Author: Steve Brown

June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, and the article below is one of several this month to educate the public about these important topics. Alzheimer’s affects both the caregiver (i.e. the caregiver) and the patient. Managing the disease can be difficult, but there are ways to ease the burden. Understand what’s happening: The first step in helping someone with Alzheimer’s is to understand how it changes over time, what signs to watch for, and what treatments are available. Knowing what to expect can help you prepare for the changes your loved one may experience. In the early stages of…

June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month. The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) reported that Jamaica has seen a significant increase in suicides during the pandemic, with the majority of these tragic deaths being elderly men. The JCF said this increase in suicides must be a cause for serious concern to health authorities, families and communities across the country. The Ministry of Health also reported that the suicide rate in 2020 was approximately 2.1 per 100,000 people, while JCF statistics put the annual number of deaths by suicide at between 47 and 56. There are many factors that lead people to…

A doctor examines a patient on a ventilator. Dr. Christopher Tufton is challenging critics who say there are still not enough ventilators being distributed to health care facilities, after it was revealed Thursday that there are 118 ventilators in operation within the health care system. Minister for Health and Wellness, Dr Tufton, reiterated that this figure was the maximum number of ventilators that Public Health had, and insisted there was clinical justification for where they were located and how they were used within the system. “Some people do the math and say 118 divided by 24 means each hospital needs…

Sandals Negril, Sandals South Coast and Beaches Negril environment, health and safety managers (from left) Tavia Shea Bernard, Vilma Smith and Michelle Hollingsworth pose for a photo. Sandals Resorts continues to lead the way in environmental stewardship, with Sandals South Coast Resort and Sandals and Beach Resort in Negril recently hosting seminars focused on Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) best practices. The one-day seminar brought together the resort’s Earth Guardian team members, who support community development on an environmental and health level, to discuss emerging trends and innovative solutions to promote sustainability and ensure the well-being of guests, staff and…

Old Jeeps meet classic Jeeps at the Jamaica Classic Car Club’s Father’s Day event. (Photo: Rory Daly) It was another big outing for the Jamaica Classic Car Club, as members headed to Hope Gardens in St. Andrew as the club’s monthly meeting coincided with Father’s Day on Sunday, June 16th. “It was a great success! It was a joy to see all the members, guests and visitors, including the fathers, enjoying the conference. It was well attended and everyone had a great time. Our team worked hard to make the event the best it could be for everyone,” said JCCC…

Evergo Jamaica president and CEO Wayne Mackenzie (left) and Porsche Jamaica operations manager Uche MacLean shake hands as an all-electric Taycan charges at a Porsche Destination Charger at the LFA Country Store in Richmond Estates, St. Ann, to mark the Porsche Jamaica x Evergo Jamaica partnership. June 21, 2024 Porsche Jamaica and EV charging provider Evergo Jamaica have partnered to offer free charging services to purchasers of the brand’s electric and plug-in electric vehicles. “We are pleased to strengthen our commitment to a greener environment by reducing emissions and offering our customers better…

Minister for Science, Energy, Communications and Transport Darryl Vaz (left) presents a driving instructor certificate to Cleo Clarke. Clarke is one of the first driving instructors to be accredited by the Island Transport Authority during a ceremony held at the ministry’s Maxfield Avenue on Wednesday, June 19. June 21, 2024 Thirty-four driving instructors have been certified by the Island Transport Authority (ITA) and are now able to offer their services to the public. They are the first group of instructors qualified to teach driving under the Road Traffic Act and Regulations. Seven companies…

Toasting Summer Breeze Gin and Juice from turquoise sugar-rimmed glasses were Food Awards judges (from left) Angélique Beaubrun, Patricia Henry, Stacey Belnavis and Norma Williams. June 20, 2024 Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards guest judge Angelique Beaubrun shares her experience at Mystic Thai Sunday Brunch As you enter Mystic Thai Kingston, you’ll be struck with a traditional brass gong. Why? Because it sets the tone for a bold explosion of flavours that will linger in your palate’s memory long after you’ve finished this Sunday brunch. The exotic Thai décor and fun Bossa…

Charbroiled Asian Salmon with grilled vegetables. (Photo: Janelle Pantry-Coke) Food Awards judge Janelle Pantry-Coke stopped by Steakhouse on the Veranda and here is her review. Steakhouse on the Veranda has a lot to live up to, with the unenviable task of providing a dining experience worthy of the unparalleled backdrop of old-world elegance at Devon House. Not only is Devon House a National Monument designated by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust, but it is also a beautifully preserved Georgian Great House with a history dating back more than 140 years since the mansion was built by George Stibel, and a…

Lobster Club Queso and Garlic Crostini (left) and Firecracker Buffalo Wings with French Fries June 20, 2024 Food Awards judge Kadean Vendryes checks out The Coppers. Colloquially known as “The Coppers”, the restaurant has a bar and two restaurants, The Cellar and The Coppers, in a great location at 9 Haining Road in New Kingston. Opening hours are Tuesday to Saturday 12pm to 10pm, Sunday 12pm to 10pm, closed on Mondays. Walk-in is available, but reservations are highly recommended, especially for larger groups and on weekends. The bar serves a wide range of…