Chang denies St. Mary migrant housing claims as Tufton warns on youth vaping

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Dr Horace Chang has dismissed claims that third-country nationals are being housed in Grantstown, St Mary, saying no such arrangement has been made. He has asked the police to step up monitoring in the area to reassure residents, warning that false reports have agitated the community and placed a retired public servant’s Airbnb property, along with staff and visitors, at risk. Chang said details on accommodating third-country nationals under a memorandum of understanding with the United States are still being finalised, and the public will be informed once all conditions are met.

Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Christopher Tufton is calling on parents, educators, and community leaders to shield young people from excessive social media use and vaping. He stressed that social media can be addictive and is tied to mental health challenges and sleep disruption, while concealed vaping devices are not a safer substitute for smoking because of harmful synthetic and carcinogenic substances in the fluids. Tufton urged sustained grassroots advocacy to discourage nicotine use among children and adolescents. The ministry’s CARE Fund continues to back community organisations promoting healthier lifestyles.

Guyana has announced a second phase of post-hurricane support for Jamaica, including plans to construct more than 300 homes for families affected by the disaster, strengthening cooperation between the two Caribbean nations.

In Portmore, St Catherine, Ascot Primary School faces scrutiny after reports that pupils with lower Primary Exit Profile results were barred from wearing graduation caps and gowns, made to march behind higher-performing classmates, and seated at the back. The education ministry condemned the treatment as inappropriate and unacceptable. Minister Dr Dana Morris Dixon said, "No child should experience humiliation, exclusion, or discrimination in an institution entrusted with nurturing their development." Former Director of Public Prosecutions Paula Llewellyn said the school should apologise if the reports are accurate. Principal Mark Jackson has signalled regret, though Jamaica Association of Principals of Infant and Primary Schools president Lt Col Paul Scott, who spoke with Jackson, said the school stands by its decision after parents were informed and agreed beforehand.

As Canada marks 159 years of nationhood, High Commissioner Mark Burman highlighted long-standing ties with Jamaica, including recognition on 2 August 1962 and a seasonal agricultural workers programme that now sends more than 9,000 Jamaicans to Canada each year. He noted roughly 300,000 Jamaican Canadians and pointed to trade, education, and post-Hurricane Melissa recovery as areas for deeper partnership. A Canada Day reception is planned featuring performer Naomi Cowan.

In FIFA World Cup round-of-32 action, Brazil came from behind to defeat Japan 2–1, Paraguay eliminated Germany on penalties, and Morocco advanced past the Netherlands.