Category: News

A New Pope

Jean Lowrie-Chin

VATICAN CITY, Holy See — Newly elected Pope Leo XIV, Robert Prevost, arrives on the main central loggia balcony of St Peter’s Basilica for the first time, after the cardinals ended the conclave, on May 8, 2025. (Photo: AFP)

We Catholics held our breath after we saw the white smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel where the conclave of cardinals met to elect a new Pope.

There was joyous celebration at the message, “Habemus Papam” (We have a Pope). We had been in mourning after the passing of the compassionate Pope Francis and prayed that the new pope would follow in his footsteps, calling for peace, engaging the downtrodden, and concerned about environmental endangerment.

As we read about the most popular candidates, we saw two favourites from the Philippines and Africa — Cardinals Luis Tagle and Peter Turkson of Ghana, and there were comments that this would bring hope to Catholics in the developing world. The name of Robert Prevost did not appear in the betting reports; yes, there was active betting on who would be the new pope. Even then Cardinal Prevost had said to his brother John a few days before the conclave, “Not going to happen.”

But scarcely had 24 hours of the conclave passed that there were two-thirds or more votes (we will never know the exact number) electing Prevost, Pope Leo XIV, and his life story was revealed to the world. We learned that this Chicago-born cardinal had answered his vocation to become a monk of the Order of Augustine. His degree in mathematics resulted in him being offered a place at Harvard. Instead, he opted for the priesthood and studied at the Pontifical College of St Thomas Aquinas where he received a doctorate in canon law.He was then sent by his superiors to serve in Peru, where he is reported to have become a fatherly figure to the people of the city of Chiclayo. He rode on horseback and carried bags of provisions on his back to the poorest in remote areas. He became so close to the people that he had said he would serve there for the rest of his life. Later he was named bishop of the city and became a naturalised citizen of Peru. However, his leadership qualities led to him being appointed the head of the Augustine Order, and he subsequently relocated to Rome. Most recently he was appointed prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops at the Vatican, overseeing the selection of bishops.

It is no wonder then that on the social media platform
X he reposted statements criticising the current US actions against immigrants. He has also posted a comment opposing Vice-President JD Vance’s hierarchical approach to love. He expressed sorrow at the killing of George Floyd and, surprisingly, this was criticised by a functionary in the current US Government.My non-Catholic friend in Florida chuckled, “Jean, your new Pope is a browning!” Ancestral records reveal that Pope Leo’s mother was a Creole from Louisiana and her father was a Haitian born in Santo Domingo, while her husband was of French ancestry. This has also been on repeat on social media. Racists may describe him as a ‘one-drop’ man of colour.

However, this Pope, who is fluent in five languages and who turned his back on a comfortable life to share the discomfort of the poor, has risen above such labels. He is now the leader of 1.4-billion Catholics worldwide, numbers matched only by the populations of India and China.

Here in Jamaica, Catholics are about 1.5 per cent of the other Christian denominations. However, we have a large footprint in education and service to the needy. Jessie Ripoll’s Alpha and Mercy community, Father Holung’s Missionaries of the Poor, Monsignor Ramkissoon’s Mustard Seed Communities, Food For the Poor founded by Ferdie Mahfood, Sister Benedict Chung’s Laws Street Centre, Archbishop Dufour’s Good Shepherd Foundation all testify to our emphasis on service to ‘the least of our brothers [and sisters]’. Even strong anti-Catholics boast about their children’s achievements at Catholic schools. Although these institutions may have been founded by Catholics, there is no discrimination against students or beneficiaries of other religions, as we follow Jesus’s teachings that every human being is our neighbour.

Catholics have been outstanding business leaders and indeed represent a high percentage of those in the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica Hall of Fame. We have had, and still have, some strong voices in political leadership, including Alexander Bustamente, and are proud that National Hero Marcus Garvey and our famed poet Claude McKay became Catholic converts.

Last Sunday CCRP was hosted by the Bethel Baptist Church for our 15th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service. Afterwards, I thanked Reverend Rosalena Robinson for her warm welcome and told her I was a Catholic. She replied that it was the theology of the Catholic Church that she and fellow pastors had studied. The teachings of Christ and His first leaders prevail. May our new Pope Leo XIV be blessed as he preserves the legacy of our first Pope, St Peter.

