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.
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
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.
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
Tents? No Way!
A tent that once held classes at Middle Quarters Primary and Infant School in St Elizabeth is no longer considered usable because of the heat. Principal Pauvine Watson-Barrett said students could not …
Tough Guardrails
Jamaica’s first licensed casino operator has received a licence, but not permission to open. Adamas Grand Casino Limited must meet all remaining conditions before it can begin operations at Princess G…
Andrew Price quietly optimistic as Tivoli Gardens rebuild for new Jamaica Premier League season
Andrew Price is optimistic about Tivoli Gardens’ chances in the new Jamaica Premier League season, but the veteran coach is keeping his prediction deliberately modest. Tivoli finished 10th last season…
Sheree Martin named first female CEO of NCBJ, effective Sept 1
Sheree Martin will become the first woman to serve as chief executive officer of National Commercial Bank Jamaica when her appointment takes effect on September 1, 2026. The bank’s board appointed her…
Former Gang Member Found Guilty of Murdering Tupac Shakur
Nearly 30 years after Tupac Shakur’s death, a Las Vegas court found former Los Angeles gang member Duane Davis guilty of murdering the rapper. The jury reached its decision after several hours of deli…
12 students receive ETDDC scholarships
Twelve students from central Spanish Town received scholarships through a new community programme created to ease the cost of returning to school. The Ellerslie Tawes District Development Committee he…
What we know about the US-Venezuela oil agreement
The proposed US-Venezuela oil agreement promises access to more than 65 billion barrels of proven reserves, yet its basic terms remain unclear. US President Donald Trump said his administration had se…
Young Chefs Cooking & Baking Club celebrates 20 Years
For Latoya Panton, the clearest sign of the Young Chefs Cooking & Baking Club's success comes years after children leave the kitchen. Former students return to tell her they still cook for their famil…
From a 1.2 GPA to graduating cum laude: Roshelle Pinnock’s academic turnaround
Roshelle Pinnock once considered dropping out of university after her GPA fell to 1.2. Four years later, she has graduated cum laude with a 3.5 GPA and is preparing to begin a graduate programme in th…
Applications still open for VP Foundation ECEM Scholarship at UWI, Mona
Students preparing for careers in entertainment and cultural industries can still apply for the Vincent and Patricia VP Foundation ECEM Scholarship at The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus. T…
US regulator and 22 states accuse Amazon of manipulating ad auctions in lawsuit
The US Federal Trade Commission and 22 states have taken Amazon to court over allegations that the company manipulated the auctions used to price digital advertising. The complaint says the conduct ge…
10 ways AI has changed everyday life
Artificial intelligence has become an everyday creative tool, helping people move from rough ideas to finished images, stories and digital content with only a few prompts. The technology can act as a …
Police constable Sheneka Burke becomes Jamaica’s first Miss 30+ Jamaica
Police constable Sheneka Burke made pageant history in Jamaica on Saturday night by becoming the first woman crowned Miss 30+ Jamaica. The inaugural competition took place at The Summit on Chelsea Ave…
Digicel Group appoints Salvador Hierrezuelo as group chief business officer
Digicel Group has appointed telecommunications executive Salvador “Salva” Hierrezuelo as its group chief business officer, effective Sept. 1, 2026. Hierrezuelo joins the Jamaica-based company after mo…
Four things parents should get right before the school bell rings
Back-to-school preparation in Jamaica usually focuses on booklists, uniforms, fees and transportation. The National Parenting Support Commission says parents should also prepare themselves for the yea…
Constant Spring Road reduced to a single lane amid roadworks
Motorists using Constant Spring Road in St Andrew are being warned to expect delays as roadworks reduce traffic to a single operating lane near the Oakland Apartment Complex. The Jamaica Constabulary …
Trump vows to hit Iran “hard” after first exchange of fire in weeks
