作者: admin

  • #Champs2026: Vere Tech’s Freemantle into girls Class 1 discus final

    #Champs2026: Vere Tech’s Freemantle into girls Class 1 discus final

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The opening day of the prestigious ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletics Championships witnessed outstanding performances in field events at the National Stadium. Ramona Freemantle of Vere Technical High School emerged as a standout athlete by qualifying for her second final of the competition in the girls Class 1 discus throw discipline.

    Freemantle, who placed fifth in last year’s discus final with a throw of 48.21 meters, demonstrated remarkable composure after an initial foul attempt. The athlete rebounded impressively with a second throw measuring 48.32 meters, securing her position in the upcoming final. This achievement adds to her previously confirmed placement in the girls Open Javelin throw competition, positioning her as a formidable multi-event contender.

    The qualification round saw several other athletes advance with exceptional single-attempt performances. Abigail Bennett from Merl Grove High School recorded a throw of 46.39 meters, while Marla-Kay Lampart of Clarendon College achieved 46.24 meters. Gabriel Merchant, another Vere Technical athlete, joined the qualifiers with a mark of 46.06 meters.

    Additional athletes progressing to the next round included Dionjah Shaw from Edwin Allen High (45.42m), Jada Francis of Immaculate Conception High (44.75m), and Rehanna Biggs representing St. Jago High (43.19m). The competition showcased the depth of talent in Jamaican high school athletics, setting the stage for an exciting finals series in the discus throw event.

  • Abortion pill prescriptions surge in US states with bans — study

    Abortion pill prescriptions surge in US states with bans — study

    A significant shift in abortion access patterns is underway across the United States, according to new research from the Guttmacher Institute. The latest data indicates that women in states with abortion bans are increasingly turning to telehealth services for medication abortions rather than undertaking interstate travel for the procedure.

    The comprehensive report, published Tuesday, reveals that approximately 91,000 women residing in the 13 states with near-total abortion bans received abortion pill prescriptions through telehealth channels in 2025. This figure represents a striking increase of more than 25% compared to the 72,000 prescriptions documented in 2024.

    Concurrently, the research demonstrates a corresponding decline in cross-state travel for abortion services. The number of women journeying from restrictive states to those with more permissive laws dropped from 74,000 in 2024 to approximately 62,000 in 2025. Nationwide, the total number of individuals traveling for abortions decreased to 142,000 last year, down from 170,000 in 2024 and continuing a downward trend from 154,000 in 2023.

    Research authors Isaac Maddow-Zimet and Kimya Forouzan emphasized that these combined statistics indicate a fundamental transformation in how individuals access abortion care in states with complete bans. The dramatic rise in telehealth utilization coincides with the implementation of protective “shield laws” in eight states—California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Maine, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington—which safeguard healthcare providers from prosecution by states where abortion remains illegal.

    Despite the patchwork of state-level restrictions implemented following the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision to overturn federal abortion protections, the national abortion rate remains remarkably stable. The report notes that recorded abortions in 2025 exceeded 1.12 million, maintaining levels consistent with 2024 and representing the highest rate documented since 2009.

  • Shena Carty, a beloved champion for the needy, dies in Florida crash

    Shena Carty, a beloved champion for the needy, dies in Florida crash

    Shena Carty, a prominent Jamaican-American community advocate and philanthropist, tragically lost her life in a vehicular accident on Sunday in Winter Haven, Florida. The fatal incident occurred when a 2013 Mercedes attempted to make a turn and entered the path of her 2006 Suzuki motorcycle, according to witness accounts reported by Tampa Bay 8 media.

    Despite being an experienced motorcyclist with nearly two decades of riding experience, Carty was ejected from her vehicle upon impact. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the 47-year-old was not wearing protective headgear at the time of the collision, which contributed to the fatal outcome.

    Carty’s social media presence revealed her longstanding passion for motorcycling, with her final Facebook post showcasing a nostalgic throwback to her second motorcycle acquired in 2007. ‘I had a 600 Ninja for two years before this and I have no pictures of it anywhere. #Crazy I ain’t new to this,’ she wrote, demonstrating her extensive experience with two-wheel vehicles.

    The Jamaican native, who had emigrated from Hanover to the United States, regularly shared video content of her riding adventures. Her social media channels have since been flooded with emotional tributes and condolences from friends, family, and community members worldwide.

    Beyond her motorcycling enthusiasm, Carty was best known for her extraordinary humanitarian work. As the founder of the Facebook community ‘Jamaican Madhouse,’ she dedicated her life to supporting vulnerable individuals. Through this platform, she organized fundraising initiatives that provided critical assistance to seriously ill Jamaicans and distributed food to hundreds of local community members in need.

