FREE | PAGES: 28 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com SIGN UP FOR OUR EPAPER AT epaper.jamaica-gleaner.com/na FROM BRAIN DRAIN TO ECONOMIC GAIN - Envoy calls for strategic investment to transform Jamaica’s healthcare system SPOTLIGHT Dennis Hawthorne: From small town photographer to int’l businessman P3: Six persons from the diaspora named for national honours P2: Jamaica Carnival 2026 gets NY City TV promotion P21: Dr Sydney McCalla to lead OID cancer-screening project > P16 >P3 OCTOBER 16 - NOVEMBER 13, 2025 | VOL 289
moya.thomas@gleanerjm.com Moya Thomas anthony.smith@gleanerjm.com Anthony Smith - Chief Executive Officer 2 Dave Rodney/Gleaner Writer NEW YORKERS woke last Monday morning to an alluring invitation from the Jamaica Tourist Board, urging tri-state residents to book now to travel to Jamaica Carnival in April 2026. The sizzling television segment that was broadcast on the New York Living morning show on PIX 11 was hosted by popular television personality Marysol. The segment was loaded with vibrant and exciting images of the sexy side of carnival in Jamaica, as well as iconic images of resort areas and breathtaking attractions across the island. The interviewee and spokesperson for Jamaica was Victoria Harper, district sales manager for the Jamaica Tourist Board (Northeastern USA) who did an excellent job in selling the multi-layered magnets that pull visitors to Jamaica year after year. “Jamaica Carnival is an explosion of colour, music and culture,” Harper, a former Miss Jamaica USA and Miss Jamaica World runner-up told New Yorkers. “It’s our biggest street party featuring soca music, reggae, elaborate costumes and the authentic Jamaica energy. What sets it apart is the combination of the now decades-old carnival tradition alongside Jamaica’s unique vibe, from our music to our food to our warm hospitality,” the JTB manager added. Since the event is still several months away, Marysol asked why it is necessary to book so early. “The early bird catches the worm,” Harper replied. “Booking now means significant savings with early-bird packages offering significant savings on event tickets, costumes, air and accommodations.” Those visiting for Jamaica Carnival are also urged to combine Kingston with other resort areas like Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Port Antonio for a full-bodied extended stay so as to maximise the range of experiences that Jamaica has to offer. “The vibe is electric, the energy contagious, and the memories are everlasting,” Harper implored, with seductive flashes of cool, cascading waterfalls dancing across the television screen. Jamaica Carnival has rapidly evolved into one of the most dynamic cultural tourism events in the Caribbean. Earlier this year, the 2025 edition attracted over 52,000 participants and generated an estimated US$35 million during the peak week alone. For 2026, the prelude activities start as early as April 8 and the magnificent road march will take place on Sunday, April 12. Jamaica Carnival 2026 out the gates early with NY tv promotion WHEN HE responded last week to the Independent Fiscal Commission’s (IFC) warning that the government’s ongoing inability to meet its capital spending targets could weaken Jamaica’s growth prospects, Prime Minister Andrew Holness focused primarily on contractors who fail to deliver projects on time. “There are many issues that would cause the underutilisation of the capital budget,” Dr Holness said, “But, the one that is of interest to us is how contractors execute projects and the speed in which they execute projects … If they don’t perform, the budget cannot be expended and the growth of the country is slow.” His Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development (it was until recently growth and job creation) was addressing the problem by developing a programme to help domestic contractors build capacity, the prime minister said. Dr Holness is no doubt right about the shortcomings of contractors, and how their weaknesses contribute to the slow execution of projects. But, as he intimated, this isn’t the whole story. It is questionable that it is even the major one. There are great shortcomings, too, in the government’s procurement architecture. This is not only in oversight rigidities, against which public officials often complain, and some of which the government sought to remedy with recent amendments to the Public Procurement Act. But a larger, and more pressing issue, as this newspaper has raised before, is the numbers, and quality of the personnel, who are asked to annually manage and monitor scores of billions of dollars of procurement, utilising various bidding/sourcing regimes and contracting schemes. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE This requires – or ought to – the highest level professional competence, and sufficient staff, so that it is done with the highest level of professionalism, and in a timely manner, to protect taxpayers’ interest and deliver on national priorities. In other words, the expertise required by public servants to manage bids to spend huge amounts of money should be no less than would be expected in the private sector. The anecdotal evidence suggests that despite improvements in recent times, significant deficits remain. The IFC, which became operational in January, reviews, and reports on, the government’s fiscal operations, to determine whether it is on track to lower, and maintain, Jamaica’s debt to no more than 60 per cent GDP, as set out in law. That target is likely to be met by the end of the current fiscal year, two years ahead of schedule. In its review for the first quarter (April to June) of the 2025/2026 fiscal year, the commission repeated a concern it raised in January in its report for the third quarter of the 2024/25 fiscal year: of under-spending on capital projects and the potential consequences thereof. The IFC noted that in the 2024/25 fiscal year, self-financing public bodies (some of which oversee major public sector infrastructure/development projects, generated an overall surplus of $88.9 billion, or 2.5 per cent of GDP. This was 158.4 per cent ($34.4) billion above the original target. The much larger surplus was mainly the result of these bodies underspending on capital projects by $49.1 billion. SLOW EXECUTION The slow execution of capital projects continued in the new fiscal year, lagging across central government and public bodies between April and June by $20.4 billion, a shortfall of 50.37 per cent on the projected spend. Given this “underwhelming” pace of execution, and the evidence of previous