Federal prosecutors are pushing for a substantial prison sentence of over 11 years for Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs following his conviction on prostitution-related charges. According to People magazine, Combs was found guilty on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution after a highly publicized federal trial. While he was acquitted of more severe charges, including racketeering and sex trafficking, prosecutors argue that his actions warrant a significant penalty. In a sentencing memorandum, they emphasized the gravity of his crimes, stating that similar cases have resulted in sentences exceeding a decade. They are recommending a term of at least 135 months, just over 11 years. The memorandum also portrays Combs as ‘unrepentant,’ citing a history of abusive behavior. Testimony from his former partner, Casandra ‘Cassie’ Ventura, was referenced to highlight his past misconduct. This recommendation starkly contrasts with the defense’s request for a sentence of no more than 14 months. Combs has already spent over a year in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since his arrest in September 2024 and was denied bail both before and after the trial. Judge Arun Subramanian is expected to deliver the sentence on Friday, October 3, while also considering a defense motion to overturn the conviction.
作者: admin
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30+ Fashion Show & Expo returns for third staging in Portmore
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The highly anticipated 30+ Fashion Show and Expo is gearing up for its third edition, set to take place on November 22 at the ALIV Night Club in Naggo Head, Portmore. The event will commence at 4:00 pm with a mini-expo showcasing a diverse array of exhibitors specializing in beauty, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, nails, and fashion.
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67-year-old man mowed down on North Coast Highway
TRELAWNY, Jamaica — Authorities in Trelawny are investigating a tragic incident that claimed the life of a 67-year-old pedestrian on Monday night. Patrick Jackson, a renowned wood carver from Salt Marsh, Trelawny, was struck by a Toyota Voxy while attempting to cross a section of the North Coast Highway near Bogue Gate. The accident occurred around 10:30 pm, and Jackson was rushed to the Falmouth Public General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. This incident marks the 19th road fatality in Trelawny since the beginning of the year, highlighting ongoing concerns about road safety in the region. The police are urging drivers and pedestrians to exercise greater caution to prevent further tragedies.
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PNP criticises govt’s silence on Palestine at UN
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The People’s National Party (PNP), Jamaica’s primary opposition party, has strongly criticized the current administration for its perceived lack of solidarity with the Palestinian people during critical moments at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
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48-hour curfew extended in sections of the Kingston Eastern
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Authorities have prolonged a 48-hour curfew initially imposed in specific areas of the Kingston Eastern Police Division. The curfew, which commenced at 6:00 pm on Monday, September 29, will now continue until 6:00 pm on Wednesday, October 1. The restricted zone is demarcated by the following boundaries: North – an imaginary line stretching from Mountain View Primary School to Cane River Falls; East – a line from Cane River Falls to the bridge at 10 Miles Bull Bay; South – the coastline from the bridge at 10 Miles Bull Bay to Flag Circle; and West – South Camp Road from Flag Circle to Vineyard Road, extending to an imaginary line back to Mountain View Primary School. Residents within these boundaries are mandated to stay indoors during curfew hours unless granted explicit permission by the ground commander.
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Blk Orchid’s ‘How Long’ takes the prize at Canada’s Reggae North Music Awards
At the prestigious 2025 Reggae North Music Awards in Canada, singer Blk Orchid clinched the award for Top Reggae Single of the Year with her powerful track ‘How Long.’ The song, penned in 2016, was deeply inspired by the tragic events surrounding the police killing of 18-year-old Mike Brown in Ferguson, Missouri. Blk Orchid described the track as an emotional outcry against systemic violence targeting Black communities, channeled through music. Despite its timely message, she hesitated to release it immediately due to its politically charged nature and her initial focus on producing rather than performing. The song was eventually brought to life by Cut and Clear Productions and Indie Rootz Records. Blk Orchid expressed her astonishment at the song’s success, admitting she never anticipated such a profound connection with listeners. ‘I was overwhelmed with gratitude when my name was announced,’ she shared, reflecting on the surreal moment of her victory. The category featured strong contenders, including Tonya P’s ‘Rise,’ Ammoye’s ‘Baby I Love You,’ and Paris Ivey’s ‘Mek it to Di Top.’ Blk Orchid was also nominated for Top Female Vocalist, further cementing her rising influence in the reggae scene. Beyond her recent win, Blk Orchid is actively working on new projects, including a collaboration with Empress Divine titled ‘No Longer Lonely’ and an innovative venture into AI-driven music production. Her multicultural heritage and collaborations with industry legends like Sly Dunbar have shaped her unique artistic journey, solidifying her place in the global music landscape.
