Nigerian authorities confirmed Wednesday evening that former world heavyweight boxing titleholder Anthony Joshua has been released from medical care following a devastating road accident that claimed the lives of two close companions. The incident occurred along the heavily traveled Lagos-Ibadan expressway in southwestern Nigeria, where the sports icon’s sports utility vehicle collided with a stationary truck under circumstances now under official investigation. Preliminary findings from the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE) indicate a tire rupture may have precipitated the catastrophic impact. Joint statements from Lagos state spokesman Gbenga Omotoso and Ogun state representative Kayode Akinmade clarified that while Joshua remains emotionally devastated by the loss of his friends, medical professionals determined his physical condition permitted recovery outside clinical supervision. Both state governments coordinated the athlete’s treatment following Monday’s tragedy. Before returning home, Joshua paid respects at the mortuary where deceased companions Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele were being prepared for transportation to their final resting places.
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Galiday Bounce postponed amid dispute with show’s headliner Kraff
The highly anticipated Galiday Bounce New Year’s Eve concert, scheduled to take place at New York’s Amazura Concert Hall with headliner dancehall artist Kraff, has been unexpectedly postponed following a public contractual dispute between the artist and event promoter.
Event promoter Galdiez Mendez ignited tensions through social media broadcasts on Wednesday, accusing Kraff of failing to fulfill promotional obligations despite receiving substantial advance payments. Mendez claimed he expended approximately $59,000 on event preparations, including booking two suites at the Double Tree Hotel in Queens, New York, where supporting performers were already accommodated.
In emotional video statements, Mendez alleged that Kraff refused to participate in essential promotional activities, stating: “The artist claims he doesn’t do advertisements. How will audiences know he’s performing? I had to contact his associates in Jamaica to secure minimal promotional content.” Mendez demanded the return of $21,786 allegedly paid to Kraff for his performance.
Contrasting sharply with these allegations, Kraff’s management team issued an official statement explaining their decision to withdraw from the event. They asserted that the promoter repeatedly failed to honor contractual obligations and unexpectedly characterized the event as a “benefit concert” without prior discussion or approval.
The statement emphasized: “Kraff, his management, and representatives provided the promoter with extensive opportunities to resolve outstanding issues. The artist maintains professional standards and cannot compromise on safety, logistics, or production quality. Financial and operational responsibility rested entirely with the promoter.”
Ticket holders have been advised to contact the promoter or their point of purchase regarding refund procedures. The postponed event was slated to feature additional performances by Tatik, Kkrytical, Sita, Foota Hype, Joe Young, FyaaMan, and Kayson Full Charge. Kraff’s team expressed hope for future performances in New York under appropriately professional circumstances.
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Jearlean John: Mud volcano still active, major road repairs on hold
The Trinidadian government faces complex engineering challenges as it responds to the ongoing Piparo mud volcano eruption that damaged critical road infrastructure on December 24. During a recent site assessment, Works and Infrastructure Minister Jearlean John revealed that comprehensive repairs would require approximately $20 million in funding, but cautioned that substantial reconstruction cannot proceed while volcanic activity continues.
Minister John emphasized the government’s cautious approach, stating: “We cannot commit to that kind of money until we know what is happening. So, we are really trying, and we use a lot of in-house resources to restore.” The minister returned to the affected area on December 31 alongside technical teams from her ministry, regional corporation officials, and Princes Town MP Aiyna Ali to oversee emergency restoration efforts.
Collaborative work between the Ministry’s Highways Division, Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo Regional Corporation, and Princes Town Regional Corporation has restored partial vehicular access to certain sections of Piparo Road. However, a critical 400-meter segment between the 1.7 km and 2.1 km markers remains closed due to unstable ground conditions, with authorities urging motorists to respect safety barriers and detour signage.
The human impact of the geological event has been substantial, with resident Kim Seebaran, 65, revealing the psychological toll on homeowners. “We do not know what is going to happen again,” Seebaran told reporters. “We, the residents, cannot sleep properly. It is a lot of stress that we have to go through.” The pensioner, whose home lies directly in the path of underground mud movement, is actively seeking rental accommodation as her roof structure shows signs of stress from subterranean shifts.