years, it seems unlikely that the total capital budget of $163.8 billion will be spent by the end of next March. “The IFC notes that the underspending does not represent true savings, but rather a delay or slowness in the pace of execution of projects and programmes,” the agency said. “This is of considerable concern particularly with regard to capital projects amid the adverse implications for economic growth.” While contractor inefficiencies contribute to the failures, a significant constraint is the slow pace at which projects get off the ground, from conceptualisation to procurement. That, in part, is the outcome of layers of bureaucracy, which have grown to close loopholes which were exploited by corrupt officials. The Gleaner supports recent moves to rid the system of some of the in-built inertia – but not at the expense of accountability and protection of taxpayers’ resources. Among the answers to such legitimate concerns, as we suggested nearly a year and a half ago, is the development of a cadre of highly trained, certified, accredited and decently paid procurement professionals. In other words, the government should attract the best talent to what should be seen as a prized, specialist profession. Clear career paths should be developed in the public sector for this group. This means that the government must cooperate with universities and other institutions on specialised training, as well as continuing education programmes for procurement specialists. Need: procurement specialists THE WEEKLY GLEANER | OCTOBER 16 - NOVEMBER 13, 2025 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS EDITORIAL
Derrick Scott/Gleaner Writer WASHINGTON, D.C.: JAMAICA’S AMBASSADOR to the United States, Major General (Ret’d) Antony Anderson, has unveiled a bold vision to harness the expertise and capital of Jamaica’s diaspora doctors in building a worldclass medical tourism industry that could generate over US$1.8 billion annually. Not a career diplomat schooled in cocktail-circuit pleasantries. Not a healthcare bureaucrat fluent in policy white papers. But Major General Anderson (ret’d.), the man who commanded Jamaica’s military, overhauled its police force, and whispered strategy into the prime minister’s ear, now tasked with perhaps his most audacious mission yet: convincing diaspora doctors that their exodus from Jamaica wasn’t abandonment but preparation. Standing before a room packed with Jamaican professionals including educators, doctors, lawyers, engineers and other diaspora-based professionals, Anderson delivered an unconventional diplomatic pitch to the doctors in particular. Speaking at a reception hosted in his honour by the RalRosa Foundation in Georgetown, Washington, D.C., on October 1, Ambassador Anderson challenged Jamaican medical professionals in the United States to see their migration not as abandonment but as preparation for a new phase of national service through investment and collaboration. “If I was going to get sick, here’s the place to do it,” Anderson joked to a room filled with doctors, educators, and other professionals. Then, in a tone that shifted from humour to urgency, he added: “Imagine if those same skills and expertise could generate billions while fixing the very healthcare system you left behind.” The ambassador’s call is grounded in lessons drawn from his study of Turkey and Thailand, two countries that have successfully turned their health sectors into global medical tourism destinations. Turkey alone earns over US$1.8 billion each year from patients, many from the United States, who travel abroad for affordable, high-quality treatment. “Those countries didn’t just build facilities for foreigners,” Anderson explained. “Their investments lifted the quality of care for everyone. Jamaica can do the same.” He noted that Jamaica’s geographic proximity to the United States, Englishspeaking workforce, and pool of diaspora physicians provide a natural competitive advantage. A NEW INVESTMENT MODEL Ambassador Anderson’s proposal reimagines the role of diaspora healthcare professionals. Rather than competing with US hospital salaries, Jamaica would offer them equity partnerships in medical-tourism facilities, allowing rotational practice and knowledge transfer without requiring full relocation. He stated his intention to enter discussion with Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton to establish the necessary regulatory framework, including international accreditation, malpractice protections, and investment incentives. “When supply meets demand, it’s no longer a problem. It’s an industry,” Anderson told the audience. “We can transform our brain drain into a business model that strengthens the healthcare system at home.” At the heart of the ambassador’s vision is a plan to channel private-sector earnings from medical tourism into Jamaica’s public healthcare system, creating a self-sustaining cycle of improvement. “Can you imagine if Minister Tufton had an inflow of private healthcare revenue to reinvest in public hospitals?” Anderson asked. “That’s how we turn a challenge into a solution.” The approach, he said, would create “a virtuous circle”, international earnings raise local standards, which, in turn, attract more patients and practitioners, including diaspora doctors seeking meaningful engagement with their homeland. HONOURING DIASPORA PHILANTHROPY Ambassador Anderson’s remarks also paid tribute to the RalRosa Foundation, whose work he described as “a lighthouse of love”, Named after Keith Ralston and Phyllis Rosa Watson, the foundation has adopted the Golden Spring Health Centre in St Andrew, providing vital diagnostic equipment and committing J$3 million over three years to improve services. “Keith Ralston and Phyllis Rosa Watson planted seeds of service that have grown into this magnificent tree under which we gather tonight,” Anderson said. “Let us water it with our commitment and ensure its branches provide shade for generations of Jamaicans yet unborn.” Dr Jacqueline Watson, president of the foundation, announced that the organisation would extend its adoption of the Golden Spring Health Centre for another three years, continuing its mission to uplift healthcare in underserved communities. With characteristic military clarity, Anderson urged Jamaican professionals abroad to seize the opportunity before foreign investors did. “Non-Jamaicans already see the potential,” he warned. “I’m saying to us, get in on the ground floor.” For Anderson, Jamaica’s medical-tourism ambition is not only about attracting foreign patients, but about re-enlisting its diaspora in the