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  • Man charged in Massade murder case

    Man charged in Massade murder case

    Authorities in Saint Lucia have formally brought murder charges against a 34-year-old man in connection with a fatal shooting that claimed the life of another 34-year-old resident earlier this month in the Massade neighborhood of Gros Islet.

    The accused, identified as Joshua Paul, made his initial court appearance to answer three separate charges: murder, illegal possession of a firearm, and illegal possession of ammunition. Following the hearing, a judge ordered Paul remanded into custody at the Bordelais Correctional Facility, where he will remain pending further legal proceedings.

    The timeline of the case places the fatal shooting of victim Julien Cedrick Agian on May 17. Law enforcement officers moved quickly to make an arrest, taking Paul into custody just one day after the killing, on May 18.

    At the time of Paul’s arrest, police conducted a search that turned up illegal weaponry: a loaded pistol and a ammunition magazine holding two 9mm rounds, which were seized as evidence in the ongoing case. Local law enforcement has not yet released additional details about a potential motive for the shooting, and the case is expected to proceed through the Saint Lucian judicial system in the coming months.

  • Strong winds and rough seas expected into the weekend

    Strong winds and rough seas expected into the weekend

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — A persistent low-level jetstream positioned across the central Caribbean has been whipping up dangerously powerful winds across the island nation of Jamaica since Tuesday, with local meteorological authorities issuing urgent warnings that unsafe conditions will hold through the entire weekend.

    Official data from the Meteorological Service of Jamaica confirms that the most severe impacts will be concentrated across the country’s southern parishes and adjacent offshore marine zones. Gusty, high-velocity winds and churning, rough seas have already transformed everyday conditions in these regions, creating visible disruptions to routine activity.

    The national weather agency extended its formal advisory Thursday, confirming that the wind event will continue impacting Jamaica’s landmass and surrounding territorial waters until at least Saturday. Local residents have been strongly encouraged to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure, as forecasters project the conditions could trigger mild to moderate damage to public and private infrastructure. Potential hazards include falling tree branches, downed power lines, and service disruptions in communities that are more vulnerable to extreme weather events.

    For commercial fishers and other maritime operators, especially those who work along the island’s southern inshore and offshore corridors, officials have issued an even stricter warning to exercise extreme caution. Persistent high winds will keep sea conditions exceptionally dangerous for days to come, rendering all small craft operations completely unsafe and unadvisable.

    In a closing statement, the Meteorological Service confirmed that it will maintain constant, close monitoring of the jetstream and evolving weather patterns, with timely public updates to be issued whenever new developments require adjustments to existing advisories.

  • Shot putters Dunn, Lawrence and long jumper Turner secure NCAA Championships berth

    Shot putters Dunn, Lawrence and long jumper Turner secure NCAA Championships berth

    On the opening day of NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Regional competition, a cohort of Jamaican collegiate athletes competing across the United States turned in standout performances to punch their tickets to the national championship meet, with several clocking or throwing personal bests along the way.

    At the West Regional hosted by the University of Arkansas, two shot putters put on steady displays to claim their spots in the upcoming national championships. Shaiquan Dunn, representing the University of Texas, delivered a career-best throw of 18.81 meters, which earned him a ninth-place finish and a qualification slot. Joining him in qualification was Kobe Lawrence of the University of Oregon, who secured the last available spot from the regional despite posting one of his shortest throws of the 2024 season, hitting 18.69 meters to edge out competitors.

    Over at the East Regional, held at the University of Kentucky, long jumper Jordan Turner of Louisiana State University notched a third-place finish with a 7.91-meter leap into a -0.9 m/s headwind, locking in his place at the national meet. The qualification round delivered heartbreak for one athlete: Nathan Wade of the University of Louisiana-Monroe fell just four centimeters short of advancing, finishing with a best jump of 7.53 meters into a -0.8 m/s wind.

    In preliminary round action at the West Regional, two Jamaican athletes took the top spots in their respective opening rounds. Kimar Farquharson of Texas A&M University led all 400-meter runners after the first round, clocking a new personal best of 45.18 seconds to advance to the second round scheduled for Friday. In the men’s 800-meter, SEC Outdoor champion Rivaldo Marshall of the University of Arkansas topped the leaderboard with a time of 1:46.92, with his Arkansas teammate Tyrice Taylor joining him in advancement after crossing the line in 1:47.80.

