All articles tagged with #jamaica
Kari Lake, the Trump-era official who led a bid to dismantle the U.S. Agency for Global Media, was nominated to be the United States’ ambassador to Jamaica. Her tenure at USAGM sparked legal battles, including a federal judge ruling her actions illegal and that she lacked proper authority to shut down the agency, and the post now awaits Senate confirmation as Jamaica has not had a permanent U.S. ambassador since Biden’s presidency.
A Jamaican teenager has become the first patient to receive a kidney transplant performed remotely by a U.S. hospital team, highlighting a milestone in telemedicine-enabled transplant surgery and potentially expanding access for patients in low-resource settings.
At CARICOM, Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness urged a clear, humane approach to Cuba, noting the region’s reliance on Cuban doctors and teachers while calling for democracy and humanitarian relief; a Miami Republican congressman condemned his stance, underscoring the Caribbean’s delicate balancing act as leaders seek stability without abandoning democratic principles.
Renowned reggae drummer Sly Dunbar, half of the influential Sly & Robbie duo, has died at 73 in Jamaica. A prolific session musician and producer, he played on Marley tracks and helped shape reggae's sound, later producing for Grace Jones, Bob Dylan and many others, with some estimates placing his involvement in over 200,000 recordings.
Caribbean cannabis growers in Antigua and Jamaica are expanding licensed cultivation, developing multiple strains with medicinal value, and lobbying for full legalisation to enable regulated production and export. The industry faces high costs and regulatory hurdles, but governments are building frameworks and training programs to curb illicit trade, boost research, and keep profits local, with possible cross-border opportunities if US policy shifts allow imports.
Jamaica reports low flu vaccine uptake despite influenza and SARI levels remaining at seasonal norms, with no reported deaths so far this season. Health officials urge vigilance due to the aggressive flu strain in the US and ongoing travel, emphasizing the importance of vaccination, hygiene, and routine health checks to mitigate risks. Regional health authorities are coordinating outreach and monitoring vaccine distribution, with no shortages reported.
Less than 1% of Jamaica's coastline is accessible to locals due to privatization driven by laws and private developments, leading to community displacement and loss of cultural ties; residents and activists are fighting for the repeal of laws to restore public access, while responsible tourism advocates support visiting public beaches and supporting local businesses.
The Jamaican Ministry of Health and Wellness assures the public that the chemicals used in mosquito fogging are safe and approved by the WHO, emphasizing that the method is necessary to control mosquito-borne diseases post-Hurricane Melissa, with minimal health risks when used as directed.
A 15-month-old child died in Queens, and his mother is in custody with self-inflicted wrist wounds; the cause of death is pending medical examiner’s report, and few details have been released.
A former high-level executive of Stocks and Securities Limited in Jamaica is in police custody as part of ongoing investigations into a multi-million dollar fraud, with coordinated raids conducted by multiple law enforcement agencies across the country.
Hugh Croskery, founder of the collapsed SSL investment firm in Jamaica, was seen leaving a police operation related to an investigation into alleged fraud involving over US$30 million and 200 client accounts. Croskery denies involvement, and authorities are conducting coordinated searches at multiple premises, with plans to question him further. This marks the first major law enforcement action in the case in over a year.
Jamaica's Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett praised the swift and coordinated effort to repatriate 25,000 tourists within a week after Hurricane Melissa, demonstrating the country's resilience and effective crisis management, with strong support from industry stakeholders and quick restoration of essential services.
Hurricane Melissa caused extensive physical damage in Jamaica, but the storm also left a significant psychological impact, with many survivors experiencing trauma, PTSD, and anxiety. Experts emphasize the need to integrate mental health support into disaster response, highlighting community resilience and international aid efforts, while noting that long-term recovery requires addressing both physical and emotional wounds.
Jamaica has experienced an increase in sexually transmitted infections in 2024, with young adults aged 20-24 being the most affected, primarily due to low condom use and multiple partners. Women account for the majority of cases, and the rise includes infections like gonorrhoea, chlamydia, and syphilis. Despite the increase in STI cases, HIV new infections have slightly declined, and the overall HIV prevalence remains steady at 1.1%. Health authorities emphasize prevention through safe sex practices and regular testing.
A church ministry founder and his daughter died in a plane crash in Florida while flying hurricane relief supplies to Jamaica, with the crash under investigation by the NTSB.