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Jamaica

Jamaica

100 articles from 2 sources

โ˜€๏ธ 77ยฐ
Kingston Clear sky Hโ€ฏ93ยฐ Lโ€ฏ74ยฐ
Democratic governanceOpen press
2.8 million (2024 estimate)English (official), Jamaican Patois (widely spoken)Jamaican Dollar (JMD)UTC-5 (Eastern Standard Time)

This week in Jamaica

Prime Minister Andrew Holness traveled to Turks and Caicos for a resort opening this week, while the Jamaican government focused on domestic initiatives, including a pilot program to combat period poverty and the establishment of an International Recruitment Unit for health workers. A notable political discussion centered on the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NaRRA), with opposition senators accusing the government of "autocratic tendencies" and a "scorched earth policy." Meanwhile, the US dollar weakened against the Jamaican dollar, and fuel prices decreased slightly.

Government policyPolitical discourseEconomic trendsInternational engagementPublic health initiatives

About Jamaica

Jamaica, a vibrant Caribbean island nation, is globally renowned for its rich cultural heritage, particularly as the birthplace of reggae music and a major tourist destination. Its stunning landscapes, from pristine beaches to lush mountains, attract visitors worldwide, while a free and independent press with a strong tradition of investigative journalism ensures diverse and robust news coverage. The country's dynamic spirit is reflected in both its global cultural influence and its lively domestic discourse.

Visiting Jamaica

โ˜€๏ธThe best time to visit Jamaica is from mid-December to April, offering glorious sunshine, warm breezes, and minimal rainfall. Shoulder seasons, from late April to June and November to mid-December, also provide good weather with fewer crowds.
๐ŸŒŠ
Dunn's River Falls An iconic terraced waterfall near Ocho Rios, where visitors can climb the natural limestone steps with guides.
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Blue Mountains Jamaica's highest mountain range, offering breathtaking hiking trails and the world-renowned Blue Mountain coffee.
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Seven Mile Beach, Negril A picturesque stretch of white sand known for its clear turquoise waters and stunning sunsets.
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Bob Marley Museum, Kingston Located at the reggae legend's former home and studio, this museum offers a deep dive into Bob Marley's life and music.
โœจ
Luminous Lagoon, Falmouth One of the few bioluminescent bays in the world, where the water glows at night due to microorganisms.
๐Ÿ’กExercise a high degree of caution, especially outside tourist areas, and avoid walking alone or driving at night; always greet locals with 'Good morning' or 'Good afternoon' to show respect.

Media landscape

Jamaica boasts a free and independent press, characterized by a strong tradition of investigative journalism and a diverse range of outlets. The media environment is vibrant, reflecting the country's democratic governance and commitment to open discourse.

Press languageEnglish, with significant content also in Jamaican Patois
Public/state influenceLimited

To gain a comprehensive understanding of Jamaican affairs, seek out both major daily newspapers and television news, which often feature in-depth investigative reports and cover a wide spectrum of political and social issues.

Sources we track 2

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NBA Hall of Famer Don Nelson dies at 86

- Don Nelson, a five-time NBA champion as a player and the second-winningest coach in NBA history, has died at age 86. - Nelson coached for nearly 50 years, holding the NBA record for coaching wins unโ€ฆ

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Douglas, Marshall add to medal tally at WU20

- Jamaica secured two more medals at the World Athletics Under-20 Championships in Oregon, with Shanoya Douglas winning silver in the 200m and Tiana Marshall taking bronze in the 100m hurdles. - Douglโ€ฆ

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BVI developing water policy to assist farmers

- The British Virgin Islands is developing a new water policy to provide assistance and subsidies to farmers. - The policy aims to address long-standing water challenges impacting the agriculture sectโ€ฆ

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Lionel Messi's Father and Agent, Jorge Messi, Dies at 68

- Jorge Messi, father and agent of football superstar Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68. - The announcement was made by Messi's childhood club, Newell's Old Boys, on August 8, 2026. - Jorge Messโ€ฆ

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Maradona's 'Hand of God' ball heads to US auction

- The soccer ball used by Diego Maradona for his infamous "Hand of God" goal in the 1986 World Cup is set to be auctioned in the United States. - The ball is expected to fetch up to $10 million, withโ€ฆ

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Come Alive delivers!