With rehabilitation work scheduled to continue through New Year’s Day, the government faces balancing immediate access needs with long-term geological uncertainty, while residents grapple with the third significant volcanic event to affect their community in recent history.
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Finance ministry extends Hurricane Melissa duty and GCT relief to January 15
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a decisive move addressing logistical challenges during the holiday season, Jamaica’s Ministry of Finance and Public Service has granted a two-week extension for hurricane relief import duty exemptions. The new deadline of January 15, 2026, represents a firm cutoff for tax concessions on essential goods imported following Hurricane Melissa.
Government authorities acknowledged that Christmas season operations significantly hampered shipping capabilities, affecting freight forwarders, brokers, and port authorities alike. Many charitable donations from international donors failed to meet the original December 31, 2025 deadline due to these systemic constraints.
The ministry’s official statement emphasized the substantial financial impact of these tax relief measures, revealing a striking $12 billion reduction in customs revenue since the hurricane struck. This financial reality necessitates a carefully balanced approach to disaster recovery philanthropy.
As Jamaica progresses from emergency relief to reconstruction phases, officials are encouraging overseas supporters to utilize standard shipping channels for sending items to family and friends. The government reaffirmed its appreciation for international solidarity while establishing clear parameters for the nation’s fiscal recovery strategy.
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Jamaica receives US$300,000 in recovery assistance from Republic of Korea
KINGSTON, Jamaica—In a significant demonstration of international solidarity, the Republic of Korea has pledged substantial support to Jamaica’s rehabilitation initiatives after the devastation wrought by Category-Five Hurricane Melissa. A ceremonial handover of a $300,000 financial contribution recently took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade in Kingston, marking a pivotal moment in bilateral cooperation between the two nations.
Foreign Minister Kamina Johnson Smith formally received the aid from Korean Chargé d’Affaires Jin-wook Kim, characterizing the donation as both generous and impactful. Minister Johnson Smith emphasized that this contribution would directly enhance rebuilding operations while positively affecting numerous families throughout the most severely damaged regions.
Mr. Kim articulated that this humanitarian assistance reflects the profound and enduring friendship connecting South Korea and Jamaica. He characterized the monetary donation as a sincere effort to strengthen Jamaica’s disaster response capabilities following the catastrophic hurricane.
Beyond immediate financial support, additional relief measures are being coordinated through JTS (Join Together Society), an international non-governmental organization specializing in disaster response. In an unprecedented Caribbean engagement, JTS will deliver 200 tonnes of rice to Jamaica within coming weeks—allocating 40 tonnes to each of the five most affected parishes. The organization will further supplement this with a container shipment dedicated to baby and women’s essential products.
Mr. Kim expressed unwavering confidence in Jamaica’s resilience, stating: ‘Korea and Jamaica share a special bond that transcends these setbacks. I firmly believe Jamaica will emerge from this catastrophe stronger than ever before.’ This comprehensive assistance package represents a multifaceted approach to international disaster recovery, combining immediate financial aid with essential commodity support during Jamaica’s reconstruction phase.
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At least 4 murders close off the year
A wave of violence swept across Trinidad and Tobago during the final hours of 2025, with four separate homicides recorded between December 30-31. The incidents occurred in multiple locations, claiming lives from various communities and bringing the year’s murder toll to 368—a significant decrease from 2024’s 626 cases.
In the Southern Division, 40-year-old Gary Griffith of Tarouba Heights was ambushed near his Derek Murray Drive residence shortly before 11 pm on December 30. Eyewitnesses reported a white vehicle pulling alongside the victim before occupants opened fire, striking Griffith multiple times. Despite rapid response from Marabella police units and medical transportation to San Fernando General Hospital, Griffith succumbed to his injuries by 11:29 pm.
Simultaneously in Laventille, 47-year-old Shawn McLean met a tragic end in his parked vehicle at Upper Wharton Street. The victim had just returned from an errand when assailants targeted him in his own yard around 9 pm. McLean, who maintained residences in both Laventille and Morvant, was discovered slumped behind the steering wheel.