Donald Trump threatened to strike Iran "hard" after the United States and Iran exchanged fire for the first time in more than a month. The United States said it struck Iranian rocket launchers on Lara…
Liverpool sign Barcola from PSG for reported £124 million
Bradley Barcola has become Liverpool’s second-most expensive signing after joining the Premier League club from Paris Saint-Germain. Liverpool announced the transfer on August 31, 2026. A source close…
Mayberry invests in the next generation at UTech Orientation Week 2026
Mayberry Investments used the University of Technology, Jamaica’s orientation week to urge students to view investing as an attainable part of their financial future. The company joined UTech’s Week o…
JCF sharpens focus on student safety ahead of new school year
Jamaica’s school resource officers are preparing for the new academic year with a focus on early intervention, not simply putting more police at school gates. On the Force for Good Podcast, National S…
More flooding feared at Grand Canyon as storm leaves 15 missing
Forecasters warned of renewed flash flooding in the Grand Canyon as crews searched for about 15 people missing after Saturday’s storm. At least one person died, and dozens of visitors were evacuated f…
Former Lacovia star Sabrina Dockery among four Jamaican winners in Berlin
Sabrina Dockery added another prominent result to her season by winning the women’s 100 meters at the ISTAF Berlin meet in Germany. The former Lacovia High School standout clocked 11.13 seconds with a…
More than 20 people may be missing after flash flood in Grand Canyon
More than 20 people may be missing after a flash flood hit part of Grand Canyon National Park, according to the National Park Service. The flooding struck Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch are…
Application deadline extended for 2026 National Science, Technology and Innovation awards
Jamaica has extended applications for its 2026 national science, technology and innovation awards until Sept. 14. The awards, held under the theme “Science Solves”, aim to recognise achievement and co…
Aidan Mayo wins ATP Kingston 2 tournament
Aidan Mayo claimed the biggest prize of the ATP Kingston 2 Challenge after defeating Ecuador’s Andy Andrade in the final at Kingston’s Liguanea Club. The 23-year-old American beat the second seed 6-3,…
Vernon Buckley keeps reggae alive in Canada
Nearly five decades after leaving Jamaica, Vernon Buckley remains active in Canada’s reggae scene as a singer, producer and label head. Buckley, one half of the classic reggae duo The Maytones, has sp…
Literary Content Creator Renee Wallace Named JLS Reading Ambassador
Renee Wallace, a literary content creator and book-focused social media personality, has been appointed the Jamaica Library Service’s new Reading Ambassador. The announcement came at the JLS 2026 Nati…
Man fatally shot by police in Manchester, Jamaica
Police fatally shot a 39-year-old man, identified as Damion Rose, during an alleged confrontation in Cobbla, Manchester, on Saturday morning. Rose, a resident of Cobbla, was pronounced dead at Percy J…
Police fatally shoot suspected crime syndicate member in Jamaica
A police operation in Goshen, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, resulted in the fatal shooting of Ricardo Foster, also known as “Richie feelings,” a construction worker alleged by authorities to be a key figure…
US condemns 'savage' gang attacks in Haiti, urges rapid deployment of UN security force
The United States has strongly condemned the recent "savage" gang attacks on the Kenscoff community in Haiti, calling for the immediate and rapid deployment of the United Nations-authorised Gang Suppr…
Jamaica Hosts Link-Up Festival to Boost International Draughts Participation
Falmouth Square in Trelawny buzzed with activity as the Jamaica Draughts Association (JDA) hosted its Link-Up Festival, a vibrant event designed to unite players, administrators, families, and support…
Over 80 firefighters battle massive Hagley Park Road blaze in Jamaica
A significant fire engulfed the Hagley Park Road branch of Superior Parts Limited on Thursday, requiring the deployment of over 80 firefighters to contain the blaze. The Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) des…
Guyana Leads World in Economic Growth, Manages Debt Effectively, IDB Reports
Guyana stands out as a global economic outlier, continuing its trajectory as one of the world's fastest-growing economies, according to the latest Caribbean Economics Quarterly from the Inter-American…
