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KINGSTON, Jamaica — WIP Energy, a subsidiary of West Indies Petroleum Limited (WIP), has stepped into the spotlight as the main sponsor of the 41st Canoe Tournament, set to take place from October 21 to 25, 2025. This event is a key component of the 62nd Port Antonio International Marlin Fishing Tournament, a hallmark of Jamaica’s maritime culture. WIP Energy will supply fuel for approximately 60 vessels participating in the competition, reinforcing its dedication to preserving Jamaica’s fishing traditions and boosting tourism in Portland. Wayne Fraser, General Manager of WIP Energy, emphasized the tournament’s role in fostering community bonds, celebrating maritime heritage, and creating economic opportunities for local fisherfolk. ‘These events are more than just competitions; they are a celebration of our traditions and a platform for economic growth,’ Fraser stated. The canoe tournament, Jamaica’s longest-running local fishing competition, draws around 180 participants from six parishes: St Thomas, Portland, St Mary, St Ann, St James, and Trelawny. Beyond showcasing traditional fishing practices, the event serves as a vital economic driver for fishing communities, enabling participants to enhance their earnings and elevate their fishing enterprises. Fraser highlighted the symbiotic relationship between WIP Energy and the fishing community, noting that many participants are indirect customers of the company. ‘This partnership allows us to give back to a community that has supported our growth. We celebrate their dedication and skill while strengthening Port Antonio’s reputation as a premier fishing destination,’ he added. The tournament kicks off on Tuesday, with fishing commencing at 7:00 am at ‘Di Ole Marina’ in Port Antonio.

Jamaica’s efforts to strengthen its bond with the global Jamaican diaspora have been significantly bolstered by the annual ‘Homecoming Tour,’ a flagship initiative led by Dr. Bevan Earle, a Florida-based Jamaican radio personality affectionately known as ‘The Duke of Earle.’ Celebrating its 26th anniversary, the tour recently brought dozens of Jamaicans from the US, Canada, and the UK back to their roots, fostering emotional and cultural reconnections. This year’s destination, Montego Bay, showcased the island’s rich heritage, history, and natural beauty, with Sandals Royal Caribbean serving as the host resort. Participants enjoyed immersive experiences, including a private catamaran cruise, local cuisine, watersports, and cultural excursions, all designed to deepen their ties to Jamaica. Rita Edwards, a first-time participant from Florida, praised the tour for its exceptional hospitality and cultural immersion, describing it as a ‘life-changing experience.’ Beyond tourism, the diaspora plays a vital role in Jamaica’s development, contributing to community projects, education, and healthcare. The tour also emphasizes giving back, with Earle supporting local institutions and planning annual initiatives like the Christmas treat. The initiative has gained intergenerational appeal, with older Jamaicans introducing younger generations to their heritage through food, music, and community spirit. Earle highlighted the growing participation in this year’s tour and called for greater engagement with diaspora communities, particularly in South Florida. He also acknowledged the late Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, founder of Sandals Resorts, for his early support in making the tour a reality. Sandals Royal Caribbean’s involvement underscores its commitment to cultural tourism and diaspora engagement, offering a luxurious and culturally enriching experience for participants.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In response to escalating water levels triggered by heavy rainfall on Friday, the Bog Walk Gorge flood traffic control gates have been shut down. The Office of Disaster Preparedness & Emergency Management (ODPEM) announced the closure in a statement, confirming that the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) and the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) were deployed to secure the area. Motorists are advised to utilize alternative routes, including the North South Highway, Sligoville Road, and Barry Road, to avoid the affected zone.

ODPEM also reported significant land slippage near the Sligoville Road entrance of the Gorge, which has obstructed over 90% of the passageway. Teams from the National Works Agency (NWA) and JFB are currently assessing the landslide to devise an appropriate response as rainfall persists. The agency emphasized that tampering with the flood control gates is illegal and poses serious risks to public safety, urging citizens to comply with safety protocols.

