The latest economic data from the United States reveals a slowdown in retail sales growth for September, as consumers grapple with rising prices and businesses face escalating costs. According to the Commerce Department, retail sales increased by a modest 0.2 percent month-on-month, falling short of analyst expectations and marking a deceleration from August’s 0.6 percent gain. Concurrently, the Labor Department reported a 0.3 percent rise in producer prices for September, driven primarily by a 0.9 percent surge in goods costs, particularly energy and food. These trends highlight the growing economic pressures stemming from President Donald Trump’s tariffs, which have begun to ripple through the economy. Some businesses have already reported higher operational costs due to these duties, prompting the administration to expand tariff exemptions for certain agricultural products. The release of these reports was delayed due to the record-long government shutdown between October and mid-November, which disrupted the collection and publication of key economic data. Year-on-year, retail sales in September were up 4.3 percent, though specific sectors such as motor vehicles, clothing, and electronics experienced declines. The data underscores the challenges facing both consumers and businesses as they navigate an increasingly complex economic landscape.
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UTech ramps up Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts at western campus
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The University of Technology (UTech) has ramped up recovery initiatives at its western campus in Montego Bay following the devastation wrought by Hurricane Melissa across western Jamaica. The hurricane inflicted widespread damage, leaving many students and staff grappling with personal losses, including property destruction and, tragically, the loss of loved ones. The western campus, which accommodates approximately 500 students across two locations—Barnett Street, home to the Caribbean School of Nursing, and Dome Street, offering programs in business administration, nursing, public health, computer information systems, law, and professional development—was severely impacted. In the aftermath, UTech conducted comprehensive assessments across all campuses before resuming academic activities. UTech President Dr. Kevin Brown emphasized the institution’s unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of its community. “Our western campus family has demonstrated remarkable resilience during this challenging period,” Dr. Brown stated in a press release. “Despite the significant setbacks, our priority remains ensuring that every affected student and staff member has access to essential resources, including food, shelter, connectivity, and emotional support through our counselling and chaplaincy services.” The Dome Street campus, which experienced severe flooding, underwent extensive cleaning and partial repairs, reopening on November 10 with generator power until electricity was restored the following week. Water was supplied from on-site tanks, and a Starlink system was installed to ensure uninterrupted internet access. However, the Barnett Street campus remains closed due to extensive structural damage, including roof failure and water intrusion, with repairs ongoing to meet safety standards. Dr. Brown highlighted the expanded support provided through the Student Welfare, Counselling, and Chaplaincy units, including options for affected students to withdraw from classes without academic or financial penalties, special grants, fee waivers, and care packages. Western Campus Coordinator Antoinette Smith expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from staff, volunteers, and the broader community, which has been instrumental in the recovery efforts. A university delegation visited the campus on November 5 to distribute essential supplies, including bottled water and generators, as part of the relief operations coordinated by the university’s Emergency Operations Centre. Additional support continues through staff initiatives and ongoing care-package distribution. Dr. Brown called for sustained assistance from partners, alumni, and friends, emphasizing the collective effort required to rebuild and restore the western campus. “We cannot do this alone,” he said. “Every act of generosity, whether in cash or kind, helps our students and staff recover and return to learning.”
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US revokes visa of Haitian official accused of backing gangs
The United States has taken a decisive step in its efforts to combat criminal activities in Haiti by imposing visa sanctions on a high-ranking Haitian government official. The US State Department announced the move on Monday, accusing the unnamed official of supporting gangs and obstructing efforts to dismantle criminal organizations in the Caribbean nation. While the official’s identity and the specific gangs involved were not disclosed, the department confirmed that any existing visas held by the individual would be revoked. This action underscores Washington’s commitment to addressing the ongoing instability in Haiti, which has been plagued by gang violence, political turmoil, and economic hardship. In May, the US designated two Haitian gangs, Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif, as terrorist organizations. The State Department reiterated its support for Haiti’s stability and emphasized the need for progress toward free and fair elections. The announcement follows recent arrests of prominent Haitian businessmen, including Dmitri Vorbe and Pierre Reginald Boulos, who were accused of contributing to the country’s destabilization. Haiti, the poorest nation in the Americas, has faced escalating violence since early 2024, when gangs forced then-Prime Minister Ariel Henry to resign. The US sanctions highlight the international community’s growing concern over Haiti’s security crisis and its impact on regional stability.
