作者: admin

  • ‘God is so good to me’

    ‘God is so good to me’

    In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic passage through St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, the profound human toll extends far beyond physical destruction. For Janet Chambers, a resident of Middle Quarters, the Category 5 storm in October didn’t merely demolish her home but unleashed an overwhelming tide of desperation and powerlessness.

    Absent during the hurricane’s fury, Chambers received the devastating news through a frantic call from her sister warning about her home’s precarious state. Returning to her property, she confronted unimaginable devastation: her kitchen vanished, veranda destroyed, and entire roof structure stripped away, leaving nothing but vulnerability to the elements.

    Facing this catastrophe without immediate resources or familial support—being husbandless and childless—Chambers turned to divine intervention in her deepest despair. ‘Lord, you see God, mi no have nobody but you,’ she pleaded, confronting the impossibility of financing repairs with her limited means.

    Her salvation emerged through the Middle Quarters New Testament Church of God, where Reverend Leslie Pinnock transformed sympathy into substantive action. Witnessing Chambers washing outdoors in pouring rain because her interior was equally exposed, Pinnock and congregants immediately covered her home with tarpaulin before mobilizing a comprehensive repair initiative.

    The church’s Mission Rise 3.0 project identified three most vulnerable households, including Chambers’ and sixty-nine-year-old pensioner Wilbert Peart’s residence. Peart, surviving on a mere $14,000 monthly pension, described the assistance as fundamentally ‘needed, not wanted’ after the hurricane cracked his walls, destroyed belongings, and compromised his roof.

    During a recent weekend, congregants from Escarpment Road, Middle Quarters and surrounding districts volunteered to reconstruct Chambers’ home. As she witnessed this collective effort, Chambers expressed transcendent gratitude: ‘If God never show up for me, I don’t know how I would manage… In everything, God stand by me and don’t leave me.’

    While these repairs mark significant progress, both survivors acknowledge the long recovery ahead. Peart emphasized that despite profound gratitude, ongoing support remains essential for those living on the brink of poverty. The church’s intervention illustrates how faith communities provide not just spiritual comfort but tangible solutions when natural disasters exacerbate existing vulnerabilities.

  • Trinidadian footballer Shaka Hislop reveals he has prostate cancer

    Trinidadian footballer Shaka Hislop reveals he has prostate cancer

    Former Newcastle United and Trinidad and Tobago goalkeeper Shaka Hislop has publicly disclosed his ongoing battle with an aggressive form of prostate cancer. The football pundit shared his personal health journey in a heartfelt video posted to his Instagram account, detailing his diagnosis and treatment to raise awareness among men worldwide.

    Hislop revealed that the cancer was detected approximately 18 months ago during his routine annual physical examination. ‘I consistently insisted on a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test as part of my check-up,’ Hislop explained. ‘This particular time, my PSA levels were elevated, prompting further investigation through MRI and biopsy procedures which confirmed the presence of an aggressive prostate cancer.’

    The former West Ham player underwent a radical prostatectomy—a surgical procedure for partial or complete removal of the prostate gland—on December 6, 2024. However, Hislop’s medical journey continued when follow-up tests six months post-surgery showed rising PSA levels again. Subsequent scans confirmed the cancer had metastasized to his pelvic bone, requiring immediate medication and an intensive seven-and-a-half week radiation therapy regimen which he recently completed.

    Making a special appeal to Caribbean men who statistically face the highest mortality rates from prostate cancer globally, Hislop emphasized: ‘My community, my people, please go get tested. Understand your PSA numbers and track their historical changes. Prostate cancer becomes survivable when detected early, and various treatment options exist. Testing genuinely saves lives—it certainly saved mine.’

    Hislop’s courageous disclosure follows medical research from institutions like Johns Hopkins Medicine which indicates early detection significantly improves prostate cancer outcomes. His advocacy highlights the critical importance of regular health screenings, particularly for high-risk demographic groups.

  • Mom charged for death of  pregnant daughter in Michigan

    Mom charged for death of pregnant daughter in Michigan

    MICHIGAN, United States — A Michigan couple stands accused of perpetrating a crime described by prosecutors as ‘evil personified,’ following the murder of the wife’s biological daughter and the surgical removal of the victim’s nearly full-term baby.

    Cortney Bartholomew, 40, and her husband Brad Bartholomew, 47, face multiple felony charges including murder and torture in connection with the death of 22-year-old Rebecca Park. The victim, who was adopted and raised by another family, had been missing for three weeks before her body was discovered in a wooded area.

