, Rich Forever, Energy, 7:00 featuring Armanii, Powaz, Cry featuring Squash and She Bad, are some of the tracks included on The Grand Rising. Malie Don said that some of the songs on the EP were recorded from as far back as last year. “I used to drop songs daily, but since the constant travelling have slowed things down a bit. I don’t have the time to voice songs as much as before. Majority of the songs on the EP were voiced from last year; you saw the uprising of me last year. Life just got busy and I had to put the EP on pause to focus on shows overseas,” Malie Donn, whose real name is Kimalie Hylton, disclosed. Last year was a big year for the deejay. He scored a massive hit with V6, which was produced by Ireland Records. With the song’s success major labels came calling. However, Malie Donn didn’t own the master for the song, and this prevented him from clinching a deal with a major record label. He said he has learnt from that experience: “I’ve learnt a lot since then. I don’t regret it, sometimes you have to learn the hard way. I have gotten more educated, I have a better understanding of the business…” Malie Donn is known for the hits Crook, Bank, Militancy, Cups Up, Rum Please, and Miss Grippy. Asked if he thought the impact of dancehall music influences children and how he balances that with his type of music, the deejay said: “Music is a very powerful influence on children. I saw it when I was growing up. I was listening to Vybz Kartel and, trust mi, it really influenced me and mi behaviour. Music is more powerful than people think… We, as artistes, a nuh like we nuh know that, but we haffi learn that this thing is a business and business has consumers, and how yuh product ago sell? Yaw fi gi dem what dem want. If yuh nah sell what dem want, then yuh ago lose. Music is just like any other business.” He added: “It’s not our job to protect the kids from listening, that is the parents’ job. That’s why when yuh get a TV, yuh see parental guidance on it, the remote, yuh set it so that its kids-friendly.” Malie Donn is originally from Spanish Town, but he grew up in Portmore. He also resided for a time with his grandparents in St Mary, when his mother decided to relocate overseas to better provide for the family. His father also lived overseas. On the point of whether his music, which targets primarily women, comes across as degrading, Malie Donn said: “To each his own. Everybody has their own opinion, and everybody haffi fend fi dem self. Their opinion naw put food pon my table… And why are we making money from this type of music? Obviously there is a market for it. It all comes down to the individual and how they look at it. My grandparents, dem don’t like the music weh mi sing. My madda, she a Christian but she understand. More while she say if mi cyaan mek a full clean song weh she can show har fren’ dem. She just pray to God that mi ago transition mi talent inna some more positive songs, a dat she tell mi.”

MORE than 19 boats filled with volunteers and fishermen took to the waters of Kingston Harbour on Saturday as they worked together to collect tonnes of waste, in a race to help clean up the country’s vital mangrove ecosystems. Despite their hard work, however, volunteers were struck by the overwhelming amount of waste surrounding the mangroves, and renewed their urgent plea to Jamaicans to properly dispose of their garbage so as to safeguard the nation’s marine life. The Kingston Harbour Clean-up Project (KHCP), in collaboration with GraceKennedy Foundation, The Ocean Clean-up, and Clean Harbours Jamaica, held The Great Mangrove Cleanup Trash Tournament at Royal Jamaica Yacht Club with the aim of removing legacy waste (waste that has been accumulated in the environment over time and not properly treated or disposed of) from Kingston Harbour’s mangrove forests and beaches. Volunteers were split into teams on different boats as they went to various sections of the mangroves on Kingston Harbour, removing garbage as quickly as possible while competing for prizes. However, some volunteers said they were surprised after seeing the high volume of garbage they collected. “I am shocked to see so much trash coming through, and I am very much disappointed to see so many refrigerators and other waste that were stuck in our mangroves,” said Alecia Beaufort, waste manager for Clean Harbours Jamaica Limited. She is urging Jamaicans to be more responsible with their garbage and to be more aware of the negative effects of bad garbage disposal habits. “Reuse, recycle and reduce your waste. We do have a lot of things in store, we have a lot of things currently in place, and I believe Jamaicans need to be very much more aware of how they use plastic, how they toss anything, and so if they could be more aware it will really, really make a great difference in the project that we’re doing and in Jamaica being cleaner,” she told the Jamaica Observer. Sharing a similar sentiment, CEO of GraceKennedy Foundation Caroline Mahfood explained that coming out of the hurricane season, it is important that more Jamaicans understand how the mangroves protect the country’s shoreline during natural disasters. She is pleading with Jamaicans to help put a stop to what she describes as “a never-ending cycle” of repeatedly having beach clean-ups, by being more aware of proper garbage disposal practices. “I do not want to do the never-ending clean-up. I feel like every beach clean-up, all of these kinds of clean-ups is never-ending because people are not disposing of their waste properly upstream. This is what is coming through the gullies, down into the harbour and floating across the harbour. We have got to have pride in our country and not be dumping into the gullies, and we need to be able to have a proper garbage collection system to be able to support people so they don’t feel the need to dump into the gullies,” she urged. Mahfood added that there is a lot more work to be done to protect the country’s marine life from pollution. In the meantime, co-founder of MDK Advisory and Consulting Limited Deika Morrison, consultants to Grace Kennedy Foundation on the project, said that more work is being done to improve awareness across the country, informing more Jamaicans of what happens to their garbage when they dispose of it. She said it is important to involve children in these awareness activities if there is going to be a drastic change in attitudes towards the protection of marine life. “I think when we have awareness activities like this, people get the connection. We have school tours [on which] we take the children, they stand up on the gully side and they see it coming right down into the barrier. We are trying to make sure that awareness is there, and I would really encourage everyone just to be involved; you’ll see that we will have other events and other activities. We have an offloading site, [and] it is set up so that people can come and see what we’re doing so please, just engage with us,” she said. Additionally, environmental education officer at GraceKennedy Foundation Elizabeth Goodleigh emphasised the importance of the project, explaining that certain areas of the mangroves are already dying as a result of pollution. “A lot of people I talked to today were saying that they knew that there was a pollution problem but they did not know the extent of it until they actually had to physically go out and were looking at it for the first time from the point of view of the boats,” said Goodleigh. She is suggesting that greater effort be placed into creating more sustainable solutions regarding keeping the mangroves clean. “I want us as a country to start thinking about more sustainable options. It is not a sustainable effort for us to keep cleaning [as] nobody wants to keep cleaning forever. We eventually want to get to a point where this kind of activity is unnecessary so we need to rethink sustainability and waste management in Jamaica,” she said. “If you look around you will see a lot of fridges and stoves; the reasons these end up in the gully is that NSWMA [National Solid Waste Management Authority] is not mandated to take up this trash from domestic households. It’s actually a category of waste called bulky waste, and while they do try to have drives to remove bulky waste it is actually legally upon the individual to pay a truck to carry this away to Riverton — and that is too expensive for some people. So, I think we need to just rethink that category of waste, and how it’s collected, and how we manage it here locally,” she suggested. Volunteers return to shore with garbage collected during The Great Mangrove Clean-up Trash Tournament. Volunteer Raheem Thomas takes in garbage collected from The Great Mangrove Clean-up Trash Tournament held Saturday at Royal Jamaica Yacht Club. Co-founder of MDK Advisory and Consulting

JAMAICANS with unpaid student loans who migrate to the United States (US) will face significant challenges when they seek to update or renew their immigration status. Manager of the Loan Servicing Department at the Students’ Loan Bureau (SLB) Cheryl Surjue said the Government of Jamaica and their US counterparts have forged a partnership to identify Jamaican immigrants with outstanding student loan debts. She cited cases of several categories of professionals who she said have migrated to the US, among other countries, leaving unpaid student loans, pointing out that, “when they leave we are not able to fully track their whereabouts, [and] those loans tend to go bad”. “People who may have migrated on the J1 visa and want to renew their status in the US, before they can actually do that, there’s an arrangement where the US Government needs to find out from us [Jamaica] if this person is indebted to the Government,” Surjue said. This, she said, is to determine whether an individual has an outstanding loan balance before their immigration status is changed. Surjue emphasised that clearing the loan would not only involve bringing the account up to date, but also fully settling the debt. “It is at this point that you’ll find most of these beneficiaries will actually start servicing their loans because we did not know and they didn’t communicate with us that they migrated,” she explained. Surjue said the arrangement with the US Government has assisted the agency in collecting outstanding loans. She, however, cautioned that it is best if persons notify the bureau prior to migrating and arrange to service their debt. “Before you get to that point, we want persons to be responsible borrowers. This is why we’ve actually launched our financial literacy programme, to know how we can assist and how the beneficiaries may go about repaying their loan — and not wait until it gets to that point of the loan being bad or we have to solicit debt collectors to try and locate you,” Surjue said.

Men believed linked to robbery ring in area THE police in east Kingston have put a dent in a suspected robbery ring in the area after officers on patrol shot and killed three men on Windward Road early on Sunday morning. All three — two of whom were teenagers — were from east Kingston addresses. A police corporal was reportedly shot in the leg during a shoot-out with the men, while two firearms, including a Sig Sauer and a Ruger 9mm pistol with several rounds of ammunition, were seized following the encounter. A 48-hour curfew was in effect in the area at the time of the shooting. The curfew began at 6:00 pm Friday and ended 6:00 pm Sunday. Superintendent of Police Tomilee Chambers, who heads the Kingston East Police Division, told the Jamaica Observer on Sunday that the men were specifically from the Rockfort and Rollington Town areas within her division. The young men have been identified as 17-year-old labourer Oshane Stubbs, otherwise known as Moon Head; 20-year-old delivery man Kayshawn Smith, otherwise known as Bimmax; and 19-year-old car wash attendant Abando Campbell. “My team was travelling on Windward Road when men aroused their suspicion and the police team stopped, and alighted from their unit, and gave verbal instructions to the men. After doing that, the men pulled their firearms and opened gunfire at the police team,” Chambers recounted. “The police took evasive action and returned fire. After the gunfire subsided all three men were observed with gunshot wounds. Two firearms were seen beside them.” Chambers said, based on feedback, the men have been terrorising residents and wreaking havoc for a period of time in the Jackson Road, Rollington Town, and Windward Road space. “I can’t say if they were affiliated with any gang in particular; they were not on our wanted list. However, a series of events have been taking place on the Windward Road strip for a period of time; people have been reporting that they have been robbed coming from the automated teller machine [ATM]. Based on intelligence we have been picking up, they might be persons who would watch people who use the machine,” Chambers said. Police statistics show that robberies have increased in the division by 19.2 per cent this year, compared to the corresponding period in 2023. From January 1 to November 9 a total of 31 robberies were recorded in the division, compared to 26 robberies from January to November 2023.