- Hundreds gathered for the 'Come Alive' Gospel concert at King's House, marking the start of Jamaica's Independence month. - The event featured performances by H.U.M.B.L.E., Petra Kaye, Johnmark Wiggโ€ฆ

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Able Mills in Two Finals at U20 Championships

- Jamaican athlete Able Mills will compete in two finals, discus and shot put, at the World Athletics Under-20 Championships in Oregon on August 7, 2026. - Mills qualified seventh best overall in the โ€ฆ

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Jamaica's Able Mills Advances to U20 Discus Final

- Jamaica's Able Mills qualified for the final of the women's discus throw at the World Athletics Under-20 Championships. - Mills achieved a qualifying throw of 53.37m, her best season mark, and placeโ€ฆ

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Jamaican councillor promotes backyard farming to boost food security and nutrition | Jamaica Observer | August 6, 2026 | KINGSTON, Jamaica, Councillor Eugene Kelly (Peopleโ€™s National Party, Whitfield Town Division), is encouraging residents to embrace backyard farming as a practical way to improve food security, promote healthier eating habits, and reduce household expenses. According to Kelly, growing fruits and vegetables at home can help families become more self-sufficient while providing access to more nutritious meals. He urged constituents to make use of available yard space, noting that even small home gardens can make a meaningful contribution to meeting household needs. โ€œThe concern I have is that there has been a decline in proper nutritional intake among our young people and the wider population. Too many of our people are eating meals based mainly on white rice and flour, and we have to move away from that. Itโ€™s important that we have these ground provisions that weโ€™re going to be introducing to our residents,โ€ Kelly said. The councillor was speaking on Wednesday at his annual divisional conference, held at Greenwich Primary School, where the backyard farming initiative was officially launched. โ€œToday, I am introducing seedlings from the sweet pepper family, and I hope to expand the programme even further. Weโ€™re going to introduce sweet potato, tomatoes, and other ground provisions that people need. Because of the difficult financial situation facing not only inner-city communities but Jamaica as a whole, the middle class is shrinking. If the middle class is under pressure, then every other socioeconomic group is also under pressure. This is our way of helping to ensure that, especially our young children, receive the proper nutritional intake they need,โ€ Kelly said. Kelly also announced plans to work closely with school principals to encourage students to participate in backyard farming, with the aim of fostering healthy eating habits and agricultural skills from an early age. Latest News, Regional August 6, 2026 GENEVA, Switzerland (CMC), The 2026โ€“2027 El Niรฑo weather phenomenon could threaten jobs, reduce incomes and worsen working conditions across the Carib... Latest News, Sports August 5, 2026 KINGSTON, Jamaica, Jamaicaโ€™s Cavalier and Dominican Republic club Cibao FC played out a goalless draw in their opening Group B match of the 2026 CONC... Latest News, Sports August 5, 2026 OREGON, United States, Jamaica will have strong representation in the 100m finals at the World Athletics Under-20 Championships on Thursday after wor... Latest News, Regional August 5, 2026 HAMILTON, Bermuda (CMC), Bermuda said on Wednesday that while the risk of an outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus disease remains low, it is taking pre... Latest News, News August 5, 2026 ST JAMES, Jamaica, President of the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) and African Communities League (ACL), Jamaica Division, Steven Gol... Latest News, Sports August 5, 2026 OREGON, United States, Jamaicaโ€™s medal hopefuls Gary Card, Shanoya Douglas and Theianna-Lee Terrel | Src: Jamaica Observer (JM) | Title: WATCH: Whitfield Town councillor promotes backyard farming to boost food security | Article text: August 6, 2026 KINGSTON, Jamaica, Councillor Eugene Kelly (Peopleโ€™s National Party, Whitfield Town Division), is encouraging residents to embrace backyard farming as a practical way to improve food security, promote healthier eating habits, and reduce household expenses. According to Kelly, growing fruits and vegetables at home can help families become more self-sufficient while providing access to more nutritious meals. He urged constituents to make use of available yard space, noting that even small home gardens can make a meaningful contribution to meeting household needs. โ€œThe concern I have is that there has been a decline in proper nutritional intake among our young people and the wider population. Too many of our people are eating meals based mainly on white rice and flour, and we have to move away from that. Itโ€™s important that we have these ground provisions that weโ€™re going to be introducing to our residents,โ€ Kelly said. The councillor was speaking on Wednesday at his annual divisional conference, held at Greenwich Primary School, where the backyard farming initiative was officially launched. โ€œToday, I am introducing seedlings from the sweet pepper family, and I hope to expand the programme even further. Weโ€™re going to introduce sweet potato, tomatoes, and other ground provisions that people need. Because of the difficult financial situation facing not only inner-city communities but Jamaica as a whole, the middle class is shrinking. If the middle class is under pressure, then every other socioeconomic group is also under pressure. This is our way of helping to ensure that, especially our young children, receive the proper nutritional intake they need,โ€ Kelly said. Kelly also announced plans to work closely with school principals to encourage students to participate in backyard farming, with the aim of fostering healthy eating habits and agricultural skills from an early age. Latest News, Regional August 6, 2026 GENEVA, Switzerland (CMC), The 2026โ€“2027 El Niรฑo weather phenomenon could threaten jobs, reduce incomes and worsen working conditions across the Carib... Latest News, Sports August 5, 2026 KINGSTON, Jamaica, Jamaicaโ€™s Cavalier and Dominican Republic club Cibao FC played out a goalless draw in their opening Group B match of the 2026 CONC... Latest News, Sports August 5, 2026 OREGON, United States, Jamaica will have strong representation in the 100m finals at the World Athletics Under-20 Championships on Thursday after wor... Latest News, Regional August 5, 2026 HAMILTON, Bermuda (CMC), Bermuda said on Wednesday that while the risk of an outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus disease remains low, it is taking pre... Latest News, News August 5, 2026 ST JAMES, Jamaica, President of the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) and African Communities League (ACL), Jamaica Division, Steven Gol... Latest News, Sports August 5, 2026 OREGON, United States, Jamaicaโ€™s medal hopefuls Gary Card, Shanoya Douglas and Theianna-Lee Terrel | Src: Jamaica Observer (JM)

