Jamaica is on high alert as Tropical Storm Melissa threatens to unleash days of heavy rainfall, flooding, and potential landslides. The storm, which could intensify into a Category 1 hurricane, is expected to linger over the island from Saturday through midweek, according to Evan Thompson, principal director of the Meteorological Service of Jamaica. The slow-moving system has prompted essential service providers to activate contingency plans to ensure minimal disruption to supplies and infrastructure while safeguarding employees and customers.
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Trainer Jason DaCosta unearths promising talent in foreigner Dothraki
Renowned trainer Jason DaCosta is brimming with cautious optimism following the remarkable debut of his four-year-old American-bred bay colt, Dothraki. The colt, specifically imported for the prestigious Mouttet Mile in December, clinched a commanding victory in the Vassel “Jolly Man” Najair Memorial Cup on Sunday, October 19, 2025. Competing in the Overnight Allowance category, Dothraki outpaced the field by a length and a quarter over 5 ½ furlongs (1,100m), clocking an impressive time of 1:05.4 (23.2 x 47.1 x 59.3).
DaCosta, a three-time champion trainer, lauded Dothraki as ‘something special,’ though he noted the colt is only halfway to peak condition. ‘He looks like something special. He’s about 50 per cent prepared, so this is a significant achievement,’ DaCosta remarked. ‘I was nervous he might tire, but his class carried him through.’
With this stellar performance, DaCosta is already setting his sights on the Port Royal Sprint as Dothraki’s next challenge, followed by the coveted US$300,000 Mouttet Mile. ‘He can only get better from here. As he gets fitter, anything is possible,’ DaCosta added.
From the starting gates, Dothraki swiftly took the lead, maintaining a steady rhythm and outpacing competitors Incredible Jo (Raddesh Roman) and A Gift From Ben (Ramon Nepare) into the half-mile turn (800m). Jockey Robert Halledeen expertly guided Dothraki through the final stretch, securing a decisive victory. Digital One (Dane Dawkins) and Teflon Don (Shaheem Gordon) finished second and third, respectively.
Bred by Into Mischief out of the Empire Maker mare Vanquished, Dothraki is owned by Carlton Watson. Groom Garth Pennant led the colt around the Parade Ring ahead of the race, setting the stage for a triumphant debut. (Photo: Naphatli Junior)
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Supernatural Power shines in the The Viceroy Trophy, eyes Mouttet Mile
Philip Feanny’s exceptional three-year-old American-bred grey filly, Supernatural Power (Cross Traffic – Urquia), has emerged victorious in The Viceroy Trophy on Monday, October 20, 2025, setting her sights on the upcoming Mouttet Mile in December. Ridden by Panamanian jockey Dick Cardenas, the filly showcased her dominance in the Open Allowance race for three-year-olds and upward, securing a comfortable two-length win over one mile (1,600m) with an impressive time of 1:36.2 (23.4 x 46.2 x 1:11.1 x 1:23.3).
Feanny expressed his satisfaction with the win, emphasizing its significance as a preparatory race for the Mouttet Mile. “This was a nice race. It’s a prep towards the major objective, which is the Mouttet Mile,” he remarked. “Unfortunately, the recent Gold Cup prep didn’t go as planned, so we had to find another opportunity. This was her final race before the Mouttet Mile.”
Breaking smoothly from the gates with the addition of a visor, Cardenas strategically held Supernatural Power back, allowing Mamma Mia (Jerome Innis) and Major Danger (Dane Dawkins), a stablemate, to set the early pace. As the race progressed, the filly settled into a steady rhythm, biding her time until the half-mile (800m) turn, where she surged forward effortlessly, overtaking her rivals.
Tiz Tok, ridden by Raddesh Roman, emerged as a strong challenger, briefly taking second place as Supernatural Power seized the lead. However, when Tiz Tok mounted a fierce challenge in the final stretch, Supernatural Power responded with determination, pulling away decisively to claim victory. Tiz Tok finished second, with Major Danger securing third place, 19¾ lengths behind.
The win marks a significant milestone for Supernatural Power as she prepares for the Mouttet Mile, with trainer Philip Feanny and jockey Dick Cardenas reflecting on their successful strategy and the filly’s promising potential.
