KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ) has issued a crucial reminder to the public regarding the upcoming deadline for voter registration. Eligible individuals must submit their applications by Tuesday, September 30, 2025, to be included in the updated voters’ list, which will be published on November 30, 2025. Applications received after this date will be processed for the subsequent list scheduled for May 31, 2026. The EOJ emphasizes that individuals already registered should refrain from reapplying. To register, applicants must visit any EOJ constituency office in person during specified hours: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm from Monday to Thursday and 8:30 am to 3:30 pm on Fridays. Applicants are advised to wear dark-colored clothing to facilitate the photograph-taking process. Following the in-office application, a residence verification team will visit the provided address to finalize the registration. The process is free of charge. Eligibility criteria require applicants to be at least 18 years old and either Jamaican citizens or Commonwealth citizens who have resided in Jamaica for at least 12 consecutive months prior to registration. Commonwealth citizens must present relevant documentation during the application process. The voters’ list is updated and published biannually on May 31 and November 30, ensuring the accuracy and inclusivity of Jamaica’s electoral system.
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NCB launches Voluntary Separation Programme
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Commercial Bank (NCB) has announced the introduction of a Voluntary Separation Programme (VSP) for eligible staff members across its operations and wholly-owned subsidiaries in Jamaica. The initiative, which will be available from September 23, 2025, to September 29, 2025, is entirely optional and aims to assist employees who are considering alternative career paths or opportunities outside the bank.
Participants in the VSP will be entitled to a comprehensive package of financial and transitional benefits. These include severance payments, extended health and life insurance coverage, concessions on staff loans, flexible pension options, and the continuation of existing scholarships. NCB has clarified that the programme is not a replacement for redundancy provisions and is unrelated to employee performance. Approval for participation will be contingent on the bank’s business needs.
In a statement, NCB emphasised its commitment to fairness, transparency, and respect throughout the process. ‘We deeply value the contributions of all our employees and remain dedicated to supporting our team members during this transition,’ the bank stated. The VSP reflects NCB’s proactive approach to workforce management while maintaining its focus on operational efficiency and employee welfare.
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Gyptian says ‘Hold Yuh’ was mega-hit before Nicki Minaj remix
Fifteen years after the release of his chart-topping single ‘Hold Yuh,’ internationally acclaimed artist Gyptian is clarifying the narrative surrounding the song’s global success, particularly the role of the remix featuring Nicki Minaj. In a recent interview circulating on social media, Gyptian emphasized that while Minaj’s involvement introduced the track to a broader audience, the song was already a mainstream hit before her collaboration. He asserted that ‘Hold Yuh’ played a pivotal role in elevating Minaj’s career rather than the other way around. Gyptian stated, ‘The original track was the bigger one. She got bigger from the song. Don’t make the American dream sound like it’s more when it’s really not.’ He further explained that Minaj was an artist on a mixtape at the time, and the song’s success was driven by its inherent quality, not her contribution. Gyptian also highlighted that the revenue generated from the track was not due to Minaj’s part, as her remix was not officially released. The artist, who has largely avoided industry politics, felt it was time to set the record straight after more than a decade. ‘We’re big men now, so it’s time to set it straight,’ he said. ‘In reality, the song did it for her because nobody knew her outside of New York.’ Released in 2010 by VP Records, ‘Hold Yuh’ was a monumental success, peaking at number 77 on the Billboard Hot 100, number 16 on the UK Singles Chart, and number 69 on the Canadian Hot 100. It helped reintroduce Jamaican music to the global mainstream and earned Gyptian accolades, including a Soul Train Award and a MOBO Award. The track was certified gold in the US in 2013 and double platinum in the UK in 2024. Music experts and fans have defended Gyptian’s claims, noting that ‘Hold Yuh’ was a massive hit even before Minaj’s involvement. The song’s official music video has garnered over 181 million views on YouTube, while the track boasts over 280 million plays on Spotify.
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Man jailed in France three decades after cold-case murder of schoolgirl
In a landmark verdict, a French court has sentenced Pascal Lafolie, 58, to 30 years in prison for the 1994 murder of 17-year-old Nadege Desnoix, marking the resolution of one of France’s longest-standing cold cases. The trial, held in Laon, northern France, concluded on Thursday with Lafolie receiving the maximum sentence. He must serve two-thirds of his term before being eligible for parole. Lafolie, who has a history of rape and sexual assault convictions, was arrested in 2021 after DNA evidence linked him to the crime. Despite his claims of innocence and attempts to shift blame onto his deceased brother, investigators found no evidence to support his defense. The breakthrough came when Lafolie’s DNA, collected in a domestic violence case, matched genetic material found on a hairband worn by Desnoix at the time of her death. The case had remained unsolved for decades, with investigators initially exploring leads involving her boyfriend and notorious serial killer Michel Fourniret. Desnoix’s body was discovered in Chateau-Thierry, near her school, with a nylon cord and a freshly picked rose found beside her. The autopsy revealed no signs of sexual assault. Lafolie’s conviction brings closure to a case that has haunted the Aisne region for over three decades.