Dozens of Israeli settlers attack flashpoint West Bank village
Dozens of Israeli settlers attacked the Palestinian village of Qusra in the northern occupied West Bank on Saturday, according to residents and the military. The incident occurred after nearly three w…
Jamaica Constabulary Force Launches Mentorship Program for Future Leaders
The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is investing in its future by launching a pilot mentorship program designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders. This initiative, themed “Empower, Elevate,…
Jamaica's Health Ministry awards nearly $48 million for research projects
The Ministry of Health & Wellness in Jamaica has allocated nearly $48 million to five successful applicants under its Research for Wellness Fund Programme. These initiatives aim to enhance health outc…
Jamaican Diaspora Mourns Beloved Broadcaster Dervan Malcolm
The Jamaican diaspora, both at home and abroad, is mourning the loss of Dervan Malcolm, a respected broadcaster and the popular host of 'The Jamaican Diaspora Live Online.' Malcolm, who would have tur…
Jamaica PM Targets December for Relocation of Residents Displaced by Demolition
Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has set a target of December to commence a relocation program for approximately 99 eligible residents affected by a demolition exercise in Coopers Pen, Trelawny. The …
Jamaica to develop policy for security forces in demolitions
Prime Minister Andrew Holness has pledged to develop new policy to govern the involvement of security forces in demolitions, following public backlash over a recent exercise in Coopers Pen, Trelawny. …
Jamaica invests $50 million in health research, trains 138 workers
Jamaica's Health and Wellness Minister, Dr. Christopher Tufton, announced a significant investment in the nation's healthcare sector, including $50 million dedicated to health research and an average …
Ocho Rios entrepreneur launches AI-powered business platform for Caribbean SMEs
Ocho Rios entrepreneur Kingsley Jair Harrison has developed SnapTap, an innovative AI-powered business platform that consolidates essential business functions into a single dashboard. This Jamaican-bu…
Jamaica opens $42.7 million road upgrade to boost tourism
Jamaica has officially opened a $42.7 million road rehabilitation project in St. Mary, a move designed to expand the island's tourism offerings beyond its established resort areas. The upgraded 1.6-ki…
Rural parishes dominate Jamaica Library Service National Reading Competition
Rural parishes emerged as the dominant force at the Jamaica Library Service (JLS) 2026 National Reading Competition, showcasing a strong commitment to literacy across the island. Portland secured two …
12-year-old wins essay competition on Hurricane Melissa's impact
Khadijah Wright, a 12-year-old student from Revival Primary and Infant School in Westmoreland, has claimed victory in the Lay Magistrates’ Association of Jamaica (LMAJ) annual essay competition. Her c…
Notting Hill Carnival celebrates 60th anniversary with London's biggest street festival
London is set to host Europe's largest street festival as it gears up for the 60th anniversary of the Notting Hill Caribbean Carnival. The vibrant celebration, scheduled for Sunday and Monday, August …
Tropical Wave to Bring Showers and Thunderstorms to Western Jamaica
Jamaica's Meteorological Service is forecasting isolated showers and thunderstorms across the western parishes and hilly areas on Saturday. This weather pattern is attributed to a tropical wave that i…
Hagley Park Road partially reopens after dealership fire
The northbound lane of Hagley Park Road in St. Andrew has been partially reopened to traffic, following a significant fire that engulfed the Superior Parts dealership on Thursday. The Jamaica Fire Bri…
Over 250 Students Receive Backpacks at Jamaican Health Fair
More than 250 students received backpacks and school supplies at the Free Town Foundation's annual Back-to-School Giveaway and Health Fair. The event took place on Friday, August 21, at the Miracle Ta…
US-Venezuela oil deal to bring $100 billion in private investment: Rubio
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Friday that a significant new oil deal with Venezuela is poised to inject nearly $100 billion in private investment into the Latin American nation. The ag…
Jamaica Urged to Bolster Hurricane Preparedness Amid Quiet Season
