Jamaica News

Green: There will be adequate supplies of eggs, poultry and vegetables for Christmas

Agriculture Minister Floyd Green said Jamaica should have adequate supplies of chicken, eggs and most vegetables for Christmas, despite severe drought conditions and damage from Hurricane Melissa. He said poultry and egg production have recovered significantly, though some egg shortages could persist at peak demand. Vegetable supplies, including cabbage, cucumber and tomato, are expected to improve if weather stays favourable.

By Jerome Williams

Retrieved Nov 4, 2026

WATCH: PEP adjustments to continue for another year, say Morris Dixon

Education Minister Dana Morris Dixon said last year’s reduced PEP exam papers will stay in place this year for students still affected by Hurricane Melissa, especially in western Jamaica. The ministry says the concessions are temporary, while special-needs accommodations such as readers, writers and extra time will also remain available.

By Lynford Simpson

Retrieved Nov 4, 2026

Iberostar champions sustainability through waste management and environmental initiatives

Iberostar Hotels & Resorts is using its Wave of Change programme to cut waste across Caribbean hotels, eliminate single-use plastics and turn recyclables and food waste into revenue. At a sustainability exchange in Punta Cana, hotel and tourism stakeholders from Jamaica, Mexico, Aruba and the Dominican Republic discussed practical ways to reduce the industry’s environmental footprint and create new economic opportunities.

By Kevin Jackson

Retrieved Nov 4, 2026

Green dispels speculation over new ministry’s role in oil exploration

Minister of Mining and Geology Floyd Green says Jamaica’s offshore oil exploration programme will remain under the Ministry of Energy, not his new portfolio. The clarification comes as interest grows in the Walton-Morant Basin, where recent surveys found signs of hydrocarbons but no confirmation of commercially viable oil.

By VANASSA MCKENZIE Observer Online reporter

Retrieved Nov 4, 2026

Christopher Martin, Baby Cham and Iwer George to headline Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival in Miramar

Christopher Martin, Baby Cham, Iwer George and Sailor Jane will headline Sunday’s Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival at Miramar Regional Park in Florida, backed by DJs Walshy Fire, Richie D and Extatic Sound. The event is a major gathering for the Jamaican and wider Caribbean diaspora, combining live music with jerk food, family activities and cultural showcases.

By Kevin Jackson

Retrieved Nov 4, 2026

Pimento International Academy hosts fundraising Halloween party

Pimento International Academy in Drax Hall, St Ann held a Halloween fundraiser to help pay for a solar system that would cut operating costs and reduce the school’s environmental footprint. Board members said the event drew strong support from families and raised about half the needed funds, with more donations still expected.

By Jamaica Observer

Retrieved Nov 4, 2026

Phillips regrets conduct in Parliament, alleges MP McKenzie made offensive remark about his deceased mother

Manchester North Western MP Mikael Phillips has apologised for his conduct during a heated exchange in Parliament, saying he reacted angrily after Government MP Desmond McKenzie allegedly made an offensive remark about his late mother. Phillips rejected Deputy House Leader Robert Morgan’s account of the fracas, saying it was false and that tensions in the House are being fuelled by efforts to curb Opposition debate.

By Jamaica Gleaner

Retrieved Nov 4, 2026

TPDCo honours Bartlett and Griffith at tourism awards

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett and Permanent Secretary Jennifer Griffith received special citations at TPDCo’s 8th Tourism Service Excellence Awards in Montego Bay, part of the agency’s 30th anniversary celebrations. The honours recognised their long roles in building Jamaica’s tourism sector, including worker training, pensions and sustainable policy. The awards returned after a pause caused by COVID-19 and hurricanes.