LIVERPOOL, United Kingdom (AFP)— Arne Slot said he is not shocked by a stunning start to life in charge of Liverpool as the Reds have stormed to the top of the Premier League and Champions League. The Dutch coach has won 14 and drawn one of his 16 matches in charge in all competitions as th Slot appeared to have a tough ask to follow Jurgen Klopp. But he has built on the solid foundations left by the German after Liverpool finished third in the Premier League behind Manchester City and Arsenal last season. “Surprise isn’t the right word I’d use because I knew the quality of our team. But quality is one thing, to be consistent is a second thing,” said Slot at his pre-match press conference ahead of hosting Aston Villa on Saturday. “From the moment I started working with them I saw how much energy they put in on a daily basis and that is I think the reason you can be consistent.” Liverpool were inspired by the power of the Anfield crowd to come from behind to beat Brighton 2-1 last weekend to move two points ahead of City at the top of the Premier League. A similar atmosphere helped blow Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen away 4-0 in the Champions League on Tuesday. Slot is keen to keep his players’ feet on the ground but is happy for the fans to get excited about the possibility of just a second league title in 35 years. “If the end result of them being excited is to bring the atmosphere of the second half against Brighton and the whole game against Leverkusen, I am hoping they will keep being excited because that atmosphere helped us a lot,” added the former Feyenoord boss. Diogo Jota remains sidelined but should return after November’s international break.

Rain couldn’t stop the shine on Kia’s latest model launch on Saturday, November 2, at the Sky Deck, AC Hotel Kingston, as the brand revealed its first electric vehicle to Jamaica — the EV5. “A fun fact, we actually have the Kia EV5 before the US. We have it before most markets, so we’re one of the first countries to be launching the EV5. It’s an impressive vehicle, nice size, very attractive, and we think it’s going to do well,” Kevin Jackson, senior sales manager, Kia Jamaica, told the Jamaica Observer’s weekly Auto magazine. The EV5 is not the first electrified Kia model, but it is the first to hit Jamaican shores. The five-seater SUV will be sold in two trim levels, and two battery types on the highest trim. The technical specifications begin with front-wheel drive and a 64.2 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery under the floor giving 214bhp and a rated 400km of range, all on a 400-v architecture. It can handle up to 11kWh of AC charging and up to 350kWh of DC fast charging. Eighty per cent of battery charge can be regained in as little as 36 minutes dependent on the charging station. The EV5 will be later available in a long-range version using a larger 88.1 kWh battery for a rated 555km of range. An all-wheel drive drivetrain, with two electric motors for a combined output of 308bhp, is a further drivetrain options. Jackson explained that Kia customers have been asking for EV options. “So far the customer base checking for EVs has been our regular customers thinking about transitioning to electric, but what we have found is that there is a niche market of people who are looking just for electric cars,” he shared. Jackson said these people have a lot to look forward to from Kia: “Our customers have been asking for EVs, and another anticipated model coming out next is the EV9. We should get that Q1 next year. The EV9 is a huge vehicle, about the size of a Land Cruiser. And then following that is the EV3, which is the size of the Seltos.” Since it was acquired by the ATL Automotive Group in 2017, and officially opened its doors in 2018, Kia has found its way to sit currently second in the market, with the Seltos its most popular model. “Kia is #2 in the market right now, a strong #2. Toyota is a worthy competitor, but we’ve overtaken every other brand and we’re a far #2,” he said. Jackson revealed the next step for Kia, which is to move into the very competitive pickup segment with the recently announced Tasman. “I’m in the process of choosing the specification for the new Kia Tasman. That’s very exciting for us.” Jackson expects the body-on-frame turbo-diesel pickup by summer 2026.

Champions Mona face rivals JC in Manning Cup feature Defending champions Mona and Jamaica College (JC) will clash in today’s highly anticipated opening round quarter-final match of the ISSA/Digicel Manning Cup competition at the Stadium East field, starting at 2:00 pm. In the second match of the double-header, Kingston College (KC) will face Tivoli Gardens at 4:15 pm. The Craig Butler-coached Mona, who are firm favourites to retain their title, have been in excellent form this season, topping their second-round group with a perfect nine points from three matches. Butler, a past student of JC, has led his team to an impressive 11 goals scored and just one conceded in the second round. Keven Jones, principal of Mona, said his team is feeling confident ahead of today’s game. “The coaching staff and boys are ready. I was at training yesterday [Wednesday], and I spoke to them, and everybody seems to be beaming with confidence,” said Jones. “I don’t think that they have any fear and I don’t think that they are worried, but what they are focusing on is going there and executing according to the plan and we will see what the results will be on Friday.” On the other hand, the Davion Ferguson-coached JC have had an up-and-down season. Despite finishing unbeaten in their second-round group with five points, JC had to settle for second place behind St Catherine, who topped the group with seven points. JC scored nine goals in their three second-round games but conceded four. “We are at the quarter-finals stage of the competition and once you reach this stage, every game is a big game, and we will treat it as such,” said Ferguson. “We know what our objectives are this season, and at this stage of the competition, we take nobody lightly. No matter the name or the school, we take every game at this stage very seriously.” “I think that every game in this phase of the competition is going to be tough because there are no easy teams left in the tournament,” Ferguson continued. “No matter who it is, we have prepared for it and we are going there to do our best.” He also acknowledged that Mona is a very strong all-around team but stated that his team is ready to fight for the three points. “Every game that we play, we play to win and to give our best, and once we give our best, that is good enough. We can’t ask for anything else,” Ferguson underscored. Butler has been very bullish ahead of the match and both sets of supporters are eager to lock horns given recent bad blood between both football groups, following Mona’s title celebration last season, which saw several students storm the JC campus in a move that was been widely condemned. Friday’s Matches •Mona vs Jamaica College at Stadium East field at 2:00 pm •Kingston College vs Tivoli Gardens at Stadium East field at 4:15 pm •Excelsior vs Hydel at Jamaica College at Jamaica College at 3:00 pm •St Catherine vs Campion College at Spanish Town Prison Oval at 3:00 pm  

Jamaican businesses seek answers as climate change disrupt operations Local businesses are faced with mounting operational challenges as erratic weather patterns drive up costs, hinder logistics, and strain productivity across sectors. In a year marked by increased storms and persistent rain, industry leaders and business groups have raised alarms about the toll on productivity, logistics, and infrastructure, and have intensified calls for resilience measures and climate adaptation to minimize disruptions to business activities. “It’s far more than issues like people staying home when there is a storm threat, because the safety of staff is our priority even though it disrupts production. We have major challenges with things like the road conditions and the challenges of getting deliveries into some of these communities where now there are no roads or road is in a terrible state,” William Mahfood, chairman of Wisynco, one of Jamaica’s leading manufacturers, told the Jamaica Observer in referencing the impact of recurrent rain and flooding. “The congestion on the roads has been extreme, adding significant expenses to our business.” Since Hurricane Beryl struck in July, Jamaica has continued to experience severe weather events. The Atlantic hurricane season, which peaks between August and October, has intensified these issues, with Tropical Storm Rafael prompting another storm watch just this week. As a result numerous companies temporarily closed operations, while others, like Wisynco, have had to arrange special transport for essential staff to keep critical functions running. Despite these efforts, he acknowledged that operating below full capacity amid rising demand is not sustainable. Metry Seaga, president of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica, told the BusinessWeek that constant disruptions from extreme weather are making it difficult for businesses to maintain operational consistency. “There’s no doubt this weather is affecting productivity, people get out of their work rhythm; but there is nothing that we can really do about that part because staff safety is our priority ” he said. But the ongoing disruptions are pushing business leaders to consider more robust resilience and continuity strategies. Wayne Chen, president of the Jamaica Employers Federation, emphasised that every crisis brings an opportunity. He is encouraging more private companies to take more seriously resilience planning, including cloud-based data storage and contingency staffing arrangements. However, he stressed that resilient infrastructure is foundational to any long-term strategy. “We need dependable roads, reliable telecom services, and a stable power grid,” he asserted, while calling for public investment in critical infrastructure to enable businesses to operate sustainably amid climate uncertainties. As the challenges intensify, digital transformation is emerging as a crucial strategy for maintaining productivity. Automation and remote work capabilities are becoming more common, allowing businesses to mitigate some losses during severe weather while safeguarding employees. “Automation is part of the solution, but it won’t replace human workers,” Seaga reasoned, adding that for these solutions to be fully effective, improvements to Jamaica’s digital infrastructure are essential. Energy independence is another key area Chen wants business leaders and the Government to focus on. “With global supply chains increasingly vulnerable, Jamaica must consider the potential impact of disruptions,” he noted. “Transitioning towards renewable energy and energy independence not only mitigates this risk but also creates new opportunities for growth and long-term employment.” Chen is urging leaders to consider resilience and adaptability from both a national and business perspective, asking, “How do we make our businesses more resilient and adaptable? How do we make our countries more resilient and adaptable?” He added that Jamaica’s vulnerability is compounded by the economy’s heavy reliance on tourism and trade. “We are highly susceptible to climate shocks, and that dependency increases our exposure,” Chen said.  

…says he’s proud to see children’s growth, ready to devote time Admitting that he missed a huge portion of his children’s life while he was imprisoned, Adidja Palmer, stage name Vybz Kartel, beamed with pride as he spoke about the young adults he came home to. Speaking with Jamaica Observer’s Splash following the conclusion of his Freedom Street press launch at Janga’s Soundbar on Wednesday, he said his heart is full each moment he gets to now spend in the presence of his children. He shared that he is particularly proud of the musical path his sons have chosen. Vybz Kartel, also known as The Teacha, shared that with so many artistes having emerged as dancehall stars under his tutelage, he is beyond ecstatic to see his bloodline following in his footsteps. “I am so proud, especially wid Likkle Addi, because one thing wid him, him have the Kartel-ism. Him hungry fi it. Don’t get me wrong ennu, Jaheim (Likkle Vybz), him have it too ennu, but you know he’s got his fiancée, and he got two kids, gave me two grandchildren, and with him being the older one I think he’s just kinda wants to be a family man and build a family life. But Likkle Addi hungry for it; so I am very proud,” said Palmer. But, even while doting on his sons, Kartel also jumped on the chance to also publicly acknowledge his daughter Adi’ Anna, who received eight passes in the May/June sitting of the regional Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate exams, six of which were grade ones. As he spontaneously burst into the song written in her honour ( Adianna), Kartel smiled brightly as he spoke of his “Prinny”. To celebrate her achievements, Vybz Kartel, who shared a picture of the results, took his daughter on a father/daughter date which included a shopping spree. “Mi haffi big up mi daughter Adi’Ann, mi swear to God a she me rather. Big up, Prinny,” he said. The entertainer also used the opportunity to express gratitude to the mothers of his children. He shares that each of them, in his absence, did well in raising the kids. But now that he’s out, the Comet deejay said there’s nothing that gives him more joy than being a present and active father and soon-to-be husband. “Mi come out, me and Sidem, we engaged and mi and mi kids dem reunite. Mi a behave mi self, show back love and support to mi fans and give back to mi fans, because mi blessed. Mi just a live mi best life,” he said. The artiste said he’s looking forward to delivering a high-energy, world-class performance at Freedom Street on December 31. It will be the deejay’s first live performance in 13 years.

