Jamaica Observer
Sun, Aug 8, 2021 06:30:01 GMT 'Honoured and humbled' by Order of Merit
Professor Donald Jasper Harris yesterday said he was "honoured and humbled" by his country's decision to confer on him the Order of Merit (OM), Jamaica's third-highest national honour and expressed appreciation for the recognition of hi...
Sun, Aug 8, 2021 07:01:00 GMT Cement shortage triggers call from west for supply options
MONTEGO BAY, St James - Fed up with the recurring shortage of cement from the island's major supplier, Caribbean Cement Company Limited (CCCL), a number of stakeholders in the construction industry in western Jamaica have intensified th...
Sun, Aug 8, 2021 07:01:00 GMT Pearnel Charles Sr to receive Order of Jamaica
AFTER 55 years in public service and trade unionism, former speaker of the House of Representatives Pearnel Charles Sr is to be invested with Jamaica's fourth-highest national award - the Order of Jamaica (OJ) - in the latest National H...
Sun, Aug 8, 2021 07:01:00 GMT Three teens among five road fatalities on Independence Day
MANDEVILLE, Manchester - Five people, three of them teenagers, died in two motor vehicle crashes in Manchester and St Elizabeth on Independence Day.The Manchester crash occurred on the Downs main road, killing three people.They are 36-y...
Sun, Aug 8, 2021 07:01:00 GMT Community group rallies support for the needy
MIDDLE QUARTERS, St Elizabeth - As is the case with many community groups, the 16-year-old Middle Quarters Community Development Committee (CDC) has had its ups and downs."There have been times when we have gone almost dormant for one r...
Sun, Aug 8, 2021 07:01:00 GMT Hansle's Japanese fairy
The Japanese volunteer who helped Jamaican hurdler Hansle Parchment get to the Olympics Stadium in Tokyo last Tuesday for his semi-final race, after he ended up at another venue in error, believes she didn't do anything special, even a...
Sun, Aug 8, 2021 07:01:00 GMT Wicked, injurious and repressive
A senior academic at The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, says the recent allegation of a police woman trimming the locks of a Rastafarian woman in custody reinforces Afropessimism, repression, and the deliberate abuse of Rast...
Sun, Aug 8, 2021 07:01:00 GMT A year outside
At nights, four children - ages two, three, seven, and 12 - are sent to stay with relatives and sometimes neighbours while their parents, Marlon Buckley and his sister Nicole Panton, make do with donated mattresses on the floor in a roo...
Sun, Aug 8, 2021 10:00:02 GMT Sunday Brew - August 8, 2021
What really happened at Four Paths 'barber shop'?If we are to follow initial reports, a terrible crime was committed at the Four Paths Police Station in Clarendon recently.It involved the trimming - by force we were told initially, but ...
Sun, Aug 8, 2021 08:50:01 GMT Dream realised
On Monday, July 26, 2021, Dominic Miller went to bed an anxious student. He woke up the following morning, travelled to The University of the West Indies, Mona campus where he picked up his exam results at the Faculty of Medical Science...
Sun, Aug 8, 2021 07:01:00 GMT CARPHA backs breastfeeding
HEAD of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), Dr Joy St John says breastfeeding can help to prevent childhood obesity and maternal obesity, which are important risk factors for Type 2 diabetes."If we are to reduce the prevalence ...
Sun, Aug 8, 2021 07:01:00 GMT My inner lip has a sore
INDIVIDUALS tend to get sores on their inner lip quite frequently without knowing the cause or how it can be treated. These sores are called aphthous ulcer or canker sores.Canker soresAphthous ulcer is defined as a small lesion that res...
Sun, Aug 8, 2021 07:01:00 GMT Does prayer really heal?
"You are in my prayers." Sounds familiar? It should. You've probably heard or said those words at one point or another.When I was a child, my father developed a huge lump at the back of his neck. He was examined on more than one occasio...
Sun, Aug 8, 2021 07:01:00 GMT Back-to-school anxiety
MASSACHUSETTS, United States - As a child, I had a great deal of anxiety. If you've ever seen me speak in public, that might surprise you. But anxiety among children is extremely common and affects almost all children to varying degrees...
Sun, Aug 8, 2021 07:01:00 GMT Indian doctors say they will continue philanthropic work
Dr Nagendra Babu Chandolu and his wife, Dr Alekya Daram, say they remain committed to philanthropic work despite the financial crunch caused by the novel coronavirus pandemic, which has reduced the number of Jamaicans who come to them f...
Sun, Aug 8, 2021 07:01:00 GMT Elders, too, have a digital social life
THERE'S a common misconception that social media is a young person's game. However, more seniors are turning to social media platforms for their entertainment, news updates and to keep in touch with friends and family. Studies have show...
Sun, Aug 8, 2021 07:01:00 GMT Preserve your pension during the pandemic
PENSION expert Sharon Smith says as difficult a time some people may be experiencing now due to the economic effects of COVID-19, pension contributors should be seeking to preserve their savings. Smith, who is the head of premium financ...