    Her 2017 interview with the Jamaica Gleaner revealed the depth of her commitment to charitable causes, positioning her as a beloved figure within both Jamaican and expatriate communities. The sudden loss has created a significant void in the philanthropic circles she actively supported.

  • Rygin King faces ‘Tuff’ challenges with ICE

    Rygin King faces ‘Tuff’ challenges with ICE

    Jamaican dancehall performer Rygin King, legally named Matthew Smith, faced a dramatic turn of events when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers apprehended him at his residence mere hours before his scheduled green card interview with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The arrest occurred yesterday, with Smith’s detention now formally documented on the official ICE website.

    No official explanation has been provided regarding the grounds for his detention, and neither the artist nor his representatives have released any formal statement. This incident marks the second time in recent months that a dancehall artist has been taken into ICE custody, following the detention of fellow musician Chronic Law.

    The situation presents additional complications due to Smith’s medical condition. The artist became paraplegic following a 2020 shooting incident in Westmoreland, Jamaica, that claimed the life of his manager’s wife and left him with three gunshot wounds that damaged his spinal cord. His condition necessitates specialized medical attention.

    Legal complexities surround the arrest, particularly concerning an ongoing New York gun case from 2024. Smith, his wife Ileene Parker-Smith, and four others were arrested in Queens after police discovered a loaded firearm during a traffic stop. Smith pleaded not guilty to six charges, including criminal possession of a loaded firearm in the second degree, which carries a potential 15-year sentence for first-time offenders.

    Despite sources claiming another individual had claimed ownership of the firearm, the case remains active with the next court hearing scheduled for March 27, 2026. Smith’s previous attorney, Marc B Laykind, confirmed he no longer represents the artist and was unaware of the ICE detention.

    Since the 2020 shooting, Smith relocated to the United States for orthopedic treatment and rehabilitation. During this period, he released two critically acclaimed albums, ‘Therapy’ and ‘Recovery,’ which documented his personal journey through physical healing, depression, and resilience. The artist gained prominence with his hit single ‘Tuff’ and solidified his status with a performance at Reggae Sumfest 2018.

  • #Champs2026: Calabar’s Edwards leaps into Class 2 long jump final with single jump

    #Champs2026: Calabar’s Edwards leaps into Class 2 long jump final with single jump

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Stadium witnessed spectacular athletic performances during Tuesday’s qualifying rounds for the Class 2 boys long jump event at the prestigious ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships. Three standout jumpers secured their places in Wednesday’s final with impressive first-attempt clearances that demonstrated both technical prowess and competitive efficiency.

    Talshawn Edwards of Calabar High emerged as the top qualifier, launching himself to a wind-assisted 6.90 meters (with a tailwind of 2.1m/s) that immediately established him as the athlete to beat in the upcoming final. Close behind, Cornwall College’s Zhi-Hew Whitter, who previously claimed gold at the COCAA Western Championships, recorded a solid jump of 6.68 meters (0.5m/s wind) to automatically advance.

    The qualification round saw intense competition as Kingston College’s Odane Noble secured his final berth with a 6.55-meter leap, comfortably exceeding the automatic qualifying standard of 6.50 meters. However, Noble’s performance placed him fourth overall after St Jago High’s Winaldo Faulknor delivered a clutch third-attempt jump of 6.58 meters (0.9m/s wind), demonstrating the dramatic nature of the competition.

    Additional athletes earning spots in Wednesday’s championship final included Shamar Shaw (Calabar High) with 6.47m, Omari Gordon (Wolmer’s Boys) at 6.44m, alongside Akeem Freeman (Manchester High) and Leonardo Green (St Jago High), both recording identical marks of 6.36 meters. The diverse representation from multiple Jamaican high schools sets the stage for an electrifying final showdown that will crown the nation’s top junior long jump talent.

  • #Champs2026: Holmwood lead girls Class 2 and 3 400m qualifying

    #Champs2026: Holmwood lead girls Class 2 and 3 400m qualifying

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The opening day of the prestigious ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships witnessed a spectacular display of emerging talent in the 400-meter events. Athletes from Holmwood Technical High School established an early dominance, securing top positions in the preliminary heats held at the National Stadium on Tuesday.

    In the Class 2 division, Annastacia Hall of Holmwood Technical delivered a commanding performance, clinching her heat with an impressive time of 54.56 seconds. She will be joined in Wednesday’s semi-finals by teammate Maddison Campbell, who secured her advancement with a time of 54.88 seconds.

