Marseille’s head coach, Roberto De Zerbi, has expressed his support for Mason Greenwood as the forward prepares to face English opposition for the first time since allegations of sexual assault surfaced in 2022. Greenwood, who joined Marseille in July 2024 after a loan spell at Getafe, is set to start in the Champions League match against Newcastle on Tuesday. De Zerbi emphasized that Greenwood has ‘paid dearly’ for the accusations, which were dropped by prosecutors in February 2023, and has found a supportive environment in Marseille. ‘I regret what happened in his life because I know someone different from what’s being described, especially in England,’ De Zerbi stated. Greenwood has been in impressive form, scoring 11 goals this season and 33 overall for Marseille. De Zerbi praised his development, calling him a ‘complete player’ while urging the media to avoid excessive scrutiny. Despite his on-field success, Greenwood’s international future remains uncertain, with England manager Thomas Tuchel confirming he is not part of current plans. Teammate Angel Gomes, who played alongside Greenwood at Manchester United, noted their friendship but remained tight-lipped about Greenwood’s aspirations for an England recall. Marseille, with three points from four Champions League matches, face an uphill battle to qualify for the knockout stage, while Newcastle, sixth in the table, aim to continue their strong form.
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Tigray Express shines — A rare claiming gem
In a stunning display of consistency and skill, Tigray Express, a six-year-old bay horse, has once again proven his mettle on the racetrack. Trained by Phillip Elliott and ridden by Raddesh Roman, the chestnut colt secured his eighth win in nine starts, a remarkable feat for a claiming horse. This victory, achieved on Saturday, November 22, 2025, also marked his fifth consecutive win, further cementing his reputation as a top contender in the racing world. The race, an Optional Claiming contest with a purse ranging from $500,000 to $400,000, featured native-bred six-year-olds and older horses, as well as native-bred five-year-olds, competing over 6½ furlongs (1,300 meters). Tigray Express, sired by Traditional out of Kiri, broke sharply from the gate, took an early lead, and maintained a strong gallop throughout the race. He surged ahead in the straight, finishing a commanding 9½ lengths ahead of the competition with a time of 1:24.0 (24.2 x 49.1 x 1:16.2). High Diplomacy, ridden by Robert Halledeen, finished second, while Wilson, with Oshadane Robinson in the saddle, came in third. Following the race, it was announced that Tigray Express had been claimed for $500,000 by trainer Dalton Sirjue on behalf of owner Anthony Chin. The horse attracted significant interest, with 32 claims submitted. This latest victory brings Tigray Express’s career record to 14 wins from 54 starts, with total stakes earnings nearing $8 million. His consistent performance under various trainers and riders has made him one of the most coveted horses in the industry. His only loss this season occurred on May 23, when he finished fourth in a $1-million claiming race, trailing Burling Valor by 7 lengths over 7 furlongs. Trainer Phillip Elliott and other connections celebrated with Tigray Express and jockey Raddesh Roman in the winners’ enclosure after the race.
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EASY AS YOU LIKE
As the Jamaica senior women’s football team, the Reggae Girlz, prepare for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers, Head Coach Hubert Busby has expressed confidence in the smooth reintegration of star striker and captain Khadija “Bunny” Shaw. The team’s playing philosophy, which has been shaped around Shaw’s strengths, ensures her return will be seamless. The Reggae Girlz kick off their qualifying campaign on Saturday against Dominica at the Daren Sammy Cricket Stadium in St Lucia, followed by matches against Nicaragua, Antigua and Barbuda, and Guyana in March and April 2026. The team is striving for a third consecutive World Cup appearance after successful campaigns in 2019 and 2023. Busby emphasized that the team’s style has been developed with Shaw in mind, making her reintegration straightforward. “A couple of training sessions will be enough to integrate her back. She’s a top-class professional, so we don’t foresee any issues,” Busby stated during a virtual press conference. Shaw, who has been absent due to injury, club commitments, and load management, joins a squad featuring attackers Natasha Thomas, Jody Brown, Ricshya Walker, Shania Hayles, Kalyssa Van Zanten, and Shaneil Buckley. The team’s recent training camp in Trinidad has bolstered their readiness for the upcoming qualifiers. Busby also highlighted the integration of young players, guided by senior team members, as a key factor in their preparation. The group winner of the qualifiers will advance to the 2026 Concacaf Women’s Championship, with the top four teams securing direct entry to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
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Bolt blasts Boyz
Jamaica’s national football team, the Reggae Boyz, faced a crushing blow as they failed to secure an automatic spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a goalless draw against Curacao. The match, held at the National Stadium last Tuesday, left fans and sports legends alike disheartened. Sprint icon Usain Bolt, who had delivered a motivational speech to the team before the game, expressed his disappointment, questioning the players’ dedication and effort on the field. Bolt, an eight-time Olympic champion, stated that he was shocked by the team’s performance, emphasizing that it appeared the players did not give their all. His sentiments were echoed by fans who were further angered by images of players Dujuan Richards and Renaldo Cephas attending a social event in Kingston hours after the match. Bolt criticized their actions, calling them a sign of apathy toward the nation’s struggles, especially in the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s recent devastation. Despite the setback, the Reggae Boyz still have a chance to qualify through the inter-confederation play-offs in March, where they will face New Caledonia. However, Bolt remains pessimistic about their prospects, stating that he cannot endure another heartbreak. The team’s lackluster performance has sparked a broader conversation about commitment and national pride in Jamaican sports.
