IRIE FM

The Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) is urging parents and caregivers to place children’s safety above all else by ensuring that firearms and other dangerous items are never accessible to them.

This in the wake of an incident in St. Elizabeth on Sunday, in which a one-year-old girl was shot and wounded, allegedly by her three-year-old sibling.

It is reported that the three-year-old allegedly gained access to the firearm of his father, who is a police officer, resulting in the one-year-old being shot in the leg.

The Agency expressed relief that the child survived and extended wishes for her full and speedy recovery.

The CPFSA said a first responder has been assigned to investigate the matter to ensure that the well-being of the children involved is safeguarded and to provide immediate counselling and support to the family.

Public Relations and Corporate Communications Manager of the CPFSA, Kristen Laing, said the incident should never have occurred.

She stated that the incident serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly a preventable act of negligence can become a life-altering tragedy.

The Transport Operators Development Sustainable Services (TODSS) has welcomed the announcement of a comprehensive review of the Road Traffic Act.

This after Transport Minister Daryl Vaz indicated that the review will cover issues relating to outstanding traffic tickets, the demerit points system, as well as the legal and policy implications of amendments.

Vaz said the Government took note of ongoing public discourse surrounding the Road Traffic Act, particularly the implementation of the demerit points system, adding that several of the issues raised warrant careful consideration.

TODSS President Egeton Newman again called for a representative of the public transport sector to be on the committee.

Mr. Newman expressed hope that the October implementation date for the demerit point system will be postponed, pending the outcome of the review.

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has stated that the partnership between Jamaica and Ghana must focus on trade, investment and shared prosperity.

He indicated that this relationship can result in Jamaica becoming an economic and trade doorway to the Americas, while Ghana can be the same for Africa.

He was speaking at a special joint sitting of both houses of Parliament this morning.

It was held to welcome President of Ghana, John Mahama who is visiting the country for Emancipation and Independence celebrations.

According to Dr. Holness, the state visit by Mr. Mahama represents momentum in the Jamaica and Ghana relationship.

He said both countries must move to build out the architecture to facilitate stronger institutional partnership, increased commercial engagements, and a renewed commitment to working together for their citizens.

Dr. Holness noted that by connecting the ports of both countries, it can build a West Africa, Caribbean and Latin America trade corridor.

Opposition Spokesperson on Foreign, Regional and Diaspora Affairs, Senator Donna Scott-Mottley has hailed the historic ties between Jamaica and Ghana.

She was speaking on behalf of the Opposition at a special joint sitting of both houses of Parliament this morning.

It was held to welcome President of Ghana, John Mahama who is on a state visit to Jamaica.

She explained that the visit of the Ghanaian leader goes far beyond diplomacy, as it reminds Jamaicans of their ancestors from the West African nation.

Mrs. Scott-Mottley said the traditions of enslaved people from Ghana remain evident in the island’s culture today.

“No amount of funds can restore the damage caused by slavery.”

That is the declaration from Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness at his office this morning.

He was responding to questions about expected tangible outcomes from pursuing reparations.

He noted, however, that several reparations pathways are being explored.

In June, Culture Minister Olivia Grange announced that Jamaica will be submitting a petition to King Charles requesting that he refers a set of legal questions to the Privy Council concerning reparations for slavery.

The formal petition will be made on September 6.

Education Minister Dr. Dana Morris Dixon has pledged to incorporate more reparations discussions in the nation’s schools.

Dr. Morris Dixon made the commitment during the University of the West Indies (UWI’s) reparations discussions yesterday.

She noted that teaching young people about the resistance, ingenuity and achievements of the ancestors will help them to obtain a deeper sense of identity.

She stressed that Jamaica cannot restore justice when generations remain disconnected from their history.

In the meantime, Dr. Morris Dixon lauded the UWI’s key contributions to the international reparations movement, through its scholarship, advocacy and institution building.

“Putting America first should not mean putting Jamaica in jeopardy.”

That is the comment from former Prime Minister Bruce Golding, as he criticised the United States for what he says are pressuring demands and policies on Caribbean nations.

Mr. Golding expressed hope that the pressures will soon cease and that the hemisphere will again be peaceful.

The former Prime Minister also pledged to continue voicing his concerns about the U-S’ impact on Jamaica.

By Sugar Ray Thomas

Ghanaian nurses will soon arrive in Jamaica to support the island’s healthcare system.

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness said this is being done through the Health Corporation Agreement signed between both countries.

He was speaking at a press conference held yesterday following bilateral talks with Ghana’s President, John Mahama.

In May, Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Republic of Ghana.

A statement from the ministry at the time said the four-year agreement established a structured framework for the voluntary recruitment and temporary deployment of Ghanaian health professionals particularly nurses and doctors to support Jamaica’s healthcare system.

This, while promoting bilateral cooperation and ethical international recruitment practices.

Meanwhile, President of Ghana, John Mahama said talks were also held yesterday on Jamaican health professionals visiting Ghana to receive training.

He said other labour exchanges for science teachers were also discussed.

Former Prime Minister Bruce Golding says China has never made any indecent request of Jamaica.

Mr. Golding’s comment comes as he blasted the United States (U.S.) for its ongoing efforts to reduce China’s influence on the island.

Incoming diplomatic leadership, such as U.S. Ambassador to Jamaica nominee Kari Lake, has pledged to prioritise reducing the East Asian country’s influence, urging Jamaica to choose Western transparency over reliance on Chinese financing.

However, Mr. Golding stressed that what Jamaica owes China today is neither a burden nor a debt trap.

He said China’s investment in Jamaica stands at over US$2 billion, while the U.S. invests under $300 million. 

He was speaking at the Jamaica 64th independence gala in Philadelphia, U.S.

Culture Minister, Olivia Grange says Jamaica is moving forward with legal steps, to pursue reparations, in recognition of the sacrifices made by enslaved ancestors who fought for the country’s freedom.

Speaking at the 2026 staging of the Seville Emancipation Jubilee at the weekend, Ms. Grange said legal actions will finally begin after years of deliberations.

She said the first legal action will be taken next month. 

The acknowledged that the process will not be easy but reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to the cause. 

The Minister also encouraged Jamaicans to continue recognizing and appreciating the contributions of their ancestors as the fight for justice continues