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Former Prime Minister Bruce Golding says there are some important things big and powerful countries can learn from Jamaica.

He made the remark as he highlighted Jamaica’s advancement in certain areas.

Speaking at the Jamaica 64th Independence Gala in Philadelphia, in the United States, Mr. Golding pointed to Jamaica’s capacity to have a successful election and a peaceful transfer of power.

He also lauded Jamaica’s capable and independent judiciary.

Mr. Golding also pointed to the strides made in the nation’s health sector, despite the numerous challenges.

He also compared Jamaica’s response to Hurricane Melissa with the US’s response to Hurricane Katrina in August 2005.

Mr. Golding noted that while Jamaica’s recovery will take years, progress is significant in the nine months since the Category 5 hurricane ravaged the island.

The leaders of Jamaica and Ghana have reaffirmed their commitment to exploring the possibility of having direct flights between both countries.

This was among the topics discussed during bilateral talks held between Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness and President of Ghana John Mahama today.

Mr. Mahama is a guest for the country’s Emancipation and Independence celebrations.

Speaking at a press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister today, Dr. Holness said Mr. Mahama’s visit solidifies the longstanding diplomatic relationships between the two countries.

He pointed to the health cooperation agreement that will result in the anticipated arrival of nurses to support the Jamaican health system.

Dr. Holness said talks with Mr. Mahama also centred on trade, education, and tourism.

For his part, Mr. Mahama underscored the importance of bringing Ghanaian and Jamaican business people together to boost trade, investment, and increase investment.

He added that Ghana will fast-track the bilateral air services agreement with Jamaica.

Agriculture Minister Floyd Green has assured farmers in Southwest St. Elizabeth that the government will move swiftly to assist them following a major fire which affected agricultural lands in the Little Park/Gillard, Pedro Plains area on Friday.

Speaking at the Denbigh Agricultural, Industrial and Food Show at the weekend, Mr. Green said preliminary reports indicate that approximately 20 farmers were affected after the blaze consumed roughly 50 hectares of farmland.

The minister noted that teams from the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) were immediately dispatched to the area to assess the extent of the damage and document the losses sustained by farmers.

Among the losses already identified are approximately 20 storage tanks, large quantities of grass prepared for use as mulch, and several tripods and other pieces of farming equipment.

Mr. Green emphasized that the government remains committed to ensuring that the affected farmers receive the support needed to resume production as quickly as possible.

The ministry said through RADA and its other agencies, it will continue its assessment of the affected areas and work closely with farmers to determine the most appropriate forms of assistance.

Former Prime Minister Bruce Golding has doubled down on his criticism of the United States, which he says is placing Jamaica and other Caribbean nations under severe stress.

Mr. Golding pointed to the impact of recent U.S. policies and resulting outrage by Jamaican nationals and Caribbean citizens.

The former Prime Minister posited that the U.S. approach to the region is not guided by friendship.

Mr. Golding said true friends do not make unreasonable demands.

He acknowledged the concern by nationals who have called for more to be done to push back against the demands of the U.S.

He noted the position taken by Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva against the U.S.

However, Mr. Golding cautioned that Jamaica has to act with wisdom, given its trade relations with the U.S.

Written By: Ansray Thomas 

The Kingston Western Police Division recorded a 30.4% reduction in murders between January 1 and August 1 this year.

According to police crime statistics for the period, the division recorded 16 murders this year compared to 23 last year.

Commanding officer for the division, Superintendent Brian Henry, has stressed that the division’s success is not the result of police action alone.

Speaking on the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s For Good Podcast yesterday, he said the crime-reduction strategy is the result of a partnership with various stakeholders.

These include the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) and political representatives.

Superintendent Henry noted that some of the 36 gangs in the division are now considered inactive due to the police’s gang suppression efforts.

He said the police remain committed to pursuing the criminals associated with gangs.

The Fi We Children Foundation (FWCF) is reiterating its call for children and young people to be meaningfully included in all discussions, consultations and policy decisions concerning their use of social media.

FWCF said it is in support of stronger protections for children and young people online and shared the objective of creating safer digital spaces with the Ministry of Health and Wellness.

However, it said policies affecting children’s rights, freedoms and everyday experiences must be developed with the inclusion of children.

FWCF Youth Policy Committee Member, Tasheera Thompson noted that the recently released National Study on Social Media Use and the Protection of Children in Jamaica, commissioned by the Ministry provides valuable insight into the perspectives of adults, parents and caregivers.

However, she said a critical question remains unanswered: “Where are the voices of children and young people?”

The National Water Commission (NWC) says water supply regulations will be implemented for customers served by the Mona Reservoir system, as of today, August 3.

The reservoir continues to experience reduced inflows due to ongoing dry conditions.

The Mona Reservoir supplies several communities across the corporate area, including sections of Old Hope Road, New Kingston, Cross Roads, Mountain View, Downtown Kingston and surrounding communities.

Acting Corporate Public Relations Manager Sadeke Brooks said dry conditions are expected to continue over the coming months, based on forecasts from the Met Service.

Ms. Brooks noted that the water management strategy is aimed at protecting the integrity of the water supply system.

Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton has noted that the rapid expansion of health care facilities in St. Catherine will reduce the need for residents to seek treatment at facilities outside the parish.

He made the comment while on a recent site assessment of works being undertaken on the Old Harbour Comprehensive Health Centre.

The Minister indicated that the project forms part of the health systems strengthening programme, which represents the largest investment in health infrastructure in St. Catherine.

The programme includes upgrades to the St. Jago Park Health Centre, the Greater Portmore Health Centre, and the re-development of the Spanish Town Hospital.

Dr. Tufton stressed that continued investment in health infrastructure must be matched by a committed work force, capable of delivering quality patient care.

Speaking at the launch of the upgraded Government of Jamaica Electronic Procurement 2.0 Platform, Mrs. Williams said expanding MSME participation remains a key priority.

She noted that MSME’s account for only about one percent of the Government’s annual procurement spending.

Mrs. Williams said increasing the participation of MSME’s in Government procurement will support business growth and broader economic development.

Finance minister Fayval Williams has underscored the importance of transparency in the government’s procurement process, saying it is essential to ensuring accountability in the use of public funds.

She was speaking at the launch of the upgraded version of the government of Jamaica electronic procurement (GO-JEP) 2.0 platform.

Mrs. Williams said the platform is expected to strengthen the management of government procurement while improving transparency, accountability and access to public contracting opportunities.

The minister said procurement is a key pillar of good governance and responsible stewardship of tax payers’ money.

She noted that the state procures approximately US $3b in goods, services and works from the private sector each year.

Mrs. Williams said given the scale of that spending, transparency and a clear audit trail throughout the procurement process are critical to maintaining public confidence.