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Masicka plugs UNO Fiesta
Jamaican dancehall sensation Masicka is set to mark a dual milestone with the launch of his inaugural event, UNO Fiesta. Scheduled for December 20 at Bay Beach in Ocho Rios, St Ann, the celebration will coincide with both his birthday and the release of his highly anticipated new album. The event promises to be a vibrant fusion of music, camaraderie, and tropical vibes, offering fans an unforgettable day-to-night experience.
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‘Jamaica deserves it!’
Mount Pleasant Football Academy has taken a monumental step towards the Concacaf Caribbean Cup final after a resounding 5-1 victory over Trinidad and Tobago’s Defence Force FC in the first-leg semi-final. The match, held at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain, showcased the Jamaican Premier League champions’ dominance, with Raheem Edwards scoring twice and contributions from Warner Brown, Shaqueil Bradford, and Kimoni Bailey. Head Coach Theodore Whitmore emphasized the importance of meticulous preparation in securing the win, stating, ‘We eliminated their game plan and ours worked.’ Despite the commanding performance, Whitmore expressed disappointment at conceding a goal, ending their streak of clean sheets. Mount Pleasant now stands on the brink of becoming only the second Jamaican team to reach the Caribbean Cup final, following in the footsteps of reigning champions Cavalier FC. Whitmore highlighted the significance of this achievement for Jamaican football, urging fans to rally behind the team. A spot in the final would also secure Mount Pleasant’s qualification for the prestigious Concacaf Champions Cup, where they could face elite clubs from the United States, Mexico, Canada, and Central America. The second-leg match is set to take place at the National Stadium in Jamaica, where Mount Pleasant aims to seal their historic progression.
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Is That A Fact set for Bruceontheloose Sprint
Renowned trainer Jason DaCosta has set his sights on the upcoming Bruceontheloose Sprint, scheduled for Mouttet Mile race day in December, with his exceptional five-year-old American-bred bay horse, Is That A Fact. This announcement follows Is That A Fact’s impressive triumph in the $1.25-million Errol “Big Sub” Subratie Memorial Cup on Saturday, October 18, 2025. The race, an Overnight Allowance contest for three-year-olds and upward over one mile (1,600m), saw Is That A Fact dominate the field, defeating runner-up Run Julie Run, ridden by Dane Dawkins, by a length and three-quarters. The victory was marked by a commanding performance, with Is That A Fact completing the event in 1:39.1 (24.0 x 46.4 x 1:12.0 x 1:25.2). DaCosta praised the jockey, Shaheem Gordon, for executing a flawless ride and adhering to the race strategy. “It was a perfect ride by the jockey, and he followed instructions well,” DaCosta remarked. He also expressed confidence in Is That A Fact’s form, stating, “I think he is peaking at the right time, and he was working exceptionally well coming into this race.” Despite initial concerns about Run Julie Run’s challenge, DaCosta remains focused on the upcoming Sprint on Mouttet Mile race day. Gordon, who held Is That A Fact off in the early stages, timed the surge perfectly, propelling the horse to the front in the deep stretch and fending off Run Julie Run’s challenge to secure the win. “The trainer gave me an instruction, I know it was a winning ride and so I stuck to the plan and we won,” Gordon said. Linguist trailed behind in third place. DaCosta’s strategic planning and Gordon’s expert execution have positioned Is That A Fact as a strong contender for the upcoming Sprint.
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Crawling threat
Jamaica is bracing for the impact of Tropical Storm Melissa, which continues its steady advance toward the island. The Government has escalated emergency preparations as meteorologists warn of potential hurricane conditions within the next 48 hours. Rohan Brown, Weather Services Manager at the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, stated during a press conference at Jamaica House that Melissa could intensify into a major hurricane by the weekend, posing significant threats to the region. The storm’s slow but relentless progression has prompted widespread readiness measures. The island’s international airports have activated emergency protocols, public hospitals are on high alert, and utility companies have mobilized resources. The Jamaica Public Service Company has introduced a new incident command structure to ensure faster and safer power restoration. Telecommunications providers Flow and Digicel, along with the National Water Commission, have also declared full preparedness. Residents are urged to stay vigilant as the storm’s trajectory and intensity remain uncertain.
