Sickle cell awareness takes centre stage as Jamaica prepares for major swim meet and Father's Day events

Jamaica observed World Sickle Cell Awareness Day on Friday, June 19, 2026, with advocates pressing for wider testing, fair treatment, and stronger support for people living with the inherited blood disorder. This year’s theme, “Closing the Survival Gap,” highlights gaps in care and outcomes that still affect patients and families.

Camille Dailey, co-founder and president of the Sickle Cell Support Foundation of Jamaica, said sickle cell disease stems from abnormal haemoglobin that can cause red blood cells to stiffen, block small vessels, and trigger painful crises, fatigue, infections, hip damage, leg ulcers, and vision problems. She noted that about 10% of Jamaicans carry the sickle cell trait, roughly 5% carry other abnormal haemoglobin traits, and about 15% of the population could have a child with a form of the disease. Around one in every 150 babies born locally is affected. Newborns have been screened since about 2015, but many older Jamaicans still do not know their status.

Patient advocate Ryan Wait, who lives with SC sickle cell disease, described eye complications that required repeated surgery to prevent blindness, along with the need to pace himself at work, stay warm, and manage pain. He credited his wife, Ann K Browne, for helping him balance health and fatherhood. Dailey said hydroxyurea, a drug that can reduce crises and complications, is available at no cost through the public health system. The foundation is also rallying support for member Mishka Hamilton, who is scheduled for hip replacement surgery at month’s end and needs blood donations, including at a drive at Spanish Town Hospital.

In sport, more than 300 swimmers are expected Saturday, June 20, at the National Aquatic Center for the fourth annual Swimmers Aquatic Long Course Championship. Organisers say the meet will serve as the final qualifying event for the Goodwill Games in Trinidad and Tobago.

On the political front, a report from the Integrity Commission is raising fresh questions about Dr. Andrew Wheatley, the St. Catherine South Central member of parliament reappointed to cabinet after the Jamaica Labour Party’s September 2025 election win. Investigators flagged a sharp rise in his declared net worth around 2011, limited statutory declarations earlier in his career, and property dealings, including the East Kirkland acquisition, that they said did not align with lawful income. Wheatley previously resigned as science, technology and mining minister in 2018 amid the Petrojam scandal.

In regional media news, Toby Brennan, anchor on Daybreak at Compass TV in the Cayman Islands, visited Jamaica and urged closer Caribbean broadcaster ties. Born in Kingston with family roots in St. Elizabeth, Brennan said shared coverage could strengthen how regional stories are told.

With Father’s Day on Sunday, several islandwide activities were highlighted, including chocolate-making in Ocho Rios, adventure outings at Jamwest Motorsport Adventure Park in Westmoreland, events at Funtopia in Brandon Hill, a Nadine Sutherland brunch at Tama Resort in St. Ann, and a car enthusiasts’ gathering at Park Boulevard in New Kingston from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The Eternal Father Awards also used the occasion to honour fathers such as 2025 Jamaican Father of the Year Carlton Stewart of St. James and agricultural advocate Jamar Farmer.