    The qualifying rounds revealed intense competition across schools. Shameika McLean of Foga Road High demonstrated remarkable speed with 54.78 seconds, while Kimberly Wright from Immaculate Conception followed closely at 55.36 seconds. The field of semi-finalists expanded to include Daniellia Dixon of William Knibb Memorial (55.47 seconds), Khaklila Lewis-Satchwell from Edwin Allen (55.54 seconds), and Hydel High’s Sashana Johnson (55.93 seconds).

    The Class 3 category similarly showcased exceptional young talent, with Holmwood Technical’s Malya McLennon leading the qualifiers with a swift 56.02 seconds. Teammate Tianna Blair secured her semi-final position with 57.36 seconds. Additional qualifiers included Sha-Jay Davis from Convent of Mercy Alpha Academy (56.64 seconds), followed by Hydel High’s Shaneil Henry (56.70 seconds) and Tyecia McDonald (56.93 seconds). Tawauna Marston of Knox College also advanced with a competitive 56.88 seconds.

    The championships continue to serve as a premier platform for Jamaica’s next generation of track stars, setting the stage for thrilling semi-final competitions.

  • #Champs2026: Lacovia High’s Jones and Francis lead boys 400m qualifiers

    #Champs2026: Lacovia High’s Jones and Francis lead boys 400m qualifiers

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The opening day of the prestigious ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletics Championships at the National Stadium witnessed a stunning display of youthful sprinting talent, with Lacovia High School athletes seizing the spotlight. Nicholas Jones and Darren Francis emerged as the standout performers in their respective divisions, setting the stage for an intensely competitive week of track and field.

    Nicholas Jones blazed through the Class 2 400m qualifying round with a commanding time of 48.83 seconds, establishing himself as the athlete to beat in Wednesday’s semi-finals. He outpaced a formidable field that included Calabar High’s Rajeve Allison (49.21 seconds) and Diwayne Sharpe (49.49 seconds). Additional qualifiers advancing to the next round included Rusea’s High’s Tiene Barrett (49.56 seconds), Excelsior High’s Jaeden Campbell (49.66 seconds), and Kingston College duo Jason Pitter (49.86 seconds) and Rishane Howard (49.99 seconds).

    In the Class 3 category, Darren Francis demonstrated exceptional poise and speed, clocking 51.12 seconds to lead all qualifiers. He will be joined in subsequent rounds by Kingston College’s Taariq Gordon (51.34 seconds) and Jamaica College’s Tariq Creary (51.81 seconds). The qualifying group expanded to include Titchfield High’s Rhomarni Bennett (52.41 seconds), Tarrant High’s Janhard Taylor (52.42 seconds), and STETHS’s Olando Headley (52.57 seconds).

    The Class 1 boys event promises to deliver spectacular drama as Titchfield High’s Nishawn Walker posted a personal best to lead qualifying. Jamaica College’s Makaelan Woods followed with 47.60 seconds, while William Knibb Memorial’s Jabari Matheson—who infamously missed last year’s final despite leading the semi-finals—recorded 47.68 seconds. Event favorite Junior Gallimore advanced comfortably with 47.77 seconds, alongside Kingston College’s Jabulani McLeod and Jordan Rehedul, plus last year’s finalist Paul Henry of Foga Road, setting up a thrilling conclusion to the week’s premier sprint event.

  • #Champs2026: Hydel’s Zavien Bernard leads girls Class 2 long jump

    #Champs2026: Hydel’s Zavien Bernard leads girls Class 2 long jump

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The opening day of the prestigious ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletics Championships at the National Stadium witnessed a compelling display of athletic prowess in the Class 2 girls long jump qualifiers. Zavien Bernard of Hydel High, the event’s reigning silver medallist, immediately stamped her authority on the competition. Despite an initial setback with a fouled first attempt, Bernard responded with a commanding leap of 5.64 meters, achieved with a wind assistance of 1.3 meters per second. This mark not only secured her top position in the qualifying round but also comfortably exceeded the automatic qualifying standard of 5.55 meters.

    Hot on her heels was Campion College’s Stefvanco Henry, who posted a strong jump of 5.59m with identical wind conditions, positioning herself as a formidable contender for the finals. The competition further intensified with impressive performances from Karee Tape of Edwin Allen High, who recorded a jump of 5.51m, and Rajana Price from Convent of Mercy Alpha Academy, who reached 5.47m.