Florida finally elects Jamaican as first black woman mayor NEW YORK, USA — Jamaican American Denise Grant was elected Tuesday as the first black woman mayor of Lauderhill, the bustling Florida city nicknamed “Jamaica Hill” because it is home to a large number of her compatriots. Two other Jamaicans, Richard Campbell and John T Hodgson, were elected to serve as city commissioners in the city government in Lauderhill, located in Broward County, in Tuesday’s election. Mayor-elect Grant survived a bitter campaign — during which she was forced to defend allegations of misuse of an official vehicle while she served as commissioner in the final days of the campaign — to defeat Vice-Mayor Lawrence “Jabbow” Martin. Preliminary results posted on the Broward County website show Grant polling 16,117 or 62.55 per cent of the votes cast to 9,648 or 37.45 per cent for Martin. Campbell and Hodgson both prevailed in four-way contests in their respective triumphs. Campbell took commissioner seat number four, polling 13,020 or 52.13 per cent to defeat Mae Smith, his nearest rival who garnered 8,046 or 33.66 per cent of the votes cast. Hodgson prevailed over three other candidates in commissioner seat one with 8,335 votes, representing 33.75 per cent of the votes against Tracey Roach with 7,953 or 32.20 per cent. Speaking with the Jamaica Observer after her victory, Grant listed public safety, programmes for young people and seniors as well as support for small businesses among her top priorities. “I will also seek to undertake an independent audit of the city’s affairs to understand where things stand and especially to make an informed determination on the way forward where taxes and other critical issues are concerned,” she said. Grant has given clear indications that she would like to lower taxes. She added that with Lauderhill being seen as one of those cities with a high crime rate, she “plans to be laser focused on the public safety issue, along with providing a business-friendly atmosphere to lure business to the area”. “I decided to seek the office of mayor as I believe I will have more leverage, more capital, and more resources than a commissioner,” Grant said in a June 2024 interview. “These are important to improve conditions and move the city of Lauderhill forward.” The Christiana, Manchester, native seemed to imply that having two of her compatriots as commissioners should help to advance her agenda for the city. Not a stranger to controversy, Grant also survived a 2023 investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement regarding the code of ethics for public officials as well as a complaint about her behaviour towards a commission aide, according to published reports. Her backers noted that she had been cleared of all the allegations against her after full and detailed investigations, which spanned more than a year in some instances. Hodgson and Campbell, in the meantime, seem aligned with Grant with some of their priorities. On his website, Hodgson, a past student of William Knibb Memorial High School in Trelawny, said, “My focus will be on youth development, public safety, business and community development as well as fiscal responsibility.” Hodgson, who is also a former member of the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB), hosts the folksy John T On The Morning Ride show on WAVS 1170 AM Radio in south Florida. “To be an elected official is a feeling of trust, respect and acceptance. The campaign was long and challenging with three other candidates, two Americans and a Haitian. My objectives as commissioner are public safety, property taxes, senior residence, youth development, fiscal responsibility and accountability,” he told the Jamaica Observer. For his part, Campbell said he “will be aiming to make Lauderhill the number one city in the United States”. He, too, listed economic development and security as two areas on which he will be heavily focused. Jamaicans make up a large portion of the more than 73,000 population and are the largest number of blacks in Lauderhill. In the nearby city of Tamarac, Marlon Bolton was also returned as commissioner, while Clarendon-born Mark A Douglas lost to incumbent Michael J Ryan in the election for mayor of Sunrise.   — Additional reporting by Howard Campbell

Newly appointed Minister of Finance Fayval Williams has hit back at Opposition spokesman on finance Julian Robinson’s claim about Jamaica’s debt-to-GDP (gross domestic product) ratio when the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) administration came into office in 2016. Robinson, in a statement to the media on Wednesday, had challenged a claim by Prime Minister Andrew Holness in Parliament the day before that the country’s debt-to-GDP ratio was 145 per cent when the JLP administration took office. He said, in fact, the debt-to-GDP ratio stood at 115 per cent when his People’s National Party (PNP) left office in 2016, “after a period of careful fiscal management”. Accusing the prime minister of making a “false statement”, Robinson added: “In 2012, the PNP inherited a challenging economic situation with the debt-to-GDP ratio at 145 per cent. By 2016, through determined efforts, we had reduced this to 115 per cent, achieving a substantial improvement that averaged an annual reduction of 7.5 per cent.” However, the newly minted finance minister, Williams sought to remind the Opposition spokesperson and the public of what she said were pertinent dates and figures. “On December 29, 2011, the PNP won the General Election and by the time the second fiscal year ended on March 31, 2013, Jamaica’s Debt-to-GDP ratio had risen to 145.3 per cent from 138.8 per cent at end of March 31, 2012.” In addition, Williams made reference to the International Monetary Fund’s Country Report No 16/181 dated June 2016, following the conclusion of the IMF’s Article IV consultations, that she said shows that the debt-to-GDP ratio at the end of March 2016, when the PNP left office, was 128.7 per cent and not 115 per cent as the spokesman indicated. She said it was “regrettable” that the issue has been politicized, noting that the prime minister in referencing the debt-to-GDP, said “no single administration has done it.” Recently, in its reviews under the Precautionary and Liquidity Line and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility, the IMF reported a debt-to-GDP ratio of 71.8 per cent for the recent fiscal year which ended March 31, 2024. She argued that the debt-to-GDP reduction between 2016 and 2024 under the Holness Administration “has been far more significant”, moving from 128.7 per cent to 71.8 per cent as at the end of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024. “This amounts to a reduction of 56.9 percentage points over the period or 7.1 percentage points reduction per year (on average) in the face of extreme global health and natural disaster shocks,” Williams continued. “Contrast this with only a 16.6 percentage point reduction achieved by the PNP government during 2013-2016 despite there being no significant external shocks to the economy.” She also noted that during 2016-2024, some of the significant gains achieved were reversed by the impact of COVID-19, the worst global health crisis in a century, as well as the overlapping global crises associated with the war in Ukraine and major global supply chain disruptions. “Collectively, the impact of these resulted in the largest external shock that the Jamaican economy has experienced since the country’s independence,” said Williams, who on Wednesday replaced IMF-bound Dr Nigel Clarke as finance minister. She added that it is worth noting that during 2013-2016, Jamaicans were burdened with two significant tax increases. “The 2012/2013 tax package announced was budgeted to raise $19.38 billion and this was followed by another raft of tax measures in 2013/14 totalling $15.9 billion. This period saw the most massive tax packages in our independent history,” Williams said. “For contrast, the debt-to-GDP reductions during 2016-2024 have been achieved alongside nine consecutive budgets with no net new taxes. In fact, several taxes have been reduced over that period,” Williams said, outlining among them the income tax threshold being increased from $592,800 to J$1,700,088 and GCT being reduced from 16.5 per cent to 15 per cent. Williams added that, “The spokesman is entitled to his own opinions but not to his own facts. The data and the facts on the country’s debt-to-GDP reductions are clear and unequivocal. I welcome the opportunity to really set the record straight and to inform the public accordingly.”

Health minister slaps PNP’s ‘sad’ criticisms of health sector Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton on Tuesday described as inaccurate and unfortunate the Opposition’s allegations of corruption in the procurement of medical equipment, saying that the claims are a desperate attempt to gain political advantage. He also lampooned Opposition spokesman on health Dr Alfred Dawes’ charge that overpriced machinery were being bought from China in what amounts to a rapacious form of capitalism, describing the accusation as “rather sad”. Tufton in a statement to Parliament said while his presentation was an update on developments in the health sector, he had to address Dr Dawes’ accusations made at a news conference on Monday. Dawes, a medical doctor, had delivered a broadside against the Government for its handling of the health sector, saying that there is high-level corruption in the procurement process that is “leading to the collapse of the health sector”. According to Dr Dawes, there is “significant conflict of interest” in the procurement process, “resulting in companies that are connected to the stakeholders and decision-makers in the procuring entities being awarded contracts”. “It is a broken procurement process why an electronic health records system could go to tender for $370 million… and when concluded the contract is $800 million and we are told that it is above board. “It is why a $1.5-million operating bed lasts only three months when that same operating bed, if you were to buy it in China, the cost in Jamaican dollars would be $150,000. We are seeing this rapacious form of capitalism sucking out $140 million out of the Ministry of Health and there is no value for the taxpayers’ dollars,” Dr Dawes charged. However, on Tuesday Tufton defended the procurement process, outlining the steps taken from start to finish and said the ministry does not vary from the required procedures. “So it’s advertised, people bid based on what is required, and when that takes place it goes to a committee that is independent of the ministry ultimately, and a decision is made, and in so doing the equipment is secured,” he said. “I’m not sure how one could leap from there to suggest that somehow substandard equipment have been [bought], and in that same breath the giant leap from a public procurement process involving equipment to a term ‘rapacious capitalism’ is rather sad,” Tufton said. He said that, while it was not his job to be critical of individuals and their ambitions, what was interesting about the “rapacious capitalism” allegation was that it came from the “very same person who… left the public health system as an SMO (senior medical officer) to establish his own hospital in order to pursue the market forces… for his own livelihood”. He said he had no problem with individuals pursuing private business because, unlike the Opposition, “who seem to have a problem with it, we over here believe in the market as an efficient determination of how resources are allocated”. In an obvious reference to the Opposition People’s National Party’s declared ideology of socialism, Tufton said, the Jamaican people “should be aware [that] as much as the private sector and capitalism… have faults, socialism and [a] planned economy [are] far more imperfect and create far more challenges, and we’re not going back there; I don’t think the people of Jamaica want that.” He said he didn’t know if the suggestion coming from the Opposition was for the Government to hand-pick and select who provides services, but, “That is not going to happen, and indeed it’s against the rules, unless in emergency cases.” Tufton also said that “some of the charges and counter-charges that were made against public health and the servants of public health and the Cabinet and Government of Jamaica are quite unfortunate, not to mention the fact that they are inaccurate”. “The reality is that our health-care system has not been given the level of resources and attention over many, many decades. And, in fact, the very member who leads in these conversations on that side, himself in 2015 when he was president of the Jamaica Medical Doctors Association, stated, and it was carried extensively in the media, that he, as a surgeon, had to wear garbage bags as personal protective gear in order to conduct surgery within the health system,” the health and wellness minister said. “I can say that no surgeon today needs to wear a garbage bag in order to get personal protective equipment to conduct a surgery in the public health system, and even if there is a periodic shortage, it’s probably around logistics, not because it is not available,” he argued. “We have inherited a lot of the issues, but we are making progress. In fact, the largest investment in health care since 1962 has taken place over the last eight years under this Andrew Holness Administration. $35 billion in active projects being implemented, that’s not a crisis, that is looking forward and not looking backward; that is making progress, and I’d be happy to share some of the specifics around that in the context of what has transpired over the last number of months,” he said then gave updates on a number of projects in the public health sector including Cornwall Regional Hospital. “In Phase 1, the water infiltration that affected the building and caused the growth of mould, based on lack of maintenance for probably two decades before that, this Government decided to address in no uncertain terms. “In Phase 2, we had to address the structural integrity of the building, removing components of the building and repairing the supporting structure that has been compromised by water. “In 2024, we launched the final phase, Phase 3 of the project, that is to realise the full rehabilitation of the building. This is being done in sections. The first section of the building to be rehabilitated is the administrative block, with staff being able to be accommodated by this Christmas. In other words, we will begin to move back