As Jamaica experiences a relatively quiet start to the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, homeowners and businesses are strongly advised against letting the calm lull them into a false sense of security.…
Venezuela confirms 'historic' oil deal granting US majority control
Venezuela's interim leadership has announced a "historic" oil deal with the United States, which grants Washington majority control over an estimated 65 billion barrels of the nation's proven petroleu…
Jamaica delays demerit point system implementation for full revision
Jamaica's demerit point system, slated for implementation on October 1, 2026, will be delayed following a consensus reached by the Public Transport Operators Steering Committee and various transport s…
Superior Parts Ltd cooperating with probe into Hagley Park Road fire
Superior Parts Limited has affirmed its full cooperation with authorities as investigations commence into the cause of a significant fire that engulfed one of its branches on Hagley Park Road. The com…
Market Bag: Prices skyrocket as shoppers feel the pinch
Shoppers at Coronation Market in Kingston, Jamaica, are experiencing a severe pinch as food prices have "skyrocketed," compelling many households to scale back their purchases. This surge in prices co…
Sheldon Shepherd to release debut album, ‘Give Thanks’, on September 18
Award-winning actor, poet, and cultural practitioner Sheldon Shepherd is set to release his debut album, titled 'Give Thanks,' on September 18. The 11-track collection is deeply rooted in Jamaican Dub…
Brazil's Guto Miguel reaches ATP Kingston Challenge semifinals
Seventeen-year-old Guto Miguel of Brazil has advanced to the semifinals of the ATP Kingston Lawn Tennis Challenge, showcasing promising talent on the international stage. Miguel secured his spot by de…
Grace to Grow empowers women through free mentorship program
Grace to Grow Mentorship & Training Limited is actively seeking women to join the next cohort of its transformative 12-week mentorship program, set to begin on Saturday, September 5. This faith-based …
Jamaica opposition welcomes PM's visit to displaced families, demands lasting action
Lothan Cousins, Opposition Spokesperson on Land, has welcomed Prime Minister Andrew Holness's visit to Cooper's Pen in Trelawny, where approximately 20 families were left homeless following the demoli…
Forex: $159.23 to one US dollar
The United States dollar saw a slight decrease against the Jamaican dollar on Friday, August 28, ending the trading day at $159.23, down by 2 cents according to the Bank of Jamaica's daily exchange tr…
Erral Matik Releases 'Journey To Zion' Single Ahead of EP
Reggae artist Erral Matik is set to release "Journey To Zion," the inaugural single from his forthcoming EP, "Ras Wires For Real." The conscious reggae track, penned by English songwriter Simon Woodwa…
Wild about animals
Children Madison and Kaylie are continuing their Animal Kingdom adventure, this time exploring the terrestrial inhabitants of Hope Zoo. Following a previous excursion to Dolphin Cove, their journey no…
Seven Jamaicans Awarded Fully Funded UK Master's Scholarships
Seven talented Jamaicans have earned prestigious, fully funded scholarships to pursue master's degrees in the United Kingdom. These scholarships, covering the 2026 academic year, will enable them to s…
Discovery Bauxite Awards 70 Students for Primary Exit Profile Excellence
Discovery Bauxite has celebrated educational achievement by awarding scholarships to 70 students who demonstrated outstanding performance in the recent Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examinations. The com…
Caribbean corals face extinction, threatening vital ecosystems
The vibrant coral reefs that form the backbone of the Caribbean's marine ecosystem are facing an existential crisis. Decades of reliance on these underwater cities are now threatened as prolonged heat…
UNEP report offers index to boost global drought resilience
Amidst worsening drought conditions in regions like Jamaica, intensified by global heatwaves, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has introduced a new tool to bolster global resilience. Th…
St Catherine North murders hit 30-year low
The St Catherine North Police Division is experiencing a dramatic reduction in violent crime, achieving its lowest murder rate in three decades. Senior Superintendent of Police Hopeton Nicholson annou…
Harry and the royal family: a six-year feud