By Jamaica Observer

Retrieved Nov 4, 2026

Phillips regrets House outburst, says Mckenzie insulted his deceased mother

Manchester North Western MP Mikael Phillips apologised for using an expletive during Tuesday’s clash at Gordon House, saying he reacted after Desmond McKenzie made an offensive remark about his deceased mother. He rejected claims that he pushed Opposition Leader Mark Golding and said false accounts of the incident are worsening tensions in Parliament over debate and speaking rights.

By Jamaica Observer

Retrieved Nov 4, 2026

‘We will not be bullied’: Golding clarifies events leading to parliamentary uproar

Opposition Leader Mark Golding said Tuesday’s parliamentary uproar began when the Government moved to end debate on a censure motion about Jamaica’s abstention on a UN Cuba resolution before the Opposition could speak. The Opposition says this blocked scrutiny of a matter affecting Jamaica’s international standing and vowed to press for the debate to resume.

By Jamaica Observer

Retrieved Nov 4, 2026

3.4 magnitude earthquake felt in Kingston, St Andrew

A 3.4-magnitude earthquake shook parts of Kingston and St Andrew early Wednesday morning, according to the UWI Earthquake Unit. Tremors were reported in areas including Harbour View, Constitution Hill, Roberts Field and Mavis Bank, with the epicentre about two kilometres southwest of Penlyne Castle, St Thomas.

By Jamaica Observer

Retrieved Nov 4, 2026

Opposition criticises gov’t over handling of Cuba vote censure debate

Opposition MPs say the Government used parliamentary procedure to cut short debate on a censure motion over Jamaica’s abstention from a UN vote condemning the US embargo on Cuba. The House descended into protest after the debate was moved, then closed, and the Opposition is demanding it resume so all members can speak on what it calls a matter of national importance.

By Jamaica Gleaner

Retrieved Nov 4, 2026

St Mary couple charged over cocaine seizure

A common-law couple, John Edwards and Sonia Burgess, both 63, were charged in St Mary after police allegedly found about three pounds of cocaine at their Huddersfield home. The joint police-military operation also led to charges against two other men and is part of a wider crackdown on criminal networks, illegal drugs and contraband in the parish.

By Jamaica Gleaner

Retrieved Nov 4, 2026

Man fatally shot by police in St Catherine

A man identified as Kevin Maitland, also called “Nachilous” or “Big Head,” was shot dead by police during an alleged confrontation in Clayton Heights, Spanish Town, on Tuesday. Police say he opened fire during a foot patrol and a Glock 17 pistol was seized; the killing is under investigation by INDECOM.

By Jamaica Gleaner

Retrieved Nov 4, 2026

Morant Bay mayor urges caution amid adverse weather affecting Jamaica

Morant Bay Mayor Louis Chin is urging St Thomas residents to stay alert as a broad trough is expected to bring showers and thunderstorms across Jamaica from November 3 to 7. His warning follows recent flooding in Bath that affected 313 people, and he advised residents to avoid flooded roads and rivers, secure homes, and follow official advisories.

By Jamaica Gleaner

Retrieved Nov 4, 2026

WHO sounds alarm over lack of physical activity among teens

WHO says one in four adolescents worldwide — about 240 million teens aged 11 to 17 — got no physical activity at all in the past week, a level the agency warns raises risks of heart disease, diabetes and some cancers. The findings matter because activity levels have barely improved in 15 years, with girls lagging behind boys in nearly every region.

By Jamaica Observer

Retrieved Nov 4, 2026

Wendy Hart steps down after 11 years as AFJ president; Mark Newman assumes leadership

Mark Newman has taken over as president of the American Friends of Jamaica, succeeding Wendy Hart after 11 years leading the charity. The change was announced at AFJ’s Hummingbird Gala in New York, where Hart was praised for helping mobilise nearly US$12 million in aid after Hurricane Melissa and strengthening support for Jamaica. Newman said he aims to expand AFJ’s reach and make its impact more sustainable.

