The Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League’s (CPL) combined digital and broadcast viewership has gone past the billion mark for the very first time. The total combined viewership figure for 2024 was 1.13billion, an increase of 32% from the 2023 figure.
The tournament has seen improved viewership in India, the Caribbean and USA as well as a significant increase across CPL’s social media channels. These figures have further cemented the CPL’s position as one of the most watched cricket tournament’s around the world.
The tournament was seen around the world with key broadcasting deals in the Caribbean, India, Middle East, UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand and South Africa and was streamed on the CPL’s YouTube and Facebook pages in all other territories.
The 2024 tournament saw 34 matches take place in six countries with games in Antigua, Barbados, Guyana, St Kitts, Saint Lucia and Trinidad. The 2024 winners were the Saint Lucia Kings who claimed their maiden CPL title at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.
Pete Russell, CPL’s CEO, said: “This is a huge moment for the CPL. Reaching a total viewership figure of over a billion has been a long term target for a number of years. To get to a figure of 1.13billion highlights the appeal of CPL across the Caribbean and around the world. The continued growth in interest in the CPL is extremely pleasing and we are looking forward to using these amazing result as a springboard for further success in 2025 and beyond.”
The Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) President, Robin Rusell
The Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) is committed to ensuring the resilience and growth of the Jamaican hotel industry for the benefit of all Jamaicans. Tourism is a vital pillar of our economy, providing jobs and opportunities for thousands of individuals nationwide.
Addressing Challenges The JHTA has alongside our members been actively addressing the numerous challenges facing the tourism sector, including those impacting our valued team members. As said in our previous press release, we formed a working committee to investigate the root causes of the issues raised by the recent unrest by some workers in the industry and to explore practical solutions.
Survey Findings We have since conducted a fairly broad-based salary survey, with the findings indicating that our hotel sector in the main offers competitive combined remuneration of basic salary and gratuity,but it also showed opportunities for improvements in some properties.
Not surprisingly, the survey found that gratuity payments fluctuated from property to property,which is naturally caused by there being varied room counts, room rates and room occupancy percentages. That being said, it is clear that our members must do everything possible to ensure a greater understanding by their team members of how their respective properties’ gratuity schemes are structured and how payment for overtime, time off etc. work. The JHTA is committed to helping all its members, where necessary.
Ongoing Discussions and Corrective Measures The JHTA and its members have heard clearly the cries for greater communication, which is the best way to ensure a mutually beneficial workplace environment. Where disagreements may exist, the space must always be made for detailed and lengthy discussions that will lead to accommodations for all sides.
All our discussions with member properties affected by industrial relations actions have proved very productive and we are glad to see that corrective measures have and continue to be implemented where needed. We feel confident that these properties remain committed to further dialogue and action to achieve lasting resolutions that benefit both employees and employers.
Peer Support and Best Practices
The JHTA is continuing to provide peer support services to our members and encouraging the sharing of best practices to ensure that every property operates at the highest standard. A Shared National Priority We recognize that tourism is a shared national priority, and its success depends on the collective efforts of all Jamaicans. To that end, we have also been engaged in talks with both the Government and Opposition, where there is no dissonance on the importance of tourism to the Jamaican economy, as we are no less aligned on the fact that our workers who are the backbone of the industry should feel satisfied with their benefits generated by tourism.
Maintaining a healthy balance between the interests of our valued employees and those of the tourism operators is essential for the continued success of our industry and the well-being of all Jamaicans. Ensuring our visitors continue to enjoy Jamaica’s tourism offerings is also paramount. Call for Due Process We urge all team members to exhaust the established processes for resolving workplace concerns, including engaging with HR Departments and their executive teams, the Ministry of Labour, and if necessary, referring matters to the IDT before resorting to disruptive strikes. As we remain in a highly competitive industry, strikes can damage the Brand Jamaica image and negatively impact the livelihoods of the very hotel sector employees who are seeking redress, and in turn impact communities and the wider economy. Looking to the Future The JHTA reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that Jamaica remains a leading tourism destination where workers, employers, and all stakeholders can thrive together. We are dedicated to fostering a mutually beneficial and harmonious environment for all.
(L-R) Pia Baker, JPS Senior Vice President, Customer Experience and Commercial and Stephen Murad, Digicel Jamaica CEO pose for a selfie with a student from the School for Therapy, Education and Parenting of Children with Multiple Disabilities (STEP Centre), Maria, at a recently held Digicel Foundation Christmas treat for children with special needs.
