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15/12/2025

RJR GLEANER mourns loss of CEO

Chairman of the RJRGLEANER Communications Group Joseph M. Matalon has reacted with shock and sadness at the sudden passing of the media conglomerate’s chief executive officer, Anthony Smith.

Smith, who was appointed CEO in January of last year, passed away on Sunday morning after a brief period of illness.

An obviously shaken Matalon told The Gleaner yesterday that Smith’s passing has hit his family and the group hard.

“As you may imagine, it was devastating news for me personally as someone who has worked closely with Tony over the last few years; and for the entire group it really has been a devastating shock, totally unexpected. So, we have to be strong now for his family, and all of us, I believe, need to keep his immediate and extended family in our thoughts and prayers in what as you may imagine is a very, very difficult time,” the RJRGLEANER chairman said.

15/12/2025

Government commits J$600m to housing support for displaced tourism workers

The Government has committed J$600 million to help displaced tourism workers repair and rebuild homes damaged by Hurricane Melissa as part of a broader public-private recovery programme now expected to exceed J$2 billion.

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett made the announcement during a tourism stakeholders’ meeting at Iberostar on Saturday, describing the initiative as one of the most significant worker-support interventions in Jamaica’s tourism history.

Bartlett said the funding will form part of a coordinated effort between Government and tourism stakeholders to assist workers who lost roofs, electricity, water and household belongings during the hurricane, even as many returned to work immediately to help restore damaged hotels.

“There can be no recovery of tourism in Jamaica without the workers,” Bartlett said. “And that understanding has guided every aspect of this recovery.”

28/11/2025

President Donald Trump announced plans to “permanently pause migration” from poorer nations and threatened to revoke the legal status of millions of immigrants in the U.S., blaming them for crime, housing shortages, and broader “social dysfunction.” He called for “REVERSE MIGRATION” in his most aggressive social media post on the issue since returning to the Oval Office in January.

The announcement came after the shooting of two National Guard members patrolling Washington, D.C., one of whom died. The accused shooter, 29-year-old Afghan Rahmanullah Lakanwal, was part of a U.S. resettlement program for those who assisted American troops during the Afghanistan War.

Trump’s administration has pledged to reexamine millions of legal immigrants, building on a 10-month campaign to reduce the immigrant population. He also called for ending federal benefits to non-citizens, denaturalizing those who “undermine domestic tranquility,” and deporting individuals deemed “non-compatible with Western Civilization.”

Experts say Trump’s claims about immigrants driving crime are contradicted by decades of research. Studies show immigrants are less likely to commit crimes than native-born Americans, and foreign-born workers currently hold nearly 31 million jobs in the U.S.

The White House called Trump’s post “one of the most important messages ever released by President Trump,” while critics warn that such sweeping immigration policies could have severe economic and social consequences.

28/11/2025

A Chinese hospital ship, the Silk Road Ark, is expected to dock on Jamaica’s north coast this weekend to support the country’s health system, which has been severely strained by Category Five Hurricane Melissa.

Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton announced at a Thursday press briefing that the vessel, carrying 104 medical personnel—including 60 doctors, 32 nurses, pharmacists, and technicians—arrived in Jamaica’s territorial waters at the Pedro Cays on November 22 and will be stationed at the Historic Falmouth pier.

Meanwhile, national epidemiologist Dr. Karen Webster Kerr reported a rise in Jamaica’s leptospirosis death toll, which now stands at 14, up from 11 suspected cases last week. As of November 26, the island has recorded 90 leptospirosis cases, with 51 predating Hurricane Melissa and 39 occurring afterward. All deaths have been reported among men.

St. James leads in leptospirosis cases with 14, followed by St. Ann (8) and St. Elizabeth (4). Dengue activity remains low, with 39 recent fever tests all returning negative between November 8 and 18. Gastroenteritis is also within normal levels across all parishes, below epidemic thresholds.

However, Dr. Webster Kerr highlighted a concerning rise in accidents among children. For those under five, Westmoreland and Kingston & St. Andrew (KSA) have reached epidemic levels. For children over five, Westmoreland is at epidemic level, and KSA is at alert level.

The arrival of the Silk Road Ark is expected to bolster Jamaica’s health response in the wake of the hurricane and these ongoing public health concerns.

28/11/2025

Jamaica is grappling with growing frustration after the Government confirmed that US$1.68 million and J$635 million in Hurricane Melissa donations remain unspent. The funds are held in accounts managed by the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), prompting public debate over the pace of relief efforts.

At Wednesday’s post-Cabinet press briefing, ODPEM Director General Commander Alvin Gayle explained that procurement plans for the donated funds are still being developed. “We’re working against the needs list and considering what’s already available on the ground,” he said, noting that initial purchases of food and water were covered using the National Disaster Fund (NDF). Information Minister Dr Dana Morris Dixon confirmed that the donations have not been touched, adding that total relief spending will be disclosed at a later date.

While officials defended their cautious approach, stressing the importance of careful planning and accountability, public reaction has been sharply critical. Many Jamaicans expressed outrage on social media, questioning why millions intended for urgent relief remain idle.

“People are still without basic necessities while the money just sits there. That’s unacceptable,” one Montego Bay resident commented. Others warned that delays risk undermining public trust and could discourage future donations.