By Jamaica Observer

Retrieved Nov 4, 2026

JLP councillor Kim Brown Lawrence to leave representational politics, denies resignation

Brown’s Town JLP councillor Kim Brown Lawrence says she will not seek re-election at the next local polls, but will remain in office until her current term ends. Her decision comes as she faces trial in the multimillion-dollar Education Ministry and Caribbean Maritime University fraud case involving several former officials.

By Jamaica Gleaner

Retrieved Nov 4, 2026

Sports Girlie Tour launches Next Gen Series this week to empower high school students

The Sports Girlie Tour, founded by journalist Jeanae Robinson, will launch its Next Gen Series at Haile Selassie High School this week after completing campus stops at UWI, Excelsior Community College and GC Foster College. The programme aims to build confidence, leadership and career awareness among young Jamaicans, especially students balancing sport and education.

By Jamaica Observer

Retrieved Nov 4, 2026

Opposition, not Gov’t, responsible for ‘unparliamentary behaviour’ in House — Morgan

Government deputy leader Robert Nesta Morgan has condemned Opposition MPs after a heated clash in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, singling out Manchester North Western MP Mikael Phillips for an expletive-filled confrontation with Desmond McKenzie. The row erupted after debate on a censure motion over Jamaica’s abstention from a UN vote calling for an end to the US embargo on Cuba, raising concerns about parliamentary conduct.

By Jamaica Observer

Retrieved Nov 4, 2026

Abdul El-Sayed makes history as first Muslim elected to US Senate

Democrat Abdul El-Sayed won Michigan’s US Senate race over Republican Mike Rogers, becoming the first Muslim elected to the US Senate. Backed by a campaign focused on universal health care and changing politics, he captured the seat of retiring Democrat Gary Peters and called on voters to reject the status quo.

By Jamaica Observer

Retrieved Nov 4, 2026

Man fatally shot by licensed firearm holder at St Elizabeth bar

A dispute at a bar in Top Hill, St Elizabeth, ended in the fatal shooting of 39-year-old farmer Mckoy Rowe, known as “Mackie,” on Tuesday night. Police said Rowe allegedly attacked a licensed firearm holder with a knife, prompting the shooting. The case adds to concerns about violent disputes in the parish.

By Jamaica Observer

Retrieved Nov 4, 2026

Green gets to work at new Ministry of Mining and Geology

Mining and Geology Minister Floyd Green says Jamaica’s new ministry will move quickly to reshape the sector under Prime Minister Andrew Holness’s mandate. He outlined priorities including boosting value from mineral resources, expanding geological data use, and reducing state losses, while also reviewing bauxite and alumina issues such as reserves, energy costs, logistics and critical-mineral recovery.

By Jamaica Observer

Retrieved Nov 4, 2026

Morgan condemns Opposition MPs over Parliament fracas

Robert Nesta Morgan condemned Opposition MPs after a heated scene in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, saying Mikael Phillips acted aggressively toward Desmond McKenzie and was seen confronting Speaker Juliet Holness after adjournment. He said the behaviour, also involving comments from Mark Golding and Angela Brown Burke, was disgraceful and set a poor example for Jamaicans watching Parliament.

By Jamaica Gleaner

Retrieved Nov 4, 2026

‘Stop making excuses!’

MP Juliet Cuthbert-Flynn backed RADA’s move to digitise farmer services and urged Jamaicans to stop resisting technology, saying help should be provided for those who need it. The committee was also told that new systems will track fertiliser distribution and require MPs to upload beneficiaries after an audit found weak records for 11,026 bags of Moroccan fertiliser worth $54 million.

By Jamaica Observer

Retrieved Nov 4, 2026

Ryanair CEO anticipates European airfare prices up as much as 20% next year as jet fuel prices rise

Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary said European airfares could rise by up to 20% next year if Middle East tensions keep pushing up oil and jet fuel prices. Jet fuel has more than doubled since the war began, and airlines are already trimming flights, raising fees and reviewing costs as fuel is expected to take up nearly one-third of operating expenses this year.

