Amid growing tension ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hospitality employees at Los Angeles’ iconic SoFi Stadium have issued a formal strike vow, demanding ironclad guarantees that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will not be deployed to the venue during its eight scheduled tournament matches.
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Neymar back in Brazil squad for fourth World Cup
RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil — In a stunning announcement that drew roars of approval from a gathered crowd in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has recalled national team legend Neymar to the country’s 26-man roster for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, ending a nearly three-year spell away from the senior side.
As Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer, with 79 strikes across 128 international appearances, Neymar’s inclusion stands as the most high-profile and surprising selection in the squad unveiled at a public gala ceremony on Monday. The 34-year-old attacker, who has featured at every World Cup since 2014, has not represented the Seleção since he suffered a devastating knee injury during a 2023 World Cup qualifier against Uruguay.
For months, widespread speculation has swirled around Neymar’s potential return to international football. A string of recurring injury problems and inconsistent on-pitch form had kept him on the outside of the national team setup, and Ancelotti previously left him out of Brazil’s March friendly roster against France and Croatia, citing ongoing questions about his match fitness. After a injury-plagued spell playing in Saudi Arabia’s top flight, Neymar secured a move back to his boyhood club Santos in January 2026, a homecoming that many analysts predicted would revitalize his career ahead of a potential World Cup push.
Despite being limited to just 15 appearances across Santos’ 31 matches since his return, Neymar’s recent consistent performances and improved physical condition convinced Ancelotti that the veteran forward deserves a spot in the squad for the 2026 tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. “We monitored Neymar throughout the year and observed that, in recent times, he has been playing consistently and his physical condition has improved,” Ancelotti told reporters following the announcement. “We believe he is an important player.”
Neymar will slot into an already fearsome Brazilian attacking group that includes Barcelona winger Raphinha and 2024 Ballon d’Or runner-up Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid. The five-time World Cup-winning nation will enter the tournament chasing a historic sixth title, and will kick off its Group C campaign against Morocco on June 13, before facing subsequent group matches against Haiti and Scotland.
Alongside confirming the full roster, Ancelotti shared his perspective on what it will take to lift the sport’s biggest trophy this summer. “The World Cup won’t be won by a perfect team — because a perfect team doesn’t exist,” he said. “It will be won by the most resilient team.”
The full 26-man Brazil squad is as follows:
Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool, England), Ederson (Fenerbahce, Turkey), Weverton (Gremio, Brazil)
Defenders: Alex Sandro (Flamengo, Brazil), Danilo (Flamengo, Brazil), Leo Pereira (Flamengo, Brazil), Bremer (Juventus, Italy), Douglas Santos (Zenit St Petersburg, Russia), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal, England), Ibanez (Al-Ahli, Saudi Arabia), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain, France), Wesley (Roma, Italy)
Midfielders: Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle United, England), Casemiro (Manchester United, England), Danilo (Botafogo, Brazil), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad, Saudi Arabia), Lucas Paqueta (Flamengo, Brazil)
Forwards: Endrick (Lyon, France), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal, England), Igor Thiago (Brentford, England), Luiz Henrique (Zenit, Russia), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United, England), Neymar (Santos, Brazil), Raphinha (Barcelona, Spain), Rayan (Bournemouth, England), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid, Spain) -
JUNA-VILL banks on ‘Di Regulator’ rhythm
As the founder of Jamaica’s independent JUNAVILL Records, veteran reggae producer Collin “JUNA-VILL” Clarke is poised to advance his decades-long mission of creating purpose-driven reggae with the worldwide launch of his latest project, *Di Regulator Rhythm*, scheduled for release on May 22.
Crafted around core themes of social order, community awareness, personal discipline, and cultural accountability, the compilation embodies Clarke’s longstanding dedication to preserving the foundational soul of roots reggae while pushing the genre to connect with new global audiences. In a statement outlining the project’s vision, Clarke explained that the title itself encapsulates the work’s core ethos: “The title represents order, awareness, discipline, and cultural responsibility. *Di Regulator rhythm* is centred around substance, consciousness, authenticity, and worldwide appeal — continuing the vision of reggae music built on both rhythm and meaning.”
