News

On the hottest days, thinner air can make it harder for aircraft to get off the ground safely. Airlines may have to lighten the load by removing passengers or cargo, or carrying less fuel.
August 7, 2026

Rising temperatures could keep more flights from taking off on time

AP – Airline passengers know to expect possible flight delays when weather forecasts call for thunderstorms, heavy snow or strong wind. The omens are less obvious on a hot summer day with clear skies.…
August 7, 2026

Jamaican pleads guilty in US$9 million sweepstakes fraud targeting elderly Americans

A Jamaican man recently pleaded guilty for his role as a high-ranking member of an international fraud ring that stole more than US$9 million from over 200 elderly Americans in a decade-long…
Reggae artiste Hezron Clarke (right) receives his 2026 Spirit of Independence Award from Montego Bay Mayor Richard Vernon during the annual Independence Day Flag Raising and Civic Ceremony in Montego Bay on Thursday.
August 7, 2026 by Christopher Thomas

‘It never dawned on me until afterward’

WESTERN BUREAU: Montego Bay-based reggae artiste Hezron Clarke never expected to be publicly honoured on Independence Day for his musical contributions to St James and the wider Jamaica.
Montego Bay Mayor Richard Vernon (centre, seated) in a group photo with the recipients of this year’s Spirit of Independence Awards and Mayor’s Special Awards from within St James, during the annual Independence and Flag Raising Ceremony at Sam Sharpe
August 7, 2026 by Christopher Thomas

Vernon: Jamaica’s roots remain intertwined with Africa

WESTERN BUREAU: As Jamaica celebrates its 64th year of independence this year, Montego Bay Mayor Richard Vernon says that the nation’s growth over the decades is connected to the history of the…
Rickaysia Powell accepts her grant from Moon Palace Vice-President Clifton Reader. Powell, a graduate of Priory Primary School in St Ann, will begin studies at Iona High School in September.
August 7, 2026 by Carl Gilchrist

Moon Palace Foundation awards $1.1m in grants to PEP performers

Thirty-eight students who excelled in the 2026 Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examinations have received grants totalling $1.1 million from the Moon Palace Foundation, the charitable arm of Moon Palace…
Fenton
August 7, 2026 by Keisha Hill

JWN scholarship recipient aims to improve child healthcare

Every milestone in Monique Fenton’s journey represents more than academic success. It reflects unwavering faith, resilience, and the support of family, mentors and a community that believed in her…
Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator Aubyn Hill (left), greets the Republic of South Africa's Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Alvin Botes, ahead of a High-Level Ministerial Luncheon at the AC Hotel by Marriott
August 7, 2026

Minister Hill proposes special group to advance Jamaica-South Africa trade and investment

Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator Aubyn Hill, has proposed the creation of a Jamaica-South Africa Investment Delivery Group to help drive and strengthen trade and investment…
Usually submerged areas of the Danube River are exposed amid a drought in Rasova, Romania, Monday.
August 7, 2026

This summer isn’t breaking heat records – yet

Wildfires are burning in North America and Europe. Deadly heatwaves have parked over cities and the world’s oceans are the hottest ever recorded for this time of year. A strengthening El Niño is…
Caribbean Cement Company Limited hosts its Vulnerable Road User Initiative at Rollington Town Primary School in Kingston on June 17, promoting road-safety awareness among students.
August 7, 2026

IDB report cites Cemex road-safety programme as regional model

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has highlighted road-safety measures implemented by Cemex, the parent company of Caribbean Cement, as an example of private-sector practices that could help…