Prince Harry and his family have made a surprising return to the United Kingdom from the United States, potentially signaling a thaw in a six-year rift with the royal family. The move, reported by UK …
UN chief condemns Haiti gang attack that killed over 30
United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has strongly condemned a brutal gang attack in Kenscoff, Haiti, which left more than 30 people dead. The violence, which occurred Sunday night overloo…
Prince Harry and family arrive back in Britain
Prince Harry, his wife Meghan, and their two children have reportedly landed in Britain, arriving on a private jet at Birmingham Airport. This return marks a significant moment, as the couple stepped …
Night garbage collections offer relief but added challenges
To combat punishing heatwaves, some sections of the island are now collecting garbage after dark. This shift in schedule aims to provide relief for sanitation workers who would otherwise be exposed to…
PENSION PAIN
Years after retiring from the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), two former district constables find themselves in a state of financial distress, claiming they have yet to receive their full pensions. …
Family of dentists brightens smiles for thousands in Jamaica through '1000 Smiles' project
For over 20 years, Great Shape! Inc.'s '1000 Smiles' project has profoundly impacted dental health in Jamaica. The California-based organization, in partnership with the Sandals Foundation, has dedica…
Two Jamaicans selected for Yale cultural heritage fellowship
Two prominent Jamaican cultural heritage leaders have earned a place in Yale University’s prestigious Institute for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage (IPCH) Directors Forum (YDF). Dr. Kirt Henry, …
Sinclair: Government will address Coopers Pen housing crisis
The Jamaican government is committed to resolving the issues faced by residents of Coopers Pen in Trelawny, whose homes were recently demolished. Senator Charles Sinclair, deputy general secretary of …
Crime reduction crucial to safer communities, national development, SSP Nicholson
Reducing crime is crucial for Jamaica's development, fostering safer communities that allow residents greater freedom to pursue education and employment, according to Senior Superintendent of Police H…
Sxae gets real with ‘The Game,’ first release from ‘Wicked Gyal’ trilogy
Kingston, Jamaica, Portmore-based artist Sxae is channeling heartbreak and anger into her music with the release of "The Game." This track marks the first single from her deeply personal "Wicked Gyal"…
Jamaican Students Receive Expanded Scholarship Support
Global Humanity Network Inc. (GHN) has significantly expanded its inaugural 'Beyond the Backpack' Scholarship Programme, committing an additional US$19,000 to support all 48 students who applied. The …
48-hour curfew imposed in sections of Hanover, Jamaica
Authorities have imposed a 48-hour curfew in sections of the Mount Peace district within the Hanover Police Division in Jamaica. The measure took effect Tuesday at 6:00 pm and will continue until Thur…
UN chief condemns Haiti gang attack that killed dozens
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has strongly condemned the latest gang attack in Kenscoff, Haiti, which left more than 30 people dead. The violence, which occurred Sunday night in th…
Westmoreland woman killed by fallen tree
The community of Auldayr in Westmoreland, Jamaica, is mourning the loss of Angela Powell, who tragically died after a tree fell on her. Powell was reportedly tending to her goats when the incident occ…
$91.6m Bunkers Hill water project commissioned amid drought
Approximately 1,000 residents in Bunkers Hill, Mears, Broadleaf, and Nairne Castle in Northern Clarendon, Jamaica, will now benefit from improved access to clean water following the commissioning of t…
‘Baddies build furniture too’
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when job opportunities were scarce and financial pressures mounted, Jamaican Sydonie Miller unearthed a hidden talent for carpentry. Despite holding…
Two men killed in separate fatal shootings
The Jamaica Observer is implementing a policy for reader comments on its articles. The newspaper emphasizes that comments are moderated and not all submissions can be published. It aims to publish com…
JPS responds to utility regulator's recommendations on customer access after office closures
