Several stakeholders in western Jamaica have entered 2013 with a gloomy outlook because of the protracted delay in the Government's bid to secure a new deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the continuing decline in the value of the Jamaican dollar.

The National Water Commission (NWC) is paying an international firm approximately $25 million to help it prepare its application for an increase in water rates.

Three extraordinary Jamaicans have been selected from a pool of 30 nominees to receive a cash prize of $100,000 each, having been chosen by fans of the Digicel Jamaica Facebook page and an internal judging panel.

Syrian troops yesterday reported that they have captured most of a strategic Damascus suburb used by rebels as a base to threaten key regime facilities in the capital.

The month-long absence of ailing President Hugo Chávez has elicited prayers, an emotional street rally and heated political debate. Amid the tense wait for news from Chávez's hospital in Cuba, Venezuelans are also turning to one of their most prized national attributes: a biting, irreverent sense of humour.

Conservatives and watchdog groups are mounting a 'not-so-fast' campaign against a US$50.7-billion Superstorm Sandy aid package that North-eastern governors and lawmakers hope to push through the House this week.

The annual flu season hit the United States about a month early this year, and illness is now widespread in 47 states.Many cases are caused by a flu strain that tends to make people sicker.