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Bermuda braces as Hurricane Imelda follows Humberto
Bermuda is bracing for an unprecedented meteorological challenge as Hurricane Imelda approaches the British Overseas Territory, closely following the outer bands of Hurricane Humberto. Imelda, which intensified into a hurricane early Tuesday, is projected to make landfall on Wednesday afternoon. Currently classified as a Category 1 storm with sustained winds of 80 mph (130 kph), the US National Hurricane Center warns of potential strengthening over the next 48 hours. Bermuda’s Minister of National Security, Michael Weeks, urged residents to prioritize safety, emphasizing the severity of the situation. Imelda is expected to bring heavy rainfall of 2 to 4 inches (50 to 100 mm) from Wednesday into Thursday, raising concerns of flash flooding and dangerous storm surges. Meanwhile, Hurricane Humberto, which has weakened to Category 1 after reaching a rare Category 5, continues to generate hazardous surf and rip currents across the western Atlantic. Earlier this week, Humberto claimed two lives in Cuba’s Guantanamo and Santiago de Cuba provinces, according to Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz. Meteorologists attribute the US East Coast’s relative safety to a rare Fujiwhara interaction, where the two cyclones rotated around each other, diverting Imelda away from South Carolina. The Atlantic hurricane season, running from June 1 to November 30, is predicted to be above-normal, though no storms have yet made US landfall.
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Fishers encouraged to share knowledge gained from safety at sea training
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Fisheries Authority (NFA) is urging participants of its Safety at Sea Training Programme to disseminate the knowledge they’ve acquired to fellow fishers within their communities. Launched in 2022 as part of a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the initiative has already reached numerous fishers across the island, equipping them with essential maritime safety techniques. Shellene Berry, Senior Director of Extension Services for the NFA’s Capture Fisheries Branch, emphasized the programme’s profound impact, despite the seemingly modest number of direct participants. She highlighted the ‘trainer of trainers’ approach, encouraging beneficiaries to educate their peers, crew members, and broader fishing communities. Berry spoke at a recent JIS Think Tank event held at the agency’s television department in Kingston. The programme aims to bolster the resilience of fishers and safeguard the sustainability of Jamaica’s fisheries resources. Berry noted that the ripple effect of knowledge-sharing fosters behavioural change, ensuring that safety practices are not only communicated but also implemented. Kyle Shaw, a facilitator in the programme and head of the Caribbean Maritime University’s Department of Professional Training and Certification, reported that fishers have been highly receptive to new safety knowledge. Participants have been introduced to basic medical equipment, first aid practices, and legal responsibilities, including the law of tort. Shaw explained that boat owners and captains have gained a deeper understanding of their liabilities and the importance of proper crew equipment and safety protocols. The programme comprises two components: safety at sea training administered by the Caribbean Maritime University and scuba diving open water certification through the University of the West Indies Marine Lab. Interested individuals can contact the NFA at 876-948-9014 for details on accessing the programme in their parish.
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Andrew ‘French’, two others found guilty in $222-m InSports fraud case
In a landmark ruling on Tuesday, Andrew Wright, O’Neil Hope, and Rudolph Barnes were found guilty of multiple charges related to a massive fraud scheme targeting the Institute of Sport (InSports). The case, which dates back to 2017, involved the embezzlement of $222 million from the governmental agency. Supreme Court Justice Ann-Marie Lawrence-Grainger delivered the verdict, convicting Wright, a former financial controller at InSports and a well-known promoter of the French Connection and Chug It party series, on 13 counts of fraud. Barnes was found guilty of 11 counts, while Hope faced conviction on eight counts. Among the three women implicated in the case, Sherene Farquharson and Andrea Picton were acquitted, but Karita Davis, accused of facilitating the cashing of fraudulent cheques for Wright, remains at large. The three convicted men have been remanded in custody and are scheduled for sentencing on November 21. Further details on this high-profile case will be published in the Jamaica Observer on Wednesday.
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High blood pressure leads to surprise prostate cancer diagnosis
In early 2025, Gregory White, a 65-year-old man, experienced a sudden spike in blood pressure after using pesticide. This incident led him to seek medical attention, a decision that potentially saved his life. During the visit, his doctor inquired about his last prostate exam, which he had undergone two years prior. The doctor emphasized the importance of annual screenings, prompting further investigation. Initial blood tests showed normal prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, but subsequent tests revealed a slightly elevated PSA level of 5.6. Although a physical examination suggested no abnormalities, the doctor recommended additional testing to uncover the underlying issue. White was referred to urologist Dr. Dean Wong at Apex Medical Centre, where an MRI and biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of stage 2 prostate cancer. ‘I was concerned; I never expected that,’ White shared with Observer Online. ‘But knowing that it is there, I have to deal with it.’ After discussing treatment options with Dr. Wong, White chose surgery over radiation and underwent a radical prostatectomy in June. Post-surgery tests showed undetectable PSA levels, indicating successful cancer removal. Since the surgery, White has been engaged in functional rehabilitation, focusing on urinary continence and sexual function recovery. Dr. Wong highlighted the importance of early physiotherapy and the use of the Emsella chair, a specialized device for treating urinary incontinence and pelvic floor issues. White is also undergoing pelvic floor strengthening exercises, electromagnetic wave therapy, and sexual rehabilitation, including daily medication and the use of a penile vacuum pump. While he reports no pain from the surgery, urinary leakage remains a challenge. ‘I have to wear pull-ups,’ White admitted. ‘Last two months or month and a half ago I had to have a pad in the pull-ups to hold the urine, and if I’m physical during the day, I would change like three of those pads for the day. Now I’m down to one.’ Dr. Wong emphasized that post-surgery results evolve over time, with functional recovery typically assessed at one year. White remains optimistic about his prognosis as he continues his recovery journey.
