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State Minister for Industry, Investment and Commerce Delano Seiveright says Jamaica does not have a shortage of talent or ideas, but must do more to turn that potential into action and results.

Speaking at the launch of the Global Humanity Network’s ‘Beyond The Backpack’ programme at the University of the West Indies, Mona, Seiveright said developing the right mindset among young Jamaicans is critical to the country’s future.

Highlighting the need for better outcomes, mr seiveright said more philanthropic ventures must seek to develop people.   

Meanwhile, Seiveright commended Global Humanity Network President and CEO Professor Dr. Laxley Stephenson and Vice President Dr. Binzie Roy Davidson, along with the organisation’s wider team, for using beyond the backpack to combine educational assistance with mentorship and longer-term youth development.

He again stressed that Jamaica must ultimately develop a national growth mindset in which young people believe they can learn, improve, compete and adapt and are given the tools and opportunities to do so.

Principal Director of the Met Service Evan Thompson said the tropical wave is expected strengthen into a depression in the next 24 hours.

However, he said the depression could weaken, as it enters the Caribbean on the weekend.

Mr.Thompson added that it will bring much needed rainfall to Jamaica as it passes by the island on Monday.

Member of Parliament for North Trelawny, Tova Hamilton has rejected claims that she had prior knowledge of Tuesday’s demolition of houses in Cooper’s Pen, Trelawny and failed to inform residents.

Approximately 40 families have been affected, including households with children and senior citizens.

The Labour and Social Security Ministry is among the state agencies providing relief to the affected individuals.

In a post on her Facebook page yesterday, Ms. Hamilton said she wanted to set the record straight on the matter.

She explained that she started receiving phone calls from residents as early as 6 A.M., on Tuesday, but by that time, it was too late to assist.

Ms. Hamilton said she was informed that the police assisted with the demolition, which stemmed from a court order granted in favour of the private land owner.

The North Trelawny MP said that while she does not condone informal occupation of land, anyone can recover land without stripping another human being of their dignity.

She lamented that persons were helpless, as they watched their properties being destroyed.

Meanwhile, Ms. Hamilton noted that the people of Cooper’s Pen need answers on the manner in which the eviction was conducted.

Opposition spokesman on Labour and Sports Wavell Hinds, is calling on the Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sports the Honourable Olivia Grange to produce the World Athletics certificate she says confirms the National Stadium track, as a class one facility.

Speaking in the House of Representatives during her Sectoral Debate presentation in July, Minister Grange said the upgraded track has received a Class One certification from World Athletics, making it eligible to host top-tier international competitions.

However, Hinds indicated that the recently published World Athletics certification system’s list of certified facilities dated August 7, 2026, does not include Jamaica’s National Stadium among the certified class one facilities.

The official list identifies 116 class one facilities across several countries including the Haseley Crawford stadium in Trinidad

The latest rainfall outlook shows a higher likelihood of below-normal rainfall across Jamaica and parts of the wider Caribbean over the coming weeks.

The rainfall outlook covers the period, August 9 to 29.

Water Minister Matthew Samuda is urging residents and farmers to conserve water, plan ahead, and stay updated with local weather advisories.

This as drier-than-usual conditions may persist.

Members of the public are also being advised that above-normal temperatures are expected across Jamaica, through August 29.

As temperatures remain elevated, citizens are being encouraged to stay hydrated, limit prolonged exposure to the midday heat, as well as to check on children, the elderly, and other vulnerable individuals.

Mr. Samuda is again urging Jamaicans to reduce non-essential use of potable water.

A water prohibition order will take effect next Monday, August 17.

The prohibition order will apply to Kingston, St. Andrew, St. Thomas, St. Mary, Portland, St. Ann and St. Catherine.

Mr. Samuda reiterated that the country faces a dire situation, because the rainfall season could be disrupted by the lingering el niño.

As such, he underscored the importance of conserving water for essential institutions, such as schools and hospitals.

Mr. Samuda assured that the Government is strengthening its water systems to better serve Jamaicans amid the realities of climate change.

He said citizens must play their part by conserving water.

The Office of the Children’s Advocate (OCA) has launched an investigation into injuries reportedly sustained by a 1-year-old boy while in state care at the Glenhope Place of Safety.

Children’s Advocate Diahann Gordon Harrison said the OCA learned of the incident through a media report and later confirmed that the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) had formally reported the matter.

Gordon-Harrison says the circumstances surrounding the incident are deeply concerning.

Opposition Spokesperson on Human Rights, Isat Buchanan is demanding answers in relation to yesterday’s demolition exercise in Cooper’s Pen, Trelawny.

Several homes were destroyed during the demolition.

It’s reported that the operation was executed by a private owner following a court ruling.

In a statement this morning, Mr. Buchanan noted that regardless of the legal status of the land, every citizen is entitled to be treated with dignity.

He also expressed concern over the reported role of the police  during the Cooper’s Pen operation.

Mr. Buchanan is questioning whether residents affected in yesterday’s Cooper’s Pen demolition exercise will be compensated for their destroyed belongings. 

Vice-Chairman of the National Road Safety Council (NRSC), Dr. Lucien Jones is again urging motorists to slow down and exercise greater caution on the nation’s roads, as speeding continues to be a major concern.

Dr. Jones’ call comes as 12 people have died in road crashes in the first 11 days of August.

Three people were killed in crashes yesterday: one in Clarendon and two in St. Ann.

The latest fatalities have pushed the tally since the start of the year to 199.

Dr. Jones is calling for greater enforcement of safe speeds including the implementation of measures to help curb speeding.

The Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) is expecting a revised wage offer from the Finance Ministry by Friday following negotiations yesterday.

JTA President Mark Malabver says the Ministry addressed some key items on the union’s 28-point list of claims.

However, some other important areas remain outstanding and the JTA has asked the Ministry to revisit those items.

The development follows a stalemate in negotiations last week, when the Ministry did not table an improved offer.

Mr. Malabver says the Ministry has committed to providing an updated proposal.

Senate President Tom Tavares-Finson says it would be extremely reckless for Jamaica to commit to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) as its final Appellate Court given the turmoil gripping the court.

The Trinidad Express reported earlier this week on a series of allegations made by CCJ judges, including reports that President Justice Winston Anderson has been leading in an authoritarian manner.

Mr. Tavares-Finson said that no less than a public hearing is required to address the issues facing the CCJ.

He said of all the issues raised, the allegation that attempts are being made to influence judicial decisions is most troubling and must be treated seriously.

Mr. Tavares-Finson questioned whether the People’s National Party still insists on the CCJ for Jamaica to become a republic, despite current turmoil at the court.