PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) — Bernard Julien, the celebrated all-rounder and a pivotal member of the West Indies team that clinched the inaugural 1975 Men’s Cricket World Cup, passed away on Saturday night in Trinidad. He was 75 years old. A family member confirmed his death in Valsayn, located in the north-western region of Trinidad. Sir Clive Lloyd, the iconic West Indies captain, paid tribute to Julien, describing him as an indispensable asset to the 1975 World Cup-winning squad. Lloyd emphasized Julien’s unwavering commitment, stating, “He always gave you ‘over 100 per cent’. He never shirked his duties, and I could always rely on him with bat and ball. He gave his all every time…what a fine cricketer.” Lloyd also recalled Julien’s popularity and respect among teammates and fans alike, highlighting a memorable Test match victory at Lord’s where Julien spent hours signing autographs. Julien, a left-arm seam bowler and a stylish right-handed batsman, made his first-class debut at 18 and his Test debut for the West Indies at 23 during the 1973 tour of England. He quickly made an impact with a century at Lord’s, scoring 121 off 127 balls and forming a record partnership with Garfield Sobers. During the 1975 World Cup, Julien delivered standout performances, including a Man-of-the-Match display against Sri Lanka with figures of 4-20 and a crucial 4-27 against New Zealand in the semi-finals. Although he went wicket-less in the final, his unbeaten 26 played a key role in the West Indies’ 17-run victory over Australia.
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Child’s play for Haaland as Man City star strikes again
Manchester City’s star striker Erling Haaland has attributed his phenomenal start to the season to the calming influence of his baby son, following his decisive goal in Sunday’s 1-0 victory over Brentford. Haaland’s ninth-minute strike, a testament to his predatory instincts, propelled City to fifth place in the Premier League standings. The Norwegian forward has now scored in nine consecutive appearances for both club and country, marking the longest scoring streak of his career. With 12 goals in nine matches across all competitions this season and six more for Norway, Haaland’s form has been nothing short of sensational. Tottenham remains the only team to have kept him off the scoresheet this campaign. Haaland, 25, believes he is in peak physical and mental condition, a state he credits to the birth of his first child in December. “I have never felt better than I do now. It’s about preparation, both physically and mentally. Having a kid has helped me disconnect from football and relax more,” he said. Haaland’s 18th goal of the season leaves Anfield as the only Premier League ground where he is yet to score. Reflecting on his goal against Brentford, Haaland ranked it among his best for City, praising his ability to evade defenders and convert Josko Gvardiol’s long pass with a clinical finish. “This goal is top for me because of the whole situation. It was a tough game, but we prepared well,” he added. Since joining City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022, Haaland has amassed an astonishing 94 Premier League goals in just 104 appearances. His performance against Brentford, despite their defensive tactics, has reportedly intensified interest from Barcelona President Joan Laporta, who views Haaland as a top transfer target. However, Haaland remains focused on helping City close the gap on league leaders Arsenal, who are three points ahead. “It’s not easy to break down a low block, but winning feels even better,” Haaland concluded. In other Premier League results, Aston Villa defeated Burnley 2-1, Everton edged Crystal Palace 2-1, Newcastle triumphed 2-0 over Nottingham Forest, and Wolves drew 1-1 with Brighton.
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Nesbeth stirs up social controversy with new single lauding ‘sidechicks’
Reggae artist Nesbeth has once again captured the spotlight with his latest single, ‘Sidechick Save Nuff Relationship,’ a track that has ignited widespread debate among listeners. Released three months ago, the song has grown in popularity, with its provocative lyrics celebrating the role of ‘sidechicks’ in relationships. While some critics argue that the track undermines the value of faithful wives, others commend Nesbeth for acknowledging the often-overlooked contributions of these ‘sneaky links.’
Nesbeth, who describes himself as a realist, explained that the song was inspired by real-life observations. ‘As an artist, I sing about what people live, whisper, and argue about. This one just happens to be a hot-button topic,’ he said. The artist, a faithful husband and now fiancé, clarified that the song is not a reflection of his personal experiences but rather a commentary on societal dynamics. ‘My music isn’t limited to personal experience — it’s about perspective. I sing about life in all its forms,’ he added.
The track has elicited mixed reactions, with some listeners laughing, agreeing, or challenging its message. Nesbeth views this diversity of responses as a sign of success. ‘The song is doing what it should — sparking dialogue,’ he said. Surprisingly, he has received more support from wives than backlash, with some using the song to highlight their own roles in their marriages. ‘If everyone agreed, the song would be ordinary,’ Nesbeth noted.
Regarding his fiancée’s reaction, Nesbeth shared that she is unfazed by the controversy. ‘She does not take the song personally,’ he said. ‘My spouse is always supportive of my music and understands my role as an artist.’