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prime Minister Andrew Holness has named Member of Parliament for St Andrew East Rural, Fayval Williams to replace Dr Nigel Clarke as Jamaica’s minister of finance. Williams will be replaced as the minister of education by Senator Dr Dana Morris Dixon, Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Information, Skills and Digital Transformation. In the meantime, recently elected Member of Parliament for St Ann North Eastern Matthew Samuda returns to the Cabinet as Minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation. Williams comes highly qualified for the position. She is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) by profession, has an MBA with concentration in finance from Wharton Business School at University of Pennsylvania, and a BA (cum laude) in Economics from Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

On the sun-drenched stretch of highway connecting Falmouth and Montego Bay, nestled among swaying trees is a charming restaurant called Muk Bang, the brainchild of Javoi and Kim McCook, a husband-and-wife team whose culinary talents blend the vibrant flavours of Jamaican and Chinese cuisine. McCook explained the motivation behind the restaurant and how they decided on a name for the eatery. “During the COVID-19 pandemic we had moved on from Sandals and decided to venture out on our own. We were looking for a name that was catchy and would represent what we had planned, which was to provide customers with varied food options. Especially since I’m a vegetarian and it is always difficult, on this side, to find those options, and my wife is Chinese so the fusion was a mix of Jamaican, Chinese and vegetarian. The name just came to us as we watched Wayne Marshall and Tami Chin, where Tami would ask Wayne to let’s get a Muk Bang.” “We opened up in 2021 and we just have to give God thanks! Of course, top-selling Jamaican dishes are curry goat and oxtail, Chinese favourites are chow mein, mala chicken, sweet and sour chicken, while vegetarian options are chick peas and chop suey. Food has always been a part of me; I like to joke that the ‘cook’ in my last name is no coincidence,” McCook added. Both partners share a background in food, as McCook was chief of steward and worked extensively with the chefs while Kim pursued a degree in hospitality and tourism and worked in a few restaurants which led to being a chef’s admin at Sandals Resorts International. “I grew up in Jamaica and then went to Canada for high school, there my older brother had a restaurant called Jerk King and I was always helping in there. I came back to Jamaica, started working in a restaurant and eventually opened my own, then went to Sandals. We met at Sandals in the kitchen and we had a shared love of food and wanting to open a restaurant and here we are,” Kim explained. “Once people enter, they’re surprised that this space is actually here and we back that up, with excellent service and great food. We push the hospitality aspect of our business and maintain consistency and we believe that’s what keeps our customers coming back. We create a warm atmosphere and treat our customers like family,” Kim added. The husband-and-wife duo are looking forward to adding dining and more meal options to the menu. Currently, they have an entertainment package on Fridays to include live and retro music, and sing-a-longs. “We’re looking to have Muk Bang in other parishes to bring that great experience and family friendly vibe,” McCook stated. Text & photos: Aceion Cunningham   Address: Rock, Falmouth Opening hours: Monday – Saturday 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM Telephone #: 876-4428983 / 876-379-7115

WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — Billionaire Elon Musk was expected in court in Philadelphia on Thursday, after a judge ordered him to attend a hearing in a lawsuit seeking to halt his $1 million giveaways to registered US voters in swing states. Philadelphia’s chief prosecutor Larry Krasner lodged the suit on Monday, calling Musk’s project “an illegal lottery scheme”, with the judge in the case ruling Wednesday that the billionaire is required to appear in court. “It is further ordered that all parties must be present at the time of the hearing,” judge Anne Marie Coyle said. Musk stirred controversy after he announced the daily contest this month, prompting the Justice Department to warn that it may violate federal law which prohibits paying people to register to vote. Musk, 53, who owns SpaceX and X, formerly Twitter, has thrown his millions, time and considerable influence into backing Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump since endorsing him in July. Musk, the world’s richest man, has reportedly donated $118 million to his personal pro-Trump political action committee, an organization which collects funds for elections. He has also appeared on stage with Trump at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania and hosted a series of town halls on his own in the battleground state, seen as critical in the November election. Musk, who previously supported Barack Obama but has become increasingly conservative in recent years, peppers his 202 million followers on X daily with messages championing Trump and denigrating his opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris.

Sunshine Girls coach optimistic ahead of world series-opener vs New Zealand As Jamaica’s Sunshine Girls prepare to depart the island tomorrow for the Fast5 Netball World Series in New Zealand, Head Coach Nardia Hanson radiates optimism as the team is set to take on the world’s best at the tournament. The Fast5 Netball World Series is to take place from November 9-10 at Christchurch’s Wolfbrook Arena. The top six teams in the world will compete in the tournament — New Zealand, Australia, England, Jamaica, South Africa, and Uganda. As Jamaica’s Sunshine Girls prepare to depart the island tomorrow for the Fast5 Netball World Series in New Zealand, Head Coach Nardia Hanson radiates optimism as the team is set to take on the world’s best at the tournament. The Fast5 Netball World Series is to take place from November 9-10 at Christchurch’s Wolfbrook Arena. The top six teams in the world will compete in the tournament — New Zealand, Australia, England, Jamaica, South Africa, and Uganda. Each team plays each other once during the first two days in a round-robin format. The four highest-scoring teams from this stage progress to the finals, played on the final day of competition, in which the first-ranked team plays the fourth-ranked team, while second plays third. The winners of these two matches contest the grand final and the remaining teams compete in the third- and fifth-place play-offs. “Training has been going well,” Hanson told the Jamaica Observer. “I mean, the girls are showing progress, and so we are taking it day by day, learning the new rules, making sure the girls are being consistent in their shots. Training has been going pretty well.” With a mix of seasoned players and debutantes, Hanson emphasised the positivity within the squad. “The mindset in the camp at the moment is good. The fact that they want to do well, they are excited about the competition, and so I think the mindset is at the right place where the girls just want to grow,” Hanson said. Seven players will make their Fast5 debut, but Hanson believes the experienced trio will provide valuable guidance. “They’re not just going down there as first-timers, we have just like seven players who this will be their first time, but the three experienced players are helping them with the process,” she said. Hanson cautions the newcomers about the tournament’s intensity. “The senior players are reminding them that the Fast5 tournament is really hard. I mean, they are only playing six minutes per quarter, but it is like playing for two hours. It is very competitive, they want to do well and they have the interest and so they are going to do fine,” Hanson noted. To calm nerves, Hanson reminds the team that netball remains the same. “Just keep reminding the inexperienced players that it is netball. It is nothing new; it’s not a new sport they’re learning. It’s just that you’re going to play without a wing, so you’re going to be running more, be able to make long passes, be confident in your decision-making,” she said. Hanson said that the Netball Jamaica Elite League experience has prepared the team for Fast5’s unique aspects. “The good thing about it is when we played our Elite League, for the shooters, we do have the two-point shot, and so that part is good for them because they have been practising that. For the defenders, it is always one-on-one. So it’s nothing hard to transition or translate it into Fast5,” she explained. The Sunshine Girls face a daunting task. Their first game of the tournament is against hosts New Zealand, but Hanson remains optimistic. “We will be playing New Zealand first. We know Maya Wilson is in that squad, and she is a seasoned shooter; she is very aggressive. They have their centre; I don’t remember her name, she is very quick. I watched their league, the ANZ and they have quick players and their shooters are really shooting well,” Hanson said. To counter New Zealand’s strengths, Hanson focuses on building confidence. “It’s just to build our girls’ confidence. I know it’s going to be New Zealand, the name alone itself. They may have some little butterflies, but I just let them know that they are humans as well, just like us.” Hanson concludes with a rallying cry. “Just like how they have the ability, we have it too. They are the home side, and the home crowd is going to be behind them, and so I just want to keep our girls composed, let them know that we are here; it is netball; the rotation can be done; you know, just to be confident,” she ended.   Squad: Shadine Bartley, Paula-Ann Burton, Zaudi Green, Roxanna McLean, Amanda Pinkney, Kimone Shaw, Kestina Sturridge, Cornilia Walters, Simone Gordon, Tiffany Langley, and reserve Latian Stewart. Staff: Maureen Brown, Nardia Hanson, Dalton Hinds, Offniel Lamont, and Karlene Waugh.  

