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JAMAICA: Residents welcome Skills Training Programme for youth in West Central St. Catherine

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8 years ago

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#Jamaica, December 27, 2017 – Kingston – Trishania Jackson Taylor is one of 104 residents of West Central St. Catherine enrolled in a training programme for unattached youth, which has been embraced by the entire community.   The programme, which the mother of one joined some two months ago, represents a major stepping stone in realizing Ms. Jackson Taylor’s once unimaginable dream of becoming a teacher.

In light of the opportunity to this end coming her way through the programme, Ms. Jackson Taylor is relishing the thought of finally achieving this goal on completing her studies.   The initiative is the brainchild by Health Minister and Member of Parliament, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, and is being spearheaded through Future Hope, an organization he was instrumental in establishing, with support from other stakeholders.

The programme offers certification in Early Childhood Education, Allied Nursing, and Webpage Design, among other vocations, with certification by HEART Trust/NTA.   It is being financed through the Constituency Development Fund and other sources, with courses being delivered at the Kitson Town community resource centre, and Tacius Golding High School.

The effusive Ms. Jackson Taylor recalls her encounter with a group of uniformed persons at the centre while taking her son to school one morningShe tells JIS News that on inquiring, she was told that the individuals were involved in a training programme at the centre. She says she was further advised of the sole remaining spot for enrolment in the early childhood teacher training programme, at the time.

Ms. Jackson Taylor says she seized the opportunity to enroll and looks forward to graduating and securing a job, thereby breaking the monotonous cycle of “staying at home”.   She describes the programme as a “good thing”, adding that “it is overwhelming, knowing that my dreams are finally coming to pass”.

Ms. Jackson Taylor points out that many of the community’s young people are showing interest in the initiative, noting that since enrolling, she has seen other persons inquiring about it, adding that “it is really a good thing to empower (the) young people”.

Another resident, certified electrician, Johnnoy Cameron, who also heard about the programme and enrolled to be trained as a webpage designer, contends that “I am going to be an even better person (by acquiring) this skill”.   Another student, Natasha Martin, says she is using the opportunity to equip herself with an additional skill to enhance her job marketability as also position herself to become self-employed and, in the process, boost her economic base.

Speaking at the programme’s recent launch at the Kitson Town centre, Dr. Tufton said it represented a “great start”, particularly for young persons seeking skills training, adding that the feedback is “a good indication that people want to be empowered”.   He advised that an additional $1.5 million will be spent to purchase medical equipment for the nursing students.

The Minister pointed out that this will ensure that “you can practice, and truly qualify, not only in books (but)…on the clinical side”.   He said the areas of training were chosen based on market demand, to enable participants to be adequately be prepared for a “reasonable chance” at becoming gainfully employed.

Dr. Tufton indicated that Future Hope’s establishment is grounded in the vision of providing training and education for the persons, so that “you can be better off later on…and live in an environment of peace and security”.

HEART Trust Coordinator, Cammeshia Harrison, notes that there is growing demand for health professionals and webpage developers in particular, and urges students in those and other courses to “continue to work hard and do well”.

Programme Coordinator, Lena Russell, who is also Principal of Tacius Golding High School, points out that the partnership forged to facilitate the initiative is solutions-oriented and pivotal to realizing the improvements being sought by the students in their personal and professional development.

“These participants will broaden their experiences, own their employability and lead innovation.  These participants are a delightful bunch who are eager to learn and (are motivated in this regard),” she adds.

The Kitson Town community resource centre is managed by the Kitson Town Community Development Committee, which is chaired, Devon Thompson,   He says the group is committed to supporting the training programme, which they regard as a means of empowering community members.

Social Development Commission Community Development Officer, Norda Lyons, contends that the programme is a journey for the students, at the end of which “you will be happy that you participated in this great initiative”.

By: Garfield Angus (JIS)

 

 

 

 

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Caribbean News

Haitian Pushback Halts Controversial Constitution Rewrite — What’s Next?

