In a thrilling display of resilience, defending champions Garvey Maceo Technical High School overturned a two-goal deficit to secure a 3-2 victory over Glenmuir High in a pivotal ISSA daCosta Cup Zone I playoff match on Wednesday. This win not only avenged their earlier 4-0 defeat to Glenmuir but also propelled them to the top of the points table with 24 points, two ahead of their rivals. Glenmuir’s Orane Watson initially put his team in control with goals in the 28th and 46th minutes, but Garvey Maceo’s Jihari Williams struck twice in the 52nd and 74th minutes, setting the stage for Rushane White’s decisive 81st-minute winner. The loss extended Glenmuir’s winless streak to three matches, following defeats to Kemps Hill High and a draw with Denbigh High. Meanwhile, Mannings School continued their dominant run in Zone C, completing a flawless first round with a 4-0 victory over Petersfield High. Jordan Turner led the charge with a brace, supported by goals from Kajaye Williams and Devardo Reid. Mannings’ 47 goals trail only Manchester High’s record-breaking 76 and Ocho Rios High’s 55. In other zones, Cornwall College secured back-to-back Zone A titles with a 2-0 win over Herbert Morrison Technical, while Clarendon College topped Zone H after a 4-0 thrashing of Claude McKay High. Belair High narrowly edged May Day High 1-0 in a rain-shortened Zone F match, finishing second to Manchester High. The Zone D decider between Cedric Titus and William Knibb Memorial was postponed due to inclement weather.
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Frome Tech and Maldon High qualify for daCosta Cup second round
WESTMORELAND, Jamaica — In a thrilling series of matches on Wednesday, Frome Technical and Maldon High clinched their places in the round of 32 of the ISSA daCosta Cup football competition. Frome Technical staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Knockalva Technical 2-1 in a game shortened to 70 minutes due to heavy rains. Meanwhile, Maldon High ended a three-game winless streak with a dominant 5-0 victory over Green Pond High, securing their advancement from Zone A for the second consecutive year. Both teams join Cornwall College and Rusea’s High, who had already qualified earlier in the competition. The second round of the tournament is set to commence on Saturday, with 26 other teams having already secured their spots. Notable qualifiers include Cornwall College, Maldon High, Rusea’s High, Frome Technical, and several other high-performing schools. The competition continues to intensify as teams vie for the prestigious title.
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Serena Williams to crown Fraser Pryce at ATHLOS event
In a momentous celebration of athletic excellence, retired Jamaican sprinter Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce will be honored at the ATHLOS event this Friday at Icahn Stadium in New York. The crowning ceremony will be conducted by tennis legend Serena Williams, marking a symbolic passing of the torch between two of the greatest athletes of all time. The announcement was made by Alexis Ohanian, Serena Williams’ husband and founder of ATHLOS, during an interview on CBS Mornings, where he was joined by Fraser-Pryce. Ohanian emphasized the significance of the event, stating, ‘This is about celebrating greatness and reflecting on the future of track and field, modeled after the Formula One approach.’ Fraser-Pryce, who recently retired after 18 illustrious years in the sport, expressed her desire to continue elevating track and field through her voice and influence off the track. ATHLOS has also announced that Fraser-Pryce will receive a Tiffany crown, symbolizing her lifetime of speed, excellence, and legacy.
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‘Ministry should not have been caught off guard over 40 teachers’ resignations’
The Bahamas is grappling with an unprecedented wave of teacher resignations as approximately 40 educators have left their positions just before the start of the new academic year. Belinda Wilson, President of the Bahamas Union of Teachers, highlighted that this figure is significantly higher than usual and underscores systemic issues within the education sector. Education Director Dominique McCartney Russell recently confirmed the resignations, though Wilson criticized the ministry for its lack of preparedness. She emphasized that teachers typically submit resignation notices months in advance, making the situation predictable. Wilson described the ministry’s response as disingenuous, stating, ‘It was really disingenuous, actually, if the director gave the impression like, oops, we woke up this morning and these persons would have resigned.’ The resignations include both novice teachers with as little as four years of experience and seasoned educators with over 25 years of service. Reasons for leaving vary: non-Bahamian teachers departed due to expired contracts, while Bahamian teachers cited low morale, frustration, and a sense of disrespect. Others transitioned to new careers, joined family businesses, or took time off for personal reasons. Wilson lamented the ministry’s failure to engage with departing teachers, stating, ‘What is also sad too, it seems as though education did not take the time to even ask these individuals, why are you leaving?’ The staffing shortage could severely impact hundreds of students, with Wilson estimating that 40 teaching periods per week could go unstaffed, affecting up to 500 students. This disruption could hinder student performance in critical exams like BJC and BGCSE, further exacerbating the crisis.