The 15-track compilation brings together a hand-picked roster of celebrated and rising reggae voices, including Lutan Fyah, Turbulence, Ginjah, Utan Green, Ganggoolie, Sativa D Black 1, Emanuel Stain, Excel Black, Sequence Di Boss, Sprain Brain, INoah, Soul Rebel, Trish-Indi, and Little Hero. Clarke emphasized that every artist on the project was selected intentionally, based on their proven ability to confront tangible social realities and uplift listeners through music rooted in purpose.
“These artistes were selected because of their awareness of social issues, their willingness to challenge existing norms, and their ability to unite people through shared experiences and meaningful music. I align with voices that carry purpose, substance, and responsibility,” Clarke added.
Against a backdrop of rapid evolution in the global reggae landscape, Clarke aims for *Di Regulator Riddim* to resonate with listeners far beyond Jamaica’s borders, while never straying from the authentic cultural roots that define the genre. “My hope for *Di Regulator Riddim* is for the project to connect with people across worldwide audiences through both its rhythm and its message,” he shared. “I want the music to inspire thought, unity, resilience, and cultural upliftment while continuing to reinforce reggae music as a global force shaped by consciousness and authenticity.”For JUNAVILL Records, this upcoming release marks another key milestone in the label’s steady growth. Over the years, the imprint has built a strong reputation for crafting roots-focused reggae defined by meaningful lyrics and deep cultural context. Looking ahead to the rest of 2026, Clarke says his primary focus is expanding JUNAVILL’s footprint as a globally recognized reggae brand.
“My focus for the remainder of 2026 is to continue strengthening JUNAVILL Records as a globally respected reggae brand while building a catalogue driven by rhythm, meaning, and cultural value,” Clarke explained. “With the music already reaching worldwide audiences through radio, television, streaming platforms, and international media coverage, the objective now is to deepen cultural influence, expand the catalogue strategically, and continue creating timeless reggae music that can stand the test of time.”
As an independent producer who has built his career navigating the constantly shifting landscape of the modern music industry, Clarke also shared thoughtful advice for emerging creators hoping to build sustainable, authentic careers in reggae. “Listen to your silent inner voice and create from a place of truth rather than imitation,” he advised. “Trends fade quickly, but timeless music guided by authenticity and purpose will always endure. It is equally important to understand the business behind the music, protect your ownership, and build with long-term vision rather than temporary attention.”
Closing out his remarks, Clarke extended a heartfelt note of gratitude to the global community of reggae fans who have continuously supported authentic, purpose-driven reggae from JUNAVILL Records. “To all supporters worldwide, I extend sincere gratitude for believing in authentic reggae music and supporting the vision of JUNAVILL Records,” he said. “Don’t support the phony: support the real. I remain committed to delivering music built on integrity, consciousness, and cultural substance.”
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Pep Guardiola to leave Man City at end of the season – reports
MANCHESTER, U.K. – Multiple football industry reports have indicated that Pep Guardiola is preparing to close out a trophy-filled, decade-long tenure as manager of Manchester City this coming weekend, bringing an end to one of the most transformative coaching reigns in modern English football. Since taking the helm at the Etihad Stadium in 2016, the 55-year-old Spaniard has lifted an extraordinary 20 major titles with the club, including six Premier League crowns and the club’s historic first-ever Champions League victory in 2023. With two matches remaining on City’s 2024-25 Premier League schedule, Guardiola could add one final trophy to his collection this weekend: if the Sky Blues secure wins over Bournemouth and Aston Villa, and leaders Arsenal drop points against Crystal Palace on final matchday, Guardiola will claim a seventh league title in nine seasons at the club.