Early on December 31, violence claimed another life in El Socorro when 76-year-old Gobin Deonarine was shot while playing cards with companions near his Persad Lane home. At approximately 1:20 am, a motorcycle-riding gunman approached the gathering and opened fire, fatally wounding the elderly man. Despite emergency transfer to Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, Deonarine was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
The island of Tobago witnessed its tenth homicide of 2025 with the killing of 26-year-old sanitation worker Jerome Woods. The Tobago House of Assembly employee was discovered with gunshot wounds at his Blackman Trace rental apartment in Delaford on December 31 morning. The tragedy prompted emotional response from PNM electoral candidate Shonae John, who publicly appealed for peace and community solidarity through social media platforms.
Unconfirmed reports additionally suggested a fifth potential victim recovered from a Morvant Junction river, though authorities had not verified these claims by press time.
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Caricom head wants co-ordination, not isolation
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) faces a significant test of regional solidarity as new chairman Dr. Terrance Drew, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, advocates for enhanced coordination amid growing internal divisions. In his inaugural New Year’s address on December 31, Dr. Drew emphasized that regional integration represents an essential strategy rather than an optional pathway for Caribbean nations navigating global uncertainties.
Dr. Drew’s message promoting collective Caribbean interests stands in stark contrast to the position articulated by Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who has openly criticized CARICOM’s geopolitical stance. The divergence centers particularly on responses to recent U.S. military operations in the region, including actions against Venezuelan facilities described as drug operations and the seizure of oil tankers.
While Persad-Bissessar has aligned her nation with United States policy objectives, she has simultaneously condemned CARICOM’s official position maintaining the Caribbean as a zone of peace. In media statements from December 20-22, she characterized the organization as supporting what she termed the ‘Maduro narco-government’ and accused CARICOM of engaging in ‘zone of peace fakery.’
The incoming chairman, who will guide the 21-member bloc for the next six months, framed current challenges within the historical context of Caribbean achievement. Dr. Drew highlighted the region’s extraordinary contributions to global culture, sports, intellectual thought, and political philosophy despite its relatively small size and complex history shaped by slavery and indentured labor.
Addressing the visible tensions between member states, Dr. Drew acknowledged that differences naturally occur within diverse communities but emphasized the importance of managing dialogues with ‘mutual respect and regional responsibility.’ He articulated CARICOM’s fundamental purpose as a forum for constructive conflict resolution rather than unanimous agreement, asserting that ‘our collective strength is greater than any single issue before us.’
The chairman’s vision calls for enhanced institutional strengthening, deeper consultation mechanisms, and strategic maturity in international engagements. Dr. Drew announced preparations for the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government, scheduled for February 24-27, 2026, in St. Kitts and Nevis, where these critical issues will feature prominently on the agenda.
Meanwhile, Persad-Bissessar’s criticisms extend beyond geopolitical alignment to fundamental concerns about CARICOM’s institutional health. She has pointed to ‘poor management, lax accountability, factional divisions, and private conflicts between regional leaders’ as existential threats requiring transparent addressing rather than diplomatic concealment.
The emerging divide presents a crucial moment for Caribbean governance, testing whether the region can maintain a unified voice amid increasingly complex global pressures and internal disagreements about strategic partnerships and fundamental values.
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PAJ mourns passing of renowned broadcaster Alma Mock-Yen
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican media community is grieving the loss of Alma Mock-Yen, a pioneering broadcast journalist whose distinguished career profoundly shaped the nation’s media landscape for generations. She passed away peacefully at her residence on Wednesday morning after a period of illness, aged 97.
The Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) issued an official statement honoring Mock-Yen’s extraordinary contributions, describing her as a respected trailblazer known for her calm authority, penetrating interview technique, and steadfast dedication to journalistic ethics. Her career established unprecedented benchmarks for broadcast excellence and inspired countless journalists, especially women pursuing media careers.
Mock-Yen’s distinctive approach to journalism was characterized by exceptional clarity, balanced reporting, and profound respect for her audience. Whether covering pivotal national events or hosting substantive dialogues, she consistently brought intellectual rigor and authoritative presence to broadcasting, thereby earning widespread trust and admiration throughout Jamaica.