The Digicel Foundation spread holiday cheer this season with its Share the Love Christmas Treat held at Funland, Hope Gardens, on Friday, December 13. The event welcomed 100 children with special needs from nine schools across Kingston and St. Andrew, with the enthusiastic support of over 50 volunteers. The children enjoyed a magical day filled with unlimited rides and attractions at Funland, while meals were provided by KFC. Sponsors Sunshine Snacks, Seprod, and Nestlé added to the festivities with snacks and treats, while Cal’s Manufacturing and Wisynco kept everyone refreshed with juice and water. To make the day even more special, Musson Foundation and JPS Foundation generously donated goodie bags, and each child received a toy to take home, spreading smiles and joy all around.
Reflecting on the significance of the event, Digicel Foundation CEO Charmaine Daniels shared, “At Digicel Foundation, inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. This season, we are reminded of the importance of not just celebrating, but ensuring that children with special needs are seen, valued, and included in the festivities. We are grateful for the support of our incredible sponsors and volunteers who came together to help us share the joy of the holidays with these amazing children.” The Share the Love Christmas Treat underscores the Digicel Foundation’s commitment to creating inclusive opportunities in the communities they serve. This event was made possible through the generosity of partners who share the vision of spreading love and cheer during the season of giving.
On Tuesday, January 7, 2025, The National Leadership Prayer Breakfast Committee hosted their Media Briefing at the VM Group Headquarters in Kingston, Jamaica. The annual leadership event is set for Thursday, January 16, 2025 at 7:30 am. From left: Rev. Dr. Peter Garth CD JP, Pastor of the Hope Gospel Assembly which administers The Educate and Elevate Programme; Arianna Morrison, Recipient of The Educate and Elevate Programme, 2024; Rev. Sam McCook, Chairman of the National Leadership Prayer Breakfast Committee and Courtney Campbell; President/CEO of the VM Group.
The 45th staging of the National Leadership Prayer Breakfast (NLPB) will take place on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at 7:30 a.m. at The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel. The theme will be “Righteousness Exalts A Nation.” Since its inception in 1981, the NLPB has served as a pivotal event fostering unity, fellowship, and spiritual reflection among the nation’s leaders, promoting shared values and a vision for national progress.
At the online media launch held on Tuesday, January 7 (which can be viewed here), Rev. Sam McCook, Chairman of the National Leadership Prayer Breakfast Committee, underscored the event’s enduring importance: “This initiative is an attempt by the Church, through the National Leadership Prayer Breakfast Committee, to call us to a higher living – to say that in our respective spaces to live righteously. This is an opportunity to bring our leaders together, to reflect on their roles, and for us to collectively pray for them.” As part of its commitment to impactful community engagement, the NLPB announced the 2025 outreach project, which will focus on supporting The Tegwyn House, a special unit at the Jamaica National Children’s Home that cares for children who have severe mental and physical disabilities and need 24-hour care. Rev. Dr Peter Garth of the Hope Gospel Assembly noted the necessity of the church’s role in the development of Jamaica’s children. Reflecting on the positive impact of the 2024 outreach initiative, Rev. Garth remarked, “I am very excited to speak on the Educate and Elevate Programme because of the success stories behind our programme. Last
year, we distributed 1039 backpacks with supplies.” This distribution, he mentioned, takes place across communities that are economically challenged and a rural parish, last year being Clarendon. In addition to the offering that was collected, the VM Foundation made a valuable donation of $500,000. “You have blessed many children and will bless two students at the Edna Manley College of Arts,” said Rev. Garth when highlighting the strong support received from the VM Group.
Programme recipient Arianna Morrison, a student of the Immaculate Conception High School, shared, “This change-making initiative has carried students throughout their primary, secondary and tertiary education, which has in turn, led to them becoming nation builders by this act of generosity.”
The event is made possible by the generous support of sponsors, including the VM Group, whose President and CEO, Courtney Campbell, stated, “The National Prayer Breakfast Committee has demonstrated faithfulness, diligence and steadfastness, and this leadership initiative has been good for Jamaica. I believe it has made a significant contribution to the building of our country.” To mark the mutually beneficial relationship between the VM Group and NLPB, Mr. Campbell remarked, “The VM Group continues to be pleased in being associated with the National Leadership Prayer Breakfast. We are meeting the spiritual needs of our leaders.”
With evidence of the positive impact yielded from the initiative, The Jamaica Broilers Foundation has agreed to provide financial support to the Breakfast this year again, following their generous contribution in 2024.