    According to prosecuting attorney Johanna Carey, the horrific crime unfolded when Brad Bartholomew transported Rebecca to the couple’s residence before forcing her into another vehicle and taking her to a remote forest location. Court documents reveal that the defendants then stabbed the pregnant woman, forced her to lie on the ground, and performed a crude cesarean section to remove the infant. Both mother and child succumbed to their injuries.

    The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office has not yet disclosed a potential motive for the brutal attack. The biological relationship between Cortney Bartholomew and the victim adds a complex dimension to the case, as Park had been adopted and raised separately from her biological mother.

    Both defendants have been denied bond following their arraignment via video conference from jail. The case has sent shockwaves through the local community and raised questions about the circumstances that could lead to such violence within a biological family relationship. Law enforcement continues to investigate whether additional factors, including possible mental health issues or previous conflicts, might have contributed to the tragic outcome.

  • KC seek motivation for second-tier Walker Cup through record title chase

    KC seek motivation for second-tier Walker Cup through record title chase

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – In a significant shift for Jamaican school football, defending champions Kingston College (KC) have suffered a stunning elimination from the ISSA Manning Cup quarterfinals, marking their first absence from the tournament’s final eight in twelve years. This unexpected early exit simultaneously opens an unusual opportunity for the team to pursue historic silverware in the secondary Walker Cup competition.

    The ‘Purples’ concluded their round of 16 campaign in third position, resulting in their relegation to the urban-area Walker Cup while forfeiting eligibility for the prestigious all-island Champions Cup. This demotion presents KC with a paradoxical chance to become the most decorated institution in Walker Cup history, currently tied with St George’s College at nine titles each.

    Head Coach Vassell Reynolds expressed measured disappointment while acknowledging the team’s challenging circumstances. “Having started as defending champions and giving our preparation our best shot as a coaching staff, clearly we must feel somewhat disappointed,” Reynolds stated to the Jamaica Observer. He cited the substantial challenge of replacing seven regular starters from last year’s championship squad as a primary factor in their premature exit.

    Statistical analysis reveals KC sustained only one defeat throughout the season – a narrow 1-0 loss to Hydel – while recording two draws. However, defensive vulnerabilities proved decisive, exacerbated by the absence of key personnel including 16-year-old central defender Jaeshawn Edwards, currently trialing in Dubai, and left back Rajae Ximines who departed the football program despite receiving a national under-20 training camp invitation.

    The Walker Cup, controversially restructured as a second-tier competition for teams eliminated in the Manning Cup’s second round, hasn’t featured KC since their 2016 triumph. That previous victory signaled the program’s resurgence after a prolonged drought, ultimately culminating in their 2018 Manning Cup victory – their first in nearly three decades – followed by two additional Manning Cups and last year’s Olivier Shield as all-island champions.

    Coach Reynolds has already begun reframing the team’s objectives: “We feel, having not won the Walker Cup since 2016, that can motivate ourselves and look forward to achieving.” Their campaign commences next Wednesday against St Jago High in a quartet of opening matches that will also feature nine-time joint holder St George’s College versus defending champions Mona High, alongside St Catherine High facing Campion College and Tivoli Gardens meeting Wolmer’s Boys.

  • Jazz Must Be returns to The Summit for second staging

    Jazz Must Be returns to The Summit for second staging

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The cultural landscape of Kingston prepares to embrace an evening of sophisticated musical artistry as vocalist Apryl-Jaye presents the second annual installment of “Island Car Rentals Presents: Jazz Must Be.” The exclusive jazz fusion showcase is scheduled for Thursday, December 4 at The Summit venue, promising two hours of immersive auditory excellence from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM, with doors opening at 7:00 PM.

    Under the distinguished patronage of Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, this year’s event maintains its commitment to musical excellence while incorporating meaningful philanthropic elements. The production enjoys continued support from title sponsor Island Car Rentals, alongside contributing partners Tamia Carey, Roots Financial Group, and FMA Customs Brokers.

    Audiences can anticipate a meticulously curated program featuring Apryl-Jaye’s signature blend of jazz, bossa nova, and innovative fusion interpretations. The evening’s musical journey will include a special tribute segment arranged by renowned saxophonist Dean Fraser, honoring reggae legends Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs, Delroy Wilson, and John Holt. Additionally, the program will memorialize black artists who passed in 2025, including celebrated musicians Angie Stone and D’Angelo.

