In a significant development for Major League Soccer (MLS), Lionel Messi has officially committed to extending his tenure with Inter Miami. The announcement was made on Thursday through the league’s Spanish-language X account, which declared, ‘Official: Leo Messi will continue to be an MLS player with Inter Miami.’ According to sources familiar with the agreement, the Argentine football icon’s new contract will keep him with the club until the conclusion of the 2028 season. This deal underscores Messi’s pivotal role in elevating the profile of MLS and solidifies Inter Miami’s ambitions to remain a dominant force in the league. Messi’s continued presence is expected to attract global attention, enhance the league’s competitiveness, and inspire a new generation of soccer enthusiasts in the United States.
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Mavado’s son Dantay Brooks facing assault, weapon charges
Dantay Brooks, the son of renowned dancehall artist Mavado, has once again been embroiled in legal issues. According to reports from Observer Online, Brooks is now confronting charges of unlawful wounding and assault at common law. Police sources indicate that these charges were formally filed on Wednesday. Additionally, Brooks is accused of possessing a prohibited weapon and using it to commit a scheduled offense. The charges are linked to an incident that occurred in July in Cassava Piece, Mavado’s hometown. While specific details of the incident remain undisclosed, it is understood that Brooks is also under investigation for a gun-related offense. This marks the second time Brooks has faced official charges. Earlier this year, in March, his 2021 murder conviction for the 2018 killing of Lorenzo Thomas was overturned by the Court of Appeal, leading to his release. His co-accused, Andre Hinds, was also freed. The recent legal troubles come amidst a family reunion, as Mavado returned to Jamaica last week for the first time in nearly a decade, following the recent vacating of a 2018 arrest warrant for assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
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NBA coach Billups, player Rozier arrested in illegal gambling probes
In a shocking development, Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier have been apprehended in connection with investigations into illegal gambling activities, as reported by US media on Thursday. According to ABC News, Billups, 49, was arrested in relation to an illicit poker operation allegedly linked to the Mafia. Rozier, 31, was detained in a separate but connected betting case. The FBI is set to make an official announcement regarding these arrests in New York later today. Billups, a former NBA star and Hall of Famer, has been coaching the Trail Blazers since 2021, while Rozier, a seasoned player with an 11-year career, is currently sidelined due to a hamstring injury. This incident follows the lifetime ban of Toronto Raptors’ Jontay Porter last year for his involvement in a betting scandal. NBA regulations strictly prohibit players from gambling on league games, with violations potentially leading to fines, suspensions, or permanent bans. Billups’ arrest comes three months after former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas was charged with hosting illegal poker games at his Los Angeles mansion. Arenas has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
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Jamaican Ammoya Patrick wins Best Diplomat award at UN conference
Ammoya Patrick, a Jamaican business investor and aspiring diplomat, has made waves in the field of international relations by securing the Most Outstanding Diplomat Award at the Best Diplomats United Nations Simulation Conference held in the United States on October 16, 2025. Representing Barbados, Patrick demonstrated exceptional diplomatic prowess, emerging victorious among 70 competitors from 38 countries. The conference centered on the theme ‘Business for Peace: Entrepreneurship in Post-Conflict Recovery,’ aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 16, 8, and 10, which focus on peace, justice, economic growth, and reducing inequality. Patrick’s participation not only honed her diplomatic skills but also deepened her understanding of Caribbean and Caricom dynamics through a Barbadian lens. Despite her Jamaican heritage, Patrick embraced the opportunity to represent Barbados, highlighting the shared historical, cultural, and regional ties between the two nations. A highly driven professional with over a decade of experience in finance and investments, Patrick holds a BSc in International Relations and is pursuing an MSc in Development Studies. Her leadership journey began in school, where she excelled in debates and poetry, and has since evolved into a commitment to service and development. Patrick aspires to serve as a diplomat for Jamaica and the wider Caribbean, driven by her belief in the mantra, ‘You become what you believe.’
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Audit finds ‘No corruption’ in Minnis’ COVID food project
An audit of the Bahamas’ $52 million COVID-19 food assistance programme, initiated under the Minnis administration, has found no evidence of corruption or misuse of funds, despite earlier allegations made by Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis. The National Food Distribution Task Force (NFDTF), established to support vulnerable populations during the pandemic, faced intense scrutiny after claims of financial irregularities surfaced, including allegations that a non-profit organisation used public funds to purchase high-end vehicles. However, the Office of the Auditor General’s report, presented to the House of Assembly, confirmed no wrongdoing. This marks the second audit to exonerate the programme, following a prior review that identified procedural deficiencies but no financial misconduct. The latest report highlighted issues with internal controls and duplication of efforts between the NFDTF and the Department of Social Services but praised the initiative for achieving its primary goal of ensuring food security. The auditor general commended the collective effort, stating that the 70-week programme “stands as a testament to the power of collective action” and ensured that “the most vulnerable did not go hungry.” The report also addressed specific allegations, such as the purchase of vehicles by an NGO, clarifying that these were funded through donations and not government money. Recommendations included implementing stricter expenditure controls, improving data management to prevent duplicate assistance, and enhancing transparency in emergency relief programmes.