- A Jamaican councillor is promoting backyard farming to enhance food security and promote healthier eating habits. - He is distributing seedlings for vegetables like sweet peppers and sweet potatoes โ€ฆ

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Forex: $159.47 to one US dollar

- The US dollar ended trading at $159.47 against the Jamaican dollar on August 5, falling by 13 cents. - The Canadian dollar rose to $114.09, and the British pound to $214.90. - Other news from Jamaicโ€ฆ

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Gas Prices Down $0.25, Diesel Down $0.25

- Gas prices in Jamaica will decrease by $0.25 per liter starting Thursday, August 6. - 90-octane gasoline will cost $213.47 per liter, and 87-octane will be $204.62. - Automotive diesel and ultra-lowโ€ฆ

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Mexican influencer killed on livestream

- Mexican influencer Cesar Gastelum was shot and killed during a livestream in Culiacan. - Authorities are investigating if his death is retaliation for social media posts about a criminal group. - Gaโ€ฆ

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โ€˜I had to be The Iron Ladyโ€™

- Paula Llewellyn urged educators to remain resilient in the face of adversity. - She drew parallels between their challenges and her own experience during a constitutional challenge to her tenure as โ€ฆ

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Attorney explores justice, power in new book

- Attorney David Wong Ken has released a new legal thriller titled "Presumption of Guilt." - The novel explores themes of justice, power, and history through a Jamaican lens. - It draws on the island'โ€ฆ