Latest News

March 30, 2026

Sugary drinks should be targeted and taxed

THE EDITOR, Madam: Obesity rates in Jamaican boys doubled (a 100 per cent increase) between 2010 and 2017 while, among girls, rates increased by 50 per cent. Each sugary drink increases the risk of…
A UAE navy ship sails next to a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz as seen from Khor Fakkan, United Arab Emirates.
March 23, 2026

Trump says US will ‘obliterate’ power plants if Strait of Hormuz not opened

President Donald Trump warned the US will “obliterate” Iran’s power plants if it doesn’t fully open the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours, prompting Tehran to say it would respond to any such strike…
St John Ambulance medical team and volunteers pose for a photo during one of their visits to assist persons in western Jamaica parishes affected by Hurricane Melissa.
March 23, 2026

St John Ambulance volunteers bring relief to hurricane-hit communities

In the difficult weeks following the destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa, several communities across Jamaica were left struggling with damaged homes, blocked roads and disrupted access to…
An aerial view of a solar power plant in Ouarzazate, central Morocco.
March 23, 2026

Africa’s solar boom faces higher costs as China cuts export subsidies

NAIROBI (AP): China’s decision to end value-added tax rebates on solar panel exports and phase out incentives for making battery storage equipment could push up the cost of solar installations in…
People gather to take part in a large anti-government protest in Prague, Czech Republic.
March 23, 2026

Tens of thousands of protesters rally in Prague against new gov’t

PRAGUE (AP): Tens of thousands of people protested in Prague on Saturday against the policies and plans of the new Czech government led by populist Prime Minister Andrej Babiš. The protesters from…
Letters
March 23, 2026

When power forgets it breathes

THE EDITOR, Madam: Dennis Minott’s March 22 article, ‘Could Trump eat grass before reason returns?’, retrieves an ancient text for a frighteningly modern crisis. By invoking Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel…
Bison statues cast in bronze are on permanent display outside the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History.
March 23, 2026

America’s official mammal, the bison, gets a bronze tribute

KEARNEY (AP): The national mammal of the United States is getting in on America’s 250th birthday celebration. Three bison statues cast in bronze have taken up a permanent display outside the…
This March 2025 photo shows a section in the vicinity of Fort Rocky which was cleared for a parking lot.
March 23, 2026

Letter of the Day | Fort Rocky: One year later, still no answers

THE EDITOR, Madam: On March 13, 2025, the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) issued clear instructions to the Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT) regarding works carried out on lands…
Prime Minister Andrew Holness making his presentation to the 2026-2027 Budget debate.
March 23, 2026

Editorial | Relief first or scale first?

The 2026/27 budget debate opening speeches forced Jamaica to examine the question we have postponed having: what exactly is the most credible path to faster growth and better development outcomes in a…