    The event will showcase Jamaica’s exceptional musical talent through an all-star ensemble featuring Keneil Delisser (drums), Dale Brown (bass), Gregory Palmer (keyboard), Okiel McIntyre (trumpet), and Lamont ‘Monty’ Savory (guitar). Organizers have hinted at a surprise guest performance, maintaining tradition from the inaugural event.

    Beyond the musical offerings, the experience includes a Food Village for early arrivals, and the event incorporates charitable components. A portion of proceeds will support Hurricane Melissa relief efforts, while an on-site donation drive will collect non-perishable food and personal care items.

    Tickets are exclusively available for pre-sale at Music Mart for $5,000 JMD. Additional event information can be obtained via WhatsApp at 876-540-1020.

  • Gov’t receives Ethiopian delegation on hurricane recovery assistance mission

    Gov’t receives Ethiopian delegation on hurricane recovery assistance mission

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant demonstration of South-South cooperation, the Jamaican government welcomed a high-level Ethiopian delegation on Thursday to formalize international support for hurricane recovery initiatives. The delegation, spearheaded by State Minister His Excellency Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye from the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, arrived to assess damage and identify specific areas where Ethiopian expertise and resources could assist Jamaica’s rehabilitation efforts following the devastation of Hurricane Melissa.

    The delegation was formally received at Jamaica House by Senator Abka Fitz-Henley, State Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister. The meeting included key figures such as Permanent Secretary Ambassador Rocky Meade and Commander Alvin Gayle, Director General of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), highlighting the strategic importance of the bilateral engagement.

    Senator Fitz-Henley publicly acknowledged the diplomatic gesture through social media, commending Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for his proactive approach in offering support. He emphasized the deep historical connections between the two nations, noting shared ancestry and cultural heritage as foundations for a strengthened partnership. Fitz-Henley expressed confidence that this collaboration would intensify significantly in the coming weeks, months, and years.

    As part of their fact-finding mission, Ambassador Tsegaye was scheduled to conduct firsthand assessments in the severely affected parishes of St. Elizabeth and Westmoreland. This ground-level evaluation aims to align Ethiopia’s assistance with Jamaica’s most pressing post-disaster needs, ensuring targeted and effective international disaster relief cooperation.

  • Pan will always have a home at President’s House, says Kangaloo

    Pan will always have a home at President’s House, says Kangaloo

    In a powerful demonstration of cultural solidarity, Trinidad and Tobago’s President Christine Kangaloo has declared the President’s House a permanent home for the national steelpan instrument. The announcement came during the inaugural Steelpan Royale: An Evening of Elegance event held December 3 at the official presidential residence in St. Ann’s, addressing growing concerns over diminished state support for the traditional art form.

    The event, which assembled diplomats, regional leaders, industry captains, and cultural icons, served as both an artistic showcase and political statement. President Kangaloo emphasized the steelpan’s global stature and versatility, noting its capacity to ‘command any stage, anywhere in the world.’ Her remarks carried particular significance as five steelbands recently lost sponsorship from state energy companies, creating financial uncertainty within the community preparing for Carnival 2026’s costly Panorama competitions.

    The musical program featured extraordinary performances by pan legends Ray Holman, Len ‘Boogsie’ Sharpe, and Natasha Joseph, who demonstrated the instrument’s remarkable expressive range through solo selections. Their repertoire spanned Christmas classics including ‘Deck the Halls,’ ‘I’ll Be Home for Christmas,’ and ‘Little Drummer Boy,’ before transitioning into spirited collaborations featuring soca parang favorites like Baron’s ‘Come Go’ and Scrunter’s ‘Ma Jeffrey.’

    The evening culminated with The Lydians choir, under Dr. Edward Cumberbatch’s direction, delivering a show-stopping finale that merged a tassa-infused arrangement of the ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ with a stirring rendition of ‘Nessun Dorma,’ earning multiple standing ovations. With musical direction by maestro Pelham Goddard, the event reaffirmed the steelpan’s dual identity as both national treasure and global artistic force.

    As guests departed, President Kangaloo and her husband Kerwyn Garcia personally thanked attendees, extending seasonal greetings while reinforcing the message that despite funding challenges, the steelpan—born from struggle and creativity—remains firmly positioned at the nation’s highest seat of office.