Multiple UK outlets, including The Daily Mail and The Athletic, have confirmed that Guardiola plans to step down from his post following City’s final home fixture against Aston Villa. Manchester City has so far declined to issue any official statement confirming or denying the speculation, but observers have pointed to a pre-scheduled victory parade through central Manchester this upcoming Monday, held to celebrate the club’s 2024-25 FA Cup and League Cup double, that could double as a public farewell for the departing manager.
If Guardiola does exit, early insider reports name Enzo Maresca, the former Chelsea head coach who once served as a member of Guardiola’s backroom staff at City, as the leading candidate to take over the role for the 2025-26 season. Though Guardiola still has 12 months remaining on his current contract with City, persistent rumours of his departure at the end of this campaign have circulated across football circles for months. The 2023-24 season saw City end a seven-year trophyless drought in the campaign, prompting many to question whether Guardiola would see out the full length of his deal, but the side has bounced back emphatically this term, securing a domestic cup double with an FA Cup final win over Chelsea earlier this month and remaining in contention for the league title heading into the final round.
When Guardiola first arrived in Manchester, he was already one of the most decorated and respected coaches in European football. His four-year spell at boyhood club Barcelona between 2008 and 2012 reinvented the tiki-taka style of play and earned global acclaim, delivering two Champions League titles and three La Liga crowns. He followed that success with three consecutive Bundesliga titles during a three-year stint at Bayern Munich, leading many to expect a similarly short tenure when he made the move to the Premier League. Nearly a decade later, Guardiola’s influence has reshaped English football at every level of the game.
Backed by the substantial investment of Abu Dhabi’s ownership group, Manchester City has stepped out of the long shadow of cross-city rival Manchester United to establish itself as the undisputed dominant force in English domestic football. Guardiola’s signature possession-based, attacking passing style has been replicated from grassroots youth leagues up to top-flight elite sides, and even City’s closest competitors have turned to Guardiola’s coaching disciples to close the competitive gap. Arsenal, currently leading the Premier League table heading into the final match, is managed by Mikel Arteta, Guardiola’s former long-time assistant, who is on the cusp of delivering the Gunners their first league title in 22 years. Liverpool’s current manager Arne Slot has openly spoken about how his entire coaching philosophy was shaped by studying Guardiola’s revolutionary Barcelona side, while new Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso intentionally moved to Bayern Munich for the final years of his playing career specifically to gain first-hand experience working under Guardiola.
The looming news of Guardiola’s exit comes as a major cloud still hangs over the club: the findings of an ongoing investigation into more than 100 alleged financial regulatory breaches by Manchester City have yet to be publicly released. The Premier League first brought formal charges against the club in February 2023, and an independent commission hearing concluded in December 2024. The unresolved case has continued to hang over City’s on-pitch successes throughout the 2024-25 campaign, with no timeline for a public announcement of penalties or clearing set as of yet.
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Yaksta and Bellwetha release controversial ‘Farmer and Banger’ collaboration
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Two of Jamaica’s most talked-about contemporary Dancehall and Reggae talents, Yaksta and Bellwetha, have dropped a hotly debated collaborative track titled *Farmer and Banger* that has sent shockwaves through Jamaica’s music community and sparked intense discussion among industry commentators.
The track’s conceptual framing positions Bellwetha in the role of the “banger” and Yaksta as the “farmer” — a deliberate contrasting pairing that creates a paradoxical dynamic, lending the track a playful yet provocative edge that has quickly caught hold in Jamaica’s underground Dancehall circuit.
In comments on the growing controversy surrounding the release, Bellwetha made clear that he has no concerns about the public pushback the track has generated. “Music is art, and art imitates life,” he explained. “Just like in real life, some things you do will win people over, and others will turn them off. That’s just how it goes — people are always going to talk, whether it’s good or bad about what this song is about. I’m still fine with it, because we’re talking about real life here. This track has all the makings of a major hit: it’s catchy, it’s unapologetic, and it’s raw and real.”