AWAG at work

The Animal Welfare Advocacy Group (AWAG), led by president and co-founder Dr Blossom O’Meally Nelson, has been in talks with several stakeholder groups to promote the humane treatment of animals. AWAG is growing in strength, having built working relationships with the Ministry of Agriculture, Mining and Fisheries and the Jamaica Constabulary Force.

Its recommendations for updating animal welfare legislation are being reviewed and “have made every effort to get the Ministry of Tourism to set standards for animals used in tourism”, notes Dr O’Meally Nelson. They are concerned at the proliferation of “fake vets” and are alerting the public to ensure that they use licensed practitioners for the protection of their animals. AWAG is planning a public education programme and is reaching out to media for their support.

Improved Bus Services

We used a comfortable Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) bus for the shuttle service to the JMEA Expo at the National Arena. What a contrast to the “Jolly Joseph” buses of our school days. We acknowledge that Dr Peter Phillips has done yeoman’s service in the establishment of JUTC, but big congratulations must go to Transport Minister Daryl Vaz for the expansion of JUTC routes to rural areas and the introduction of school buses for long-suffering students.

Jaevion Nelson commented on social media: “Was having a convo with my uncle the other day about the rollout of public transportation in Clarendon. He said the impact is huge. People are saving a lot. His son gave up his place in town and travels, saving about $300 each way, and get a comfortable ride to town. All this time I thought it was just about two routes JUTC had there. I’m very happy for them. Long time public transportation should be offered to other parishes.”Thank goodness for efficient transportation initiatives, a must for social and economic development.

A wake-up call for Jamaica media

Jean Lowrie-Chin

Jamaica ranked 26th of 180 countries on the World Press Freedom Index.

We used to brag that Jamaica usually placed in the top 10 for press freedom. This week we were relegated to 26th position, the lowest I can recall, by Reporters Without Borders (RSF – Reporters sans frontières). However, to be 26th of 180 states is no shame; the only Caribbean country ahead of us is Trinidad and Tobago at 19th and many developed countries are behind us. Check https://rsf.org/en/index for some interesting ratings.

The Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) has described our slippage as “a wake-up call”. It noted: “The RSF report highlights a troubling erosion in the relationship between the media and public institutions, especially the state. It cites growing mistrust, limited transparency, and increased economic vulnerability among newsrooms. These trends threaten to undermine public interest journalism and democratic accountability.” I should declare here that I am one of three trustees of the PAJ, serving with Laura Tanna and Franklin McKnight.We used to brag that Jamaica usually placed in the top 10 for press freedom. This week we were relegated to 26th position, the lowest I can recall, by Reporters Without Borders (RSF – Reporters sans frontières). However, to be 26th of 180 states is no shame; the only Caribbean country ahead of us is Trinidad and Tobago at 19th and many developed countries are behind us. Check https://rsf.org/en/index for some interesting ratings.

The Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) has described our slippage as “a wake-up call”. It noted: “The RSF report highlights a troubling erosion in the relationship between the media and public institutions, especially the state. It cites growing mistrust, limited transparency, and increased economic vulnerability among newsrooms. These trends threaten to undermine public interest journalism and democratic accountability.” I should declare here that I am one of three trustees of the PAJ, serving with Laura Tanna and Franklin McKnight. We used to brag that Jamaica usually placed in the top 10 for press freedom. This week we were relegated to 26th position, the lowest I can recall, by Reporters Without Borders (RSF – Reporters sans frontières). However, to be 26th of 180 states is no shame; the only Caribbean country ahead of us is Trinidad and Tobago at 19th and many developed countries are behind us. Check https://rsf.org/en/index for some interesting ratings.

The Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) has described our slippage as “a wake-up call”. It noted: “The RSF report highlights a troubling erosion in the relationship between the media and public institutions, especially the state. It cites growing mistrust, limited transparency, and increased economic vulnerability among newsrooms. These trends threaten to undermine public interest journalism and democratic accountability.” I should declare here that I am one of three trustees of the PAJ, serving with Laura Tanna and Franklin McKnight We used to brag that Jamaica usually placed in the top 10 for press freedom. This week we were relegated to 26th position, the lowest I can recall, by Reporters Without Borders (RSF – Reporters sans frontières). However, to be 26th of 180 states is no shame; the only Caribbean country ahead of us is Trinidad and Tobago at 19th and many developed countries are behind us. Check https://rsf.org/en/index for some interesting ratings.

The Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) has described our slippage as “a wake-up call”. It noted: “The RSF report highlights a troubling erosion in the relationship between the media and public institutions, especially the state. It cites growing mistrust, limited transparency, and increased economic vulnerability among newsrooms. These trends threaten to undermine public interest journalism and democratic accountability.” I should declare here that I am one of three trustees of the PAJ, serving with Laura Tanna and Franklin McKnight

We used to brag that Jamaica usually placed in the top 10 for press freedom. This week we were relegated to 26th position, the lowest I can recall, by Reporters Without Borders (RSF – Reporters sans frontières). However, to be 26th of 180 states is no shame; the only Caribbean country ahead of us is Trinidad and Tobago at 19th and many developed countries are behind us. Check https://rsf.org/en/index for some interesting ratings.

The Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) has described our slippage as “a wake-up call”. It noted: “The RSF report highlights a troubling erosion in the relationship between the media and public institutions, especially the state. It cites growing mistrust, limited transparency, and increased economic vulnerability among newsrooms. These trends threaten to undermine public interest journalism and democratic accountability.” I should declare here that I am one of three trustees of the PAJ, serving with Laura Tanna and Franklin McKnight.

They are concerned about the delays in revisions to the Access to Information Act (ATI) and are recommending:

• Expedite the tabling and debate of the revised ATI legislation Commit to reducing turnaround times on ATI requests

• Equip all public authorities with the training and resources to comply

• Introduce sanctions for unjustified refusals or delays.

The Press Association’s motto is “A Free Press – the Oxygen of Democracy”. It is a strong reminder of the importance of this, our Fourth Estate.

Digicel Foundation donates state-of-the-art smart room to Black River Primary

Chairman of the Digicel Foundation, Joy Clarke (left), cuts the ribbon to hand over a state-of-the-art smart room to the Black River Primary and Infant School in St Elizabeth, on March 27. Sharing the moment are (from left, foreground) head girl of the school, Melissa Campbell and head boy, Levaunghn Brown. In the back row (from left) are Vice Chairman of the Black River Primary and Infant School Board, Jennifer Mullings; Senior Education Officer in the Ministry of Education, Youth, Skills, and Information – Region Five, Nevadeene Gallimore-miller, and principal of the school, Sharon Whyte.

DIGICEL CELEBRATES 24 INCREDIBLE YEARS OF CONNECTING AND EMPOWERING PEOPLE ACROSS THE CARIBBEAN

Digicel is celebrating 24 incredible years of connecting and empowering people across the Caribbean as it looks to the future with confidence.

With Saturday 19th April marking the anniversary of its launch in Jamaica and the start of its remarkable expansion across the region, Digicel’s legacy of challenging the status quo, reshaping the telecoms landscape, making powerful social impact investments and creating a brand that is known and loved across the region, is built on passion, innovation and an unwavering commitment to keeping people connected.

With a new Group senior leadership team in place, the last 12 months have seen a focus on empowering the 25 Digicel markets across the region with a strong focus on customers and service delivery translating into EBITDA growth of approximately 6% and growth of cash balances by 50%.

Digicel Group CEO, Marcelo Cataldo, comments; “The legacy of Digicel is a proud one – as inspirational as it is impressive. When we launched in Jamaica 24 years ago, democratising telecommunications and connecting the unconnected was our mission. I’m honoured to be stewarding the company in our next era under our new mission of Connecting and Empowering as we build on our past and position ourselves powerfully for our future.”

He continues; “I would like to thank our customers for putting their trust in us and allowing us to serve them and of course our amazing team who show up and step up every day, going the extra mile and living our DIGI values of diversity, integrity, growth and innovation.”

Jamaica Stays Strong on Diplomacy

Jamaica has been wisely restrained during the recent news from the US regarding closures, deportations and tariffs. We welcomed Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness’s message to prospective returnees to Jamaica – they have a home here, as citizens of our country. Our collaboration with the USAID had been focused on development and education, projects that we understand can still attract assistance from the US State Department. In response to the recent announcement of tariffs, our Government response to concerned exporters was that they would initiate talks with the US Government.

We hope for a positive outcome, having enjoyed cordial relations with the US, thanks to Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson-Smith, former US Ambassador Audrey Marks and the brilliant team at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade led by Ambassador Sheila Sealy Monteith.

The recent American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ)  Hummingbird Gala reflected the supportive relationship which endures between our two countries. In the presence of PM Holness, the AFJ recognized Elias “Lee” Issa with their International Achievement Award and Paul Issa with their International Humanitarian Award, described as ‘two Jamaican born iconic leaders; one a stalwart in Tourism and the other a trailblazing Humanitarian’. 