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Jamaican-British family wants new probe into son’s murder after killer’s admission
Baroness Doreen Lawrence, a Jamaican-born member of the UK House of Lords, has urged British police to reopen the investigation into the 1993 murder of her son, Stephen Lawrence. This call comes after Gary Dobson, one of the convicted individuals, admitted to participating in the attack during a recent parole hearing. Stephen Lawrence, an 18-year-old, was fatally stabbed by a gang at a bus stop in Eltham, UK, in what was widely perceived as a racially motivated crime. The case shocked the nation and highlighted systemic issues within the UK’s criminal justice system. While Dobson and David Norris were convicted in 2012, neither had previously confessed to their involvement. At least six men were suspected of the murder, but only two faced legal consequences. Norris’ admission, where he claimed to have punched but not stabbed Lawrence, marks the first time a suspect has publicly acknowledged participation in the crime. During the parole hearing, Norris expressed reluctance to name his accomplices, citing fears for his and his family’s safety. Baroness Lawrence emphasized the need for justice, stating that Norris owes her the truth and the Metropolitan Police owe her accountability. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that a review of the investigation began in 2013 to explore potential avenues for further prosecutions. Meanwhile, the parole board is deliberating Norris’ release, with conflicting psychiatric evaluations—one deeming him unfit due to racist behavior in prison, while another suggests he could be safely released.
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Caribbean Airlines named Caribbean’s leading airline brand for ninth consecutive year
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) — Caribbean Airlines (CAL) has once again soared to new heights, securing the title of the Caribbean’s Leading Airline Brand for 2025 at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards. This marks the ninth consecutive year that the regional carrier has been honored with this prestigious accolade, solidifying its reputation as a trailblazer in the aviation industry. The World Travel Awards, renowned for celebrating excellence in travel, tourism, and hospitality, serve as a global benchmark for quality and innovation. Caribbean Airlines’ consistent recognition underscores its dedication to regional integration, exceptional service, and a commitment to delivering a uniquely Caribbean experience to its passengers. Beyond the top honor, the airline also triumphed in categories such as the Caribbean’s Leading Airline, Leading Cabin Crew, and Leading In-flight Magazine. Over the past year, Caribbean Airlines has expanded its route network to include the French Caribbean, now connecting 28 destinations across North and South America and the wider Caribbean. The airline has also introduced innovative upgrades to its airport baggage handling systems and refined its product offerings to better align with the evolving needs of its customers. This latest achievement comes amidst significant management changes, including the recent resignation of the company’s chief executive officer. Despite these transitions, Caribbean Airlines continues to set the standard for aviation excellence in the region.
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Palestinian president meets Israeli peace activists as Gaza deal announced
In a significant development following the recent Gaza ceasefire agreement, Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas convened with Israeli peace activists in Ramallah on Thursday. The meeting, held at the presidential palace in the occupied West Bank, focused on fostering long-term peace between the two sides. Abbas expressed his approval of the ceasefire and the subsequent release of hostages, stating, “I welcome the agreement signed today, the end of the war, and the release of the hostages.” He also reiterated the Palestinian commitment to establishing a state encompassing Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, despite past challenges, including former U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial proposals. The gathering included prominent figures such as Arab-Israeli Knesset member Ayman Odeh and Palestinian Authority Vice-President Hussein al-Sheikh. Abbas engaged warmly with the audience, sharing light-hearted moments and jokes. However, the event was briefly interrupted by two power outages, as reported by an AFP journalist. Among the attendees was Iddo Ilam, an activist who declined to serve in the Israeli army, receiving a thumbs-up from Abbas. Rula Daoud, co-director of the Israeli grassroots movement Standing Together, emphasized the need for a peaceful future between Jews and Palestinians. Notably, the specifics of the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, which is expected to facilitate the release of remaining hostages and nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, were not discussed. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed the possibility of the Palestinian Authority governing post-war Gaza, despite al-Sheikh’s assertion on X that the PA is fully prepared to oversee Gaza’s reconstruction.