MP Matthew Samuda assigned to former ministry PRIME Minister Dr Andrew Holness has charged recently sworn-in minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation Matthew Samuda to further efforts to protect the environment and ensure that every Jamaican has access to potable water in their homes. Holness noted that water is a critical pain point in today’s society, and the standard to meet is to ensure that every Jamaican has access to potable water inside their homes. “It is not sufficient to measure the access of water by being within one mile or 100m of a water main. It’s not sufficient to say that there is a standpipe near you. It’s not sufficient to say that a water main passes your home. Everybody wants potable water in their home…and that is indeed the standard of expectation,” said the prime minister. “Minister Samuda, that is what we have to meet for the people of Jamaica. How do we get potable water in their homes? It is a big task, because the expectations don’t always match the level of resources that are available. So the challenge is multi-dimensional, and one of the first dimensions of the problem that we have to conquer is to increase the size of the economy and the pace of growth of the economy so that we can get more revenue so that we can invest in the infrastructure,” he said. Holness was speaking at the swearing-in ceremony for Samuda as a Cabinet minister at King’s House Wednesday morning. The ceremony was conducted by Governor General Sir Patrick Allen, who said that Samuda’s appointment underscores the importance of skilled collaborative leadership within the Cabinet. He further noted that the minister will bring youth, respect, and dynamism to the position. The prime minister, expressing his confidence in Samuda, further tasked him with the responsibility of being efficient with the management of the resources dedicated to improving access to water and environmental protection. “The environment portfolio will come into play in a critical way in ensuring that we do have water for our population because, believe it or not, the land of wood of water – that the water part of it might very well become scarce. We are seeing longer and more intensive periods of drought and more unpredictable rainfall, which makes it very difficult to plan for the delivery of water, so the management of the water resource is going to be a critical element,” said Holness. The challenge was accepted by Samuda, who expressed thanks to the prime minister for his vote of confidence. “I am very grateful for the third time to be sworn into the Cabinet. It is not lost on me, prime minister, that you have expressed your trust and faith in me and my work three times,” said the minister. He stated that he is committed to ensuring that Jamaica reaches its target of 30 per cent land mass protection by 2025 and that citizens islandwide have access to potable water inside their homes as quickly as possible. Samuda also committed to ensuring that work to protect 30 per cent of the country’s marine space is completed by 2030. “You cannot have economic development against the backdrop of environmental degradation, and you cannot have prosperity steeped in pollution,” he said. “As a small island developing State, our aspirations, our ambitions, our development agenda is always at threat, is always at risk for factors sometimes that are outside our control. It is why — within the micro climate, within the management of our environment, within this small Jamaica, land we love — we have to be particularly careful with our development agenda, and that is what we have sought to do. I commit today to redouble our efforts to ensure that all of Jamaica is very clear that this Government holds the environment, holds the micro climate, holds your sustainable development dear to its heart,” said Samuda. The minister further noted that while the country is happy for macroeconomic stability, they are looking for dividends in terms of service delivery, and one of those areas is access to water. “I commit to use every waking moment to ensure that we move along the mission to peace, productivity, and prosperity,” said Samuda.

Call for new energy into education transformation programme EDUCATION sector leaders on Wednesday endorsed the appointment of Information Minister Senator Dr Dana Morris Dixon as education minister while expressing hope that she will infuse new energy into the education transformation programme now in train, along with the other demands of the super ministry. Morris Dixon, whose appointment was announced by Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness on Wednesday morning during the weekly post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House in Kingston, was catapulted into the post following the appointment of former Education Minister Fayval Williams as finance minister. Williams replaced Dr Nigel Clarke who demitted office on Wednesday to take up a deputy managing director post at the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Wednesday, president of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) Dr Mark Smith, in congratulating both women, said the JTA “looked forward to working with Morris Dixon to ensure that we can move the system forward”. “We are, as an association, eager to work with anyone that understands the significance of education transforming the collective fortunes of Jamaicans, and so she comes to the office at a critical time. We have several of the Patterson Report objectives yet to be achieved and we look forward to her role in injecting continued adrenaline into the process in moving it forward,” Smith told the Jamaica Observer. “I do believe she will be able to work on the successes achieved by her predecessor but, of course, to put more emphasis on ensuring that we are able to improve spending to schools and have an impact on transforming the reality of the present classroom,” he added. The Education Transformation programme is expected to improve the system in line with the 365 recommendations of the 2021 Professor Orlando Patterson Jamaica Education Transformation Commission Report. The Patterson report recognised seven pillars of transformation within the education sector — namely governance, legislation, leadership and administration; early childhood education; curriculum teaching and teacher training; the tertiary sector, technical and vocational education and training; infrastructure and technology; and financing. The transformation of the country’s education system will cost $280 billion over 20 years and $166 billion in the first seven years of the programme. The recommendations are being implemented over an eight-year period spanning 2023-2031, with the Education Transformation and Oversight Committee (ETOC), monitoring the process. In the meantime, the JTA president, in commenting on the elevation of the former minister of education said, “She takes up a post that has never been held before by a woman, so we congratulate her on breaking that glass ceiling, giving a lot of hope to young ladies across this island that they can hold any office in the country. “We have already had a female prime minister, now we have a finance minister that is a lady, and so I think we have a positive takeaway in that regard and a wonderful opportunity for motivation for young ladies,” said Smith. Wednesday, president of the Jamaica Association of Principals of Secondary Schools (JAPSS) Linvern Wright, while noting that he was unfamiliar with Morris Dixon’s involvement in the education sector, said: “I trust that the Government has been deliberate in how they have made the appointment.” “We are concerned about some things, like the way transformation is going; we don’t think it is on the right path, and we hope one of the things she is going to take on first is to just ensure that there are very clear targets, that the transformation is properly funded, and that we look at those things we can afford to do and not try to do every single thing,” he told the Observer. Elaborating, he said the JAPSS “is concerned that it seems that the narrative of transformation is being taken over by the ministry itself”. “I think ETOC needs to stand firm on ensuring that they respond to us in a meaningful way and that there is greater levels of consultation about the objectives that we have for education and that we are realistic about the goals we have and focusing on those things that are possible in the short term,” Wright explained. “I really do wish her all the best and I really hope that in the interest of education and the children we have the kind of leadership that we need to take education where it ought to go,” he said. Added Wright: “My essential point is that I want a minister of education where the ministry is not about talk but it is about results, it is about collaboration and about ensuring that the stakeholders have a say and also ensure that we are doing those things that are necessary for education to work. We need a firm hand and a clear direction about where education ought to go, just to ensure that we make the kind of moves that won’t leave education behind even after talk of transformation.” Meanwhile, president of the National Parent-Teacher Association of Jamaica (NPTAJ) Stewart Jacobs, in congratulating both ministers, said, “The NPTAJ, will miss Minister Williams because of the relationship she has built with us over the last couple years in attending our functions, endorsing our efforts, and supporting us in a lot of ways.” “She was a minister we could call on almost any time for advice and she would seek advice from us from time to time for matters relating to the school system and parents,” he told the Observer. In noting that Morris Dixon’s appointment comes at a critical juncture in the school year, with external exams looming, he said, “What is very important is that the transition of the minister does not affect the daily operations of the ministry that will filter down to affect our students as we go along”. Morris Dixon, who was minister without portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister, with responsibility for information, skills, and digital transformation, is a 2004 Fulbright scholar and an alum of The University of the West Indies (UWI) where she completed a Bachelor of

Sector leaders hail appointment of Fayval Williams as minister of finance ON Wednesday, newly appointed Minister of Finance and the Public Service Fayval Williams — the first female to ever serve in that role — had the overwhelming support of industry stakeholders as the right fit for the job, with her Opposition counterpart Julian Robinson deeming her the only logical choice. Prime Minister Andrew Holness made the much-anticipated announcement at Wednesday morning’s post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House after months of speculation. He had disclosed on August 26, that Dr Nigel Clarke would be leaving his finance minister post to take up the position as deputy managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Thursday, November 1. During the press briefing, Holness told reporters that Williams, the former education and youth minister, would assume her new duties with the assistance of his senior advisor, Alok Jain, whom he said is highly regarded for his financial expertise. Holness said Jain would work closely with Williams as well as with other private sector stakeholders. Jain, who is chairman of the Port Authority of Jamaica, has been a consultant to the prime minister since January 2020, advising on various matters of national policy as well as conceptualising and driving implementation of certain priority projects. Reacting to the news, Robinson did not appear surprised. He told the Jamaica Observer that having previously worked in the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service as a state minister and minister without portfolio, Williams is already apprised of what the role entails, but stressed that she has work to do. “Based on the available pool of Members of Parliament on the Government’s side she is the only logical choice; she had previous experience at the Ministry of Finance and would have an understanding of the portfolio. She will have a full in tray of issues to deal with. On the public service side there are still groups of workers who are very restive and dissatisfied with how the public sector compensation review has been handled, notably the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA) staff and the Jamaica Medical Doctors Association,” he said. He stressed that the new minister needs to ensure that the wage agreement signed between the Government and the Jamaica Civil Service Association (JCSA) is implemented, noting that members of the JCSA are restive and that notwithstanding the signing of the agreement, nothing official has been put in place to facilitate the payments of outstanding sums. Robinson also contended that while the Government has managed well to bring down the country’s debt-to-GDP ratio, “growth has remained elusive” and it is therefore critical that the new finance minister also places focus on that. Also appearing comfortable with the appointment was president of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) Metry Seaga, who told the Observer that his organisation feels that Minister Williams “is a good candidate”. “We know that she is more than capable; she is trained for the job. She has some big shoes to fill and we are hopeful that she will be up to the task. She has a good set of staff at the ministry and we are hopeful that the same fiscal responsibility that our previous minister was able to put in place will be maintained,” he said. President of the Small Business Association of Jamaica (SBAJ) Garnet Reid, too, expressed confidence that Williams will do well in the post, given her financial sector expertise. “She brings to the table a wealth of knowledge and experience to the business sector, micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and also to big businesses in Jamaica and the economy overall. I think with the [input of the] technocrat (Jain), I think she’ll do a good job as she will be leading the team and we look forward to work with her to ensure that she succeeds in helping the Jamaican economy where possible,” he said. He noted, however, that there is some “unfinished business” that Dr Clarke left behind that needs to be addressed. He lamented that the United States intermediary bank isn’t taking Jamaican deposits and this needs to be tidied up. He also noted that the Stocks and Securities Limited (SSL) saga is not complete, and also ought to be wrapped up. The investment company has been embroiled in a $4.7-billion fraud scandal since January 2023 which has impacted more than 200 accounts. “We are calling upon her as well, through the Government of Jamaica, to set up a victim fund for the Financial Sector Adjustment Company (Finsac) meltdown that affected some 30,000 small business operators, as well as medium-sized businesses. We need a victim fund to help those people who have suffered,” he added. Sharing the sentiments of his counterparts, immediate past president of the Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSME) Alliance Donovan Wignal said Williams’ selection is without question as the prime minister would have had ample time to check within his Cabinet to choose the “most suited” person for the position. “The work in progress continues, and there is no doubt that the newly minted Minister Fayval Williams will bring her own flavour to the table. While I am sure the prime minister and his Cabinet, and by extension the country at large, will miss Nigel Clarke and do wish him bon voyage, I think there is plenty of talent to continue the great work he started,” he said. He added that Williams will inherit an experienced and qualified team of individuals at the Ministry of Finance, who would have worked closely with Minister Clarke in the execution of Jamaica’s fiscal programme to date. In the meantime, highlighting why Minister Williams was the best choice, Prime Minister Holness said that she had served with distinction in her previous roles in the finance ministry, and that her resume recommends her to the position. “The stakeholder community that she will serve specifically would want to know that someone who is going to be in that area has some technical competence, and so I