For Yaksta, this latest wave of controversy is far from out of character. The Reggae artist recently sent social media into an uproar with a string of fiery public rants targeting a range of contentious topics, and that history has only amplified the debate around *Farmer and Banger*. Some social media users have pushed back against specific lyrical content, claiming the Rastafarian performer is signaling support for actions widely labeled as socially deviant.
Produced by Bell Bell Entertainment in partnership with Cooper Records, the single is currently racking up impressive view and stream counts across all major digital music and streaming platforms, proving that the track’s controversial reputation has done little to slow its growing popularity with audiences.
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JFJ expresses ‘grave concern’ over Granville fatal shooting; raises questions about handling of crime scene
KINGSTON, Jamaica — A fatal police shooting in western Jamaica has ignited fresh scrutiny of the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s (JCF) adherence to use-of-force rules and longstanding transparency failures, after a local human rights organization documented deeply troubling inconsistencies between emerging video evidence and standard policy requirements.
On Sunday, a JCF officer shot and killed Latoya Bulgin, widely known by the nickname “Buju”, during a community protest in Granville, St. James. The protest was organized in response to the fatal police shooting of 17-year-old Tjey Edwards one week earlier.
On Monday, Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ), one of the nation’s leading human rights advocacy groups, released a formal public statement following its review of widely circulating citizen footage and local closed-circuit camera recordings of the incident. While the organization emphasized that a full, independent investigation must be allowed to uncover all definitive facts, it confirmed that preliminary details captured on video have shocked public conscience and raised urgent, unresolved questions about whether the lethal force used was proportional to the threat officers faced.
JFJ reiterated that both the JCF’s own internal Use of Force Policy and binding international human rights standards mandate that force can only be deployed as a last resort, aligned with the core “PLAN” principles: every use of force must be proportional to the threat at hand, legal under governing law, accountable (meaning officers must be able to clearly explain and justify their actions), and necessary for the specific circumstances. In plain terms, the group explained, a person involved in a confrontation with police should only lose their life if they pose an immediate, deadly threat to officers or bystanders. Critically, JCF policy explicitly bars officers from firing on a moving vehicle solely because it is in motion — a rule that the Granville incident appears to contradict, the group said, adding that the case opens the door to widespread public perceptions of extrajudicial killing that erode trust in law enforcement.
Beyond the shooting itself, JFJ flagged a second deeply disturbing violation of policy in how officers handled Bulgin’s remains after the shooting. Video footage appears to show officers dragging Bulgin’s body out of her vehicle and throwing it roughly into the back of a police transport van. Under JCF policy, officers are required to secure and preserve the crime scene immediately after a shooting, to avoid compromising the chain of evidence for independent investigators. The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM), Jamaica’s independent oversight body for police conduct, has a legal right to assess the scene in its original condition. JFJ stressed that the handling of Bulgin’s body fell far short of these mandatory obligations, damaging the integrity of the upcoming investigation and failing to uphold the basic human dignity that every person, even in death, is owed.
The incident is not an isolated outlier, JFJ emphasized, but rather the latest example of a recurring pattern the group has documented for years: when independent visual evidence emerges, it often contradicts initial official accounts of fatal police encounters. Data from INDECOM underscores the growing scale of the crisis: as of 2026, 130 civilians have been shot and killed by Jamaican security forces, including 15 fatal shootings in May alone. That number follows 129 fatal shootings in the same period in 2025, a year that ended with 311 total fatal police shootings — the highest annual recorded in more than 15 years. The vast majority of these fatal encounters have no independent visual documentation to hold officers accountable, JFJ added.
In recent years, the JCF acquired 1,000 body-worn cameras, a step JFJ previously welcomed as a positive move toward greater police transparency, even as it raised ongoing concerns about inconsistent deployment criteria. The Granville incident, JFJ noted, was exactly the high-risk, high-interaction scenario where body-worn cameras are most needed: officers were assigned to patrol a community protest, a context where confrontations are predictable. Despite that, INDECOM has confirmed that none of the three officers assigned to crowd control duties the day of the shooting were equipped with a body-worn camera.