Jamaica Public Service Company Limited (JPS) is enhancing customer access following the closure of 10 of its 15 offices across the island. These changes come in response to recommendations from the Of…
Trump orders US flags lowered for ‘true loss’ of Dolly Parton
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered flags across the nation to be flown at half-staff for a week following the reported death of country music icon Dolly Parton. Trump described Parton's pa…
US country music legend Dolly Parton dies at 80
Dolly Parton, the iconic American country music star whose career spanned six decades, has died at the age of 80. Her family confirmed her passing on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, with her nephew sharing …
Cameroon’s Baleba joins as Man United boost midfield options
Manchester United has secured the signing of Cameroonian midfielder Carlos Baleba from Brighton and Hove Albion, the Premier League club announced Tuesday. The 22-year-old becomes the third midfielder…
Raw Voice, Big Reaction: Complex Ricki Strikes Viral Chord With Sizzla Cover
An unexpected viral moment has propelled Jamaican-born artist Complex Ricki into the spotlight after a rehearsal clip of her covering Sizzla's "Give Me a Try" gained widespread attention online. Ricki…
Epstein Accomplice Maxwell Loses Bid to Overturn US Sex Trafficking Conviction
Ghislaine Maxwell, a key accomplice of the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, has failed in her bid to have her sex trafficking conviction overturned. A US federal judge on Tuesday rejected her claims…
Fewer Jamaican Teenagers Drunk or High, But Concerns Remain
Fewer teenagers across Jamaica are engaging in illegal drug use and alcohol consumption, a trend welcomed by the National Council on Drug Abuse (NCDA). However, the organization stresses that the numb…
John Chin loses again in ATP Kingston 2 Challenge lawn tennis competition
Jamaica's sole competitor in the ATP Kingston 2 Challenge, John Chin, suffered another defeat on Monday, falling to American teenager Benjamin Willwerth. The match, held at the Liguanea Club in New Ki…
Chuck Fenda sets Germany ablaze at Turnpike Reggae Festival 2026
Reggae artist Chuck Fenda electrified a crowd of 7,000 fans at the Turnpike Reggae Festival 2026 in Herzebrock-Clarholz, Germany, delivering a powerful closing performance. Taking the stage after sets…
Jamaica: Ganja use complicates mental health care 11 years after decriminalization
Jamaica's decade-old decriminalization of ganja is now presenting significant challenges in mental health care, particularly for individuals presenting with psychosis and schizophrenia. While a defini…
Two men charged in St. James with possession of criminal property after robberies
Two men in St. James, Jamaica, face charges of possession of criminal property after allegedly being involved in separate armed robbery incidents last week. The accused are Michael Stewart, 30, and De…
Chief Justice Cites AI as Tool to Enhance Court Operations
Chief Justice Bryan Sykes of Jamaica is championing the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the justice system, emphasizing its role as a supportive tool rather than a replacement for hum…
Honorary consul to Atlanta Elaine Grant-Bryan 'humbled' by OD recognition
Elaine Grant-Bryan, Jamaica's honorary consul to Atlanta since 2018, has been recognized by the Jamaican government with the Order of Distinction (Officer class) for her dedicated service to the diasp…
Families of Venezuelans deported from US who died in quakes ask for apology
Relatives of Venezuelan migrants deported from the United States are demanding an apology from Venezuela's interim government, alleging that 146 deportees died after being held against their will in a…
Masicka's 'Forever Reign' Hits Highest Billboard Debut for Jamaican Dancehall Act in 2026
Jamaican dancehall artist Masicka has made a significant mark on the Billboard charts with his latest album, 'Forever Reign.' Released on Def Jam Recordings, the album debuted at number 4 on the Billb…
SLB urges customers to use Debt Rest initiative before 2026 deadline
The Students’ Loan Bureau (SLB) is extending a critical appeal to its customers in Jamaica: take advantage of the Debt Rest initiative before its December 31, 2026 deadline. This program offers a sign…
One dead, children hospitalized after St. Mary crash
A tragic head-on collision on the Tower Isle main road in St. Mary, Jamaica, on Sunday evening claimed the life of a 30-year-old man and left two young children among those hospitalized. The incident …