The esteemed Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, continues to lend his patronage to this vital gathering.
Members of the public are invited to tune in to the live broadcast of the event, which will air on local television and radio stations. For more information, please contact 876-338-4411 or 876-315-0835.
Together, as a nation, we can reaffirm our collective commitment to the principles that exalt and strengthen Jamaica.
Animal Protection: Co-Founders Dr Blossom O’Meally Nelson and Cindi Scholefield beam happily as they unroll the logo of the Animal Welfare Advocacy Group (AWAG). With them is Patron of the organization, Jean Lowrie-Chin. Occasion was the recent Launch of AWAG,hosted by the Hope Zoo and Guardsman Group.
Jamaica’s animal welfare programmes are set to receive a significant boost through the efforts of the Animal Welfare Advocacy Group (AWAG) a not-for-profit membership organization.
AWAG, which was launched recently at the Hope Zoo’s Serengeti facility, saw a gathering of a wide range of players in the animal health and welfare community . Dr. Blossom O’Meally-Nelson, founder of the organization, gave the inaugural address, and guest speaker Dr. Kevin Walker represented the Hon Floyd Green Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining.
Dr. Walker lauded AWAG for convening key players such as the JSPCA, the Racing Commission, the Jamaica Veterinary Medicine Association. Jamaica Equine Veterinary Association, Montego Bay Animal Haven, Hope Zoo and a number of private animal welfare defenders to form a critical mass that speaks with one voice to the public and to Government agencies re legal reform public education, enforcement and community action.
AWAG is an umbrella organization with a strong executive committee and sub-committees related to the different areas of expertise. Executive Committee Members include Dr. Paul Cadogan, Dr Sarah Eytle, Dr. Sophia Ramlal, Dr. Barbara Carby, Dr. Bri Schwapp, Mrs.Pamela Lawson, Mrs. Cindi Scholefeld, Mrs.Jessica Munitz, Mrs. Marie Baillie, Dr. Audrie McNab.
AWAG which was convened in 2022 has already had an impact in the animal welfare community. It has submitted to the Ministry of Agriculture proposed amendments to the Animal Cruelty Act which is now under review. It is initiating a programme of public education bringing together the Ministry of Agriculture and the JIS. A plan is now in place to work with the Jamaica Constabulary Force and the Police Training College to strengthen knowledge and skills related to animal welfare and the enforcement of animal laws.
The aim of AWAG is not to compete with existing organizations or to replicate programmes but to enhance existing programmes and strengthen the capacity of agencies to create new ones while focusing on advocacy its raison d’etre.
High on the AWAG agenda is the matter of the elimination of the practice of fake vets which is common particularly in rural areas. The frequent complaints from tourists about the poor state of animal welfare in Jamaica is a matter that requires urgent attention, so is the need for more pounds for stray animals, funding for spay and neuter programmes and more animal foster homes to deal with the surge in displaced domestic animals as apartment living becomes more prevalent. One overarching need is public education which requires collaboration between all stakeholders public and private.
Special guest at the launch was ‘Dr.’ Teddy Barks, Jamaica’s first therapy dog. Dr. Teddy works out of the Bustamante Children’s Hospital. He was raised and trained by Mr .Joey Brown. Curator of the Hope Zoo.
International Game Technology (IGT), collaborated with the Mona Geoinformatics Institute (MGI) to host a two-day Drone Technology Camp, introducing students to the field of drone technology. The camp, held at the University of the West Indies Mona Geoinformatics Campus, welcomed students age five to 18 years old from six of IGT’s After School Advantage centres including Dunrobin Primary, St Michaels Primary, SOS Children’s Village, Stony Hill; Mustard Seed Communities Little Angels Learning Centre, Mary’s Child, Matthew 25:40 and Dare to Care Programme. Here Sergeant Carter (right), and a member of his team teach the students how to assemble one of the larger drones at the camp.
IGT Coding and Robotics Rock camp equips C’bean youth for new semester
A student from IGT After School Advantage Programme assembles a robot in a teaching session during the fourth year of the IGT Coding and Robotics Rock Camp. This virtual summer camp centred around the theme ‘Climate Action: Think It! Code It! Solve It!’ attracted 72 participants from five Caribbean countries. (Photos: Contributed)
International Game Technology (IGT), a global leader in gaming, completed its fourth annual IGT Coding and Robotics Rock Camp for Caribbean youth.
Now, participating students are back to school and energised for the new year, poised to become innovators and problem-solvers.