    Adding depth to the field of qualifiers, Malia Housen of Mt Alvernia High, celebrated for her triple gold triumph at the COCAA Western Champs, advanced with a solid jump of 5.28m. She will be joined in the next round by Ashley Barrett of Immaculate Conception and the Vere Technical duo of Xiah Tobias and Jenoya Mesquito, setting the stage for a highly competitive final.

  • Keith Poppin drops new single ‘Rocking’

    Keith Poppin drops new single ‘Rocking’

    Veteran Jamaican singer Keith Poppin demonstrates remarkable artistic adaptability with his newly released single ‘Rocking,’ seamlessly merging contemporary production elements with the authentic live instrumentation that established his career prominence during the 1970s era. The North Carolina-based artiste, whose career now spans nearly six decades, consciously balances musical evolution with tradition, aiming to attract new listeners while maintaining fidelity to the organic sound that originally defined his work.

    Produced by Poppin himself, ‘Rocking’ debuted on March 23rd and features an impressive cross-generational ensemble of accomplished musicians. The recording boasts keyboardist Ansel Collins, renowned for his 1971 chart-topping hit ‘Double Barrel’ in the United Kingdom, alongside guitarist Courtland ‘Gizmo’ White, bassist Paul Madden, and drummer Christopher Tyrell. The track was recorded in Jamaica during 2025, emphasizing Poppin’s strong preference for live recordings over computerized beats, which he believes ensures musical longevity and international appeal.

    Poppin articulated his philosophy: ‘Maintaining relevance to contemporary trends remains crucial for gaining new supporters, yet equally important is preserving the artistic foundation that brought initial success—in my case, authentic live music performance.’ He observes that audiences across America, Europe, and Japan consistently demonstrate appreciation for organic instrumentation, explaining the enduring demand for performers from the 1960s and 1970s.

    Originally emerging from Jamaica’s vibrant music scene during the 1970s, Poppin gained recognition for his folk-inspired style and memorable easy-listening ballads including ‘Same Thing For Breakfast,’ ‘Envious,’ and ‘Who Are You.’ Beyond his solo work, he contributed extensively as harmony vocalist to numerous classic recordings such as Lloyd Parks’ ‘Officially,’ Pat Kelly’s ‘Talk About Love,’ and Ernest Wilson’s ‘Storybook Children.’

    Since relocating to the United States during the 1990s, Poppin has maintained an active recording career, with recent compositions like ‘Speak Out’ and ‘Africa Calling’ addressing substantive social commentary themes, illustrating his continued creative development and engagement with contemporary issues.

  • Falmouth United wins fourth straight game

    Falmouth United wins fourth straight game

    MUNRO, St Elizabeth — Falmouth United secured a decisive 4-2 victory against St Bess United in a Zone B clash at Munro College this Saturday, marking their fourth consecutive triumph in the Jamaica Football Championship. This impressive performance signals a remarkable turnaround for a squad that began the season with a sluggish start, managing only a single point from their initial three matches.

    The team’s offensive prowess was on full display with goals from Kayvon Donaldson, Phelan Christie, Mark Lewis, and Jordan Brown. Despite a spirited effort from the hosts, Rajay Wright and Jayquan Mitchell found the net for St Bess United but were ultimately unable to stem the tide.

    In other Zone B action, the league standings continue to tighten. Humble Lion FC maintains its top position with 16 points, despite having a bye this weekend. Hot on their heels, Roaring River FC kept pressure on the leaders by securing a 2-1 win over Holland PYC. Kajaye Williams and O’Shawn Neil provided the goals for Roaring River, while a late consolation from Valentine Thompson did little to alter the outcome for Holland PYC, who suffered their fourth seasonal defeat.

    Further drama unfolded as Duncans United mounted a comeback to defeat Petersfield FC 2-1. After conceding an early goal to Shamali Burley, Duncans rallied with Kamari Gordon equalizing before Kevone Jones netted a dramatic 72nd-minute winner.

    Zone A witnessed its own share of excitement. Sakka Club Browns Town leads the table with 16 points, narrowly ahead of Tru-Juice FC, which squandered a two-goal advantage to settle for a 2-2 draw against a resilient Baptist Alliance. Meanwhile, the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) climbed to third place on 13 points following a commanding 2-0 victory over WiFi United, with late goals from Devontae Francis and Tevin Cheese.

    The weekend was not without disruption; the fixture between Lime Hall and Meadforest FC was abandoned after 26 minutes due to a catastrophic failure of the lighting system at Drax Hall, with the scoreline locked at 0-0.

    Concluding the weekend’s fixtures, Reno FC edged STETHS Elite FA 2-1 on Sunday, powered by a two-goal performance from Lennox Wright.