national project of transformation. “Every dollar doesn’t just buy equipment. It purchases hope,”he concluded. “Together, we can turn charitable intention into sustainable solutions.” From brain drain to economic gain Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Major General (Ret’d) Antony Anderson, Centre delivers remarks at a reception hosted in his honour by the RalRosa Foundation at their headquarters in Georgetown, Washington, D.C., on October 1. PHOTO BY DERRICK SCOTT Envoy calls for strategic investment to transform Jamaica’s healthcare system Lester Hinds/Gleaner Writer JAMAICA’S CONSUL General to New York, Alsion Wilson, and Jamaican US businesswoman Dr Trisha Bailey head the list of some six persons from across the diaspora who are named to this year’s national honours list. Both Dr Bailey and Consul General Wilson were named in the Commander of Distinction (CD) category. Others from the diaspora receiving national honours are Dennis Hawthorne, Dr Trevor Dixon, George Willie and Dr Maurice Miles. They will all receive the Order of Distinction (OD). They are among the 141 persons named to receive national honours in the list made public earlier this month. They will be invested on National Heroes Day, October 20 at a ceremony on the lawns of King’s House. Dr Trisha Bailey is recognised for her contribution in entrepreneurship, philanthropy and community service. She is the founder of Bailey’s Pharmacy and Medical Equipment Supplies. She is also invested in real estate development in Florida and Jamaica. Consul General Wilson receives the CD for contribution to national development in the social and economic sectors, particularly in the areas of education, technology and healthcare capacity building. Consul General Wilson is a member of the board of the Rose Town Development Committee and has awarded a number of scholarships through proceeds from the Jamaica Independence gala to students pursuing higher education in Jamaica and the United States. Dennis Hawthorne, who heads Dennis Shipping, the largest Jamaicanowned shipping company out of the diaspora with outlets in Brooklyn, Florida and London, receives the OD for services to the Jamaica diaspora, philanthropy and community development Dr Trevor Dixon, founder of Jah Jah Foundation, which carries out medical missions to Jamaica, is recognised with an OD for contribution to healthcare and education through the Jamaicans Abroad Helping Jamaicans at Home Foundation (Jah Jah). Dr Maurice Miles, a dentist out of Maryland, is recognised with an OD for service to dental care and other charitable causes in Jamaica. George Willie, who heads a major Jamaican-owned accounting firm in Washington DC and who is active in many charitable causes put on by the Jamaican Embassy in Washington DC, is recognised with an OD for contribution to education and other charitable causes in Jamaica and the diaspora. Willie also sits on the board of the American Foundation for the University of the West Indies (AFUWI). Six persons from the diaspora named for national honours Dennis Hawthorne Dr Trevor Dixon Dr Maurice Miles Alsion Wilson George S. Willie Dr Trisha Bailey THE WEEKLY GLEANER | OCTOBER 16 - NOVEMBER 13, 2025 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS
4 Lester Hinds/Gleaner Writer NEW YORK: EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY, Jamaicans applying for visitor, student, or work visas to the United States must now pay an additional US$250 visa surcharge, bringing the total cost of a standard tourist visa to US$435 per person. THE SURCHARGE, outlined in the recently signed US immigration legislation titled the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’, significantly increases the financial burden on Jamaican travellers. Previously, the standard fee for a B1/B2 tourist or business visa was US$185. With the new surcharge, a Jamaican family of four travelling to the US will now pay an additional US$1,000 in visa fees alone. Immigration analysts and advocacy groups warn that the measure could discourage Caribbean travel to the US, strain family budgets, and negatively affect industries such as tourism, retail, and air travel. The US government has framed the new charge – officially called the ‘visa integrity fee’ – as a tool to deter visa overstays. It applies to all non-immigrant visa categories, including tourist, student, and temporary work visas, and will be collected by the Department of Homeland Security at the time of visa issuance. The fee is non-waivable and subject to annual adjustment. While there is a provision for the US$250 to be refunded, travellers must fully comply with the terms of their visa and leave the United States within five days of expiration. Those who adjust their status legally, such as by obtaining a green card, may also qualify for a refund. However, critics note that no clear system has yet been announced for how travellers will reclaim the surcharge. Many worry that the refund process could be so cumbersome that most eligible travellers will never receive their money back, effectively making the fee permanent. Jamaican immigration attorneys in the United States remain skeptical that the surcharge will deter travel. Wayne Golding, an immigration attorney based in Central Florida, told The Gleaner that he did not believe that the new fee would impact demand significantly. He believes that Jamaicans who travel to shop or visit family will simply absorb the additional cost. “I don’t see it as a deterrent,” he said. Another Jamaican immigration attorney, Michelle Fanger, who operates from Jacksonville in Florida with clients across the United States, agreed. “The surcharge fee is part of the administration’s enforcement policy to crack down on people overstaying their visas,”she noted, adding that Jamaicans would pay whatever the cost to get a US visa. Fanger pointed out that no mechanism had been put in place as to how the surcharge would be reimbursed once the visitor returned home but noted that the accompanying regulations should come shortly. “It seems that they rushed to put it into place,” she told The Gleaner. Irwine Clare, head of Queens-based Caribbean Immigration Services, said the new surcharge fees”could have the effect of reducing the number of Jamaicans who want to travel to the United States”. “Family visits will also be impacted as the fees kick in,” he told The Gleaner. Immigration attorney Winston Tucker described the measure as “disruptive” and said it could lead to fewer Jamaicans travelling to the US for leisure or events such as funerals and weddings. He also noted that immigration