JFJ did acknowledge one positive step: the JCF High Command acted swiftly to place the officer involved in the shooting on administrative interdiction pending investigation. But that action must be matched by systemic change, the group said, including a firm commitment to mandatory, consistent deployment of body-worn cameras across all high-interaction assignments, amid a sustained elevated rate of fatal police shootings across Jamaica. “Accountability cannot depend on the random chance that a bystander captures footage of an incident,” JFJ argued, noting that consistent body-worn camera use protects both civilians and officers by creating an accurate, unalterable record of interactions, and is critical to rebuilding public trust in law enforcement.
INDECOM has already launched a formal investigation into the shooting, and JFJ is calling for the process to be completed quickly, thoroughly, and with full public transparency, examining not just the shooting itself but also the post-shooting scene management and handling of Bulgin’s body to deliver full justice for the deceased and her family. JFJ extended its formal condolences to Bulgin’s family and loved ones following her death.
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Arsenal on the brink of Premier League title after nervy Burnley win
LONDON, United Kingdom (AFP) — The 2023-2024 Premier League title race has entered its final, tense stretch, with Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal moving to the cusp of ending a 20-year title drought following a hard-fought 1-0 home victory over already-relegated Burnley on Monday night. The win has given the Gunners a commanding five-point gap over defending champions Manchester City at the top of the table, putting the North London side in pole position to lift the trophy for the first time since 2002.
The only goal of the game came from German attacker Kai Havertz, who rose above Burnley’s defense to power a header from Bukayo Saka’s 37th-minute corner delivery. The goal marked Arsenal’s 18th league goal scored from set pieces this season, further cementing their reputation as one of the most dangerous teams in the division from dead-ball situations. The win keeps Arsenal’s record of four consecutive clean sheets intact, a stretch that dates back to their narrow loss to City last month, highlighting the defensive solidity that has carried them through the final weeks of the campaign.
But the night was not without controversy that could have completely reshaped the title race. In the second half, Havertz made a mistimed challenge that saw his rake down the calf of Burnley’s Lesley Ugochukwu, a tackle that many observers believed deserved a red card. After a lengthy review by the video assistant referee (VAR), officials opted to uphold the original on-field decision of a yellow card, allowing Arsenal to keep 11 men on the pitch for the final 25 minutes of the match. Havertz was substituted shortly after the incident for new signing Viktor Gyokeres, though the Swedish forward failed to unlock Burnley’s deep defense to add to Arsenal’s lead.
Many pre-match pundits expected Arsenal to run riot against a struggling Burnley side that had collected only two points from their previous 10 matches. The Clarets, already confirmed as relegated back to the Championship long before this final home game for Arsenal, put up a dogged defensive display that kept the hosts under pressure for much of the night. Before Havertz’s opening goal, Leandro Trossard hit the post from the edge of the penalty area, and Bukayo Saka had a late penalty appeal turned down after going down while trying to convert Havertz’s low cross into the box.
Arteta’s side now have the title firmly within their grasp. If Manchester City fails to secure three points during their away clash with Bournemouth on Tuesday, Arsenal will be crowned champions regardless of their own final result. Even if City manages to end Bournemouth’s 16-match unbeaten run and beats Aston Villa in their final home game this weekend, a single win for Arsenal away at Crystal Palace on Sunday will be enough to secure the trophy. If Arsenal only manages a draw at Selhurst Park, however, City could still pip the Gunners to the title on goal difference if they win both of their remaining fixtures.
Speaking after the full-time whistle, Arteta emphasized that his side had done everything they could to control their own fate. “One more to go,” he said. “We have done our job, what is in our hands. We have to wait and see what is going to happen tomorrow and then it’s time to prepare for the Palace game.” The Arsenal manager acknowledged that his side could have put a more convincing scoreline on the board, but praised his team’s ability to grind out a result when it mattered most. “The margin should have been bigger but we haven’t achieved that,” he added. “We have shown what we have shown all season that when we need to defend and get through the game, we can do it in an efficient way.”