In light of the ongoing hurricane season, ODPEM issued several precautionary measures for residents in flood-prone areas. These include preparing evacuation plans, avoiding flooded waterways and damaged roadways, and safeguarding important documents in waterproof containers. The public is reminded to adhere to safety advisories from ODPEM, the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, and other relevant authorities to mitigate risks during this critical period.

In a significant crackdown on organized crime, the St James police in Jamaica have apprehended several individuals linked to gang activities, including Haitians and a Jamaican woman. Superintendent Lynroy Edwards, the operations officer for Operation Endgame, revealed that the arrests were made during targeted operations in the Blue Hole community of Montpellier, St James. The operation aimed to disrupt a major violence producer believed to be operating in the area. Edwards highlighted that intelligence pointed to gang affiliations, with the Jamaican woman allegedly playing a pivotal role in recruiting Haitians for criminal networks. Investigations are ongoing, with authorities committed to dismantling these groups. Additionally, the police made further progress during the week, recovering firearms and arresting suspects in separate incidents. Notably, an amputee with ties to the defunct Ski Mask gang was arrested along with another individual after a pistol was found during a search operation. Another firearm was seized in Montego West Village, leading to the arrest of a 43-year-old man. These efforts build on recent successes, including the recovery of weapons and the arrest of two men in Bogue Heights. Superintendent Edwards emphasized the police’s determination to sustain the reduction in crime rates, which have reached historic lows in recent months. Collaborative efforts with the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) and other supporting formations remain a cornerstone of their strategy to ensure public safety and security across the parish.

A groundbreaking quiz competition aimed at promoting climate change awareness and environmental preservation has commenced in St Ann, Jamaica. Organized by the Cause for Change Foundation (CFCF) in collaboration with 15 sponsors, the event involves 22 primary schools and runs from October 9 to 23. The competition, themed ‘Conserve, Preserve, Revive,’ seeks to instill sustainable practices among young students and their communities. Richardo Aiken, Principal Director of CFCF, emphasized the importance of addressing improper waste disposal and fostering a culture of environmental stewardship. The event includes preliminary rounds, quarterfinals, semifinals, and a grand finale, with cash prizes ranging from $20,000 to $100,000. Additional rewards, such as garden kits and recycling bins, aim to enhance schools’ environmental consciousness. The initiative also features an expo at St Hilda’s Diocesean High School Auditorium on the final day. CFCF, founded during the COVID-19 pandemic, has a history of community-focused projects, including feeding the homeless and supporting children with disabilities. Sponsors like Derhone Campbell and Conroy Campbell have contributed expertise in water harvesting and renewable energy, aligning their businesses with sustainable practices. The competition’s legacy will include a manual on environmental preservation developed by The University of the West Indies Western Campus, distributed to schools and libraries across St Ann.

The Jamaica Public Service (JPS) has raised alarms over rampant electricity theft from streetlights in the Rocky Point community of Clarendon, which has led to significant damage and left residents grappling with safety concerns. In a recent media release, JPS revealed that illegal connections account for more than 70% of the electricity consumed in the area, causing frequent outages and necessitating repeated repairs.

In a landmark operation, the Dominica police announced on Friday the largest drug seizure in the nation’s history, confiscating more than 1,700 kilograms of cocaine with an estimated street value exceeding EC$46 million (approximately US$17 million). The operation, dubbed ‘Clean Street,’ marks a significant milestone in the country’s fight against drug trafficking. Acting Police Commissioner Lincoln Corbette revealed that the haul surpasses the previous record set in the early 1980s, when 3,000 pounds of cocaine were seized. ‘This is the biggest haul ever in Dominica,’ Corbette emphasized during a press conference. He praised the officers involved for their dedication, stating that the seizure prevents millions of dollars from falling into the hands of criminals and endangering citizens. Corbette also disclosed that 24 individuals—19 men and 5 women—were arrested in connection with the operation, alongside the confiscation of substantial cash amounts, firearms, and ammunition. While he did not confirm arrests directly linked to the cocaine seizure, the operation has dealt a significant blow to organized crime in the region.