Sun, Aug 8, 2021 07:01:00 GMT US averaging 100,000 new COVID-19 infections a day
FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida (AP) - The COVID-19 outbreak in the United States crossed 100,000 new confirmed daily infections yesterday, a milestone last exceeded during the winter surge and driven by the highly transmissible Delta variant ...
Sun, Aug 8, 2021 07:01:00 GMT Bahamian Rastas say no to COVID-19 vaccines
NASSAU, The Bahamas (CMC) - The local Rastafarian community has defended the use of natural remedies in the fight against COVID-19 by stating that none of its members have contracted the virus.The claim was recently made by High Priest ...
Sun, Aug 8, 2021 07:01:00 GMT Protesters mass in France against Macron's COVID health pass
PARIS, France (AFP) - Almost a quarter of a million people took to the streets across France yesterday for the biggest protests yet against the novel coronavirus health pass needed to enter a café or travel on an inter-city train, tw...
Sun, Aug 8, 2021 07:01:00 GMT Haiti still seeking judge to probe president's assassination
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AFP) - Haiti's justice system is still struggling to find a judge willing to investigate the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse a full month after he died, as magistrates fear for their lives if they take o...
Sun, Aug 8, 2021 07:01:00 GMT Dementia is not a normal part of ageing
DEMENTIA is a syndrome, usually of a chronic or progressive nature, caused by a variety of brain illnesses that affect memory, thinking, behaviour and ability to perform everyday activities.The number of people living with dementia worl...
Sun, Aug 8, 2021 07:01:00 GMT Beware of household air pollution
HOUSEHOLD air pollution is one of the leading causes of disease and premature death in the developing world.Exposure to smoke from cooking fires causes 3.8 million premature deaths each year, mostly in low-and middle-income countries. B...
Sun, Aug 8, 2021 07:01:00 GMT Today's Horoscope - August 8, 2021
HAPPY BIRTHDAY for Sunday, Aug. 8, 2021: You have focus. You are determined, hard-working and creative. Adventure appeals to you, and yet you value security. You're not afraid to commit. You are an excellent friend to others, always loy...
Sun, Aug 8, 2021 07:01:00 GMT Love triangle
The cuckold lives in bliss,Who, certain of his fate,Loves not his wronger,But O, what damned minutes tells his o'erWho dotes, yet doubts, suspects,Yet strongly loves.- ShakespeareA cuckold is a man who's being cheated on, getting bun as...
Sat, Aug 7, 2021 07:01:00 GMT Four tourism stalwarts honoured for their service
FOUR stalwarts of Jamaica's tourism industry - John Byles, Nicola Madden-Greig, Camille Needham, and Donald Grizzle - are among those being honoured in this year's national honours and awards.The appointments to the Orders of the Societ...
Sat, Aug 7, 2021 07:01:00 GMT Cop 'with a conscience' DCP Fitz Bailey grateful for nat'l award
A grateful Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Fitz Bailey, who has been appointed to the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer, has attributed his elevation to him consistently being a policeman with a conscience, a transformatio...
Sat, Aug 7, 2021 07:01:00 GMT Ron Muschette on list of MoBay mayor's 'Special Spirit of Independence Awards'
MONTEGO BAY, St James - One of the country's most popular radio hosts Darren "Ron" Muschette was among 16 individuals honoured during the "Spirit of Independence Awards" ceremony held inside the Montego Bay Cultural Centre on Friday. He...
Sat, Aug 7, 2021 07:01:00 GMT Nerene Harrison - a firm believer in education, God and tourism
NERENE Harrison firmly believes tourism is her future and the future for many Jamaicans. As a result, she is very passionate about the industry, its success and, especially now, does whatever it takes to ensure all COVID-19 protocols ar...
Sat, Aug 7, 2021 07:01:00 GMT Governor General Achievement Award: Gabrielle Thompson, St Mary
BARRACKS RIVER, St Mary - Gabrielle Thompson has long lived a life of service, so being a member of the Jamaica Combined Cadet Force (JCCF) was a natural fit.The 18-year-old joined the youth movement in 2014 and seven years later became...
Sat, Aug 7, 2021 07:01:00 GMT One in custody after $10-m drug bust in Portland
HECTOR'S RIVER, Portland - One person has been taken into custody in connection with Thursday evening's $10-million drug bust in this coastal parish. One man escaped but the Area Two narcotics police are leading an investigation with th...
Sat, Aug 7, 2021 07:01:00 GMT 'Mi cyaan beg nobody nutten'
BLUEFIELDS, Westmoreland - Twenty years ago, Ophar Turner's left leg was chopped from his body as he attempted to stop a fight between two men. He has not let that get in the way of making a living doing the only thing he knows - fishin...
Sat, Aug 7, 2021 07:01:00 GMT St Vincent PM 'on the mend' after blow to head
KINGSTOWN, St Vincent and the Grenadines (CMC) - Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves suffered a concussion when he was struck in the head by an object outside Parliament on Thursday during the protest, organised by the main Opposition New...