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Funeral service for Allan ‘Skill’ Cole to be held Saturday at National Arena
David Cole, son of the legendary Jamaican footballer Allan ‘Skill’ Cole, cherishes countless memories of his father, but one culinary experience stands out vividly. ‘My fondest memory is when he took me to a spot to eat steamed fish with turn cornmeal and red peas…a recipe I’ll always remember,’ David shared with Observer Online. Allan Cole, widely regarded as Jamaica’s greatest footballer, passed away on September 9 at the age of 74 due to multiple organ failure at the University Hospital of the West Indies in St Andrew. Beyond his football prowess, Cole was a close friend and manager of reggae icon Bob Marley. Like Marley, who died in 1981, Cole’s funeral service will be held at the National Arena in Kingston on October 11. Preceding the funeral, events celebrating his life will take place at House of Dread in his hometown of Vineyard Town on October 9, followed by a tribute from the Twelve Tribes of Israel at their Hope Road headquarters on October 10. David anticipates a significant turnout at these events, given his father’s monumental contributions to sports, arts, culture, and mentorship. ‘He was a trailblazer, doing things way ahead of his time both on and off the field,’ David remarked. ‘He’s a natural mentor, nurturer, always seeking to steer individuals and entities to high standards and excellence.’ Allan Cole’s legacy extends beyond football. Born in Kingston, he was a prodigy who represented Jamaica at just 15 years old. He excelled as an attacking midfielder and striker for Vere Technical High School, Santos, and Boys’ Town in the Major League. Internationally, he played for the Atlanta Chiefs in the North American Soccer League and Nautico in Brazil. In music, Cole managed Bob Marley, including his final U.S. tour in 1980, and is credited as the writer of ‘War,’ a track from Marley’s 1976 album ‘Rastaman Vibration.’ David, a 53-year-old audio engineer who has toured with Grammy winner Damian ‘Junior Gong’ Marley, is the fourth of Allan Cole’s six children. His mother, Judy Mowatt, is a member of The I Three, Marley’s harmony trio.
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Sean Paul, Koffee and Gyptian make Rolling Stone’s 250 greatest songs of the 21st century
Three legendary Jamaican musicians from different eras have earned a prestigious spot in Rolling Stone’s list of the 250 greatest songs of the 21st century. Koffee, Gyptian, and Sean Paul were recognized for their iconic tracks, which the renowned music magazine hailed as timeless masterpieces. Koffee’s 2019 hit, *Toast*, secured the 203rd position, praised by Rolling Stone as an “invigorating banger” with an unforgettable hook. The song, produced by IzyBeats, became a global sensation and even made it onto former U.S. President Barack Obama’s 2019 summer playlist. Koffee also made history that year as the youngest solo reggae artist to receive a Grammy nomination, ultimately winning for her debut album *Rapture*. Gyptian’s 2010 smash *Hold Yuh* claimed the 125th spot, described as a “contemporary classic” that blends sweetness and sensuality. Despite debates over its global success, Rolling Stone credited Gyptian’s passionate delivery as the defining factor. Sean Paul’s 2003 chart-topper *Get Busy* ranked 92nd, the only Jamaican track to break the top 100. The song, part of Steven “Lenky” Marsden’s Diwali rhythm, was celebrated as a dance floor anthem. Rolling Stone emphasized that its selections were based on musical brilliance and originality, not just popularity.
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‘Whisper’ Richards could play key role in World Cup qualifier against Curacao — McClaren
WILLEMSTAD, Curacao — In a last-minute roster adjustment, Dujuan ‘Whisper’ Richards has been called up to the Jamaican national football team, the Reggae Boyz, ahead of their pivotal Concacaf World Cup Qualifier against Curacao. Head coach Steve McClaren confirmed that Richards, a 19-year-old winger from Chelsea, could play a significant role in Friday’s match at the Ergilio Hato Stadium. Richards is set to arrive in Curacao later today after departing from London. His inclusion comes as a response to the injury of Demarai Gray, who sustained a groin injury during training and has returned to his club, Birmingham City. Despite limited preparation time with the team, McClaren emphasized Richards’ potential contribution, citing his recent performances for Chelsea’s under-21s, where he scored twice in six appearances. Richards, who last represented Jamaica in October 2023, is expected to start as a substitute. The Reggae Boyz, currently leading Group B with six points, aim to secure a victory against Curacao, who have four points, to strengthen their chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match is scheduled for 7:00 pm local time (6:00 pm Jamaica time).