The AFJ, comprising current and former US Ambassadors and friends announced grants totalling US$740,000 which were awarded to 54 grantees to support several initiatives  here. These include education, music, sports, homeless, health, skills training, gender-based violence, arts, coding, veterinary care, environmental protection, school-feeding and peace-building programmes, among others.

Grant Certificates were presented last Tuesday at the US Embassy here in Kingston. In the JIS report, writer Judana Murphy quoted Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, who addressed the event:  “For over four decades, the American Friends of Jamaica have remained a pillar of support for our country. Their legacy is etched into the walls of our hospitals, the classrooms of our schools and the hearts of our people. Whether responding to hurricanes, expanding educational opportunities or modernising public health infrastructure, the AFJ has consistently shown up for us.”

Charge d’Affaires, Amy Tachco, also remarked on the ‘generosity and dedication’ of the AFJ. which has been supporting Jamaica’s non-governmental organizations with millions of US Dollars since 1982.

Whether or not we agree with the current political situation in the US, let us remember that we are intrinsically joined through family and friends and applaud our diplomatic ties.

Red Bull Boosts Young Athletes

JAAA  President Garth Gayle recently announced that Jamaica’s young athletes can now benefit from the elite services offered at the Red Bull Athlete Performance Centre (APC), both overseas and locally, through a partnership between the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) and Red Bull.

This collaboration marks the company’s investment in the development of Jamaica’s Under-18 and Under-20 national teams, giving them access to world-class resources including physiotherapy, strength and conditioning, performance assessments, medical services, and rehabilitation.

“Red Bull is proud to be working with the JAAA, our first Athletics Federation partner globally” said Marc-Oliver Kochan, Managing Director, Red Bull Athlete Performance Centre. “Jamaica’s track and field legacy is world-renowned, and we are looking forward to supporting the next generation of young athletes on their journey. We are really excited to help them realize their dreams and provide them with the tools, services, and support they need—not just to succeed in sport, but also in life.”

Gayle noted,  “This sponsorship will allow the JAAA to provide a holistic programme, stay on track with the important components for their wellbeing and consistent performance. This is one of the objectives of the JAAA, and this level of support will ensure that no young athlete will be left behind.”

Eatmon noted that this is the first time that Red Bull is partnering with an athletics organization globally, and that they are proud that they chose the JAAA. “It means that they believe in what we’re doing, they believe in our programme, and they believe in the potential of our athletes,” he said.

 Red Bull Athlete Performance Programme representatives Dr, Helge Ripenot Medical Doctor; Peter Muller, Head of Therapy; and Fionn MacPartlin, Head of Strength Training also attended the Boys and Girls High School Championships. It must have made them happy that our amazing young athletes will receive the expert assistance of their APC.

IGT Fuels Educational Technology Growth

Young students from the IGT After School Advantage Centre at Dunrobin Primary School eagerly gather around a drone and meteorological equipment, engaging in hands-on learning about technology, weather forecasting, and environmental science at The UWI Faculty of Science and Technology’s Science Festival.

“Inever thought I could be a scientist until today,” whispered an awestruck student as she programmed a robot for the first time at The University of the West Indies (UWI) Science Festival. Her experience, alongside 49 other students from underserved communities, was made possible through International Game Technology’s (IGT) strategic investment in Caribbean educational technology (EdTech). The company strategically chose March 14 — Albert Einstein’s birthday and worldwide Science Education Day — for the students’ attendance, adding symbolic weight to an already transformative experience.

“EdTech is revolutionising education, and IGT is proud to be at the forefront of this transformation. Sponsoring ASA students for The UWI Science Festival is part of our broader mission to integrate technology into learning and create sustainable pathways for success,” said Debbie Green, general manager of IGT Jamaica.

After School Advantage (ASA) is the company’s flagship community initiative, devoted to providing youth with access to technology at digital learning centres in communities where IGT operates. The programme ensures students have access to participate in science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) educational opportunities while developing the knowledge and skills for the jobs of tomorrow. Since 2011, IGT and its subsidiaries have opened 40 ASA computer labs across the English-speaking Caribbean. As part of the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting its global communities, IGT aims to continually enhance the technological awareness of students and prepare them to contribute to the social and infrastructural development of the Caribbean.