The narrow one-goal margin has kept title hopes alive for Manchester City, who are chasing a fourth consecutive Premier League crown. Adding extra drama to the final week of the season, fresh reports emerged on Monday that long-serving City manager Pep Guardiola is set to leave the club at the end of the campaign, following his side’s final match against Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium. Guardiola has won 14 major trophies during his decade in charge of the Manchester side, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest managers in English football history.
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Dominican Free Zone exports reach US$2.8 billion in first four months of 2026
Santo Domingo – The Dominican Republic’s export-focused free trade zone sector has delivered solid growth in the opening months of 2026, according to new data released by the National Council of Export Free Zones (CNZFE). Official figures show cumulative exports from the sector reached $2.803 billion between January and April, marking a 4.3% year-over-year increase when compared to the same four-month period in 2025. This uptick translates to an additional $115.2 million in export revenue for the country, outperforming mild regional growth projections for the first half of the year.
Breaking down the sector’s performance by segment, medical and pharmaceutical products emerged as the clear leading contributor, generating $966 million in exports through the end of April. Following the life sciences segment, tobacco and related manufactured goods claimed the second spot with $461.2 million in outbound shipments. A range of other subsectors – including metals and fabricated metal products, cross-border trading activities, and specialty chemical products – all recorded robust double-digit gains over last year’s figures. These broad-based gains underscore the ongoing diversification and growing technological sophistication of the Dominican Republic’s industrial base, moving the country beyond low-value commodity exports toward higher-margin production.
In a statement accompanying the data release, CNZFE Executive Director Johannes Kelner highlighted that the first-quarter growth trend confirms the long-standing resilience and global competitiveness of the country’s free zone regulatory framework. Kelner pointed to three core factors driving the sector’s steady expansion: a consistently stable macroeconomic environment that reduces risk for international investors, government-backed regulatory policies designed to support export-oriented businesses, and sustained inflows of foreign and domestic capital into new production facilities. He added that these combined advantages are rapidly cementing the Dominican Republic’s position as one of the Caribbean and Latin America’s premier hubs for export-focused manufacturing and high-value global services.
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Vybz Kartel tops IRAWMA winners list
The 2026 edition of the International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) concluded on Sunday night at Florida’s Lauderhill Performing Arts Center, with iconic dancehall artist Vybz Kartel taking the spotlight as the event’s biggest winner.
Founded to celebrate exceptional creative talent across reggae, dancehall, Latin, Caribbean, and African entertainment spheres, the annual IRAWMA has long served as a key platform elevating global roots and Caribbean music to wider international audiences. This year’s ceremony delivered no shortage of standout moments, led by Kartel’s historic haul of nine awards, two of which were collaborative honors.
Among Kartel’s most high-profile wins are the coveted Entertainer of the Year, Recording Artiste of the Year, and Album of the Year for his Grammy-nominated project *Heart and Soul*. The album picked up a nomination for Best Reggae Album at the 2025 Grammy Awards this past November, marking another career high for the artist. Though Kartel was unable to attend the in-person ceremony in Florida, he shared a heartfelt message of gratitude with fans and peers via an Instagram post shortly after the results were announced.
In his social media statement, Kartel wrote: “Tonight I give thanks to the International Reggae and World Music Award for this incredible honour. Awards like these do more than celebrate individuals – they help preserve the heartbeat of our culture. They remind the world that reggae and dancehall are not just music…they are history, struggle, triumph, spirit and identity. To be recognised by your peers is one of the highest honours an artiste can receive because greatness means more when it is acknowledged by those who truly understand the journey.”
Beyond Kartel’s historic win, the 2026 ceremony recognized a wide slate of leading talent across multiple categories. Dancehall and pop crossover star Shenseea took home the award for Best Female DJ/Rapper, while Masicka won honors for his EP *Her Name is Love*. Other notable winners included Spice, Sean Paul, Popcaan, and DJ Mac, who claimed the Producer of the Year title.
