Jamaica Gleaner Lead Stories

1. Two Jamaicans in Eswatini decline offer to return home: Foreign Affairs Ministry

   The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade says it has made contact with two of the three Jamaican nationals reported to be in the Kingdom of Eswatini, with both men indicating that they do not wish to return to Jamaica at this time.

2. CXC to phase out traditional SBA for most CSEC, CAPE subjects amid AI concerns

   The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) has announced sweeping reforms to its School-Based Assessment (SBA) framework, including the phased removal of the traditional SBA for most non-practical Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) subjects, as it responds to the rapid rise of generative artificial intelligence and other technological advances.

3. Praedial larceny declines in South Trelawny after arrest of suspected thief

   There has been a decline in praedial larceny in South Trelawny, according to Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Orville Bushay, who heads the Praedial Larceny Unit for Area One, which comprises Trelawny, St James, Hanover and Westmoreland.

4. Bird strike likely caused helicopter crash that killed six people in New York last year: Investigators

   AP – The remains of several geese were found on a New York City sightseeing helicopter that crashed into the Hudson River last year and killed six people, investigators said Thursday, strong suggestions that multiple bird strikes contributed to the tragedy.

5. Tufton urges families, communities to take care of senior citizens

   Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton is imploring families and communities to take responsibility for the care of senior citizens.

6. Jamaican man in Cayman gets over three years in prison for violent abuse of ex-girlfriends

   A 45-year-old Jamaican man has been sentenced to more than three years in prison after admitting to a sustained campaign of domestic violence against two former partners, including choking a woman until her eyes bled.

7. Gov’t expects to recoup Petrojam losses from rising global oil prices – Vaz

   Minister of Energy, Transport and Telecommunications, Daryl Vaz, says the Government is expected to recover losses incurred by State refinery, Petrojam, as a result of rising global oil prices.

8. Policeman pleads guilty to manslaughter in shooting death of girlfriend in St Mary

   The policeman charged with the shooting death of his girlfriend during a dispute at the woman's house in Richmond, St Mary, in June last year has pleaded guilty.

9. International students, journalists to face stricter US visa rules

   Foreign journalists and international students heading to the United States on temporary visas are to face new limits on how long they can remain in the country under a new rule announced by the US Department of Homeland Security.

10. St Catherine councillor calls for gov’t to establish health insurance for taxi operators

    Councillor for the Waterford Division in St Catherine, Fenley Douglas, is urging the Government to establish a mandatory health insurance programme for Jamaica's route taxi operators, arguing that the sector places a significant financial burden on the country's public healthcare system.