By Tiana Cole | HGP Nightly News
Eastern Caribbean Launches Pandemic Preparedness Project
The Eastern Caribbean has launched a new project aimed at strengthening pandemic preparedness and response across the subregion.
The project, titled “Strengthening Prevention, Preparedness, and Response to Emerging Health Threats in the Eastern Caribbean”, is funded by the Pandemic Fund and will benefit Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Implemented through a partnership between the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO), the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the World Bank, the initiative adopts a One Health approach. This framework acknowledges the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, focusing on early detection and rapid response to emerging threats.
Key areas of focus include:
- Conducting cross-sectoral assessments to identify gaps and set priorities,
- Strengthening multi-sectoral surveillance systems,
- Improving laboratory capacity for timely disease detection.
Jamaica Labour Party Offers $3 Million Reward in Abduction Case
In Jamaica, the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has announced a $3 million reward for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for the abduction of party worker Lauren Robertson, who was taken on May 30.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness described the case as very troubling and expressed hope that law enforcement will find a breakthrough. Surveillance footage reportedly shows Robertson—popularly known as “Nikki”—being pulled into a vehicle. That vehicle has since been recovered, and investigators found bloodstains and collected DNA samples.
Robertson’s family has also offered a $500,000 reward for her safe return. While speculation has circulated on social media, Julian Robertson of the opposition People’s National Party (PNP) has denied any political connection to the abduction. Police continue to question persons of interest in the case.
Jamaica to Host Regional Forum on Motorcycle Helmet Safety
Jamaica is set to host a regional forum on motorcycle helmet safety starting June 19, bringing together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to tackle a growing public health concern across Latin America and the Caribbean.
Organized by the JN Foundation in partnership with the FIA Foundation, FIA Motor Clubs, and the National Road Safety Council, the event aims to:
- Address legislative and enforcement gaps,
- Promote behavior change,
- Mitigate the social and economic impact of motorcycle-related fatalities.
In Jamaica alone, motorcycles accounted for nearly 30% of all road fatalities in 2024. The two-day forum will also focus on helmet certification, challenges in enforcement, and storytelling as a tool for advocacy.