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False prophet
The shocking events surrounding Kevin Ontoneil Smith, a self-proclaimed prophet and alleged cult leader, have left Jamaica in a state of disbelief. On October 17, 2021, Smith’s Pathways International Kingdom Restoration Ministries in Albion, St James, became the site of a horrifying human sacrifice ritual. Two congregants, Taneka Gardner and Michael Brown, were brutally killed during the ceremony, marking a dark turn in Smith’s spiritual empire. The incident culminated in a deadly police raid, resulting in the death of another congregant, Kevaughn Palmer, and the arrest of 42 church members, including Smith. Just eight days later, on October 25, Smith’s life came to a tragic end when the car transporting him and three police officers crashed on the Linstead Bypass in St Catherine. Smith and Constable Orlando Irons died on impact, while the other officers survived. Autopsies later revealed that Smith had caused the crash, effectively committing suicide. Smith’s rise to prominence began at the age of 17 when he was ordained as a minister. By 2011, he had returned to Jamaica with the title “Dr” and established himself as a spiritual leader. His church, which he referred to as the “ark,” became a hub for his increasingly extreme practices. In March 2021, Smith charged congregants $100,000 each to enter the ark, where they endured harsh living conditions. The October 17 incident was preceded by a cryptic Facebook post from Smith, urging his followers to board the ark for a three-day convention. Instead, they were met with violence and death. Smith’s manipulative tactics and rigid financial rules had long raised red flags among those who knew him. Merlene Lewin, a resident near the church, recalled how Smith fined congregants for late attendance and improper attire. Despite his charm and intelligence, Smith’s actions revealed a darker side. His death and the subsequent charges of murder, wounding with intent, and illegal possession of a firearm have left a lasting impact on Jamaica’s religious community. Reverend Merrick “Al” Miller, who knew Smith in his early years, expressed his devastation at the turn of events, emphasizing the need for vigilance in spiritual leadership. The Jamaica Observer’s documentary, ‘Cult Pastor Kevin Smith: Dead or Alive?’, delves deeper into this chilling saga, with Part 2 set for release on October 26, 2025.
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GOB Warns of Fake AI Video Promising Quick Returns
The Government of Belize (GOB) has issued a public warning about a fraudulent AI-generated video circulating on social media. The video, presented in Spanish, features manipulated images of prominent Belizean figures and falsely promises viewers quick financial returns in exchange for investments. Authorities emphasize that such scams, leveraging advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technology, are becoming alarmingly prevalent. These so-called ‘deepfake’ videos can convincingly alter images, audio, and video to fabricate statements or actions that never occurred. The GOB strongly advises citizens to avoid sharing personal information or sending money in response to such deceptive content. To help the public identify fake AI videos, experts recommend verifying the source, checking for inconsistencies in facial movements or audio, reverse-searching key frames, and cross-referencing claims with credible sources. Additionally, skepticism toward ‘get rich quick’ messages is crucial, as legitimate investment opportunities are rarely promoted through viral social media posts. As AI technology becomes more accessible, experts predict a rise in deepfake scams targeting personal finances, political influence, and misinformation campaigns. The public is urged to remain vigilant, report suspicious content, and verify all online claims before taking action.
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Vreed-en-Hoop phone store owner fatally shoots policeman
A tragic incident unfolded at the Vreed-en-Hoop Stelling on the West Coast Demerara, where a 34-year-old policeman, Lance Corporal Richard Haynes, was fatally shot by a local businessman. The suspect, identified as 37-year-old Mr. Hussain, owns a cellphone store at the same location. According to the Guyana Police Force, the altercation stemmed from a dispute over the sale of a cell phone, which escalated into violence. Mr. Hussain allegedly used his licensed firearm to shoot Lance Corporal Haynes. The police have since seized the weapon as part of their ongoing investigation. This incident has sent shockwaves through the community, raising concerns about public safety and the escalation of disputes into fatal violence. Authorities are urging calm and assuring the public that a thorough investigation is underway to bring justice to the victim and his family.