IGT partnered with the Mona Geoinformatics Institute (MGI) at the University of the West Indies to host the virtual camp, under the inspiring theme ‘Climate Action: Think It! Code It! Solve It’.
The camp, an extension of IGT’s global After School Advantage (ASA) programme, consisted of introductory (Level 1) and intermediate (Level 2) programmes.
A total of 72 students from five Caribbean countries – Barbados, St Kitts and Nevis, St Maarten, Jamaica, and Trinidad & Tobago – participated in the virtual camp.
Debbie-Ann Green (second right), general manager, International Game Technology (IGT), presents care packages for young mothers to Nadia Williams (right), administrator at Mustard Seed Communities, Mary’s Child on February 27 in honour of International Women’s Day. IGT also presented packages to students at the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation, while sharing messages of encouragement and inspiration. Mary’s Child is a residential facility established in 1992 for teenage mothers and their babies, providing them with training in life-enabling skills and educational opportunities. IGT has partnered with them since May 2016.
Governor General Sir Patrick Allen (right) and Reverend Stanley Clarke pray during a previous National Leadership Prayer Breakfast. (Photo: King’s House)
The 45th Annual National Leadership Prayer Breakfast is scheduled for Thursday, January 16, 2025, at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel.
Next year’s theme, ‘Righteousness Exalts A Nation’, underscores the moral foundation required for sustainable national growth and transformation.
“The theme reflects the essence of this gathering—a call for our nation’s leaders to embrace integrity and righteousness as guiding principles for governance and societal renewal,” said Rev Samuel McCook, Chairman of the National Leadership Prayer Breakfast. “We urge all Jamaicans to consider how these values can elevate our communities and inspire meaningful progress.”
Since its inception in 1980, the National Leadership Prayer Breakfast has been a cornerstone of the Jamaicanevents calendar, drawing leaders from myriad sectors to reflect, pray, and strengthen national bonds. The 45th staging will continue to highlight the significance of moral leadership, service, and shared responsibility in shaping Jamaica’s future.
“The National Leadership Prayer Breakfast offers a vital opportunity for meaningful dialogue and renewed hope,” said Sheldon O’Connor, communications lead for the committee. “We’re committed to creating an event next year that will foster important conversations and drive real progress for Jamaica.”
The annual gathering embodies the shared hopes and ongoing progress of Jamaica. The public can anticipate more information in the coming weeks, with details about keynote speakers forthcoming.
The Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP) has condemned the brutal murder of 80-year-old Sylvia “Miss Puncy” Barrett from the community of Bamboo in St Ann.
Barrett was reportedly tied up and burned to death in her house last week.
CCRP which expressed shock and outrage following news of Barrett’s death said: “Such acts of cruelty against our senior citizens are becoming all too frequent, and we therefore urge immediate concerted action by the government, communities, families, churches and concerned citizens to protect these vulnerable members of society.”
The CCRP outlined a Programme that can improve the safety and protection of the elderly in our communities.
These are the suggested measures:
Neighbourhood Watch and community organizations identify the elderly and disabled persons in their geographical area, be it a housing scheme, district, lane, or apartment/townhouse complex. This information can be used to arrange for regular visits by members of the community organization to check on the welfare and safety of senior citizens. The information could also be shared with the Jamaica Constabulary Force, the Poor Relief Department, and the Jamaica Fire Brigade so that specific programs can be arranged for their protection.
Community Safety Workshops: Community based fire safety workshops conducted by the JFB for Neighbourhood Watch, religious, and civic associations to educate elderly individuals and their caregivers on preventative measures and emergency response strategies. These community organizations should take the initiative of inviting the JFB to stage these workshops.
Accessible Fire Safety Resources: We commend the JFB for producing brochures in Braille so that individuals who are blind will get that information of what to do to prevent fires and what to do in the event of fires. We also recommend that accessible formats that can be viewed or heard from their telephones and radios be also provided for the most vulnerable.
Home Safety Inspections: The JFB and community organizations should more closely collaborate in identifying homes where the elderly reside so there can be regular safety inspections, focusing on the unique needs of elderly residents, and provide recommendations for improvement.
Emergency Preparedness Training: Community based organizations should invite and facilitate the JFB to conduct emergency preparedness training sessions specifically tailored for the elderly, emphasizing evacuation plans, safe exits, and communication strategies during emergencies.
The CCRP says it stands ready to collaborate with local authorities, the JCF, the JFB, and community organizations to implement these recommendations and promote a safer living environment for our elderly population.
Jamaica Highlights 