Yet, some voices sided with the Government’s position, emphasizing that mismanagement or duplication of resources could be disastrous. “Yes, it’s frustrating, but rushing the funds without proper oversight could make things worse,” said a Kingston-based donor.

The controversy highlights the delicate balance between accountability and urgency in disaster relief. As ODPEM works to finalize procurement plans, the Government promises updates, but communities affected by Hurricane Melissa are pressing for immediate action.

28/11/2025

The National Housing Trust (NHT) has rolled out a six-month mortgage payment moratorium for contributors in seven parishes, from Manchester to St Ann, offering financial relief in the wake of widespread disruption. Under the measure, no mortgage payments will be required between November 1 and April 30, with repayments set to resume on May 1.

The announcement was made during a special press conference by Dwayne Berbick, Assistant General Manager for Corporate Communications and Public Affairs at the NHT.

28/11/2025

The National Housing Trust (NHT) has introduced a $500,000 disaster relief grant to assist Jamaicans whose homes have sustained damage, with a more flexible application process now in place. The grant is offered per damaged property and does not require the applicant to be the homeowner; eligible immediate family members may also apply. Applicants must submit photos of the damage and repair estimates as part of the documentation.

The announcement was made during a special press conference by Dwayne Berbick, Assistant General Manager for Corporate Communications and Public Affairs at the NHT.

26/11/2025

11 Dead, Scores Sick as Leptospirosis Outbreak Spreads in Jamaica

Jamaica has declared a leptospirosis outbreak in the wake of Hurricane Melissa, which caused widespread flooding and environmental damage. The Ministry of Health and Wellness reports 10 confirmed cases, 91 suspected or probable infections, and 11 deaths as of late November 2025.

The outbreak is concentrated in eight parishes — St James, St Ann, Westmoreland, St Elizabeth, Hanover, St Mary, St Catherine, and Trelawny — with St James being the hardest hit. Most cases involve young men in their 20s, and all fatalities so far have been male.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease transmitted through water or soil contaminated by infected animal urine, and symptoms can range from fever, headaches, and muscle aches to severe complications such as kidney or liver failure, meningitis, and respiratory issues.

The government has mobilized a coordinated national response, including cleanup operations, distribution of protective gear, point-of-care testing, and public education campaigns. Citizens are urged to avoid contact with floodwaters, wear protective clothing, and seek medical attention immediately if symptoms develop.

Health officials stress that while the disease is serious, early detection and treatment can save lives. The outbreak underscores how natural disasters like Hurricane Melissa can lead to secondary health crises, highlighting the need for vigilance, public cooperation, and rapid response.

26/11/2025

Bes'100 Wednesday Recognition goes to the great Jimmy Cliff. Jimmy’s contribution to reggae music will forever be acknowledged. His sweet, soothing melodies of inspiration and entertainment continue to touch the hearts and souls of many.

From humble beginnings to becoming one of Jamaica’s most legendary cultural icons, Jimmy Cliff remains a powerful symbol of resilience, artistry, and global influence.

26/11/2025

Bes'100 Wednesday Recognition

26/11/2025

PIOJ: Hurricane Melissa Puts Jamaica at Risk of Recession

The Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) says the massive devastation from Hurricane Melissa is likely to reverse recent economic gains and could push Jamaica into a recession.

PIOJ Director General Dr Wayne Henry reported that the economy is projected to contract 11–13% in the October–December quarter, with a 3–6% decline expected for fiscal year 2025/26. He described the near-term outlook as “generally negative”, warning that Jamaica should brace for three to four quarters of economic downturn, with growth unlikely before late 2026.

Hurricane Melissa caused unprecedented destruction, wiping out an estimated 41% of GDP and severely damaging homes, infrastructure, and key sectors. Agriculture—responsible for most domestic crop production—and tourism, which faces reduced hotel capacity and a US Level 3 travel advisory, are expected to suffer the steepest declines. Visitor arrivals for October have already fallen 18%.

Significant losses to the electricity grid, suspension of capital projects, and disruptions to airports and ports are expected to further dampen output. Recovery to pre-Melissa levels may take 3–5 years, Henry said, given the extensive loss of productive assets.

The warning follows an otherwise strong July–September quarter, where boosted spending, tourism activity, and a 23.9% surge in agriculture produced 4.6% growth. For January–September 2025, GDP grew 2.4%, led by agriculture, tourism, and construction.

26/11/2025

The Government has approved a US$150-million emergency loan to the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) to accelerate post-hurricane power restoration, while firmly refusing to grant any early extension of the utility’s licence, which expires in 2027.

Energy Minister Daryl Vaz told Parliament that the loan—expected to be spent at about US$75 million per month—should help JPS restore major sections of the grid by late January or early February. He stressed that the financing is completely separate from licence negotiations, noting that early talks could trigger an automatic 10-year extension if no decision is issued by July 2025.

The loan will run for five years, with an interest rate still being finalised, and JPS will have the option to repay within two years. Vaz said the Government’s position preserves its leverage, especially since it is prepared to acquire JPS’s assets if the company fails to secure a renewed licence.

Updated estimates place hurricane damage at US$350 million, and JPS has suspended dividends until full restoration.

Opposition energy spokesman Phillip Paulwell questioned the lack of financial detail and urged the Government to use the loan to secure reforms—such as greater renewable energy flexibility, improved grid access, and temporary approval for communities with working solar systems to share power during extended outages.

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