    Three more Jamaican hurdlers moved on to the second round of the 110-meter hurdles: Demario Prince of Baylor University ran 13.38 seconds with a +1.3 m/s tailwind, while Jerome Campbell of the University of Arkansas clocked 13.55 seconds under the same wind conditions, and Daniel Beckford of Northern Colorado finished in 13.84 seconds to claim his spot. Shaemar Uter of Texas Tech also advanced out of the opening round of the men’s 200-meter, posting a time of 20.79 seconds with a +0.3 m/s tailwind.

    Across at the East Regional’s preliminary rounds, Dylan Decambre of Virginia Tech set a new lifetime best of 1:46.79 seconds to secure his place in the 800-meter second round. Jasauna Dennis of the University of South Carolina shaved time off his personal best in the 400-meter to hit 45.61 seconds and advance, while Javel Fullerton of Southern Missouri University ran a season-best 50.48 seconds to move on in the men’s 400-meter hurdles.

  • Russell returned unopposed as MoBay chamber president

    Russell returned unopposed as MoBay chamber president

    ST JAMES, Jamaica — In a unanimous confirmation of confidence in his leadership, local businessman Jason Russell will serve an additional one-year term as president of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce. The announcement came following Wednesday evening’s annual general meeting, hosted at the University of the West Indies’ Western Jamaica Campus, where Russell secured re-election without any opposing candidates.

    Russell first stepped into the presidential role 12 months ago, taking over from former leader Oral Heaven, who opted not to pursue another term in office. Since assuming his position, Russell has earned widespread praise across the local business community for his approachable, grounded leadership style — particularly for his steady guidance through the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, when the chamber played a critical role in supporting affected local enterprises.

    Joining Russell on the executive leadership team for the coming term will be three re-elected vice presidents, all of whom also ran unopposed: Paulette Neil will remain in the post of first vice president, Nadine Spence retains her role as second vice president, and Richard Burrowes continues as third vice president.

    The full executive body will be backed by a 14-member board of directors. Eight of these board members are returning to their positions to provide institutional continuity, while the remaining six slots will be filled by first-time directors bringing new perspectives to the chamber’s work supporting Montego Bay’s business ecosystem.

  • Jetour Jamaica officially launches, unveils new vehicles

    Jetour Jamaica officially launches, unveils new vehicles

    On Sunday, May 24, 2026, Chinese automotive brand Jetour held a grand official launch ceremony at its new Mary Brown’s Corner showroom in St Andrew, Jamaica, formally cementing its place in the country’s competitive automotive retail space. The event brought together a diverse cross-section of attendees, from top business leaders and local government officials to opposition representatives, automotive enthusiasts, loyal pre-launch customers, and members of the national media, all gathering to mark the brand’s official entry into the Jamaican market.

    The partnership between Jetour and local dealer Tyre Warehouse Automotive came after months of extensive market research to identify a brand that aligned with local consumer demand, according to Elijah Buddhan, head of operations for Tyre Warehouse Automotive. Buddhan explained that the team set out to find an automotive marque that balanced accessible pricing with premium, luxury-adjacent features that would make owners feel they had invested in a high-value vehicle. What they found in Jetour checked every box, he noted, adding that the brand has already claimed the title of Jamaica’s best-selling new car marque since November 2025, months ahead of its official full launch.

    Among the high-profile guests in attendance was retired Jamaican Olympic sprinter Asafa Powell and his wife Alyshia Powell, who joined the celebration of the brand’s local expansion. Delano Seiveright, Minister of State in Jamaica’s Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, offered official praise for the brand’s rapid growth and thoughtful market approach over its first 20 months of operating in Jamaica prior to Sunday’s launch. Seiveright highlighted Jetour Jamaica’s marketing strategy as unparalleled in the local market, noting that the brand’s strategically placed billboards feature clear, practical messaging that includes all key details consumers need—from vehicle pricing and warranty terms to monthly payment plans and contact information. He called the campaign the most sensible, well-executed advertising he has observed in the Jamaican market in years.

    At the core of the launch event was the public unveiling of six all-new 2027 models tailored to meet the diverse mobility and lifestyle needs of Jamaican consumers: the T2, G700, T1, X70 Plus, Dashing, and X50. As a brand focused primarily on SUV and crossover production, Jetour designed each model to balance modern integrated technology, premium interior comfort, class-leading advanced safety features, and unbeatable market value, company representatives emphasized during the presentation. Following the official unveiling, event guests had the opportunity to explore the full new lineup in person, walk through the updated showroom, and speak directly with brand representatives to learn more about the technology and customer benefits included with every Jetour purchase.