Two legendary figures in the reggae space – veteran performer Burning Spear and acclaimed dancehall artist Mavado – were honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards in recognition of their decades-long contributions to shaping and popularizing Caribbean music globally.
Gramps Morgan, a core member of the award-winning family group Morgan Heritage and a successful solo artist in his own right, secured two wins on the night: Best Male Vocalist and Best Inspirational Song for his track *People Like You*. In an interview with *Observer Online* on Monday, Morgan shared his excitement about the dual honors, noting that the Best Male Vocalist win came as a surprise that left him feeling humbled.
Reflecting on his award-winning track, Morgan said: “Winning an award for the song People Like You, a song that has changed so many people’s lives, the song was meant to give people their flowers while they’re alive.”
The 2026 IRAWMA once again reinforced the enduring global appeal of reggae and Caribbean music, bringing together established icons and rising talent to celebrate the genre’s ongoing cultural impact.
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Umbrella Group of Churches condemns ‘desecration’ of woman’s body by cops, calls for body-worn cameras,
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s most prominent umbrella faith organization, the Jamaica Umbrella Groups of Churches (JUGC), has publicly denounced what it describes as the shameful and dehumanizing mistreatment of Latoya Bulgin’s corpse by Jamaican law enforcement officers, following the woman’s fatal shooting by police over the weekend.
In an official public statement released Monday, the interdenominational coalition confirmed it was deeply distressed by the killing, which unfolded in the Granville community of St James parish this past Sunday. The group’s statement draws heavily on widely circulated security camera footage of the incident that has spread across social media and local online platforms in recent days.
“What the circulating footage appears to capture goes far beyond a simple breakdown of standard police procedure. What we see is a desecration of a human life. Every person is created in the image of God, and no one deserves to be treated in this way,” the JUGC governing council stated.
The coalition acknowledged that the officer implicated in the incident has already been placed on interdiction, and that Jamaica’s Independent Commission of Investigations (Indecom), the country’s independent police oversight body, has launched a formal probe into the shooting and subsequent handling of Bulgin’s body. Even with these initial steps, the group stressed that the Jamaican public is owed a full, trust-building investigation that addresses all outstanding critical questions and delivers meaningful accountability for the life that was lost.
Citing a passage from the biblical book of Amos 5:24 — which calls for justice to “roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream” — the organization noted the verse is not only a source of comfort for those grieving, but a mandate to hold powerful institutions to account.
“Peace and justice cannot be separated, particularly here in Granville, where community calm is already fragile. We cannot accept a return to quiet that comes at the cost of ignoring the truth,” the statement read. The JUGC also pointed to the publicly circulating CCTV footage as clear proof of the urgent need for mandatory body-worn cameras for all Jamaican police officers. While the group acknowledged recent comments from the police commissioner about ongoing progress on rolling out the technology, it emphasized that the current moment demands a public, clear implementation timeline, binding accountability mechanisms, and measurable progress to deliver on the policy.
The coalition also voiced deep, growing alarm over the steady rise in fatal police shootings across Jamaica in recent months. It stressed that all Jamaican citizens deserve full confidence that officers sworn to serve and protect the public consistently exercise restraint, disciplinary control, and every possible effort to preserve human life in the line of duty.
“We are calling on churches, local community leaders, ordinary residents, and public officials across the country to collaborate to uphold the value of life, maintain equal rule of law, and deliver justice for every Jamaican,” the group said.
It also issued a direct call to Prime Minister Andrew Holness to address the nation clearly, and give a public guarantee that allegations of unlawful killings and excessive force by state agents will not be normalized, excused, or buried to avoid scrutiny.
Closing its statement, the coalition reaffirmed its commitment to seeing the process through: “The Church is watching, and we will not rest until we get answers that deliver full justice and complete transparency for this incident.”