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2026 Winter Olympics flame to be lit in ancient Olympia
The sacred flame for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics was lit in ancient Olympia, Greece, on Wednesday, marking the official countdown to the Games. Due to unfavorable weather conditions, organizers had to relocate the ceremony from the historic Temple of Hera to the nearby Olympia archaeological museum. The traditional method of lighting the flame using a parabolic mirror was replaced by a reserve flame ignited during a sunny rehearsal earlier in the week. This adaptation mirrors the approach taken for the Paris 2024 Olympics. The ceremony was attended by Kirsty Coventry, the newly elected president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), who witnessed the event for the first time in her leadership role. Greek rowing bronze medalist Petros Gaidatzis was chosen as the first torchbearer, stepping in for the injured Greek-American alpine skier AJ Ginnis. The flame will now embark on a 63-day, 12,000-kilometer journey across Italy, passing through major cities and historic sites like Pompeii, before reaching Milan. The Winter Games, scheduled for February 6-22, 2026, will feature events spread across Milan, Cortina, and the Dolomites, with ice sports in Milan and alpine skiing in Bormio and Cortina. Organizers are preparing for potential snow shortages by stockpiling artificial snow, a common practice in Italy, which leads Europe in artificial snow usage. A recent study highlights the alarming decline in natural snow cover in the Italian Alps, underscoring the importance of these preparations.
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JFF ambassador reports record-breaking sponsorship year
The Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by securing its largest-ever sponsorship haul for 2025, marking a historic moment for the organization. This accomplishment highlights the growing commercial strength of Jamaican football and the federation’s ambitious Road to 2026 campaign. Tanya Lee Perkins, the JFF Ambassador leading the sponsorship initiative, emphasized that this success reflects increasing corporate confidence in the national football program. Perkins revealed that the federation has garnered unprecedented sponsorship revenue, driven by both long-standing partners like Adidas and Wray & Nephew, and new investments from companies such as Visa, Grace Foods, and Powerade. These partnerships have not only bolstered the team’s preparation for the intercontinental play-offs in March but also enhanced the fan experience through initiatives like the sponsor village, jumbo screens, and upgraded hospitality. The announcement coincided with a record-breaking turnout of over 35,000 fans at the National Stadium, evoking memories of Jamaica’s iconic 1997 World Cup qualification run. Despite falling short in their recent match, the Reggae Boyz remain determined to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Perkins expressed gratitude to fans and sponsors, whose unwavering support has reignited national enthusiasm for football and fueled the team’s journey forward.
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New Zealand’s Williamson returns for opening West Indies Test
In a significant development for New Zealand cricket, veteran batsman Kane Williamson has been named in the 14-man squad for the first Test against the West Indies in Christchurch. This marks Williamson’s return to the red-ball format, adding depth to the batting lineup and leadership group. The squad announcement, made on Monday, also highlighted the recall of pace bowler Blair Tickner, who last featured in a Test match in March 2023. Tickner’s inclusion comes on the back of his stellar performance in the recent ODI series against England, where he claimed eight wickets in two matches. Additionally, the promising seam duo of Jacob Duffy and Zak Foulkes retained their spots following impressive debuts. Foulkes, in particular, made headlines with a nine-wicket haul on his debut against Zimbabwe. Head Coach Rob Walter expressed his enthusiasm about Williamson’s return, emphasizing his on-field prowess and leadership qualities. The squad will be captained by Tom Latham, as Tim Southee continues to be managed through the early part of the home summer. Notably, the selection was made without several key bowlers, including Matt Fisher, Will O’Rourke, and Ben Sears, all sidelined due to injuries. This two-Test series against the West Indies marks New Zealand’s first step in the new 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle. The squads for both teams have been finalized, with New Zealand looking to leverage Williamson’s experience and Tickner’s recent form to secure a strong start to the series.
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Starraura returns in style: 11-length romp wins $1.05-m Maiden Condition Race
In a spectacular display of speed and stamina, Starraura, the Jason DaCosta-trained chestnut filly, marked her return to racing with a commanding win in the $1.05-million Maiden Condition Race for native-bred three-year-old fillies on Saturday, November 22, 2025. After an eight-month hiatus, Starraura, sired by Bold Conquest and out of Little Wasp, left her competitors in the dust, securing an impressive 11-length victory over 5½ furlongs (1,100m). Ridden by jockey Robert “Hardball” Halledeen, she completed the race in a swift 1:10.0, with splits of 24.0, 49.0, and 1:02.3. Starting strong, Starraura initially settled into third place behind Money Mission (Javaniel Patterson) and Moonlight Song (Teneca Wolfe) as they approached the half-mile (800m) turn. However, she quickly caught up to Money Mission, taking the lead at the top of the straight and maintaining her dominance all the way to the finish line. Money Mission and BadBadTanesha (Richie Shakes) trailed behind, unable to challenge Starraura’s relentless pace. This victory not only highlights Starraura’s exceptional talent but also reaffirms Jason DaCosta’s prowess as a trainer and Robert Halledeen’s skill as a jockey.
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Greenwood ‘paid dearly’ for sex assault allegations, says De Zerbi
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.