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Golden Isles by-election set for November 24
A pivotal by-election in the Golden Isles constituency is scheduled for November 24, following the passing of former representative Vaughn Miller. The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) has announced Darron Pickstock as its candidate, while the Free National Movement (FNM) has put forward Brian Brown for the upcoming general election. Although the FNM has yet to confirm its participation in the by-election, Brown remains their designated candidate if they choose to compete. Additionally, the Coalition of Independents has selected Brian Rolle as its representative. Wayne Munroe, the Minister overseeing the Parliamentary Registration Department, confirmed the election notice during a recent House of Assembly session. Parliamentary Commissioner Harrison Thompson stated that the electoral process is now in motion following the Governor-General’s issuance of the writ, in line with constitutional procedures. Nomination day is set for October 31, with registrations and transfers for the constituency now closed. Golden Isles, a significant swing seat and one of the nation’s largest constituencies, will serve as a critical barometer for the Davis administration’s popularity as its term approaches its conclusion.
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Nigerian military says 50 jihadists killed in army base raids
In a significant counterinsurgency operation, Nigeria’s military announced on Thursday that it had eliminated over 50 jihadists in coordinated drone and ground assaults. The attacks targeted militant groups who had launched simultaneous strikes on army bases in the volatile northeast region. The operation, supported by fighter jets, focused on locations in Borno and Yobe states, including Dikwa, Mafa, Gajibo, and Katarko. While the military did not specify the faction responsible, intelligence sources attributed the attacks to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), a splinter group of Boko Haram. Both factions have been waging a 16-year insurgency aimed at establishing a caliphate in the region. Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, a military spokesman, confirmed the success of the operation but noted that several soldiers were injured and infrastructure, including vehicles and buildings, was damaged by armed drones and rocket-propelled grenades. Local residents in Mafa reported seeing charred trucks, allegedly set ablaze by militants. The conflict, which has claimed over 40,000 lives and displaced two million people, has also spilled into neighboring countries, prompting a regional military coalition to combat the Islamist threat.
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Haitians ‘fortitude gives us hope’ says special UN representative
In a powerful address to the United Nations Security Council, Carlos G Ruiz Massieu, the UN Special Representative for Haiti and head of the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), emphasized the resilience of the Haitian people despite the country’s deepening crisis. Massieu, who has engaged with various political, international, and civil stakeholders over the past two and a half months, underscored the urgent need to address gang violence, humanitarian challenges, and the upcoming political transition. He highlighted the unprecedented scale of internal displacement, with over 1.4 million people forced to flee their homes due to armed group attacks on farming communities and other areas. Massieu expressed deep concern over the human rights situation, citing widespread abuses linked to gang violence, self-defence groups, and certain security operations. He stressed the importance of restoring democratic governance by February 7, 2024, and welcomed Haitian authorities’ efforts to consult with political representatives to avoid a post-February political vacuum. Massieu also praised the Security Council’s support for the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) and urged swift action to enhance security, particularly for vulnerable communities and children. Despite the hostile security environment affecting international partners in Port-au-Prince, Massieu reaffirmed BINUH’s commitment to achieving full staff presence in the capital as a top priority. He called on the international community to translate its support into tangible progress to combat violence and restore stability in Haiti.
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Chuck Fenda lights up Costa Rica with high energy show at Limon Carnival
The Limon Carnival at the JAPDEVA Fair Ground in Limon, Costa Rica, witnessed an unforgettable performance by Rastafarian artist Chuck Fenda, famously known as ‘Di Living Fire’. Over the weekend, Fenda captivated a packed audience with his dynamic stage presence and powerful messages. Breaking barriers, he ventured into the VIP section to connect with government officials and dignitaries, ensuring no one felt distant from the electrifying energy of his performance.
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UN taking proactive measures as Haiti braces for Tropical Storm Melissa
The United Nations’ Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) has allocated US$4 million to three UN agencies to assist over 100,000 vulnerable individuals in Haiti as Tropical Storm Melissa approaches. The storm, forecasted to intensify into a hurricane by Friday, poses a significant threat to the Caribbean nation. The funds will be distributed to the World Food Programme (WFP), the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to bolster preparedness efforts. Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, emphasized the importance of anticipatory action to mitigate the storm’s impact, which is expected to bring heavy rains, strong winds, and potential flooding, landslides, and power outages. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported that Melissa, currently located 320 miles south-southwest of Port-au-Prince, is moving slowly westward with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph. A hurricane watch is in effect for southwestern Haiti, while Jamaica remains under a tropical storm watch. The NHC anticipates gradual strengthening, with Melissa potentially becoming a hurricane by Friday. The UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is closely monitoring the situation, ensuring that critical early warning messages, evacuation support, cash transfers, emergency shelter management, and water, sanitation, and hygiene kits are prioritized in the response.