ST JAMES, Jamaica – Despite being held to a second straight goal-less draw, Montego Bay United (MBU) held on to their lead in the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) after their stalemate against Portmore United at the Montego Bay Sports Complex on Sunday. MBU, who are unbeaten over their last five games, all without conceding a goal, are on 14 points, one more than Portmore who are tied with Waterhouse FC who have played a game less and will play on Monday night. Mt Pleasant FA snapped a string of three straight draws with a 1-0 win over Tivoli Gardens in the second game of a double header at Drax Hall, thanks to a 70th minute goal from Kimonie Bailey. The win saw Mt Pleasant move to 12 points from their six games played. Humble Lion and Dunbeholden both scored their first wins of the season, beating Molynes United and Harbour View respectively, by 1-0 margins. Andre Clennon scored a goal in time added for Humble Lion who move to seventh place on eight points. Leo Campbell’s 15th minute goal was good for Dunbeholden as Harbour View lost their third straight. Despite the win, Dunbeholden are still at the foot of the table on three points. Paul A Reid

KINGSTON, Jamaica— Prime Minister Andrew Holness says his government will not be distracted from its mission of building a caring economy and passing on more benefits to the people of Jamaica. The prime minister made the commitment at a Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Clarendon Northern constituency conference on Sunday. While addressing the conference which took place in the Aenon Town Division of the constituency, Holness also impressed upon representatives from the governing party to seek out their constituents, identify their needs and ensure they are fulfilled. Holness says the JLP is focused on caring representation centred on the people and the administration he leads is particular about building a caring economy. “We have put in place excellent economic policies, and we are now taking those economic policies and using the dividends from those policies to care. So we’re building not just caring representation, but we are also building a caring economy. A caring economy. That is what we are doing. We have to change our politics to a politics of upliftment, a politics that truly shows that the Jamaica Labour Party believes in caring for the people it represents,” Holness told labourites. The prime minister said his administration intends to do more for various demographics in Jamaican society, including senior citizens. “The people who sometimes don’t get to come to these meetings, so their views are never heard, but somebody must care for them. That care has to start from the councillor and the MP looking out for them. It also has to start from the government doing what it can to ensure that the pensioners get a little more. That is why we increased the income tax threshold as it relates to pension benefits. That’s why we bring in a thing now called the social pension that gives allocations to our pensioners during the month. That’s part of our mission of care for our people,” the prime minister said.

Astellar line-up of local and international experts in nuclear applications will make presentations at the Scientific Research Council’s 31st National Science and Technology Conference this week at the Jamaica Conference Centre in downtown Kingston. The conference, which is being held under the theme “Harmony in Innovation: Unleashing the Power of Nuclear Applications for Sustainable Development”, will over four days beginning Tuesday, October 29, provide a platform for discussions exploring how Jamaica is positioned to benefit from scientific advancements in nuclear technology. Science and Technology Minister Daryl Vaz will deliver the keynote address in which he will speak about Jamaica’s intentions around nuclear applications and nuclear energy. Among the international speakers are Dr Taj S Mattu, Technical and Commercial Director of UK-based Thermachange, and Saied Dardour, Energy Specialist and Learning Experience Designer at Greoux Research in Austria, who will address nuclear energy for small island development states; Jason Harris, Chairman and CEO of TREDIC Corporation in the UK, who will present on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and the private sector’s role in the nuclear energy shift; Dr Justin Spencer, Research Scientist at Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, who will share a Canadian perspective on future microreactors; US-based radiation oncologist Dr Kadir Mullings, of Prime Medical, who will speak on nuclear medicine in cancer treatment; and academic technology transfer expert Arundeep Pradhan, Deputy Vice President for Research and Innovation at the University of Wyoming, who will engage the audience on accelerating innovation ecosystem development. Presenters from Jamaica include Professor Charles Grant, Director General of International Centre for Environmental and Nuclear Sciences (ICENS), who will speak on Jamaica’s nuclear infrastructure; Dr Cliff Riley, Director General of the Hazardous Substances Regulatory Authority (HSRA), who will discuss the role of HRSA in ensuring safe nuclear technology deployment; Haile Dennis, Reactor Manager at ICENS, who will address Jamaica’s readiness for nuclear energy, as well as the challenges and opportunities; Dr Kern Pemberton, Radiologist at the Kingston Public Hospital, who will speak on harnessing the power of nuclear technology for cancer treatment in Jamaica’s public health sector; and Farrah Hansel Murray, Science and Technology Development Planner, Planning Institute of Jamaica, who will talk about integrating nuclear innovation into Jamaica’s development goals. Over the course of four days, participants will engage in insightful discussions, explore groundbreaking advancements, and collaborate on practical solutions that harness nuclear technology’s power for sustainable progress, the SRC said, adding that the conference will also provide a platform for youth engagement and creativity through special sessions, including the Innovation Summit and the STEM Olympiad Debate competition, further nurturing Jamaica’s culture of innovation and scientific excellence. Additionally, there are eight hours (including one hour ethics and 1.5 hour mental health) of Continuing Medical Education credits available for doctors in attendance at the event. Conference Highlights: • Day 1, October 29: Nuclear Energy – Governance, Safety, and Small Modular Reactors (SMR) • Day 2, October 30: Nuclear Applications in the Medical Field • Day 3, October 31: Nuclear Applications in Agriculture, Mutation Breeding, and SIT for Vector Control • Day 4, November 1: Non-Destructive Testing and Expanding Nuclear Applications in Health and Industry Registration is US$50 per day for Jamaican nationals, who are also eligible to apply for a waiver via conference@src-jamaica.org; US$50 for international students; US$120 for Caricom nationals; US$150 for residents of Canada and the USA; and US$150 for other foreign nationals.

Although frustrated with his team’s performance on Sunday, Harbour View FC’s Jason Henry believes he’s earning the trust of the players in his first year as a head coach. The Stars of the East suffered their fourth defeat in seven games of the 2024/25 Wray & Nephew Jamaica Premier League season after a 1-0 loss to bottom-placed Dunbeholden, who picked up their first win of the season, thanks to a Leo Campbell strike, early in the first half. Henry was promoted from the club’s physical trainer position to head coach this summer, taking over from title-winning Coach Ludlow Bernard. Despite sitting in the bottom half of the table on 7 points, it’s an improved start to the season for Harbour View, who at this stage last season were winless after six games and went on to finish 12th, just outside the relegation zone. Henry has credited his players for their improved attitude but is demanding more. “I’ve been at Harbour View since 2016, so I understand the club. I know most of these players so it’s just putting my football experience to it,” he said. “They are responding to be honest, we’ve had a better start to the season but they owe the club something, last year was a disaster so they owe the club a season of top football. We have to just continue working and we’ll get better.” Henry says they will have to improve their efficiency in attack after missing key chances over the last few games, including a penalty on Sunday. “Football is based on the chances you create and the chance you take. If you look at those clear chances we created, the game would have never reached this,” he said. “We’re still missing some attacking players because of different reasons but we just have to grind and pick up points until they come in. We’re not far off because one or two more wins and we’re back in the top six, but games like these, when we get chances, we have to bury them because when a team is down, we have to keep them down.” Dunbeholden Head Coach Byjeon Thomas was elated to see his team get off the mark after suffering four-straight losses. “I think it’s just belief. They believed they could do it and they did it today,” he said. “I’m just happy for the boys. The talent in this group doesn’t deserve to be where they are in the table, so I’m happy they got the first three points of the season.” Thomas, who replaced Philip Williams after just two games, says the team will improve in time. “It’s not going to be straightforward when a new coach comes in. A different coach started the season, carried them through preseason and he left, so we’re just building back the belief and we’ll see how far we can finish.” Sunday’s Results Dunbeholden 1, Harbour View 0 Molynes United, 0 Humble Lion 1 Mount Pleasant 1 Tivoli 0 Montego Bay 0 Portmore 0   Monday’s Games Chapelton Maroons vs Waterhouse @ 5 pm Racing United vs Vere Phoenix United @ 7:30 pm *Both matches are set for the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex

Health minister vows to publicly call out non-performers CATHERINE HALL, St James — Faced with mounting criticisms about the state of the country’s health sector, the minister with portfolio responsibility Dr Christopher Tufton has signalled his intention to no longer be the proverbial fall guy. According to Tufton, he is now prepared to name the entities or persons to be blamed in instances when tasks are not completed despite money being made available by the Government. “It is not acceptable and my role as minister is to call it out when I see it. Whether it is the supplier, or the manager, or indeed the patient, it has to be called [out]. I am in that mode now. “You know why I am in that mode now? I am in that mode now because I can’t go to my Cabinet and my prime minister, my minister of finance, or my minister of legal and constitutional affairs and complain as I would eight years ago, that we need more money,” said Tufton as he addressed the official opening of the renovated and expanded Catherine Hall Health Centre in St James last Friday. “I am not saying we couldn’t do with a little more [money], you know. And I am not saying we have everything we want, but I am saying we have enough where certain things should not be allowed to happen. “So if we are going to demand more, we have to show good stewardship for what we have. And all of us have to feel like we are vested in that. It’s as simple as that. It’s a very simple message,” added Tufton hours after he used a media conference at the Bustamante Hospital for Children to blame private sector entities for the delay in the repairs to the air-conditioning (AC) unit in the operating theatres at the facility. “Yesterday [Thursday], I spoke about Bustamante [Hospital for Children] and I spoke about Victoria Jubilee. Today I am in western Jamaica [and] I am prepared to talk about Savanna-la-Mar Hospital where in one section of the building, a brand new 15-ton air-conditioning unit was installed a year ago. “And since everybody is vexed because I called dem names, I am not going to call the company name this time [but] after a year, I am told by the technical people, it is still underperforming,” said Tufton before getting confirmation from members of his team that the AC unit is not working. “The contract with the supplier, which put in something wrong, [and] they can’t find out what’s wrong, or if they know what’s wrong, they can’t fix it. Or when I ask them, why is it that we don’t store HEPA [high efficiency particulate air] filters [which remove at least 99.97 per cent of dust, pollen, mould, bacteria, and any airborne particles] for the main AC system, which has to be changed once a year, and you still have to wait six months to get a HEPA filter? Why is it that the supplier can’t put it in stock and store a couple of them, so we don’t have to wait six months?” questioned Tufton. He declared that he is going to stop asking questions of the suppliers behind closed doors but will do so in the public square and let the chips fall where they may. “If it is management’s problem, we’re going to have to deal with management to fix it, and if it’s the supplier’s problem, we’re going to have to deal with the suppliers to fix it. “I am not the supplier. I am not curry favouring for anybody except for the people who expect better service and are entitled to better service based on the resources that have been allocated,” declared Tufton. The fired up minister, who has in the past been accused by Opposition spokesman on health Dr Alfred Dawes of embarking on a public relations campaign aimed at misleading the public to overshadow the harsh failures of Jamaica’s public health system, was adamant that he would not allow non-performers to spoil the improvements taking place in the public health sector. Continuing his address Tufton said: “I have a lot on my mind and I’m talking it straight because we run the risk of undermining our legacy as a people having experienced the greatest potential for transformation, milking the cow and kicking over the bucket. And I’m not going to make that happen under my watch. “Not without protest and this is where I am at. So, I am not here to offend anybody. Based on what I said yesterday, today, or indeed tomorrow but I’m saying to everybody, pull up your socks and do things differently as a demonstration that you are being given the support. And, to whom much is given, much is received and I think that is only fair”. Tufton added: “If I give a man a contract to put in an air-conditioning unit, I should not be waiting one year after the system is installed for it to give me maximum or optimal efficiency, as is the case right now at Savanna-la-Mar Hospital.” In pointing to the Catherine Hall Health Centre — which was renovated and expanded with the expenditure of more than $57 million by the National Health Fund under the ministry’s Operation Refresh Programme — Tufton noted that the work included the installation of a new AC system and expressed hope that it will be maintained. “When you go in there you are going to realise that the open space has a glass reinforcement against the burglar bars because we put in a massive AC unit. I expect that the AC must run its useful life and that it must tune-up when it is supposed to tune up. And the filter must change when it’s supposed to change. I don’t want to hear that in a year the AC broke down and it stays broken down for the next two years, and it becomes even hotter