court fees are increasing under the same legislation, which may discourage immigrants from fighting their cases in court. “It is all designed to be disruptive,”he said. “We will have to wait to see how the process plays out.” According to US State Department figures, 83,957 B1/B2 visas were issued to Jamaicans in 2024. Current visa-issuance data for 2025 is not yet available. In addition to the visa surcharge, the new law includes sweeping immigration policy changes. For the first time in US history, asylum seekers must now pay a minimum of US$100 to file an asylum application. Previously, there was no fee. The new law eliminates the possibility of fee waivers even for low-income applicants. Beginning in fiscal year 2025, asylum seekers will also be charged an annual fee of at least US$100 for every year their case remains unresolved. The financial burden does not end there. Asylum seekers must now pay US$550 for their initial work permit – up from zero – and US$275 for renewals. These costs are also non-waivable and indexed to inflation. The law stipulates that if an asylum application is denied, the applicant’s work permit will be terminated immediately or within 30 days, leaving little room for appeal or adjustment. Immigration advocates say that these new measures could have far-reaching effects on Caribbean communities in the United States. Many Caribbean asylum seekers are low-income people and arrive with very little resources. They will now need to produce $100 at the time of filing – which may delay filing or deter some from seeking asylum at all.They argue that the policies create economic barriers for low-income immigrants and asylum seekers while adding pressure to leave the country quickly if legal status is denied. While some view the surcharge and associated reforms as tools to ensure visa compliance, others see them as punitive measures that disproportionately affect honest travellers and vulnerable asylum seekers. As implementation begins, the true impact of these new rules on Jamaican migration and Caribbean-US relations remains to be seen. editorial@gleanerjm.com NEW VISA FEE KICKS IN Visa applicants outside the United States Embassy in St Andrew. FILE US surcharge for travel document applicable as of today, but no clarity on refund THE WEEKLY GLEANER | OCTOBER 16 - NOVEMBER 13, 2025 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS
5 Sashana Small/Staff Reporter PRIME MINISTER Dr Andrew Holness announced a 19-member Cabinet, the composition of which he said is aimed at building on the momentum and experience of the previous administration, while creating room for renewal. SPEAKING TO the newly appointed government ministers during the September 17 swearing-in ceremony at King’s House in St Andrew, Holness also indicated that his third consecutive term in office “will also be about seamless succession and transition planning”. “As time passes, you will see the momentum of renewal accelerating, steadily reshaping not only the composition of the Government, but also the way the Government thinks, acts and delivers for the Jamaican people,” the prime minister, who is also minister of defence and minister of economic growth and infrastructure development, said. “We will never be archaic or unable to change, but we will also give stability, the confidence, the assurance, and the certainty of good results for the Jamaican people,” he added. CABINET FOR RENEWAL Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness shares a photo moment with the members of his Cabinet. ANTOINE LODGE/PHOTOGRAPHER 1. Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Minister of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development – Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness 2. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security and Peace - Dr Horace Chang 3. Minister of Finance and the Public Service – Fayval Williams 4. Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade – Senator Kamina Johnson Smith 5. Minister of Tourism – Edmund Bartlett 6. Minister of Health and Wellness – Dr Christopher Tufton 7. Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport – Olivia Grange 8. Minister of Justice – Delroy Chuck 9. Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information – Senator Dana Morris Dixon 10. Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce – Senator Aubyn Hill 11. Minister of Local Government and Rural Development – Desmond McKenzie 12. Minister of Labour and Social Security – Pearnel Charles Jr 13. Minister of Transport, Telecommunications and Energy – Daryl Vaz 14. Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining – Floyd Green 15. Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change – Matthew Samuda 16. Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister responsible for Efficiency, Innovation and Digital Transformation – Ambassador Audrey Marks 17. Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister responsible for Science, Technology and Special Projects – Andrew Wheatley 18. Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development responsible for Land Titling and Settlements – Robert Montague 19. Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development with responsibility for Works – Robert Morgan PRIME MINISTER Dr Andrew Holness has formally invited Opposition Leader Mark Golding to high-level, bipartisan talks on constitutional reform after Golding publicly rebuffed a proposal for a meeting with the justice minister. In a letter dated October 10, Holness clarified that the initial suggestion for Golding to meet with Justice Minister Delroy Chuck was merely a “courteous, and practical as a preliminary step” to brief the Opposition on the Government’s recent Cabinet and portfolio restructuring. Holness reassured the Opposition Leader that the minister-to-minister engagement was never intended to be “a substitute for us meeting directly as political and parliamentary leaders of our country”. Holness proposed the two leaders return to the Vale Royal Talks mechanism, offering it as a crucial “platform to move forward constructively”. “The Vale Royal Talks have proven useful in the past in providing a space for frank dialogue and principled compromise,” Holness said. “I am hopeful you will accept the proposal, and we stand ready to coordinate the logistics with your team”. The exchange of letters signals the intense political friction shadowing the nation’s push to remove the British monarchy as head of state become a republic. Golding’s letter, dated October 3, a reply to Holness’s September 30 invitation, had