As Nesbeth prepares to release the visuals for the track, he aims to close out 2025 on a high note, promoting other songs that balance social commentary with lighter themes. ‘The visuals will match the energy of the track and keep people talking,’ he said. ‘My catalogue always balances the serious with the light-hearted.’
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‘There’s no infrastructure!’
West Indies cricket legend Chris Gayle has voiced serious concerns about the future of the Caribbean team, warning that without strategic reforms, their struggles will persist. The Windies have faced mounting criticism following a series of poor performances, including a humiliating 27 all out against Australia in July and becoming the first team to lose a T20 series to Nepal. These setbacks have intensified scrutiny on Cricket West Indies (CWI), the region’s governing body, which held an emergency meeting in August to address the crisis. Attendees included former captains Brian Lara and Clive Lloyd, who discussed potential solutions to revive the team’s fortunes. Gayle, a two-time T20 World Cup winner with nearly 500 international appearances, attributed the team’s decline to inadequate infrastructure and poor player management. He emphasized that countries like India, England, and Australia thrive due to their robust cricket development systems, which the Caribbean lacks. Despite the challenges, Gayle remains committed to supporting West Indies cricket, expressing unwavering passion for the team. Following the emergency meeting, CWI announced plans for immediate and long-term reforms, including a mentorship program connecting former players with emerging talent. Gayle’s insights underscore the urgent need for systemic changes to restore the Windies’ former glory.
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Raddesh Roman hits 100th winner of the season
Jockey Raddesh Roman, affectionately known as ‘Sneaky Fox,’ delivered a spectacular performance at Caymanas Park on Sunday, securing his 100th victory of the season. Riding He Stands Alone in the fifth race, Roman showcased his exceptional skills in a Restricted Allowance V contest, which featured native-bred and imported five-year-olds and older horses. The race, held over a straight five-furlong (1000m) course, saw He Stands Alone, trained by Gary Crawford, clinch victory by a half-length ahead of Storm Boy and Jet Ski Girl, with a final time of 1:04.0.
Roman’s journey to this milestone began earlier in the day, where he secured his 99th win aboard Tigeramedat in the third race, setting the stage for his historic achievement. He continued his dominance by guiding Bootylicious to victory in the prestigious Nigel B Nunes Memorial Cup, a $1.25-million Division 1 sprint. Bootylicious, trained by Peter-John Parsard, finished three lengths clear with an impressive time of 59.3 seconds.
In Division 2 of the Nigel B Nunes Memorial Cup, Get A Pepsi, trained by Robert Pearson and ridden by Richard Henry, claimed victory by 2¼ lengths in 58.3 seconds. With these remarkable performances, Roman solidified his status as one of the season’s top jockeys. Racing enthusiasts can look forward to more thrilling action as the season continues this Saturday.
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Timmy Love asks Why
Timmy Love, a seasoned musician known for his versatility across various music genres, recently discovered Randy Crawford’s 1983 hit ‘Why’ through a friend’s suggestion. Intrigued by the song’s introspective essence, Love decided to record a reggae rendition, produced by Dwayne Morris. The track was officially released on October 3, marking another milestone in Love’s prolific career.
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Damian Marley’s Welcome to Jamrock hits platinum mark in the UK
Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley, the acclaimed Grammy-winning artist and producer, has secured his second platinum-certified single, marking his first such achievement in the United Kingdom. The milestone was awarded for his 2005 hit single, ‘Welcome to Jamrock,’ which has now surpassed 600,000 units in combined sales and streaming equivalents. The British Phonographic Industry officially recognized this accomplishment on Friday, October 3. Originally released two decades ago, ‘Welcome to Jamrock’ served as the lead single from Marley’s Grammy-winning album of the same name. The track also earned a Grammy in 2006 for Best Urban/Alternative Performance at the 48th annual Grammy Awards. The song ingeniously samples Ini Kamoze’s 1984 reggae classic ‘World-A-Reggae,’ produced by Sly and Robbie. Upon its release, ‘Welcome to Jamrock’ quickly gained international acclaim, charting at #55 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S., #13 in the UK, #28 in Hungary, #76 in the Netherlands, #12 on Billboard’s Hot Rap Tracks chart, and #18 on the Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart. This latest certification adds to Marley’s growing list of accolades, which includes a platinum certification in the U.S. for his 2017 collaboration with Skrillex, ‘Make It Bun Dem.’ Notably, ‘Make It Bun Dem’ was recently certified gold in the UK. Marley’s other UK certifications include ‘Road to Zion’ with Nas (silver, May 2025), the ‘Distant Relatives’ album with Nas (silver, February 2016), and the ‘Welcome to Jamrock’ album (gold, April 2006). The single had previously been certified gold in Brazil and was ranked #270 on Pitchfork Media’s Top 500 Songs of the 2000s. Additionally, ‘Welcome to Jamrock’ has been featured in popular video games such as ‘FIFA 06,’ ‘Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition Remix,’ ‘FIFA 23,’ and ‘The Sims 2: Bon Voyage,’ where it was even recorded in the game’s fictional Simlish language.
