KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a dramatic turn of events, Steve McClaren has resigned as the head coach of Jamaica’s national football team, the Reggae Boyz, moments after the team failed to secure automatic qualification for the FIFA World Cup. The decisive match ended in a goalless draw against Curacao at the National Stadium, leaving Jamaica in second place in their Concacaf World Cup qualifying group. McClaren, who was appointed in July 2024 with the primary objective of guiding the team to the World Cup, struggled to deliver consistent results during his tenure. Over 23 matches, he secured only 11 victories, including disappointing exits from the Concacaf Gold Cup group stage and a quarterfinal loss to the USA in the Concacaf Nations League. With Jamaica now set to compete in the inter-confederation playoffs in March, the search for a new head coach has become an urgent priority.
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Jamaica and Curacao tied at halftime in WCQ
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a high-stakes Concacaf World Cup qualifying match, Jamaica and Curacao remained deadlocked at 0-0 after the first half at the National Stadium on Tuesday. The game marks the final round of Group B qualifiers, with Jamaica needing a victory to secure their first World Cup appearance since 1998. Trailing Curacao by a single point (12-11), the Reggae Boyz faced immense pressure to deliver. Despite a roaring home crowd and several promising opportunities led by Shamar Nicholson, Jamaica struggled to break through Curacao’s defense. On the other end, Curacao tested Jamaica’s goalkeeper Andre Blake, who made a crucial save in the 15th minute against Leandro Bacuna. Meanwhile, in another Group B match, Trinidad and Tobago led Bermuda 1-0 at halftime, courtesy of a ninth-minute goal by defender Kobi Henry. However, both Trinidad and Tobago and Bermuda have already been eliminated from advancing in the qualifiers.
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Hurricane Melissa impacts renewable energy players
Jamaica’s renewable energy sector has suffered a significant blow following the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, which caused catastrophic damage to the Eight Rivers Solar Park in Westmoreland. The 51.5 MWp facility, owned by InterEnergy Group, sustained severe destruction, prompting the company to initiate a comprehensive reconstruction plan to restore the country’s largest solar project.
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Medera returns to Digicel
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Garvin Medera, the former head of Caribbean Airlines, has rejoined Digicel, taking on the role of CEO for the Atlantic Region within the telecommunications giant. This move marks a significant homecoming for Medera, who began his career at Digicel and played a pivotal role in developing the company’s telecom and fibre networks across the Caribbean. His return is part of Digicel’s broader strategy to bolster its leadership team as it focuses on enhancing service, reliability, and customer engagement in the region.
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Nicholson returns to lead ReggaeBoyz attack in crucial WCQ game against Curacao
In a high-stakes showdown at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica’s ReggaeBoyz are set to clash with group leaders Curacao in the decisive second leg of the Concacaf World Cup qualifying Group B. The match, scheduled for Tuesday, will determine which team secures an automatic berth to the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Jamaica, seeking their first World Cup appearance since 1998, must secure a victory to keep their hopes alive, while Curacao, currently topping the group with 11 points, needs only a draw to qualify. A win for Curacao would make them the smallest nation ever to qualify for the World Cup. Jamaica’s head coach has made three strategic changes to the starting lineup, reintroducing striker Shamar Nicholson, who was benched in the 1-1 draw against Trinidad and Tobago last Thursday. Wingbacks Dexter Lembikisa and Ian Fray also join the starting XI, replacing Rumarn Burrell, Mason Holgate, and Jonathan Russell. Winger Renaldo Cephas, who scored Jamaica’s lone goal in their previous match, retains his spot, while central defender Richard King, who was substituted early in the last game, is fit to start alongside Ethan Pinnock and Greg Leigh. Curacao, who defeated Jamaica 2-0 in their first-round encounter, will be playing under their current name in Jamaica for the first time, having previously competed as the Netherland Antilles in the 1998 Caribbean Cup. Jamaica’s last victory over Curacao dates back to the 2017 Gold Cup, where they won 2-0. The match promises to be a thrilling contest, with both teams vying for a historic World Cup qualification. The second-placed team will still have a chance to qualify via a playoff in March 2026.
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Undah Privilege’ and Mega B collab for ‘Be Carefull’
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Courtney ‘Undah Privilege’ Nevers, a multi-talented Jamaican entertainer, has joined forces with emerging artist Mega B to release ‘Be Carefull,’ a compelling dancehall reggae track produced by Podeville Production. The song, now available on all major streaming platforms, combines raw energy and profound lyrics to deliver a poignant message about trust and betrayal. Known for his dedication to creating music with purpose, Nevers emphasizes the transformative power of art. ‘I take pride in crafting music that carries a message. It’s a medium that can inspire change and uplift souls,’ he shared. The collaboration with Mega B brings a dynamic synergy, blending their distinct voices to amplify themes of awareness and resilience. Nevers, who is also celebrated for his acting roles in the TV series ‘Arnold’s Caribbean Pizza’ and the film ‘Rude Boy: The Jamaican Don,’ continues to expand his creative horizons. Upcoming projects include a new season of ‘Arnold’s Caribbean Pizza’ and the launch of a short film series titled ‘Dream Chaser’ in 2026. Balancing his time between California and Jamaica, Nevers remains a versatile force in music, film, and television.
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WATCH: Food for the Poor talks long-term recovery plans following Hurricane Melissa
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, Food for the Poor has stepped up to lead both immediate and long-term recovery efforts in Jamaica. The nonprofit organization, which has been active in the country for over four decades, is collaborating with global partners to provide essential aid and rebuild devastated communities.
