ONE-MINUTE READS .... News from across Jamaica

Pregnant women urged to protect mental health

Expectant mothers are being urged to safeguard their mental health during and after pregnancy, particularly as families continue to recover from the impact of Hurricane Melissa. The reminder came from Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Krystal Lee, who met with mothers at the Grange Hill Health Centre in Westmoreland on Monday. Lee stressed that pregnancy and the post-partum period place women in "a vulnerable stage", noting that high stress levels can affect both mother and child.

"Whatever happens to you also will transfer to the baby. So if you are overly stressed and worried, it will affect the baby. When you're feeling stressed out, talk to somebody... go through the journey with somebody... it is important," she said.

She encouraged mothers to seek support from family, friends, and community health workers, especially now when many households are dealing with displacement, financial strain, and personal loss. She reminded them that emotional well-being is an essential part of healthy motherhood.

Gov't says single road authority will fix Jamaica's road woes

Minister without Portfolio Robert Nesta Morgan is renewing his call for a One Road Authority, arguing that Jamaica's fragmented road management system continues to hinder development and frustrate motorists. Addressing the Incorporated Masterbuilders Association of Jamaica yesterday, Morgan said the unified body would oversee all public roads, improving planning, maintenance, and accountability.

"Jamaicans don't care who owns the road, they just want the road fixed," he said.

Morgan pointed out that only 5,000 of Jamaica's 27,000 kilometres of roads fall under the National Works Agency, with other networks split among municipal corporations, RADA, private developers, or left "orphaned".

He said the proposed authority would eliminate duplication, introduce consistent standards, and streamline project delivery. With improved mapping and clearer oversight, he believes Jamaica could save resources while producing higher-quality infrastructure. Morgan added that a unified system would also support long-term national development.

Sygnus continues breast cancer fight

Sygnus has reaffirmed its commitment to the fight against breast cancer, making a new donation to the Jamaica Cancer Society (JCS) and Jamaica Reach To Recovery (JR2R). The contribution marks five years of partnership dedicated to expanding access to screenings, emotional support, and survivor services across the island.

Since the initiative began, Sygnus' support has helped hundreds receive free or subsidised mammograms through the JCS, while JR2R has been able to deliver care packages, counselling sessions, and ongoing survivor support. This year's donation will sustain these services and also contribute to the JCS' fundraising drive for a state-of-the-art mammography machine.

The organisation says this new equipment will significantly strengthen early detection, giving more women -- especially those in vulnerable communities -- a chance at timely diagnosis and life-saving treatment. Sygnus noted that its continued involvement reflects a broader commitment to public health and community empowerment.

UNDP mobilises US$2M for Jamaica's post-Melissa recovery

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has mobilised an initial US$2 million in Resilient Recovery grants to support Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa. The funding aims to stabilise communities, restore livelihoods, and advance Jamaica's long-term 'Building Forward Better' agenda.

The grants come after a surge mission involving UNDP's global and regional crisis teams, who collaborated with the Multi-Country Office in Jamaica to assess needs through consultations with government, civil society, the private sector, UN agencies, multilateral banks, and residents in hard-hit communities. The process benefited from the leadership of Ronald Jackson, UNDP's global head of disaster risk reduction, recovery and resilience.

"Crises can be opportunities to build forward better," said Kishan Khoday, UNDP resident representative in Jamaica. "To this end, we offer to enhance institutional capacities and systems for recovery, and to integrate climate-resilient, risk-informed and nature-based solutions into recovery planning."

He added that future plans should incorporate geospatial and digital tools for stronger climate resilience.

Economy to shrink sharply after Melissa, says PIOJ

The Planning Institute of Jamaica expects the national economy to return to growth in the October-December 2026 quarter, following widespread damage caused by Hurricane Melissa. Director General Dr Wayne Henry shared the projections during the institute's hybrid quarterly press briefing.

He said the economy is projected to contract by 11 to 13 per cent in the October-December 2025 quarter, with overall activity for fiscal year 2025-2026 declining by three to six per cent. Henry noted that before the hurricane, the country had been poised for strong expansion. "Growth of 3.1 per cent was estimated for the first half of the current fiscal year, and this was expected to continue throughout the second half," he said.

However, Melissa's damage has been "unprecedented and far-reaching", affecting every major industry. Agriculture is among the worst impacted, with "the seven most affected parishes" accounting for 74 per cent of domestic crop production lands, along with significant livestock and export operations.