flatly rejected the proposal to meet with Minister Chuck. Golding insisted that the only way to initiate the“required partnership”he sought was through a direct meeting with the Prime Minister. He called for “authentic collaboration” consistent with former bipartisan reform efforts. Golding leveraged Holness’s own words from his swearing-in speech in September “Mark, let us partner together to complete the work we started in making Jamaica a republic” - to justify his demand for direct engagement with the political head of the Government. In his October 10 response, Holness echoed Golding’s belief in collaboration, acknowledging that the Opposition Leader’s acceptance that “the only route to reaping success in the reform effort is through authentic collaboration” is a shared perspective. The Prime Minister explained that following Cabinet changes, Minister Chuck had assumed responsibility for constitutional reform matters, merging the Ministry of Legal and Constitutional Affairs into the Ministry of Justice. Holness also noted that Golding was now the shadow spokesperson on constitutional affairs. Holness proposes Vale Royal Talks with Golding on constitutional reform On Being Awarded The Order Of Distinction, Commander Class (CD) Recognizing Your Exceptional Contributions And Service To Jamaica. We Salute You. THE WEEKLY GLEANER | OCTOBER 16 - NOVEMBER 13, 2025 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS
PEOPLE’S NATIONAL Party (PNP) President Mark Golding has named a 36-member Shadow Cabinet comprising a team of spokespersons and some deputies. AMONG THOSE returning from the previous Shadow Cabinet are Julian Robinson, Dr Dayton Campbell, Phillip Paulwell, Dr Alfred Dawes and Dr Angela Brown-Burke. Among the new faces are Isat Buchanan, Andrea Purkiss and Senator Ramon Small-Ferguson. Golding said the Shadow Cabinet was organised around four key pillars of national life: Economic Development, Human Development, Physical Development, and Governance, ensuring a structured approach to addressing Jamaica’s most pressing challenges. He said the team will provide oversight and hold the Government accountable, and present alternative policies that reflect the party’s vision for a just, inclusive, and progressive Jamaica. “In unveiling this Shadow Cabinet, we present a team of bright minds, experienced leaders, and energetic new voices who are ready to serve the people of Jamaica,” said Golding. “Together, they bring the creativity and determination required to chart a better course for our country,” he added, noting that the Shadow Cabinet bears no cost to taxpayers. “This is not about salaries or perks. Our Spokespersons serve without pay in these roles. The Shadow Cabinet provides a platform for MPs to engage meaningfully on national issues and demonstrate their readiness to assume responsibility in a future government,” he explained. 6 Golding names new Shadow Cabinet People’s National Party President Mark Golding speaking at post-election press conference on September 11. RUDOLPH BROWN/PHOTOGRAPHER FULL LIST 1. Mark Golding - Defence & Constitutional Affairs 2. Julian Robinson - Finance & the Public Service Deputy Spokespersons - 3. Senator Ramon Small-Ferguson (Finance) and 4. Senator Lambert Brown, CD (Public Service) 5. Peter Bunting - Productivity, Efficiency & Competitiveness 6. Deputy - Senator Cleveland Tomlinson 7. Dr Dayton Campbell - Agriculture, Fisheries & Food Security 8. Anthony Hylton - Trade, Industry & Global Logistics 9. Deputy Spokesperson - Senator Kisha Anderson 10. Phillip Paulwell - Energy & Telecommunications 11. Andrea Purkiss - Tourism & Linkages 12. Nekeisha Burchell - Creative Industries, Culture & Information 13. Christopher Brown - Science, Technology & Digital Transformation 14. Dr Angela Brown-Burke - Social Protection & Social Transformation 15. Deputy - Senator Allan Bernard 16. Damion Crawford - Education & Early Childhood Development 17. Deputy - Senator Dr Maziki Thame 18. Dr Alfred Dawes - Health & Wellness 19. Wavell Hinds - Labour & Sports 20. Denise Daley - Gender, the Elderly & Persons with Disabilities 21. Deputy - Heatha Miller-Bennett 22. Dr Kenneth Russell - Rural & Community Development 23. Lothan Cousins - Land, Settlements & Titling 24. Dennis Gordon - Urban Renewal & Redevelopment 25. Mikael Phillips - Transport & Mining 26. Ian Hayles - Water & Special Projects 27. Omar Newell - Environment & Climate Resilience 28. Richard Azan - Roads & Works 29. Deputy - Dwayne Vaz 30. Senator Professor Floyd Morris - Housing & Sustainable Living 31. Senator Donna Scott-Mottley - Foreign, Regional & Diaspora Affairs 32. Fitz Jackson - National Security 33. Natalie Neita-Garvey - Local Government & Participatory Democracy 34. Deputy - Yvonne Rose-Marie Shaw 35. Zuleika Jess - Justice 36. Isat Buchanan - Youth & Human Rights THE WEEKLY GLEANER | OCTOBER 16 - NOVEMBER 13, 2025 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS
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8 FOR MANY in the Jamaican diaspora, the desire to return home is deeply tied to the land – a place of heritage, a foundation for family, and a symbol of legacy. Navigating land ownership in Jamaica can be a complex and sometimes frustrating process for returning residents. It is therefore crucial to understand the legal landscape, particularly concerning unregistered land, squatters’rights, and the proper procedures for buying or selling real estate. Understanding that securing your “piece of the rock” is more than a transaction; it’s a profound act of homecoming. UNREGISTERED LAND: SECURING YOUR FAMILY’S LEGACY A significant portion of land in Jamaica remains unregistered, meaning there is no formal title. For many returning residents who have been promised land by family, the lack of a formal title is a common issue. To address this, it is highly recommended that you obtain a formal title to secure your ownership. This process, known as first registration, provides numerous benefits, including: - Legal ownership: A title is the definitive proof of your right to the property. - Access to financing: A registered title is often required to use the property as collateral for loans or mortgages. - Wealth building: A formal title allows for a clear valuation of the property, facilitating investment and wealth transfer across generation - Estate planning: It ensures a tangible asset can be seamlessly passed down to heirs without legal complications. To apply for first registration, you will need to gather several key documents: - A statutory declaration from the applicant proving possess - Statutory declarations from two individuals who have known the land for at least 30 years (or three individuals who have known it for 40 years if there is no proof of ownership). - A certificate of payment of property taxes. - A pre-checked survey diagram. - A valuation report. Another critical issue for returning residents is the risk of squatting. Jamaican law dictates that if a squatter occupies a property without permission for a continuous period of at least 12 years, they may be able to apply for legal ownership through adverse possession. This can extinguish the original owner’s title and prevent them from recovering the land. To protect your land, it’s essential to be proactive and take steps to assert your ownership. This includes: - Regular inspections: Regularly visit and inspect your property for any signs of unauthorized activity. - Physical deterrents: Erect and maintain fencing and place “No Trespassing” signs in conspicuous location - Professional management: Consider hiring a property manager with a formal, written contract outlining their duties and permission to manage the land. - Proper maintenance: Frequently debush and maintain the land to show it is not abandoned. - Legal consultation: If you discover unauthorized occupants, consult an attorney immediately to take legal action to recover the property When engaging in the buying or selling of real estate in Jamaica, it is strongly recommended that you work with an attorney. The process can be complex, especially if the property is being purchased with a mortgage or is part of a deceased person’s estate. Your attorney will ensure that the title is in the correct name and will handle the necessary applications, such as probating a will or administering an estate, to legally transfer ownership. This expert guidance prevents potential complications and protects your investment. For further information, contact Shadae Byfield, lead attorney at Integrated Diaspora Limited at integrateddiasporaservices@gmail.com For many in the Jamaican diaspora, the desire to return home is deeply tied to the land – a place of heritage, a foundation for family, and a symbol of legacy. GLADSTONE TAYLOR/MULTIEDIA PHOTO EDITOR Navigating land ownership in Jamaica with confidence A piece of the rock: THE WEEKLY GLEANER | OCTOBER 16 - NOVEMBER 13, 2025 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS
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10 a celebration of hope, resilience and community spirit. Proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit the Organization for International Development’s (OID) Jamaica Mobile Cancer Screening Project, a vital initiative that brings cancer screening and education directly to underserved communities across Jamaica. The event will feature Dr Millicent Comrie, renowned Jamaican ob/gyn and women’s health advocate, as the keynote speaker. Dr Comrie will share insights on women’s health, early detection and empowerment. Throughout the afternoon, cancer survivors will be honoured and celebrated for their strength and courage. Guests will also enjoy a vibrant fashion showcase, live entertainment, and health and wellness vendors offering products and services that promote overall well-being. “This event is about more than fashion – it’s about faith, hope, and giving back,” said Patrice DaCosta Fernandez, owner of Stoosh Boutique. “By supporting this cause, we’re helping to bring critical cancer screening services to those who need them most.” The “Runway to Recovery Brunch” Breast Cancer Fundraiser and Fashion Show promises to be an afternoon of style, inspiration, and purpose – uniting the community in the fight against cancer while celebrating life and survivorship. EVENT DETAILS: Date: Sunday, October 26, 2025 Location: Garden City Casino and Tennis Club, 51 Cathedral Ave, Garden City, NY 11530 Time: 3PM to 7 ️ Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ recovery-to-runway-cancer-fundraiser-tickets-1694038397449?aff=oddtdtcreator For sponsorship opportunities, tickets, or more information, contact Patrice DaCosta Fernandez at (516) 240-2400 | info@stooshretail.com or JKL Productions, Inc. at (862) 227-3117 or info@jkl3pro.com. Contributed Fundraiser fashion show supports Jamaica Mobile Cancer Screening Project “This event is about more than fashion – it’s about faith, hope, and giving back,” said Patrice DaCosta Fernandez, owner of Stoosh Boutique. “By supporting this cause, we’re helping to bring critical cancer screening services to those who need them most.” GARDEN CITY, NY: IN HONOUR of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Stoosh Boutique will celebrate the occasion with a “Runway to Recovery Brunch” fundraiser and fashion show on Sunday, October 26, in Garden City, New York. This inspiring event will combine fashion, health, and philanthropy in THE WEEKLY GLEANER | OCTOBER 16 - NOVEMBER 13, 2025 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS
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THE JAMAICA Customs Agency (JCA) is reminding overseas charities, foundations and importers generally, of the requirements and procedures for clearing charitable items. The agency said it “recognises the significant contribution and the crucial role charities play in the social development of Jamaica and the ease at which they do business with the entity, is at the forefront of the Agency’s Trade Facilitation mandate”. As such, JCA said charitable organisations must note the following: 1. All shipments must be consigned, in the name and address of the charitable organisation only, before it arrives in Jamaica. 2. A tax compliance Certificate (TCC) is required for clearing all shipments. 3. Where an individual other than officers of the charitable organisation is being asked to undertake clearance, a notarised letter of authorisation on the organisation’s letterhead must be presented to Customs. 4. The name and signatory on the authorisation letter must be compatible with the information uploaded to the JCA’s database in respect of said charitable organisation. 5. A Special Declaration must be completed and signed by the responsible officer on the organisation’s letterhead. This is to be given to the authorised person conducting business on behalf of the Charity or the licensed Customs Broker. 