Ed Raine, CEO of Food for the Poor, described the hurricane as a ‘giant’ and a ‘wake-up call,’ comparing its devastation to previous storms like Hurricane Andrew, Dorian, and Maria. While Kingston and Spanish Town were spared direct hits, the scale of damage across the island remains staggering.
In the immediate aftermath, Food for the Poor has prioritized distributing food, water, and hygiene kits to affected communities. Working alongside organizations such as the World Food Program and World Central Kitchen, the charity has also distributed thousands of tarps to provide emergency shelter.
However, the organization’s focus is shifting toward long-term recovery. With a history of building over 35,000 homes in Jamaica, Food for the Poor is preparing for another major reconstruction effort. Raine emphasized that rebuilding homes is just one aspect of recovery; restoring livelihoods is equally critical. The organization is exploring micro-enterprise programs and providing farmers with tools, seeds, and equipment to help them regain their income sources.
Raine highlighted the importance of sustainable aid, noting that recovery will require years of commitment. Communities in areas like Black River and Crawford have been particularly hard-hit, losing not only homes but also their ability to earn a living. Food for the Poor aims to restore hope and normalcy by addressing both immediate needs and long-term challenges.
The organization is calling for continued public support to fund its recovery initiatives, emphasizing the importance of community empowerment and long-term sustainability. ‘We are here for the long term,’ Raine said. ‘Our mission is to help rebuild homes, restore hope, and get people back on track.’
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Maduro tells Trump: Let’s talk face-to-face
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has signaled his readiness to engage in direct talks with US government representatives, even as tensions between the two nations intensify. This development follows the recent deployment of the USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier and its strike group to the Caribbean, a move widely interpreted as a show of force by the United States. Maduro’s announcement came during his television program, Con Maduro, on November 17, shortly after US President Donald Trump expressed openness to dialogue with the Venezuelan leader. Maduro emphasized the importance of diplomacy, stating, ‘Those who want to speak with Venezuela will speak – face-to-face.’ He further underscored the need for mutual understanding through dialogue, citing the principles of the UN Charter and Venezuela’s Constitution. The US State Department, meanwhile, has announced its intention to designate the Venezuelan drug trafficking group, Cartel de los Soles, as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO), with the designation set to take effect on November 24. The Trump administration has accused Maduro of leading the cartel and has offered a $50 million reward for information leading to his arrest. Maduro has repeatedly addressed the US public directly in recent appearances, advocating for peace and dialogue. The USS Gerald R Ford strike group’s arrival adds to the US military presence in the region, which includes the nuclear attack submarine USS Newport News and members of the 22nd US Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). The MEU is currently conducting joint military exercises with Trinidad and Tobago’s Defense Force as part of Operation Southern Spear, aimed at combating narcoterrorism in the Western Hemisphere. Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has supported the US military deployment, framing it as an anti-narcotics initiative, while also asserting her country’s sovereignty and neutrality in the US-Venezuela conflict.
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SoE regulations updated: Police can charge suspects for crimes uncovered during operations
President Christine Kangaloo has introduced a significant amendment to the Emergency Powers Regulations, 2025, aimed at clarifying the scope of police authority during investigations under emergency conditions. The sixth amendment, officially gazetted on November 17, explicitly states that law enforcement officers are empowered to prosecute individuals for any offences uncovered while lawfully exercising emergency powers. This amendment, effective retroactively from July 18—the date the state of emergency was declared—ensures that evidence of crimes discovered during the enforcement of emergency regulations is subject to punishment under existing laws. The update, designated as Regulation 20A, does not provide immunity to offenders but reinforces the legal framework for police actions during emergencies. This development follows legal challenges from a murder suspect detained under the regulations, who threatened to seek judicial review, alleging unlawful detention. The suspect’s legal team argued that the extension of detention under Regulation 13(3) was unjustified, as the initial arrest was not explicitly made under emergency powers. In response, the police defended their actions, citing the discovery of prohibited ammunition during a search and asserting that the detention was lawful under the regulations. The police emphasized the necessity of continued detention for public safety, given the suspect’s alleged ties to criminal elements.
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Nicki Minaj to address UN on November 18
In a surprising collaboration, Trinidadian rapper Nicki Minaj has partnered with former US President Donald Trump to draw global attention to the persecution of Christians in Nigeria. The initiative was announced by US Ambassador to the UN Michael Waltz on November 16 via social media platform X. Waltz lauded Minaj as the ‘greatest female recording artist’ and commended her for using her influential platform to address the ongoing violence against Nigerian Christians. Minaj is slated to speak at the United Nations on November 18 to amplify the issue. The rapper, whose real name is Onika Maraj, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity, stating, ‘I am so grateful to be entrusted with an opportunity of this magnitude. I do not take it for granted. It means more than you know.’ She further emphasized her commitment to justice, asserting that neither she nor her fan base, known as the ‘Barbz,’ would remain silent in the face of wrongdoing. Minaj’s involvement follows Trump’s November 1 social media post, where he threatened to deploy US military forces to Nigeria if the government failed to curb the killings of Christians. Trump also directed the Department of War to prepare for potential military action and warned of suspending aid to the country. Nigeria, home to approximately 93 million Christians, has denied allegations of widespread religious persecution. President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to religious freedom, stating, ‘The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality.’ Tinubu expressed openness to collaborating with the US and other international partners to ensure the protection of all faiths.