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1 day ago

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October 15, 2025

By

Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

 

Haitian media, legal scholars and civic voices did what bullets and barricades couldn’t: they stopped a sweeping constitutional overhaul widely branded as anti-democratic.  Editorials and analyses tore into proposals to abolish the Senate, scrap the prime minister, shift to one-round presidential elections, expand presidential power, and open high office to dual-nationals—a package critics said would hard-wire dominance into the executive at a moment of near-lawless insecurity.

The Venice Commission—Europe’s top constitutional advisory body—didn’t mince words either. In a formal opinion requested by Haiti’s provisional electoral authorities, it pressed for clear legal safeguards and credible conditions before any referendum, including measures to prevent gang interference in the electoral process—an implicit rebuke of pushing a foundational rewrite amid a security collapse.

Facing that drumbeat, Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council has now formally ended the constitutional-reform initiative. The decision, taken at a Council of Ministers meeting at the National Palace, effectively aborts the rewrite track that has haunted Haiti since the Moïse and Henry eras.

So what now? Per the Miami Herald, the pivot is back to basics: security first, elections next. That means stabilizing Port-au-Prince enough to run a vote, rebuilding the electoral timetable, and empowering the provisional electoral machinery—none of which is simple when gangs control vast chunks of the capital and state authority remains fragile. Recent headlines underline the risk: gunfire has disrupted top-level government meetings, a visceral reminder that constitutional theory means little without territorial control.

Bottom line: Haitian journalists and public intellectuals helped slam the brakes on a high-stakes centralization of power that lacked legitimacy and safe conditions. International constitutional experts added weight, and the transition authorities finally conceded reality. Now the fight shifts to making an election possible—clean rolls, secure polling, and credible oversight—under circumstances that are still hostile to democracy. If the state can’t guarantee basic safety, any ballot is theater. If it can, shelving the rewrite may prove the first real step back toward consent of the governed.

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Caribbean News

Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts celebrate a night of wins, and take home a total of 16 titles at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards

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1 week ago

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October 8, 2025

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~Sandals Resorts hosts the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards Caribbean and The Americas Gala & celebrates its 32nd consecutive win as The Caribbean’s Leading Hotel Brand~

 

MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA, October 8, 2025 – Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts have been honoured with 16 awards at the 2025 World Travel Awards Caribbean and The Americas, underscoring their continued leadership across the hospitality landscape.

The Gala Ceremony held at Sandals Grande St. Lucian honoured the visionaries and trailblazers shaping the travel and tourism industry. The evening united government leaders and hospitality professionals for a night of celebration, recognition and inspiration.

Among celebratory toasts, Sandals Resorts International was named the Caribbean’s Leading Hotel Brand for the 32nd year in a row. Beaches Turks and Caicos also celebrated its 18th win as the Caribbean’s Leading All-Inclusive Family Resort, a recognition that comes ahead of the debut of its Treasure Beach Village, the resort’s $150 million expansion set to open spring 2026.

Other key wins include Sandals Dunn’s River, recognized as the Caribbean’s Leading Luxury All-Inclusive Resort for the third year in a row after opening its doors in 2023 and Sandals South Coast, awarded the Caribbean’s Most Romantic Resort.

The 16 awards won under Sandals’ portfolio are:

  • Caribbean’s Leading Hotel Brand 2025: Sandals Resorts International
  • Caribbean’s Leading All-Inclusive Family Resort 2025: Beaches Turks & Caicos
  • Caribbean’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2025: Sandals Montego Bay, Jamaica
  • Caribbean’s Leading Dive Resort 2025: Sandals Royal Curaçao
  • Caribbean’s Leading Honeymoon Resort 2025: Sandals Grande St. Lucian
  • Caribbean’s Leading Luxury All-Inclusive Resort 2025: Sandals Dunn’s River, Jamaica
  • Caribbean’s Most Romantic Resort 2025: Sandals South Coast, Jamaica
  • Bahamas’ Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2025: Sandals Royal Bahamian
  • Curaçao’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2025: Sandals Royal Curaçao
  • Grenada’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2025: Sandals Grenada
  • Jamaica’s Leading Adult-Only All-Inclusive Resort 2025: Sandals Negril
  • Jamaica’s Leading All-Inclusive Family Resort 2025: Beaches Negril
  • Jamaica’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2025: Sandals Montego Bay
  • Jamaica’s Leading Resort 2025: Sandals Royal Caribbean
  • Saint Lucia’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2025: Sandals Grande St. Lucian
  • Saint Vincent & The Grenadines’ Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2025: Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Surrounded by the beauty of Gros-Islet, St. Lucia, the peninsula location of Sandals Grande St. Lucian created the perfect backdrop for World Travel Awards’™ guests to enjoy an unforgettable dining experience and breathtaking island views.