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EU and Caribbean Export launch BRIDGE to accelerate MSME growth
The Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export), in collaboration with the European Union’s Global Gateway initiative, has unveiled a groundbreaking facility to empower micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) across the Caribbean. Named the Building Resilient Innovation for Digital & Green Enterprises (BRIDGE) facility, the program provides co-financing of up to EUR 100,000 to help MSMEs adopt sustainable and digitally advanced business models. The initiative is strategically designed to address two critical priorities for the private sector: green transition and digital transformation. Through two distinct funding streams, MSMEs can secure financial support to accelerate their growth and competitiveness. The Green Transition stream offers co-financing of up to EUR 100,000 (covering 60% of project costs) for initiatives in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, circular economy, blue economy, and green technologies. Meanwhile, the Digital Transformation stream provides up to EUR 50,000 (60% of project costs) for projects in e-commerce, business process automation, cybersecurity, digital products, and supply chain digitization. Beneficiaries are required to contribute at least 40% of project costs, ensuring a shared commitment to success and sustainability. Dr. Damie Sinanan, Executive Director of Caribbean Export, highlighted the transformative potential of BRIDGE, stating, ‘This initiative is about co-investing in the future of our businesses. By supporting green and digital transitions, we are enabling businesses to reduce costs, innovate, and access new export markets, ultimately fostering a more competitive and resilient Caribbean economy.’ Fiona Ramsey, the EU Ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean States, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the EU’s commitment to supporting Caribbean businesses in achieving sustainability and digitalization. Applications for the BRIDGE facility are now open and will close on November 9, 2025. Eligible firms can access detailed guidelines, application forms, and budget templates on the Caribbean Export website.
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Indecom investigating four deaths in three police shootings
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Independent Commission of Investigations (Indecom) has launched probes into three separate fatal shooting incidents that occurred between Wednesday and Thursday, claiming the lives of four men. These incidents have further escalated concerns over police-related fatalities in the country.
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‘Bullets, fire and fear’— Haiti is at war, its leader warns
In a stark address to the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, Laurent Saint-Cyr, head of Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council, declared the Caribbean nation “at war” with rampant gang violence. He urgently called for international assistance to quell the chaos that has engulfed the country, describing the dire humanitarian crisis unfolding on America’s doorstep. Saint-Cyr painted a grim picture of daily atrocities, including murders, rapes, and the destruction of neighborhoods, which have displaced over a million people and left countless lives shattered. Hospitals, he noted, are being vandalized or burned, forcing medical professionals to flee and leaving the population without essential care. The Haitian leader likened the situation to a modern-day Guernica, emphasizing the urgent need for global intervention. In 2023, the UN Security Council approved the Multinational Security Mission, led by Kenya, to address the crisis. However, the mission has struggled with inadequate resources, deploying only 1,000 personnel out of the planned 2,500. The United States has proposed expanding the force to over 5,500 police and military personnel to combat the gangs more effectively. Saint-Cyr endorsed this plan, warning that the crisis could destabilize the entire region. Haiti, the poorest country in the Americas, has long grappled with political instability and gang violence, which escalated dramatically in early 2024 when gangs forced then-Prime Minister Ariel Henry to resign.
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Bus stop brawl lands man in court
A heated morning dispute at the Barnett Street transport center in Montego Bay, Jamaica, resulted in a court appearance for Tavon Thompson on Wednesday. Thompson faced charges of assault causing bodily harm before Judge Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton at the St James Parish Court. The incident, which occurred on August 23 around 9:50 am, began when the complainant boarded a PPV bus where Thompson was seated. According to court documents, as the complainant passed Thompson, the latter allegedly raised his leg, causing the complainant to stumble over his foot. Thompson then reportedly pushed the complainant in the face. After the complainant took his seat, Thompson exited the bus and attempted to pull the complainant through the window, resulting in pain and swelling to the complainant’s right hand. A physical altercation ensued outside the bus, during which Thompson allegedly held the complainant in a necklock while gripping his left arm. The confrontation attracted a crowd, prompting nearby police officers to intervene. Both men were taken to the Barnett Street Police Station, where Thompson was arrested and charged. During the court proceedings, Thompson revealed that he had also filed a report against the complainant, though this matter was not addressed in court. Judge Fairclough-Hylton set the next hearing date for October 15, when the cross-case is expected to be reviewed. Thompson’s bail was extended until then.
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First Lotto millionaire for 2025 claims $229m jackpot
KINGSTON, Jamaica — A St Andrew resident has become the latest multi-millionaire after clinching the staggering $229 million Lotto jackpot. The winning numbers—5, 8, 11, 17, 27, and 30—were drawn on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, marking a life-altering moment for the fortunate winner.
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Massive sinkhole opens outside hospital and police station in Bangkok
A significant portion of a bustling road in Bangkok, Thailand, collapsed on Wednesday, creating a massive sinkhole that plunged dozens of meters deep. The incident, which occurred near a local police station and Vajira Hospital in a residential district, forced evacuations and drew the attention of Thailand’s Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul. The collapse, approximately 50 meters (160 feet) wide, brought down power lines and exposed a burst water pipe, according to AFP journalists on the scene.