The UWI Science Festival serves as a platform for students to engage with cutting-edge technologies and scientific concepts through interactive experiences. Professor Tannecia Stephenson, deputy dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology and lead on the Science Festival, emphasised the impact of IGT’s support.“IGT’s support enables more students, particularly in underserved schools, to participate in the Science Festival’s immersive STEM experiences. Through experiments, tours, and expert talks, students gain exposure to science applications and career paths. This investment nurtures future innovators poised to create solutions for global and regional challenges,” she said.

The festival is aligned with The UWI’s strategic approach to education and innovation.“The UWI’s Triple A strategy — Access, Alignment, and Agility — guides its approach to STEM education and innovation. The festival highlights research, industry partnerships, and technologies, engaging students from Jamaica and the Caribbean. This aligns with initiatives like the BOOST Scholarship programme for science teachers in underserved schools and the ‘FiWi Science’ initiative, which celebrates Jamaica’s scientific culture and legacy,” Professor Stephenson explained.

IGT’s sponsorship enables students from diverse backgrounds to access educational experiences that might otherwise be beyond their reach. By exposing them to emerging technologies and scientific advancements, the company is playing a crucial role in shaping the future workforce of the Caribbean.

“By exposing students to emerging technologies and scientific advancements, we are nurturing a generation of critical thinkers and problem solvers who will drive the Caribbean’s technological evolution,” Green added.

Through this partnership, IGT and The UWI are not only enhancing students’ technical skills but alsofostering an entrepreneurial mindset that will be essential for success in an increasingly digital economy. The initiative exemplifies how private sector involvement in education can accelerate the adoption of EdTech solutions and create opportunities for sustainable development across the region.

International Game Technology (IGT) Jamaica General Manager Debbie Green lifts a young student from the IGT After School Advantage Centre at Dunrobin Primary School for a closer look through a powerful telescope during the festival. Surrounded by his fellow students, this hands-on experience nurtures students’ love for astronomy and inspires the next generation to explore the wonders of the universe.

CCRP’s 15th Anniversary

Jean Lowrie-Chin

On Sunday, 20th April the seniors advocacy organization CCRP (Caribbean Community of Retired Persons) will celebrate our 15th Anniversary. After the 30th Anniversary of our company, PROComm in 2009, I considered who had helped me along my journey and realized they were seniors including my Mother Maisie Lowrie who was our first investor and supported us throughout the years. In gratitude, I decided that I would start an organization to advocate for our underserved seniors.

Our initial collaborators were my husband Hubie Chin, Ambassador Aloun Assamba who donated all the legal work, registering the organization and preparing our Articles of Incorporation; J. Lester Spaulding, late Chair of the RJR Gleaner Group who set up our accounting system, Professor Sir Kenneth Hall, our Honorary Director and Professor Denise Eldemire Shearer, our Honorary Chair. We thank our Patron Governor General Sir Patrick Allen and Lady Allen for hosting our first media event at which the late Hon Oliver Clarke registered to be our first member – now we are over 12,000 members strong.

We are blessed with excellent Board Directors: Vilma McDonald, Director Emerita Ambassador Aloun Assamba, Patricia Reid-Waugh, Marlene Street Forrest, Dr Owen James,  Dennis Jones, Sethuraman Kumaraswamy, Warren McDonald, Peter Mais and Donovan Wignal. We recently appointed Angela Patterson as our General Manager, supported by the PROComm Team.

CCRP’s voluntary regional convenors are Patricia Blackwood – Central Jamaica; Dr Norma Taylor – Western Jamaica; and Pixley Irons, Northeast Jamaica. Our Caring Committee Chair is Moveta Munroe; former chairs are Irene Walter and Verla Seymour. The Committee comprises our parish representatives, who assist in our outreach to the needy elderly. Our excursions planned by Charmaine Harrison are hugely popular – they help our members in the words of our motto to live ‘Life to the Fullest’.

We thank our over 100 discount partners and top sponsors JNGI, National Baking, BPM Financial, Juici Jamaica, Supreme Ventures, Cari-Med Group, Sandals Group, Sterling Asset Management, WIHCON, Sagicor, Gallagher Insurance Brokers, managers of CCRP health plans and Morgan White Insurance.

We congratulate Senator Floyd Morris and Senator Sherene Golding-Campbell for taking the Motion for Legislation for the Care and Protection of the Elderly to an active Special Select Committee of Parliament which has been holding hearings on the matter. CCRP has made a comprehensive submission to the Committee, and we are optimistic that this Legislation will soon become a reality.

Source: Jamaica Observer