BACK TO AFRICA Two noted advocates have welcomed a proposal by President John Mahama of the Republic of Ghana to create a pathway to citizenship for people of African descent, describing it as a major step toward the long-sought right of return to Africa. Reviving the decades-old issue of repatriation, Mahama announced yesterday that his government is considering legislation to establish a pathway to citizenship for members of the global African family.
‘I was just doing my job’ - Dream Weekend videographer says viral Elephant Man clip tells only part of the story WESTERN BUREAU: For nearly three days, a viral video showing dancehall entertainer Elephant Man dragging Dream Weekend videographer Dario Shields across a stage has fuelled debate on social media. But the man behind the camera says the widely shared clip tells only part of what happened.
Reparations movement at defining moment, says Ghanaian leader Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama on Monday declared that the global reparations movement has reached “a defining moment”, arguing that the international community must move beyond acknowledging the atrocities of slavery and colonialism to taking meaningful steps to address their lasting consequences.
Fresh alarm over suicides A cluster of four suspected suicides reported across Jamaica in less than 24 hours has heightened public concern and renewed scrutiny of the country’s mental-health challenges amid a string of similar incidents reported across the island in recent months. The latest cases began unfolding on Monday at the May Pen Police Station in Clarendon, where serving Police Constable Kenroy Pitter was found with a wound to his neck inside an office after colleagues reportedly forced open the door when they became concerned about his whereabouts.
Past students step up for Knockalva Polytechnic College WESTERN BUREAU: Twenty-six students from Knockalva Polytechnic College (KPC), in Hanover, who were impacted by the passage of Hurricane Melissa, have received scholarship support to the tune of J$4 million from the school’s overseas based past students to help ease their financial burden going into the new school year.
West Portland’s top students take centre stage Buff Bay, Western Portland Forty-three students from 23 schools in West Portland were honoured for their outstanding academic performances during an awards ceremony held yesterday at Lynch Park in Buff Bay, Portland. The 43 students – 21 boys and 22 girls – are either transitioning to or already attending high school. They were recognised for demonstrating dedication and commitment to their education. Among the awardees were the constituency’s top performers in the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examinations, the results of which were released in June.
JN Bank highlights support for farmers, businesses at Denbigh JN Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Jamaica’s agricultural sector, highlighting financing solutions aimed at helping farmers and agribusiness operators recover, expand and build resilience following recent challenges, including the impact of Hurricane Melissa. The bank outlined its support during the 2026 staging of the Denbigh Agricultural, Industrial and Food Show in Clarendon, where it engaged farmers, manufacturers and agro-processors participating in the three-day expo.
INSPECTOR SHORTAGE WESTERN BUREAU: The National Education Trust (NET) says at least 40 clerks of works – on-site building inspectors – are needed to adequately oversee the massive school restoration programme following Hurricane Melissa, warning that current staffing levels are insufficient for the scale of repairs. Speaking to The Gleaner on Monday, NET Executive Director Latoya Harris Ghartey said the agency is urgently trying to recruit 15 clerks of works as an immediate measure, while acknowledging that significantly more personnel will ultimately be required.
Samuels brands emancipation declaration a scam Veteran attorney Bert Samuels has delivered a stinging rebuke of Britain, describing the Emancipation Declaration read at midnight on July 31, 1838, as “a scam” that deceived the formerly enslaved and whose legacy, he argued, continues to shape Jamaican society nearly two centuries later. Samuels made the remarks on Friday, exactly 188 years after the declaration was read by then Governor Sir Lionel Smith at midnight, ushering in Emancipation Day in the British West Indies on August 1, 1838. “The British are super scammers,” Samuels told The Gleaner.
After slow first year, MBUC welcomes new tenants - Other gov’t agencies, businesses prepare to move in At the May 2026 first anniversary of the official opening of the Morant Bay Urban Centre (MBUC) in St Thomas, KFC was the only business operating from the sprawling development. Since then, two more businesses have opened their doors while several other prospective tenants are putting the finishing touches on their spaces ahead of launching operations. Despite the premium rental rates, government agencies, including the St Thomas Municipal Corporation and Tax Administration Jamaica, are among the tenants preparing to occupy the complex.