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A nuclear bomb was dropped in our country
A Jamaican professional, who has worked with the United Nations and witnessed global disasters firsthand, recently returned to his homeland following the catastrophic passage of Hurricane Melissa. Traveling through Westmoreland, Ferris, Withorn, and Montego Bay, he encountered a landscape ravaged by the storm. The journey, which typically takes less time, was prolonged to three hours due to severely damaged roads, downed cable wires, and flooded pathways. The devastation was overwhelming, with trees stripped of leaves, homes and businesses missing roofs, and entire communities submerged in water. The scene was reminiscent of a nuclear blast, leaving the observer in disbelief. The emotional toll was profound as he revisited his hometown, witnessing the ruins of his primary school and the remnants of his grandmother’s house, where his cousin had narrowly escaped the storm. Despite the heartbreak, moments of hope emerged as he distributed food and water to survivors, receiving gratitude and hugs from those he helped. The experience underscored the resilience of the Jamaican people and the importance of community support in the face of disaster.
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Towards a food-secure Jamaica
Food security remains a cornerstone of Jamaica’s sustainable development, playing a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s future. As the 21st century unfolds with its unique challenges, the need for innovative agricultural practices and robust research has never been more critical. These advancements are essential not only to meet the food demands of a growing population but also to ensure efficient storage and distribution systems, particularly in the face of economic volatility and environmental uncertainties.
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The rise of volunteerism post-Melissa
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation in Jamaica, a remarkable wave of volunteerism has emerged, transforming a crisis into an opportunity for societal rebuilding and innovation. The hurricane has left tens of thousands of Jamaicans internally displaced, creating an urgent need for relief and recovery efforts. However, amidst the destruction, the response from both local and international communities has been nothing short of inspiring.
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Melissa exposed what truly matters in our schools
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, the education system has undergone a profound transformation, shedding outdated priorities and refocusing on what truly matters: the children. Before the storm, schools were preoccupied with enforcing trivial dress codes—debating hemlines, hairlines, and sock colors—as if these were the pillars of academic success. Some institutions even barred students from entering classrooms over grooming violations, turning school gates into battlegrounds of unnecessary discipline.
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The Jimmy Cliff, Perry Henzell years
In 1969, a serendipitous meeting between Perry Henzell, an aspiring filmmaker, and Jimmy Cliff, a rising music star, at Dynamic Records in Kingston, Jamaica, marked the beginning of a transformative partnership. Henzell, seeking to create a soundtrack for his debut film, approached Cliff to compose and perform the music. Cliff, brimming with confidence, accepted the challenge without hesitation. This collaboration would later culminate in the iconic 1972 film *The Harder They Come*, which not only featured Cliff’s music but also cast him in the lead role of Ivan, propelling him to international stardom.
Cliff, who passed away on November 24, 2021, at the age of 81, left an indelible mark on both music and cinema. His portrayal of Ivan, inspired by the real-life criminal Ivanhoe “Rhyging” Martin, was a testament to his acting prowess. Henzell’s daughter, Justine, recalled the profound bond between her father and Cliff, describing it as a familial relationship that spanned over five decades. She highlighted Cliff’s ability to improvise and embody his character, a quality that Henzell, a director who valued authenticity, deeply appreciated.
The film’s soundtrack, featuring Cliff’s timeless tracks such as *Many Rivers to Cross* and *You Can Get It If You Really Want*, became a cultural milestone. Henzell, who had grown weary of his career in advertising, was driven by a desire to tell Rhyging’s story, a tale of rebellion and resilience. Cliff’s dual role as actor and musician brought Henzell’s vision to life, creating a cinematic masterpiece that resonated globally.
Cliff’s legacy extends beyond *The Harder They Come*. A two-time Grammy Award winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, he was also honored with Jamaica’s Order of Merit. His final birthday celebration in July 2021 was marked by a heartfelt conversation with Justine and her mother, Sally, reflecting the enduring connection between the Henzell family and the legendary artist.
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Jimmy Cliff’s success with I Can See Clearly Now
Renowned music producer and musician Paul ‘Computer Paul’ Henton recently reflected on the success of Jimmy Cliff’s 1993 rendition of Johnny Nash’s classic ‘I Can See Clearly Now.’ Henton, who produced the track and played drums and keyboards, recalled his early confidence in the song’s potential. ‘I kinda expected it to take off,’ Henton shared in an interview with the Jamaica Observer. His belief was reinforced when a Disney executive, upon hearing a rough mix, exclaimed, ‘Wow, this is gonna be a hit.’ The song, featured on the ‘Cool Runnings’ soundtrack, became one of Cliff’s most celebrated works, charting globally and achieving certifications in multiple countries. Jimmy Cliff, who passed away at 81 on Monday due to pneumonia following a seizure, leaves behind a rich musical legacy. His version of ‘I Can See Clearly Now’ peaked at #18 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped charts in France, among other countries. Henton fondly remembered Cliff as ‘easy-going’ and ‘one of the nicest artistes to work with,’ highlighting his kindness and writing prowess. The song’s enduring popularity is evident as it continues to receive airplay on mainstream radio in the U.S. Cliff’s career spanned decades, with numerous chart entries across genres, including eight on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart and three on the Billboard 200. His influence extended beyond music, cementing him as a stalwart of reggae and a global cultural icon.