  • Contractors’ union demands $$ for back pay by December 22

    Contractors’ union demands $$ for back pay by December 22

    The Contractors and General Workers Trade Union (CGWTU) has issued an urgent demand for immediate cash payments of outstanding wages to its members employed at the San Fernando City Corporation. Union president Ermine De Bique-Meade delivered a forceful address during a December 4th press conference at the union’s Rushworth Street headquarters, setting a definitive deadline of December 22nd for settlement of all arrears.

    De Bique-Meade directly appealed to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar for intervention, emphasizing the critical timing ahead of the holiday season. The demanded payments stem from collective bargaining agreements covering periods 2014-2017 and 2017-2019, which were formally signed on April 24th under the previous administration, just days before the United National Congress (UNC) assumed power following the April 28th general elections.

    The union leader referenced Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo’s October 13th budget presentation commitment to ratify several public sector agreements, including those affecting municipal workers. Drawing parallels to the Public Services Association’s recent successful negotiation for $3.8 billion in back pay, De Bique-Meade insisted on similar cash disbursements rather than deferred payment arrangements, declaring, ‘Cash! Cash! Cash! Nothing else than cash because you can’t take anything else to the grocery!’

    In a notable strategic move, De Bique-Meade highlighted the union’s yellow branding—matching the UNC’s party colors—and reminded officials of their pre-election collaboration. ‘This colour sat around the table and had discussions with him,’ she stated, adding, ‘When you all needed us, we were there! We need you all now!’

    The union president confirmed that approximately 800 municipal workers are affected by the delayed payments. While expressing confidence in the Prime Minister’s willingness to ‘do the right thing,’ De Bique-Meade acknowledged that only the current state of emergency provisions prevented immediate street protests, suggesting the union would otherwise have been ‘outside Parliament’ demonstrating.

  • Gov’t receives Ethiopian delegation on hurricane recovery assistance mission

    Gov’t receives Ethiopian delegation on hurricane recovery assistance mission

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant demonstration of international solidarity, a high-level Ethiopian delegation arrived in Jamaica on Thursday to assess damage and explore avenues for supporting the island nation’s recovery from Hurricane Melissa. The delegation, spearheaded by His Excellency Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye, Ethiopia’s State Minister, was formally received at Jamaica House by Senator Abka Fitz-Henley, State Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister.

    The meeting underscored a mutual commitment to strengthening bilateral relations amidst a crisis. Senator Fitz-Henley publicly acknowledged and commended Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for initiating this supportive gesture. He emphasized the profound historical and cultural connections between the two nations, rooted in shared ancestry and heritage, which form the foundation for a robust and evolving partnership.

    Key officials, including Permanent Secretary Ambassador Rocky Meade and Director General of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), Commander Alvin Gayle, contributed to the strategic discussions. The agenda focused on coordinating effective relief efforts and formulating a framework for long-term recovery assistance. Following the high-level talks, Ambassador Tsegaye was scheduled for an observational tour of the severely impacted parishes of St. Elizabeth and Westmoreland to evaluate the devastation firsthand and better direct Ethiopian support.

  • Jamaica-bound hurricane relief container robbed in Canada

    Jamaica-bound hurricane relief container robbed in Canada

    Authorities in Toronto have launched a full-scale investigation into a devastating theft that targeted humanitarian aid, with volunteers describing the crime as a profound blow to charitable efforts. The incident, which unfolded at a local storage facility, saw thieves make off with an estimated CA$300,000 to CA$400,000 worth of donated goods meticulously gathered over a three-week period for vulnerable communities in Jamaica.

    According to volunteer Michael Bennett, who provided a emotional account to CTV News, the donations comprised essential supplies including non-perishable food, clothing, and critical power generators. The discovery was made on Wednesday morning when the volunteer team arrived to prepare the items for shipment, only to find the storage unit’s padlock severed and the container completely emptied.

    Toronto Police evidence suggests the burglary was executed overnight. Security camera footage reportedly captured a truck forcefully breaching a secured gate at the container facility, enabling the perpetrators to systematically empty the unit unimpeded. The calculated nature of the operation indicates a premeditated act rather than a crime of opportunity.

    In a poignant television interview, Bennett struggled to contain his emotion, emphasizing the profound human impact of the theft. He articulated the particular cruelty of stealing supplies intended for those in dire need, questioning the motive behind targeting humanitarian aid. ‘The material value is secondary,’ Bennett stated. ‘The food represents sustenance for families. What purpose does this serve the thieves here? None whatsoever.’

    The robbery has not only resulted in a significant material loss but has also delivered a demoralizing setback to the volunteer-driven initiative, casting a shadow over community trust and the security of charitable operations.