MONTEGO BAY, St James — Clinical coordinator for the Western Regional Health Authority Dr Delroy Fray has declared that, despite the limitations of the Cornwall Regional Hospital in St James, which is currently under rehabilitation, the institution is capable of providing world-class services to breast cancer patients. Dr Fray has also indicated that, in addition to breast cancer treatment, the hospital is also equipped to perform breast reconstruction for those who have no choice but to remove their breast. “I will tell you, we have the facility at Cornwall that if the patient is so inclined, you know, the emotional aspect of losing your breast, we have plastic surgeons who can reconstruct the breast as well. In spite of what our limitations are, and we do have limitations, we try to work the best that we can to offer our patients the best service there is,” added Dr Fray as he addressed a Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry town hall meeting held at Montego Bay Cultural Centre last Friday. Dr Fray said the hospital currently has two excellent radiation oncologists and a well-equipped radiation department. But Dr Fray lamented the strain that trauma cases are putting on the facility. “If you understand what trauma is about. These patients are multiple injury patients. They’re coming with a head injury, neck injury, lower spine injury, abdominal injury, [and] major limb trauma. That is something that burns your health budget and we were able to look after 1,223 [gunshot wounds and motor vehicle crash patients] during [January 1 to August 31],” said Dr Fray. A breakdown of the figure shows that 135 gunshot wound victims visited Cornwall Regional Hospital during the eight-month period. In that time, 742 males and 346 females involved in motor vehicle crashes were also seen at the facility. A wider look at the hospital’s workload indicator shows that between January 1 and August 31, 26,169 patients visited the Accident and Emergency Department compared to 23,655 over the same period last year. In addition, 8,923 patients were admitted to the hospital’s wards in comparison to 8,582 for the same period last year. Regarding major surgeries, 1,343 were performed during the eight-month period this year with 628 minor surgeries also performed. Data for the corresponding period last year was not available. Dr Fray pointed out that several of the trauma cases require some amount of critical care and pointed out that measures are in place to manage bed space at the hospital. “We have a container at the front that we refer to as our high-dependency unit. From time to time we can activate that to look after critical patients and, down at the Falmouth Hospital, we have three beds for critical care. Now, someone might say to me, ‘So what if you have six patients that need critical care?’ We would be able to… readjust ourselves to deal with it. But what if we need 10? This is where collaboration is important. We now have to look outside of the region and we would liaise with, mainly, the UHWI [University Hospital of the West Indies] team to see how they can help us in that way,” explained Dr Fray. Cornwall Regional Hospital, which has been under rehabilitation for the past seven years, is a 10-storey, Type ‘A’ institution which was officially opened to the public on May 10, 1974. At that time, the hospital located in Mt Salem was considered one of the most elaborate and sophisticated institutions of its kind in the world.

President of John Mills Primary PTA says parents ready to pull their children if principal is reinstated HEAD of the Parent Teachers’ Association (PTA) of John Mills Primary and Junior High School Mark Trought says parents are fully prepared to withdraw their children from the institution and stage a protest if suspended Principal Bradly Robinson, who was recently freed of pornography charges, is allowed to return to the school. “We do not want him to return as principal. We are saying yes, the courts have freed him, but we are of the position that he should not return to the school,” Trought told the Jamaica Observer. In 2014 Robinson was arrested and charged by detectives from the Centre for the Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse (CISOCA) following allegations that he was communicating with a student at the institution by sending her lewd photos via WhatsApp. He was suspended as principal pending the outcome of the case. When the matter was brought to court in October, Robinson’s attorney Hugh Wildman argued that his client should be freed because the nine-year delay in trying the case was a breach of his constitutional rights. The prosecution was given a week to respond to the attorney’s application, but on October 18 informed presiding judge, Justice Sonia Bertram Linton, they were not offering any further evidence against the principal. Robinson was discharged. Wildman then implored the judge to return a formal verdict of not guilty and the judge granted the order. Trought noted that the judge has yet to make a written judgment and the chairman of the school board has refused to act until this is done, claiming that his hands are tied. “As a member of the board and PTA president of the school, I vehemently disagree with the chairman, Dr Adolph Cameron, that the board hands are tied in the matter. The chairman is of the view that since the court has decided to dismiss the case then the board has no other alternative but to allow Robinson to return to the school in his substantive post without even a personnel committee hearing to decide if he is still fit and proper to remain as principal,” said Trought. He argued that the board should not wait on the formal verdict, but act immediately to have a proactive response. “We don’t know how fast Mr Robinson will act as soon as the written judgment is made out. If it comes in the morning, he could come back to school in the afternoon — we don’t know. That’s why we are asking the chairman to let us have a board position before the written judgment, but he says he is waiting and I think that is not a responsible position to take by the board,” added Trought. “We should prepare ourself for what the written judgment is going to be, seeing that we know what the oral judgment is — the case was dismissed. We are of the thought that if he [Dr Cameron] is not preparing us to look at the matter in a responsible manner, then we think that he is aiding and abetting the return of the principal,” argued Trought. When contacted by the Observer for a response on whether the board would reinstate Robinson, Dr Cameron said he had no comment. He also refused to provide a comment on all questions relating to the topic. Trought, however, further expressed concern that many parents were not made aware about Robinson’s case and the possibility of his return. He stated that while a meeting was had with members of staff, there was no communication to parents about the matter. “At my executive meeting and meeting with the parents last week I had to tell them about the situation because it was the first they were hearing about it. They were willing to move their child immediately,” said Trought. He stressed that Robinson must face a fit and proper panel. “If the principal is fired by the board, we feel he has the option to appeal as every human being have that right. Let him appeal it, but don’t tell me that your hands are tied. Fire him and make him appeal. Don’t tell me as chairman that you are hoping he will go away quietly,” said Trought. “What message are we sending to the children? Does anyone even care? This is a school with children who mostly reside in the inner city. Poor people pickney so vulnerable in many ways. There are numerous allegations that other staff members have abused children in the past and have been let off the hook and I hear at least one is cheerleading the return of Robinson. What are we doing here?” he questioned. Trought said in protest, he has taken action to remove his child from the institution, but will remain as president to represent the interest of other parents who elected him. However, if Robinson is reinstated, he said that he will step down as president. He further noted that a meeting is scheduled for this week where parents and executive members will be presented with an agreement to sign which states that if Robinson is reinstated they will pull their children from the school and engage in protest. “The principal [Robinson] cannot return as principal to the school,” declared Trought. TROUGHT…the courts have freed him, but we are of the position that he should not return to the school

Unforgettable night planned for this Saturday The iconic R&B trio Boyz II Men is set to make their highly anticipated return to Jamaica this Saturday, October 26, for a performance that promises to be an unforgettable night of music and nostalgia. Known for their timeless love songs and smooth harmonies, the Grammy-winning group is excited to reconnect with their Jamaican audience after a long absence. “We’re excited to be back in Jamaica. It’s always such a vibrant place with amazing energy,” said lead singer Shawn Stockman. “It’s been too long, and we can’t wait to see the fans, soak in the culture, and, of course, indulge in some of our favourite Jamaican dishes like jerk chicken, oxtail, and rice and peas!” Since launching their tour in early 2024, Boyz II Men has been selling out shows worldwide, and the group credits their longevity to their deep connection with fans and the timeless appeal of their music. “People fell in love with our love songs, and that love has carried us through the years,” Stockman reflected. “It’s amazing to see how our music transcends generations and cultures. After 33 years, the passion people have for our songs continues to inspire us.” Sharing the stage with Boyz II Men will be two of Jamaica’s top performers, Tessanne Chin and Lila Iké, adding a distinctly local touch to the evening. “It’s important to showcase the incredible talent Jamaica has to offer,” Stockman added. “Music has no borders, and Jamaica has always embraced us. There’s no need to reintroduce ourselves here — the connection is real, and we’re honoured to be performing alongside such talented local artistes.” Bryan Grant, director of Live & Direc, the driving force behind Boyz II Men’s upcoming performance in Jamaica, shared his enthusiasm for the event: “We are happy with how things have been progressing. The feedback we’re getting is very encouraging. Jamaicans are really excited about this event. They can’t wait to see the iconic Boyz II Men on Saturday. Having our own Tessanne Chin and Lila Iké on this line-up is a testament to Jamaica’s incredible talent. We’re expecting an unforgettable night of music, energy, and unity. Our team has worked tirelessly to ensure an exceptional experience for all attendees. We can’t wait to make this Saturday one to remember!” Adding to the excitement, Cash Pot, a member of the Supreme Ventures Group, awarded 200 lucky players VIP tickets to the event, and the winners are eagerly awaiting the show. CPJ is also proud to be a sponsor, adding another layer of prestige to the evening, alongside support from Mayberry Investments. Boyz II Men first performed in Jamaica in 1991 and have since built a strong and lasting connection with Jamaican fans. With a set list packed with classics like End of the Road, I’ll Make Love to You, and Motownphilly, fans are guaranteed a night of nostalgia and celebration. “Put on your dancing shoes, warm up your voices, and get ready for a night of singing, dancing, and good vibes,” Stockman encouraged. “If you know the songs, sing them loud! We’re grateful for over 30 years of love and can’t wait to share this unforgettable night with you.”