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Kevin Downswell wins big at Sterling Gospel Music Awards
The 2025 Sterling Gospel Music Awards, held at Emmanuel Apostolic Church in Portmore, St Catherine, celebrated the finest talents in gospel music, with Kevin Downswell emerging as the standout winner despite his absence. Downswell secured three prestigious awards: Local Hit Producer of the Year, Local Hit of the Year, and Video of the Year. The event, now in its ninth year, also honored other notable artists, including Genesis Praise Squad, which claimed Breakout Sensation of the Year and Group of the Year. Chevelle Franklin, though not present, won Album of the Year for ‘South Wind Vol 1’ and Female Artiste of the Year. Johnmark Wiggan, who entered the ceremony with eight nominations, shared the Collaboration of the Year award with Prince Saj for their song ‘Nuh More Dan Wi.’ Prince Saj also took home Male Artiste of the Year, delivering an emotional acceptance speech that highlighted his journey from hardship to success. Other winners included Sebastian Braham for EP of the Year, Sheena Lyn-Hanson for Virtual Gospel Series of the Year, and DJ Noi for Gospel DJ of the Year. The KFC Big Deal Kingdom Stalwarts Award was posthumously awarded to the family of Bishop Ronald Blair, with other bishops also recognized for their contributions. The evening featured electrifying performances by Johnmark Wiggan, Prince Saj, Jaida Messam, Coopy Bly, and Raheim Betty, leaving the audience inspired and uplifted.
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Get back to business!
As Jamaica’s Parliament convenes for its first official session this week, political experts and veterans are calling on lawmakers to focus on critical issues such as unfinished legislation, constitutional reform, and enhanced parliamentary accountability. The emphasis is on fostering consensus rather than confrontation in this new term. The session follows the September 3 General Election, with the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) holding a narrower majority of 35 seats against the Opposition People’s National Party’s (PNP) 28. This reduced majority is expected to encourage more balanced debates and rigorous scrutiny of government policies. Former Prime Minister Bruce Golding highlighted the importance of addressing pending legislation from the previous term and translating election promises into actionable policies. He stressed the need for bipartisan cooperation, particularly on constitutional matters, to achieve lasting reform. Political commentator Lloyd B Smith echoed this sentiment, urging progress on Jamaica’s transition to a republic and the adoption of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) as the final appellate court. Smith also advocated for fixed election dates, a recall mechanism for underperforming MPs, and reforms to the Integrity Commission to bolster transparency. Both Golding and Smith emphasized the necessity of stricter parliamentary discipline and oversight to restore public trust. Veteran journalist Cliff Hughes anticipates a more dynamic and contentious Parliament, given the Opposition’s increased numbers. He suggested that the government could benefit from sharing committee leadership with the Opposition. Meanwhile, Keith Collister, executive chairman of the ATL Pension Fund, called for doubling legislative output and greater private sector involvement in policy discussions. He also proposed a ‘people’s parliament’ to engage citizens in constitutional reform and stressed the importance of public education on constitutional matters. As the new Parliament begins its work, the focus remains on advancing Jamaica’s development agenda through collaboration and accountability.
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Death stalks Westmoreland family
In a heart-wrenching turn of events, the Malcolm family of Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland, is grappling with the devastating loss of their daughter, Kerrian Malcolm, whose body was discovered in a suitcase on Saturday, October 4. The 29-year-old, described as a quiet and hardworking woman, was found in a gully in the Gully Banks community, leaving her family shattered and struggling to cope with yet another tragedy. This marks the third violent death in the family within months, following the killings of two of Kerrian’s brothers earlier this year. Delroy Malcolm, Kerrian’s father, expressed his anguish, revealing that the family has been plagued by a series of losses, including the deaths of his mother, mother-in-law, and father-in-law. Kerrian, a mother to a young child, had been receiving threats since a burglary at the bar she operated, where a rented poker box was stolen. Despite reporting the incident to the police, the threats persisted, and Kerrian was last seen on Thursday night, October 2, when she left home to collect something from someone. Her disappearance prompted a missing person’s report, and her body was discovered by community members who noticed an odd-looking suitcase. The police were called, and the suitcase was opened to reveal Kerrian’s remains. Delroy Malcolm lamented the senseless violence that has torn his family apart, emphasizing that Kerrian was a peaceful individual who sought to uplift her family and care for her son. The family’s grief is compounded by the lack of answers surrounding her death, as they continue to seek justice for their loved ones.