Health ministry warns of heat risk as TEF expands youth pathways and Montego Bay doctor leads AI medicine push

The Ministry of Health and Wellness is urging Jamaicans to guard against heat-related illness as the island endures a hotter-than-usual summer. Minister Dr Christopher Tufton said the conditions align with climate change, noting that while heat deaths have been reported elsewhere, none have been confirmed in Jamaica so far. He warned that older people and those with chronic illness should avoid direct sun and stay properly hydrated, adding that alcohol, energy drinks and sugary beverages do not hydrate effectively.

Meteorologist Javoy Sawyers said above-average sea surface temperatures in the tropical Atlantic and more frequent Saharan dust are driving warmer days and nights. Overnight lows that usually fall to about 22–24°C could reach 26–28°C in some areas. Medical doctor Lucian Jones said extreme heat can cause serious conditions including heat stroke and advised keeping children indoors during peak hours when possible.

The Jamaica Fire Brigade is reporting a sharp rise in bush fires. Acting Assistant Commissioner Roland Walters, whose Area 2 covers Trelawny, St Ann, St Mary and Portland, said divisions may face up to ten bush fires daily. Last week, blazes left several people homeless in St James and damaged businesses in Trelawny.

Tourism Enhancement Fund Executive Director Kerry Wallace said the agency received nearly 17,000 applications for about 1,000 paid summer internships this year. TEF is developing support for unsuccessful applicants, including a proposed volunteer internship programme in 2027 offering certification, plus partnerships to help young people secure tax registration numbers, bank accounts and skills training through HEART/NSTA Trust.

Montego Bay physician Dr Meana Mapuru is among the first doctors in Jamaica to earn a postgraduate degree in artificial intelligence in medicine. She is developing tools such as an AI model that translates complex medical reports into plain language and hopes to return permanently to strengthen local healthcare systems.

Cyber safety advocate Emma Sharp Dalton Brown warned parents about online grooming and urged families to keep devices out of bedrooms and report cases to the authorities. She cited Alexander McCartney, sentenced to life with a minimum of 20 years after targeting thousands of children across dozens of countries.

In football, Argentina rallied from 2–0 down to beat Egypt 3–2, while Switzerland eliminated Colombia 4–3 on penalties. Argentina face Switzerland on Saturday, July 11. France meet Morocco on Thursday, Spain play Belgium on Friday, July 10, at 2 p.m., and Norway face England on Saturday.