KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican national football team, known as the Reggae Boyz, has unveiled its 26-man squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers in October, as confirmed by head coach Steve McClaren. The roster includes Inter Miami’s Ian Fray and 17-year-old Seymour Reid from New York City FC, both earning their first call-ups to the national team. The squad also welcomes the return of seven key players who missed the previous two matches in the Concacaf final round of World Cup qualifying. Among the returning stars are captain and goalkeeper Andre Blake, defenders Joel Latibeaudiere, Ethan Pinnock, and Amari’i Bell, as well as midfielder Bobby Reid and strikers Ruman Burrell and Demarai Gray. However, several players, including Leon Bailey, Mikhail Antonio, and Warner Brown, were excluded due to injuries. Jamaica, currently leading their four-team group after winning their first two matches, will face Curacao on October 10 in an away game before hosting Bermuda at the National Stadium in Kingston on October 15. McClaren emphasized the challenge posed by Curacao, led by former Netherlands coach Dick Advocaat, and highlighted the team’s Dutch-style play and home advantage on an artificial surface. Despite these factors, McClaren remains focused on maintaining Jamaica’s momentum in the qualifiers.
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Chuck urges JPs to be ambassadors of peace
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Delroy Chuck, Jamaica’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, has urged the nation’s Justices of the Peace (JPs) to embrace their role as ambassadors of peace. Speaking during a virtual sensitisation session on Thursday, Chuck emphasized the critical role JPs can play in curbing domestic violence and fostering harmony within communities.
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TPDCo reaffirms commitment to quality, accountability in Negril roundabout project
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Tourism Product Development Company Limited (TPDCo) has reiterated its dedication to maintaining the highest standards of execution and accountability in the Negril Roundabout Beautification Project, addressing recent public concerns and stakeholder feedback. The $20 million initiative, launched in June 2025, aims to enhance the aesthetic and functional appeal of one of Negril’s busiest gateways, a key entry point to the resort town. Despite encountering delays due to contractor-related challenges, TPDCo has assured the public that the project is back on track and will be finalized before the peak winter tourism season.
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Man who escaped police custody in St Mary urged to surrender
The St Mary Police Division in Jamaica is intensifying efforts to locate 29-year-old Herbie Ballentine, also known as ‘Junior Ballentine,’ following his dramatic escape from police custody on Friday. Ballentine managed to flee after overpowering officers from the Independent Commission of Investigations (Indecom) and local police, who had temporarily removed his handcuffs to allow him to sign a statement.
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Jamaican-born beauty mogul launches PIMBY store in Georgia
Hundreds of enthusiastic customers gathered at the Mall of Georgia in Buford, Georgia, to celebrate the grand opening of the 10,000-square-foot flagship store of Playing in Makeup by Yolondo (PIMBY), founded by Jamaican-born beauty mogul Yolondo Salmon Thomas. The event, held on September 27, was a resounding success, drawing business and political leaders from Atlanta and surrounding areas, as well as members of the Jamaican diaspora and the Consulate of Jamaica. Thomas expressed her joy at the overwhelming response, stating, ‘The turnout was amazing. I love people, so it was great to share the moment with them. Seeing the joy on their faces as they explored the products was incredibly rewarding.’ PIMBY, one of the few independent black-owned flagship brands, offers over 100 products, including the market’s most viral concealer. The brand has already seen a steady stream of customers returning for the personalized experience, even on traditionally slow days. Thomas, who has built a multimillion-dollar cosmetics line with customers in over 150 countries, continues to expand her influence through her social media platforms, including Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram, where she has amassed millions of followers. This launch signifies a pivotal moment for Jamaican entrepreneurship in the global beauty industry.
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‘Let’s check on each other’
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Dr. Christopher Tufton, Jamaica’s Minister of Health and Wellness, has issued a heartfelt appeal to citizens to prioritize mental health by checking in with loved ones and utilizing available mental health resources. Speaking against the backdrop of rising suicide rates and increased calls to the national Suicide Prevention Helpline (888-NEW-LIFE), Dr. Tufton emphasized the collective responsibility of addressing mental health challenges. ‘Every Jamaican must pause, observe their surroundings, and offer support to those in need. When personal efforts fall short, professional help through public health services, faith-based organizations, or safe spaces should be sought,’ he stated. The helpline recorded 633 calls last month, underscoring the urgency of the situation. Dr. Tufton’s remarks follow his participation in the United Nations General Assembly’s High-level Meeting on Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health Promotion. The Ministry of Health and Wellness is actively enhancing mental health services, including training non-psychiatric healthcare workers under the WHO’s Mental Health Gap Action Programme. Additionally, the School Mental Health Literacy Programme will resume in November, aiming to educate students on mental health awareness and coping strategies. Community-level initiatives, such as the Problem Management Plus providers, are also being expanded to support individuals facing emotional distress. With over 150 public mental health clinics islandwide, Jamaica continues to strengthen its mental health infrastructure. Other resources include the U-Matter Chatline for youth and a helpline for substance use-related mental health support.