By Jamaica Gleaner

Retrieved Nov 4, 2026

Elite shares dropping towards buyout offer price

St Lucia-registered Resource Assets Ltd has offered to buy all issued shares in Elite Diagnostic Ltd at $1.60 each, a bid close to the company’s book value of $1.61 per share. Elite’s board has not yet taken a view, while the stock fell 5% to $1.70 on the Jamaica Stock Exchange as advisers review the offer.

By Jamaica Gleaner

Retrieved Nov 4, 2026

Interest rate cuts bite Republic Bank Ghana, nine-month profit falls a quarter

Republic Bank Ghana’s nine-month profit fell 24.2% to GH¢153.4 million as lower Ghanaian interest rates reduced earnings from loans and government securities, even though fee income rose. The Trinidad and Tobago-owned bank grew assets, deposits and lending, while non-performing loans dropped to 11.6% and capital adequacy improved.

By Jamaica Gleaner

Retrieved Nov 4, 2026

Europe’s economy brushes off energy shock from Iran war, shows moderate growth in Q3

The eurozone economy grew 0.4% in the third quarter, beating expectations despite higher oil prices linked to the US-Iran war. Inflation stayed at 3.8%, above the European Central Bank’s 2% target, which could prompt another rate hike in December, while growth remained uneven across countries such as Germany, France and Spain.

By Jamaica Gleaner

Retrieved Nov 4, 2026

Alcoa profit doubles from gains

Alcoa’s third-quarter profit more than doubled to US$483 million, helped mainly by mark-to-market gains on Ma’aden shares and energy contracts, while revenue rose 23.7% to US$3.70 billion. The miner also raised US$2.6 billion to help fund its US$4.1 billion AliGroup acquisition, lifting total debt to US$4.82 billion.

By Jamaica Gleaner

Retrieved Nov 4, 2026

Google will cut off search access for students at schools that reject AI tools

Google said K-12 schools that do not opt in to its AI tools will also lose access to Google Search for student accounts, making AI and search availability an administrator choice. The move has drawn criticism from educators and child advocates, who say Google is pressuring schools to adopt unproven AI in classrooms.

By Jamaica Gleaner

Retrieved Nov 4, 2026

Higher oil prices boost Saudi Aramco profits despite disruption from attacks

Saudi Aramco said third-quarter net profit jumped 35% to US$36.3 billion, driven by higher oil prices and the sale of a stake in a Malaysian refining venture. The results matter because the company remains a key source of revenue for Saudi Arabia as it keeps exports flowing despite war-related disruptions and attacks in the region.

By Jamaica Gleaner

Retrieved Nov 4, 2026

Anthropic posts $17b quarterly revenue, but losses continue in fresh IPO filing

Anthropic said in an updated IPO filing that quarterly revenue reached US$17 billion, but the Claude chatbot maker still posted a net loss as it prepares for a likely Wall Street listing. It also disclosed US$895.4 billion in planned AI computing and infrastructure spending, highlighting how fast revenue is growing while profits remain out of reach.

By Jamaica Gleaner

Retrieved Nov 4, 2026

‘Kevin Smith killed Taneka Gardner’

Andre Ruddock, on trial in the Home Circuit Court for the murder of Taneka Gardner, denied prosecutors’ claims that he killed her or falsely accused the late church leader Kevin Smith. He said police forced his caution statement and that he was under fear and duress during the deadly Pathways International Ministries incident in Montego Bay.

By Tanesha Mundle

Retrieved Nov 4, 2026

FREIGHT FEARS

Caribbean businesses are urging Washington to make permanent the exemption from U.S. maritime fees that could raise freight costs between Florida and the region by up to 60 per cent. The Caricom Private Sector Organisation says the charges would threaten vital sea links, food and energy supplies, and the more than US$30 billion annual U.S.-Caricom trade relationship.

By Jamaica Observer

Retrieved Nov 4, 2026