Sat, Aug 7, 2021 07:01:00 GMT Vaccines: Two centuries of scepticism
PARIS, France (AFP) - Wariness and outright hostility to vaccines did not start with COVID-19, they date back to the 18th century when the first shots were given. From real fears sparked by side effects, to fake studies and conspiracy t...
Sat, Aug 7, 2021 07:01:00 GMT Minto Family Foundation continues philanthropy in Waterford
The Minto Family Foundation on Wednesday staged a back-to-school fair for residents of Waterford, St Catherine, the community that it has been helping annually.The event comes a year after the foundation, as part of its thrust to help p...
Fri, Aug 6, 2021 07:01:00 GMT Angry protest over alleged trimming of Rasta woman's locks
MONTEGO BAY, St James - A number of Rastafarians congregated in historic Sam Sharpe Square, Montego Bay yesterday to express disgust over allegations of the trimming of a young woman of the faith by members of the Jamaica Constabulary F...
Fri, Aug 6, 2021 07:01:00 GMT PM Gonsalves injured during COVID protest
KINGSTOWN, St Vincent (CMC) - Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves had t o receive treatment after suffering a blow to the head during protests in the capital yesterday.Initial reports indicate he was hit in the head by an object thrown by...
Fri, Aug 6, 2021 07:01:00 GMT Long overdue!
PORT MARIA, St Mary - Questions are being raised about the protracted delay in starting construction on the new Port Maria Police Station for which ground was broken three years ago. In March 2018, then Minister of National Security Rob...
Fri, Aug 6, 2021 07:01:00 GMT Scores get COVID vaccine at National Arena
The National Arena was buzzing with activity yesterday as scores of Jamaicans turned out to get their first shot of the COVID-19 vaccine. Staff photographer Karl Mclarty captured highlights.
Fri, Aug 6, 2021 07:01:00 GMT COVID-19 strain pushes CRH to scale back other treatments
MONTEGO BAY, St James - With almost all of its beds earmarked for COVID-19 patients already in use, and the number of people who need them increasing daily, Cornwall Regional Hospital (CRH) is now looking at scaling back on the treatmen...
Fri, Aug 6, 2021 07:01:00 GMT 42 J'cans among staff being cut by Caribbean Airlines
CARIBBEAN Airlines (CAL) has begun discussions with the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union (BITU) on making the transition easier for 42 Jamaicans who are among employees whose jobs are to be made redundant.The move follows the airline's...
Fri, Aug 6, 2021 09:00:02 GMT HELPING HANDS
TVJ videographer Glenford Campbell assists a weeping Kelma Foster after she collapsed at the scene where three men were killed in Stony Hill, St Andrew, on Wednesday.(Photo: Jason Tulloch)
Fri, Aug 6, 2021 07:01:00 GMT This Day in History - August 6
Today is the 218th day of 2021. There are 147 days left in the year.TODAY'S HIGHLIGHT1945: During World War II, the US B-29 Superfortress Enola Gay drops an atomic bomb code-named "Little Boy" on Hiroshima, Japan, resulting in an estima...
Fri, Aug 6, 2021 07:01:00 GMT Tufton satisfied with pilot of community COVID-19 vaccination
The Ministry of Health has reported that six days into the COVID-19 vaccine blitz, which started last Saturday, more than 49,000 doses of vaccine were administered to Jamaicans 18 years and older. According to the health ministry, up t...
Fri, Aug 6, 2021 07:01:00 GMT Customers win big in Flow's Spice Up Yuh Summa Campaign
Scores of customers are welcoming their premium prizes, including LTE tablets and smart watches, won during Flow Jamaica's Spice Up Yuh Summa Campaign, now in its second week. The six-week campaign, which began on July 23 and is being ...
Fri, Aug 6, 2021 07:01:00 GMT Novavax seeks COVID-19 vaccine use in India ahead of US
AP - Vaccine maker Novavax announced yesterday that it has asked regulators in India, Indonesia and the Philippines to allow emergency use of its COVID-19 vaccine - offering its shot to developing countries before vaccine-flush rich one...
Fri, Aug 6, 2021 07:01:00 GMT CWC head kicks off CANTO with candid fireside chat
The 36th annual CANTO Trade and Virtual Exhibition kicked-off on Wednesday, with headline sponsor C&W Communications (CWC) hosting the first day of the three-day virtual event.Held under the theme 'The New Digital Reality - 2021 and...
Fri, Aug 6, 2021 07:01:00 GMT Youths urged to get vaccinated and to encourage others to do same
Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Desmond McKenzie,is encouraging participants in the Youth Summer Employment Programme (YSEP) to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and to encourage others to do the same."I want to challen...
Fri, Aug 6, 2021 07:01:00 GMT JCF making it easier to get criminal records
The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is reporting that the upgrading of its Automated Palm and Fingerprint Identification System is in progress and is slated to come on stream in September.In a recent interview with JIS News, senior di...
Fri, Aug 6, 2021 07:01:00 GMT Police keeping tabs on Kingsvale, Hanover following double murder
HANOVER - The police are keeping a close watch on sections of Kingsvale, Hanover, following the fatal shooting of two men in the community on Tuesday night. Two other men were left nursing gunshot wounds in the incident.The dead men hav...