The PAJ emphasized that Mock-Yen’s legacy extends beyond her professional accomplishments, noting her role as a transformative figure whose influence will continue to guide Jamaican media practices indefinitely. Her passing marks not merely a professional loss but a national moment of reflection on the standards she embodied.
The association concluded its tribute by extending profound condolences to Mock-Yen’s family and friends, acknowledging the deep personal loss accompanying her departure from the nation’s cultural and journalistic heritage.
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Trump says pulling National Guard from Chicago, LA, Portland
In a significant policy reversal, former President Donald Trump announced the withdrawal of National Guard troops from Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland on Wednesday. The decision comes after multiple legal challenges successfully blocked his administration’s deployment initiatives in these Democratic-led municipalities.
The initial deployment, implemented during the first year of Trump’s second term, was justified by the White House as necessary for combating illegal immigration and reducing urban crime rates. However, local government officials consistently criticized the move as an excessive use of federal authority that overstepped constitutional boundaries.
The legal opposition culminated last week when the U.S. Supreme Court intervened to halt the troop deployment in Chicago, dealing a substantial blow to the administration’s strategy. This judicial setback appears to have forced the withdrawal decision despite Trump’s claims of success.
Through his Truth Social platform, Trump maintained that the presence of National Guard personnel had dramatically reduced crime in these cities, referring to the troops as ‘great Patriots.’ He asserted that federal intervention had saved these urban centers from deterioration while hinting at potential future deployments ‘in a much different and stronger form’ if crime rates increase again.
The development highlights ongoing tensions between federal authority and municipal governance, particularly regarding law enforcement jurisdiction and the appropriate use of military resources in domestic settings.
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Drumming transforming young lives at Maxfield Park Children’s Home
KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Maxfield Park Children’s Home recently transformed its auditorium into a vibrant stage for Christmas celebrations, where children demonstrated remarkable musical talents through dynamic drumming performances. These presentations formed part of the Drumming for Peace Initiative, an innovative program established by the Violence Prevention Alliance (VPA) that utilizes rhythmic therapy to foster positive behavioral changes among vulnerable youth.
The program, operational since early this year, represents a strategic intervention designed to channel negative energy into creative expression while cultivating emotional regulation skills. One 18-year-old participant recounted her initial skepticism: “When I first started, I was worried and said I can’t do it,” she revealed. “But when I finally caught it, I said, ‘Yes, this is very easy.’” She particularly values the physical connection with the instrument and noted significant improvements in emotional expression and social connectivity.
Nellisa Asphall, administrator at the children’s home, confirmed the program’s transformative impact: “The Drumming for Peace Initiative has been a valuable addition to our programmes. We have observed measurable enhancements in children’s confidence, concentration, and emotional management capabilities. It provides a structured, secure environment for emotional release while instilling principles of discipline, collaborative effort, and mutual respect.”
Veteran percussionist Milton Bonner, bringing over two decades of expertise to the initiative, facilitates the therapeutic sessions. Bonner approaches his role with dual dedication to child development and cultural preservation. “Drumming constitutes therapy,” Bonner emphasized. “This VPA initiative transforms negative behaviors into positive energy through cultural expression via drums, which embody our African heritage.”
Bonner articulates a profound philosophical perspective on the instrument’s significance: “The drum embodies three spirits: the spirit of the animal providing the skin, the spirit of the constituting tree, and the spirit of the musician. Their convergence generates a powerful life force.” His instructional methodology employs progressive skill development, beginning with elementary rhythms and advancing according to individual capabilities.
The program has yielded observable positive outcomes in participant self-perception and interpersonal dynamics. “I’ve witnessed substantial self-esteem improvements,” Bonner reported. “Previously non-performing children now play with evident pride.” He highlighted the initiative’s conflict resolution benefits, noting that formerly antagonistic students now collaborate effectively, developing listening skills and mutual support mechanisms.
Financially supported by the American Friends of Jamaica, the program demonstrates how cultural practices combined with therapeutic intervention can promote healing and social cohesion. As the final drumbeats resonated through the auditorium during the Christmas showcase, the event transcended seasonal entertainment to become a powerful testament to rhythm, culture, and compassionate care synergistically fostering unity and peace.