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Delivery driver charged after police seize 1,500 pounds of ganja in St Thomas
In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking, Jamaican authorities have charged 33-year-old Fabian Watson with six violations of the Dangerous Drugs Act. The charges stem from the seizure of over 1,500 pounds of compressed ganja on Church Street in Morant Bay, St Thomas, on Wednesday night. The illicit haul, with an estimated street value of $4.7 million, was discovered during a joint operation by the Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division (FNID) and the St Thomas police. Watson, a delivery driver from Mount Zion, Rock River in Clarendon, was intercepted while driving a truck. A subsequent search revealed more than 150 parcels of compressed ganja and over $180,000 in cash. Watson now faces charges including possession, dealing, and trafficking of ganja, as well as conspiracy and possession of criminal property. Acting Senior Superintendent Patrae Rowe, director of FNID, emphasized the division’s commitment to dismantling drug networks and their financial operations. Rowe also highlighted the dangerous link between ganja trafficking and the influx of illegal firearms, which fuel violent crimes in Jamaica. Authorities are urging the public to report illegal activities through various hotlines, including FNID at 876-923-6184, Crime Stop at 311, and the police emergency number at 119.
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Slot struggles to solve Liverpool problems after third successive loss
Liverpool’s turbulent start to the Premier League season took another hit as they suffered their third straight defeat, falling 2-1 to Chelsea in a dramatic encounter at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Manager Arne Slot acknowledged the team’s ongoing challenges, describing the squad as a “work in progress” following a series of underwhelming performances. The match saw Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo open the scoring with a stunning long-range strike, only for Cody Gakpo to level the score in the second half. However, Estevao Willian sealed the win for Chelsea with a stoppage-time goal, leaving Liverpool reeling. This marks the first time since 2023 that Liverpool have endured three consecutive losses, a streak that began under former manager Jurgen Klopp. Slot, experiencing his first managerial run of three defeats in a row, attributed the team’s struggles to a combination of summer upheaval, including significant player acquisitions and the tragic death of forward Diogo Jota. Despite spending over £400 million on new talent, Liverpool’s marquee signings have yet to make a significant impact. Slot emphasized the need for patience and integration, stating, “We need to bring these players into our style.” The Reds’ next challenge will be a crucial clash against Manchester United after the international break, as they seek to regain their footing in the title race.
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US now Barbados’ number one source market
Barbados’ tourism sector has witnessed a significant boost, with stayover arrivals increasing by 5.43% between January and August 2025, totaling 503,000 visitors. For the first time, the United States has surpassed the United Kingdom as the island’s leading source market, marking a historic shift in Barbados’ tourism landscape. Andrea Franklin, CEO of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), highlighted this milestone during the Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s State of the Tourism Industry Conference at the Hilton Barbados Resort. ‘Arrivals from the United States stand at 179,753 visitors, making the US our number one source market this year,’ Franklin stated. ‘This is particularly significant given the UK’s long-standing dominance in Barbados’ tourism history.’ The Caribbean region also performed well, securing the third position with 70,984 visitors. Franklin attributed the US’s rise to BTMI’s strategic focus on expanding airlift capacity. ‘We doubled down on our airlift strategy, targeting the US market. In winter 2025, we secured over 60,000 additional seats from the US, which was pivotal in building capacity,’ she explained. Cruise arrivals also saw a 24% increase, with 599,826 passengers visiting the island between January and July. Franklin noted ongoing enhancements at the Bridgetown Cruise Terminal, including modernization, improved passenger flow, and greener port operations. Additionally, significant investments in the accommodation sector are underway, with new hotels like the Blue Monkey Hotel and Beach Club, Hotel Indigo, and Beaches Barbados expected to open between 2026 and 2027.
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Jamaican takes second place at 2025 CTO Regional Tourism Youth Congress
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados — The Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) hosted its 21st Regional Tourism Youth Congress at the Hilton Barbados Resort, showcasing the talents of young tourism leaders from across the region. The event, part of the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC), brought together 15 students aged 14-17, each serving as junior ministers or commissioners of tourism in their respective countries. Participants presented innovative ideas on topics reshaping the industry, including sustainable tourism, digital transformation, and heritage experiences, while also tackling mystery questions designed to test their creativity and problem-solving skills. The competition highlighted the shift from the traditional ‘sea, sun, sand’ model to a new focus on ‘smart technology, sustainable practices, and social inclusion.’
Jolé St John, Tobago’s 16-year-old junior secretary of tourism, claimed first place with her compelling presentation, earning the title of regional junior minister of tourism until the 2026 Congress. Jamaica’s Caleader Lewison, also 16, secured second place and was appointed CTO’s junior secretary-general of tourism. Aylani Morris Seymour from the Cayman Islands took third place, while Isaiah Toney of St Vincent and the Grenadines received an honorary mention for his exceptional qualities beyond the standard scoring.
The congress was chaired by last year’s winner, Keyana Warner of Nevis, and judged by a panel of tourism leaders, including Rosetta West-Gerald, CEO of the Montserrat Tourism Authority; Paul Pennicook, interim CEO of Experience Turks and Caicos; and Charlene Drakes, manager of Stakeholder Engagements for Carnival Corporation & plc. In the lead-up to the competition, participants engaged in enrichment activities such as a master class on Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) in tourism, a career readiness workshop on personal branding and leadership, and a field trip highlighting sustainable initiatives and Barbados’ cultural history.
Ian Gooding-Edghill, chairman of the CTO Council of Ministers and Commissioners and Barbados’ Minister of Tourism and International Transport, commended the delegates for their dedication and passion. Sharon Banfield-Bovell, CTO’s director of Resource Mobilisation and Development, emphasized the event’s significance as a launchpad for the next generation of tourism visionaries. The 2025 congress featured participants from 15 CTO member countries and territories, underscoring the region’s commitment to nurturing young talent in the tourism sector.