APIA, Samoa (AFP) — Britain’s King Charles faced calls to reckon with his country’s colonial past Thursday, as a summit of Commonwealth allies turned into a fractious debate about the legacy of slavery and empire. Leaders from the 56-nation Commonwealth — made up mostly of British ex-colonies — gathered for a summit in Samoa, hoping to prove the bloc is still relevant. But instead of uniting to tackle pressing issues like climate change, Charles III’s maiden summit as king has been overshadowed by history. Many African, Caribbean and Pacific nations want to see Britain and other European powers pay financial compensation for slavery, or to at least make political amends. They want this summit in particular to commit to a discussion on the topic of reparatory justice — a debate Britain’s cash-strapped government has tried to stymie. The Bahamas’ Prime Minister Philip Davis told AFP that a debate about the past was vital. “The time has come to have a real dialogue about how we address these historical wrongs,” he said. “Reparatory justice is not an easy conversation, but it’s an important one,” Davis added. “The horrors of slavery left a deep, generational wound in our communities, and the fight for justice and reparatory justice is far from over”. The British royal family, which benefited from the slave trade over centuries, has also faced calls to apologise. But the monarch stopped well short of that on Thursday, asking summit attendees to “reject the language of division”. “I understand, from listening to people across the Commonwealth, how the most painful aspects of our past continue to resonate,” he said. “None of us can change the past. But we can commit, with all our hearts to learning its lessons and to finding creative ways to right inequalities that endure.” UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has publicly rejected calls to pay reparations, and aides have ruled out an apology at the summit. A draft summit communique calling for debate on colonialism is the subject of fierce negotiations. One diplomatic source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told AFP that developed countries were trying to water down the language in the final communique. “The call for reparations isn’t simply about financial compensation; it’s about recognising the enduring impact of centuries of exploitation and ensuring that the legacy of slavery is addressed with honesty and integrity,” Davis insisted. Joshua Setipa from Lesotho, who is one of three candidates vying to be the next Commonwealth’s secretary-general, said reparations could include non-traditional forms of payment such as climate financing. “We can find a solution that will begin to address some injustices of the past and put them in the context happening around us today,” he told AFP ahead of the summit. Kingsley Abbott, director of the Institute of Commonwealth Studies at the University of London, said the apparent inclusion of the text on reparatory justice was a “significant advancement” for the Commonwealth. He told AFP it “reveals the door to meaningful dialogue is opening”. The British monarch is concluding an 11-day tour of Australia and Samoa, both independent Commonwealth states, the first major foreign trip since his cancer diagnosis earlier this year.

UHWI to take 11-year-old scoliosis patient An 11-year-old girl whose spinal surgery at Bustamante Hospital for Children (BHC) was postponed due to inadequate conditions at the operating theatre received promising news on Thursday from Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton. The minister said that arrangements have been made for the surgery to be conducted at University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI). He noted, however, that if it cannot be done by a visiting overseas medical team, who are slated to leave the island tomorrow, then another solution will be found. Tufton made the announcement at a news conference called at BHC in response to a Gleaner report on Thursday highlighting the plight of Ajanae Parchment who had been scheduled for surgery to correct an “aggressive” form of scoliosis. However, the newspaper reported that her mother, Sandra Aitcheson, was told last week by an orthopaedic surgeon that the procedure could not be conducted because the operating theatre had no air-conditioning. Tufton said that when he was informed about the situation on Wednesday, he made some inquiries and, after reading the Gleaner story on Thursday morning he made more inquiries, then followed up with some other hospitals and the team at BHC. “I’m happy to report that as of now the University Hospital of the West Indies has consented, based on discussions, and with the lead clinician there Dr Carl Bruce having consulted with his team, to make an operating theatre available, to make all the necessary equipment available, to make the supporting team staff available, so that if the team that is here… that is leaving tomorrow, is able to facilitate the particular case then the patient will be facilitated for the surgery to take place,” he said. While the health minister’s announcement most likely provided relief to the mother and her child, it did not prevent Dr Robert Brady, who heads the medical mission from the United States, from expressing frustration with some of the health infrastructure challenges he and his team have encountered. “I come here because I want to help the people… I want to do good, that’s why I come here twice a year… I have been coming here for 20 years. There are clear infrastructure issues that need to be solved,” Dr Brady said after he joined a press conference following completion of one of the scheduled mission surgeries. Dr Brady said when he heard about the air-conditioning issues two months ago he had made a request for the problem to be fixed. However, “my request was ignored,” he said. But the Jamaican-born orthopaedic surgeon and spine specialist insisted that the situation is unacceptable, as Jamaica, he said, is the most technologically advanced Caribbean island in health-care, and as such “our hospitals have to be the gold standard”. “People come from other islands so we can take care of their children because [they know the value of] our healthcare system…and we have to maintain that, so we have to go through the hospitals and make sure the autoclave systems are working. We can only do single instruments now, that’s an issue. The air-conditionings have to work and we understand… there’s other things that we need to do to fix it. But these need to be addressed, fixed, and the money needs to go into helping these children,” he said. “I come here twice a year, I bring a whole team and we donate thousands of dollars of equipment that we want to help these people. If you guys have to put the infrastructure in place to allow us to do that, it’s absolutely necessary,” he said. In response, Dr Tufton acknowledged that the country has a perennial, systemic problem with the maintenance of equipment and medical plants, but noted that the Government has been spending hundreds of millions to upgrade public health infrastructure. He again pointed out that, to address some of the issues with poor maintenance, the Government has made the decision, starting in another month, to lease equipment instead of purchasing them. “One of the problems we have that you don’t have in the US — and I fully appreciate that you won’t understand that context, but I think it’s important to share — is that while in the US there can and is available the capacity to maintain equipment… and those equipment are either depreciated based on useful life and then taken out and replaced or serviced routinely by service men and institutions that are readily available, in Jamaica, as is the case in similar countries like ours, people have to fly in from Germany, from Canada, from New York,” Tufton said. “We’re told that when parts are down, they have to be manufactured and it takes five months…we have to find a way around that,” he added. He said that under the lease arrangement, no equipment will be acquired unless there’s an extended service agreement, and the outsourcing of maintenance to a firm that carries with it all the technical capacities. “So the challenges we face here are very different from the ones that you have where you are, and I wish we didn’t have them,” he said. Dr Tufton said that it was unfortunate that Dr Brady and his team have to work under less than ideal circumstances because he is accustomed to a particular standard in the US. He insisted, however, that his response is not an attempt at “excusing away” the problem, but “an attempt to elaborate on the context of why we have these issues and why we have to do more to solve them in a more systemic way. And that, I hope, is fully appreciated and understood, and also that we’re taking some steps to address those issues.” In the meantime, the health minister said the country is grateful for the work of the mission in improving and saving lives “and I want to publicly thank you and your team for your commitment to this cause.”

KINGSTON, Jamaica— The Government is expected to spend $1.8 billion over three years to recruit 300 agricultural wardens to tackle the pervasive problem of praedial larceny which is costing farmers in the region of $14 billion annually. Agriculture Minister Floyd Green made the announcement on Tuesday during a statement in the House of Representatives. He said the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has commenced the recruitment drive for the first 100 wardens. “Thus far advertisements were placed for agricultural wardens …on August 18 and 25, 2024. I am pleased to indicate that the first recruitment drive is taking place today, as we speak, October 22, at the Godfrey Stewart High School in Westmoreland, having started at 8:00 this morning,” Green told the House. “I am advised that already more than 100 persons have applied at the event,” he shared. Once recruited, the first 100 agricultural wardens will participate in an extensive training programme to include, among other areas, enforcement modules – fundamentals of police duties and procedures; firearm training; defensive tactics and drills; community-based policing; evidence recording; court preparation; target hardening. Additionally, they will be trained in agriculture modules – livestock classification; agricultural practices and the Ministry’s traceability systems; and legal modules – legislation;, case preparation and mock trial exercises; and motorcycle/motor vehicle driving certification. The wardens will have the powers of district constables. “In keeping with the objectives of the Praedial Larceny (Prevention) Act, the Agricultural Wardens Programme is to put more boots on the ground to strengthen the fight against praedial larceny and bring about positive change in the sector,” Green said. “This crucial initiative is an essential part of our government’s ongoing commitment and efforts to reduce the scourge of praedial larceny on the agricultural sector thereby supporting growth, food security, and rural transformation,” he added. The minister said the curriculum has been completed and training is scheduled to start in January 2025. Of the projected $1.8 billion, some $390 million will be expended in the first year of the programme. According to Green, the programme is projected to result in increased enforcement actions against perpetrators, improving detection, prosecution, and deterrent rates, enhanced surveillance, patrols, and community awareness and reducing economic losses sustained by farmers because of praedial larceny. “This will further result in increased agricultural productivity and profitability in the sector, ensuring food security and economic stability,” he said.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Patrina Campbell, a mother who spat on a woman who took in her daughter after she left home at age 18, has pleaded guilty to charges of assault occasioning bodily harm and assault at common law. The plea was entered before Senior Parish Judge Sanchia Burrell in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court. The charges stem from a July 2, 2024 incident at Papine Square, St Andrew, where Campbell confronted the complainant in front of a supermarket. According to court documents, Campbell threatened the woman, stating that she was going to hit her. She then reportedly spat in the complainant’s face and pulled out four of the woman’s braids. In court, Campbell explained that her daughter had recently turned 18 and left home following a misunderstanding. She told Judge Burrell that since moving into the complainant’s home, her daughter had not been in contact with any members of her family. The case was referred to mediation, where both parties later reached an agreement. Campbell agreed to pay the complainant $60,000 in damages. Her bail was extended, and she is expected to make the first payment when she returns to court for case management on November 18, 2024. During the proceedings, the complainant also expressed that she feared for her life in her community because of accusations that her husband had raped the complainant’s daughter, to which community members have since ostracised them for. “Do you know of a complaint that her husband raped your daughter?” Judge Burrell directed at the accused. Campbell denied any knowledge of such allegations. “Then you need to tell the community to cut it out,” Judge Burrell advised.“I don’t care if you said it, or somebody said it. You are telling me that nothing nuh go so, so I am urging you to tell the people in the community that ‘I don’t know where you got that from but that is not true.”