“At the heart of every Sandals and Beaches vacation is pure, inviting Caribbean soul, paired with world-class hospitality experiences for all our guests. The recognitions bestowed to our brands tonight are truly meaningful. They serve as a testament to the incredible passion and dedication of our talented team members,” said Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts. “It is yet another reminder of why we will never stop evolving, listening to our customers and refining our experiences year after year.”

For more information about these award-winning resorts, please visit www.sandals.com and www.beaches.com. For more information on the World Travel Awards™, please visit https://www.worldtravelawards.com/.

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Caribbean News

Caribbean Powerhouses to Inspire at CaribCon in the Turks and Caicos Islands  

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1 week ago

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October 6, 2025

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Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson is the keynote speaker at CaribCon

 

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (October 6th, 2025) – CaribCon, the Caribbean conference celebrating culture, innovation, and creativity, will welcome some of the region’s most influential voices to its inaugural edition in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The event, set to be a dynamic gathering of thought leaders and cultural icons, will feature impactful panel discussions, inspiring and intimate fireside chats and a flow of knowledge from some of the Caribbean’s brightest and best in the creative sector.

Elizabeth “Lady” Montano

Jamaica’s own Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson, celebrated communications specialist, media personality, and global keynote speaker, will headline CaribCon as the official keynote speaker. Known for her ability to connect authentically and inspire audiences worldwide, Dr. Reid will share her insights on Caribbean identity, storytelling, and the power of representation in shaping global narratives.                                                                                                                                                                                      Another highlight of CaribCon will be the presence of Elizabeth “Lady” Montano, mother and former manager of soca superstar Machel Montano. Lady will launch her award-winning book, King of Soca, in which she is positioned as the ultimate insider, chronicling the evolution of one of the Caribbean’s most iconic entertainers. She will also share her invaluable experiences on nurturing talent, building a brand, and sustaining longevity in the competitive music industry in an intimate fireside chat.                                                                                                                                   Adding further star power to the event is Simon Baptiste, CEO of Question Mark Entertainment, co-founder of ODOS, a global collective network spanning over 1000 professionals in 35 countries, film director, talent manager and creative strategist. Baptiste will bring his expertise to conversations on shaping the region’s creative sector and talent.

Simon Baptiste

“CaribCon is where the Caribbean’s voices, ideas, and creativity converge,” says Omega Simmons, founder of CaribCon and CEO of SOS Media. “Having leaders like Terri Karelle, Lady Montano, and Simon Baptiste share their stories and expertise truly embodies the spirit of this event. Their presence reinforces the power of Caribbean culture to inspire and influence on the world stage.”                                                                                                                                                               CaribCon will take place at the Shore Club in Providenciales, the Turks and Caicos Islands, from October 23rd to 26th. Attendees can look forward to networking opportunities, panel discussions, and meaningful dialogue to foster an ecosystem that develops the region’s creative sector and propels it onto the global stage.

Sponsors are:

Signature Experience Partners: Ministry of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos, and The Shore Club.

Other sponsors: PPID, Invest TCI, InterCaribbean Airways, Subtronic Sounds, Spotlight Communications.

Hotel partners: Ocean Club Resorts, Waterloo Hotel Management, The Somerset on Grace Bay and Ports of Call Resort.

For more information, tickets, and updates, visit www.caribcon.co or follow @caribconhq on all social media platforms.

For more information please email: contact@caribcon.co

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