6. A licensed Customs Broker is required to clear shipments valued at and above US$5,000.00, and a C73 Form (Authorisation for a Person to act on behalf of another) must be completed. However, the Charity organisation reserves the right to contract a licensed Customs Broker for shipments under $5000.00. As it pertains to shipments of US$5,000.00 or more, a licensed Customs Broker, who, upon receiving a completed C73 form, must prepare an entry into ASYCUDA (Automated System for Customs Data), and upload all supporting documents necessary to facilitate processing. Additionally, Officers of charitable organisations, or persons authorised to clear shipments of US$5,000 or less, should proceed to the Port of Clearance with the documents pertaining to the shipment consigned to the name and address of the Charitable organisation to include: • A copy of the Certificate of Registration of Approved Charity • A letter of authorisation where applicable • The signed Special Declaration • Bill of lading or Airway Bill • Packing list • Invoice • Tax Compliance Certificate • Permits/licences where applicable • Any other document pertaining to the shipment Where clearance is being undertaken by an individual other than an officer of the organisation a letter of authorisation should be presented. The letter must be done on the organisation’s letter head and signed by a Director of that organisation. “Charities or persons authorised to effect clearance, are also being reminded that they should proceed directly to the port of clearance to undertake same, and not to “Customs House” as was previously the case. This is in keeping with the Agency’s thrust to improve its operational processes to the benefit of all customers,” said JCA. Donations for schools must be sent through the National Education Trust (NET). The goods must be consigned to the National Education Trust and the name of the recipient institution. Information on the items being donated must be submitted to NET by email at: info@net.org.jm. 14 Clearing procedures for charitable donations Boxes of charitable items are packed and ready for shipment from London to the Caribbean. CONTRIBUTED Beverly Johnson/ Contributor THE OPTION of ‘shipping door-todoor’ takes the hassle away from the consignee to attend to the clearance process at the destination ports. The destination agent will act as the customs broker to clear and arrange the delivery of your goods on the shippers and consignees’ behalf. FOR THE customs broker to perform this service professionally, shippers must present a detailed list of the items within their shipments and the receipts showing the value of the shipment. Prohibited and dangerous items such as batteries or battery-operated gadgets, electrical items, aerosols, knives, and motorised items must be declared. Shippers are advised to check the destination country’s customs authority website for their list of prohibited items. All other documentation to assure the customs authority that the customs broker is acting on your behalf must also be provided, such as valid national identification, tax registration number, permits where applicable and, in some countries, a letter from the importer (consignee) addressed to the customs authority, duly signed by the justice of the peace, confirming that you have engaged your destination agent’s services to clear your shipment. Charges associated with the arrival, the use of the port, customs duty and taxes, the customs broker’s fees and the cost for the delivery are in addition to the freight and origin charges. In short, all costs from the collection of your shipment at your home, place or Please see SHIPPING, 25 The benefits of shipping ‘door-to-door’ THE WEEKLY GLEANER | OCTOBER 16 - NOVEMBER 13, 2025 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS
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18 THREE IS GOOD COMPANY. FROM LEFT; Keynote speaker, Dr Dana Morris Dixon, minister of education, skills, youth and information; US Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (D-Brooklyn, NY); and Donovan Wilson, president/Union of Jamaican Alumni AssociationsUSA, Inc., at the conclusion of the Union’s 35th Anniversary Luncheon & Awards Gala, held at the Greentree Country Club, New Rochelle, NY, on September 14. The event which was generously supported by VM Group, the Jamaica Teachers Association (JTA) and Caribbean Food Delights, recognised 20 individuals for their work for/on behalf of the Union, the diaspora and Jamaica. Evelyn Godden – president of New Day Primary School Alumni, received the President’s Award for her work with primary schools. Irwin Clare, Sr., OD, served as master of ceremonies. MORANT BAY High School Alumni Association NY invites you to their 39th Anniversary Dinner Dance Black Tie Affair on Saturday, November 1 from 8 pm – 2 am, Eastwood Manor, 3371 Eastchester Road, Bronx, NY. Music by DJ Prentice. For further information call: Joyce (718-325-7240), Karroll (718515-6637 or Michael (917-450-8915). Jamaican American Law Enforcement Organization (JAMLEO) invites you their 3rd Annual Scholarship & Awards Gala on Friday, November 7 at 7 pm, Floral Terrace, 250 Jericho Turnpike, Floral Park, NY. For further information, email: McFarlanedanae@yahoo.com. JAHJAH Foundation Black Tie Gala will take place on Saturday, November 8 from 7 pm – midnight, VIP Country Club, 600 Davenport Avenue, New Rochelle, NY. For more information call 917-531-3699 or info@jahjahfoundation.org. The Organization for International Development (OID) Let’s Dance for the Cause Celebration on Saturday, December 6 at 8 pm, Greentree Country Club, 538 Davenport Avenue, New Rochelle. For more information call Dr. Roy Streete (718-652-3978) or Andrea James (914-645-3037). The American Foundation for The University of the West Indies (AFUWI) invites you to their annual Jolly Jamboree on Friday, December 12 at 6 pm, Brooklyn Commons, 495 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn. Come for the Fun. Stay for the Cause. Ole Farmers NA (OFANA) invites you to their Fundraising Dinner Dance on Saturday, December 13 from 8 pm – 2 am, Stamford Marriott Hotel & Spa, 243 Tresser Blvd., Stamford, CT. For more information call Norma (203-3247157), Phillip (347-756-8475) or Kenton (516-603-2886). Happenings UJAA USA honours 20 at anniversary gala in New York Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Dr. Dana Morris Dixon receives a warm welcome from United States Congress Woman Yvette Clarke at UJAA's 35th anniversary luncheon and awards gala on September 14. At right is the president of the Union of Jamaica Alumni Association Donovan Wilson. PHOTO BY DERRICK SCOTT THE WEEKLY GLEANER | OCTOBER 16 - NOVEMBER 13, 2025 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS
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20 NEW YORK, NY: OCTOBER IS Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to raise awareness of this complex disease. Each year, individuals, businesses, and communities come together to show their support for the many people affected by breast cancer. For people affected by breast cancer, awareness is not just about October. And there’s not just one way to have breast cancer. Breast cancer is complicated. Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC), helps people diagnosed with breast cancer understand their options, make informed decisions, and connect to people who have been where they are. Those diagnosed are taking control of their experience by making choices that express their values and individuality. This October, Living Beyond Breast Cancer is sharing some of the ways people thrive with breast cancer and how your support today can help people impacted by breast cancer — all year long. Quick facts about breast cancer • About one in eight U.S. women and one in 726 U.S. men will develop breast cancer over the course of their lives. • In 2024, an estimated 310,720 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in the U.S. An estimated 56,500 people will be diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a non-invasive breast cancer. • An estimated 42,250 women will lose their lives to stage IV or metastatic breast cancer in 2024. • In 2024, there were over 4 million women living with a history of breast cancer in the US. • About nine percent% of all new breast cancer cases are diagnosed in women 45 and under. • Though black women have a lower incidence of breast cancer than white women b Black women are 40% more likely to die of breast cancer. These numbers remind us there is still urgent work to do – more than we can accomplish in just one month. Early detection saves lives… Support Resources… Breast Cancer is and can be an emotional time for many people. Some find it triggering. The folks at LBBC, see, hear and serve the breast cancer community year-round and are inspired by all the ways people, survive. key that opens the door to survival, strength, and hope. A simple act, one screening, one check, can change the course of a life. From Diagnosis to Resilience: Voices of Survivors Elizabeth Emmanuel – two years in remission “Looking back two years after my breast cancer diagnosis, the greatest lesson it taught me is the value of truly living in the present. I learned that strength is not just about pushing through difficult moments, but also about giving myself permission to slow down, accept help, and appreciate life in its smallest detail. Most of all, I discovered how vital the love and support of family and friends are. They became my anchor, my courage, and my reminder that none of us should walk through hardship alone.” Her message to others: “You are stronger than you realise, and you are not alone. The road may feel overwhelming, but each step forward is a victory. Hold on to hope. There is life, joy, and purpose beyond cancer.” Nadine Johnson – three years posttreatment & survivor advocate “Breast cancer didn’t stop my life. It reshaped it. I was already someone who believed in making memories, taking trips, and living fully. But after cancer, the meaning behind why I live that way deepened. It’s no longer just about enjoying life. It’s about honouring it.” Nadine now channels her healing into helping others, founding the NJ Foundation, which offers a space of strength and sisterhood for women navigating life during and after cancer. She says, “Healing doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens together.” The Science of Hope Dr Nelson continues to emphasise that TNBC research has entered a hopeful new era. With the emergence of immunotherapies, antibody-drug conjugates, and genetic testing, personalised care is now possible where once there was limited treatment. “We’re seeing real progress,” she shares. “The goal is not only survival but quality of life, helping women live fully and fearlessly after treatment.” REFLECTION As I continue to listen to the stories of women who have faced breast cancer with courage, I am reminded that awareness is not only about science. It’s about heart. Behind every diagnosis is a life interrupted, a family forever changed, and a voice that deserves to be heard. Science gives us knowledge, but hope gives us endurance. The breakthroughs we celebrate today are the result of both, of doctors who dedicate their lives to discovery and of survivors who remind us what strength truly looks like. This collaboration with Dr Nelson and the voices of survivors like Elizabeth and Nadine reflect a shared truth: healing is not just medical. It’s emotional, spiritual, and collective. Together, we continue to shine a light for those still walking through their own storm, reminding them that there is life, beauty, and purpose beyond the diagnosis. Because when science meets compassion, miracles begin. - Christine Marzouca in collaboration with Dr Amanda Nelson (Atlanta) Science, survival, and the power of hope PRETTY IN PINK. Christine Marzouca (left) and Dr. Amanda Nelson (right). CONTRIBUTED BREAST CANCER AWARENESS 2025 Each October, the world unites in pink, a colour that symbolises courage, remembrance, and the fight against breast cancer. This year, Dr Amanda Nelson, an esteemed oncologist and primary-care physician now residing in Atlanta, joins forces once again with Christine Marzouca, Jamaica’s first patientcare navigator for triple negative breast cancer, to raise awareness and strengthen early detection efforts across the Caribbean and beyond. Their partnership continues to highlight one of the most urgent women’s health challenges: triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), an aggressive form that disproportionately affects women of African descent and those in the Caribbean. Unlike other types, TNBC lacks hormone receptors, making it more difficult to treat. Yet, advancements in immunotherapy and targeted treatments are offering new hope and better outcomes than ever before. The Power of Early Detection The Jamaica Cancer Society continues to urge women to prioritise annual mammograms, starting at age 40, along with regular clinical breast exams. Women with a strong family history or genetic risk factors should begin screening earlier and consult their healthcare providers about additional imaging options such as MRI or ultrasound. Early detection remains the October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month THE WEEKLY GLEANER | OCTOBER 16 - NOVEMBER 13, 2025 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | FEATURE
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