ONE-MINUTE READS ... News from across Jamaica

Williams gets first overseas assignment

Junior minister in the labour ministry, Donovan Williams, is representing Jamaica at the 20th American Regional Meeting of the International Labour Organization (ILO), which begins today in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

Williams will be accompanied by Andrea Miller Stennett, senior director of employment in the ministry.

The three-day conference gathers labour ministers, senior officials, workers, and employers from across the Americas to discuss key issues shaping the future of work.

This marks Williams' first overseas assignment since his recent appointment last month.

Officials say the meeting provides a platform to exchange ideas on employment, labour standards, and social protection, offering Jamaica a chance to strengthen regional collaboration and highlight its commitment to advancing workers' rights.

Opposition slams Government over Palestine

Senator Donna Scott-Mottley, opposition spokesperson on foreign, regional and diaspora affairs, has criticised the Government for failing to show solidarity with the Palestinian people at critical moments during the United Nations General Assembly.

Jamaica was absent from the vote on whether Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas should be allowed to address the Assembly remotely after being denied a US visa.

The Government also refrained from walking out during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech, a protest many nations staged against Israel's actions in Gaza.

"Jamaica has always been respected internationally for standing firmly on matters of justice and human rights," Senator Scott-Mottley said.

"To be absent from the vote and to remain seated while others registered protest is a clear departure from that proud tradition. Our silence sends the wrong signal to the international community and to the Palestinian people who continue to suffer," she added.

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Woman's Club Foundation outlines bold vision

Patricia Chuck, chairman of the Woman's Club Foundation of Jamaica, says the organisation was created to continue the legacy of generations of women dedicated to nation-building.

Speaking at the official launch of the foundation at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel on September 25, Chuck says the organisation's vision of broadening children's health support, expanding scholarships, and deepening community partnerships is "ambitious but necessary".

"We want to see a Jamaica where no child is denied healthcare or education because of circumstance; where our elderly live with dignity and companionship; and where communities are empowered to create brighter, more resilient futures," Chuck said.

Officially incorporated in 2020, the foundation navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and emerged with renewed determination to support Jamaica's most vulnerable.

"Today we are not only celebrating the establishment of a foundation," the chairman said, "but we are reaffirming our commitment to service, to ensuring that the most vulnerable in our society are cared for, supported, and given the opportunity to thrive."

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Young Jamaicans to gain cybersecurity training

Thirty Jamaicans between the ages of 18 and 25 will participate in structured training through the country's first Cyber Empowerment Academy.

The programme, implemented by the Ministry of National Security and Peace, in partnership with the Office of the Prime Minister, the Organization of American States, the government of Canada, and the SANS Institute, is designed to equip participants with both technical and professional skills, giving them a competitive edge in the global job market.

Highlighting the importance of the initiative, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security and Peace, Ambassador Alison Stone Roofe, said that in a rapidly evolving digital landscape, "it becomes imperative that we equip our youth with the knowledge, skills, and resilience necessary to navigate and thrive in this digital age".

She further noted that the youth-focused cybersecurity training and certification programme reflects a collective commitment to empowering Jamaican youth, upskilling cybersecurity professionals, and strengthening the nation's overall cybersecurity framework.

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Professor Marvin Reid is new MAJ president

The Medical Association of Jamaica (MAJ) has officially installed its new executive officers who will serve for the 2025-2027 term. The installation took place during the association's annual general meeting on September 28 in Kingston.

Leading the new executive is Professor Marvin Reid. He succeeds Dr Leslie Meade in the position.

Reid is supported by Dr Mindi Fitz-Henley, as the president-elect, and Dr Karen Phillips as vice-president.

The executive also includes Dr Pollyanna Howell Chang, who will serve as honorary secretary, and Dr Kristen Little, who takes on the role of assistant honorary secretary.

Dr Colin Abel is honorary treasurer, and Dr Katherine Innis will serve as assistant honorary treasurer.

The MAJ represents more than 2,000 doctors across the island.