    Jetour is part of a growing wave of Chinese automaker that are expanding their footprint across Jamaica’s automotive market, all built around a core value proposition of accessible affordability, modern styling, and innovative design that undercuts traditional established brands on price while matching or exceeding their feature offerings. A key competitive differentiator for Jetour Jamaica is its industry-leading warranty package, which far outpaces the coverage offered by longer-standing global brands in the market. Purchasers of a new Jetour receive a six-year or 150,000-kilometre vehicle warranty, plus an additional three years or 42,500 kilometres of complimentary service, and a full year of connected vehicle monitoring—extra perks included at no additional cost by local dealer Tyre Warehouse Automotive. Jetour is not the only Chinese marque growing its local presence; other popular brands including BYD, MG, and BAIC have also expanded their retail footprint and customer base in Jamaica in recent years.

  • Explosion reported at downtown Kingston KFC restaurant

    Explosion reported at downtown Kingston KFC restaurant

    On Wednesday morning, a sudden explosion rocked a KFC outlet in downtown Kingston, Jamaica, leaving two contracted technicians with burn injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening, according to senior leadership at the fast-food chain. Christopher Powell, the chain’s Operations Manager, shared official details of the incident in a public statement released shortly after the emergency unfolded.

    Powell emphasized from the outset that the company’s top priority has not shifted: protecting the health and safety of every employee, customer, and person present at the restaurant at the time of the blast. “Earlier today there was an incident involving an explosion at one of our KFC restaurants in downtown Kingston. Our first concern is, and continues to be, the safety and wellbeing of our team members, customers and everyone who is on site,” Powell said in the statement.

    He confirmed that the two injured people, both technicians working at the location, were quickly transported for medical care and are currently receiving treatment for their burn injuries. As of the latest update from the company, none of the injuries are categorized as life-threatening, a small relief amid the unexpected emergency. No other people at the restaurant were reported hurt in the blast as of Wednesday’s initial statement.

    Following the explosion, the KFC team on the ground moved rapidly to secure the entire premises, coordinate with local first responders, and roll out the chain’s pre-planned emergency response protocols to contain any further risk to people in the area. “Our team took immediate steps to secure the location and ensure that the necessary emergency response and support were provided,” Powell added.

    The international fast-food chain says it will continue to center its efforts on supporting the two injured technicians through their recovery process, while also launching a full review of safety protocols to prevent similar incidents at its locations moving forward. The restaurant remains secured as initial assessments of the damage and cause of the explosion get underway. The company has indicated it will release additional public updates as more details about the incident emerge.

  • Firgo Diamond talks greed, betrayal in new single ‘Big Shark’

    Firgo Diamond talks greed, betrayal in new single ‘Big Shark’

    In Kingston, Jamaica, an emerging voice in reggae and dancehall music is turning heads with a raw, unflinching new release that blends personal reflection with urgent calls out for societal change. Fast-rising artist Firgo Diamond has unveiled his latest single “Big Shark”, a purpose-driven track that cuts through the noise of mainstream music to confront pressing issues ranging from unbridled greed and personal betrayal to systemic poverty and the daily hardships that shape working-class communities across the island.

    The track is backed by an iconic industry figure: legendary reggae producer Computer Paul handled the production, with Mark “Feedo” Baines stepping in as executive producer. The final product weaves thoughtful spiritual rumination with sharp, unapologetic social critique, delivering a message rooted in raw truth, collective survival, and greater public awareness of the gaps that divide Jamaican society.

    In a recent conversation about the track’s origins, Firgo Diamond shared that the core idea for “Big Shark” grew out of observations he has made about shifting loyalties in his own life. “The song was inspired by the changes I always notice in people around me,” he explained. “The moment some people get a better opportunity, they forget where they’re coming from.”

    While the track draws heavily from Firgo Diamond’s personal experiences, it also expands to tackle systemic inequality that continues to hold back marginalized inner-city communities. He pulls no punches when calling out institutional failure, noting that even elected leaders often disregard the needs of low-income Jamaicans. “Even politicians sometimes have no regard for poor people. At times I feel like we still live on a plantation,” he said.

    Driven by ethereal, haunting melodies and lyrics that pulse with raw emotion, “Big Shark” carries a distinct spiritual undercurrent that the artist says comes from a mix of divine guidance and his own lived struggles. “It’s music people can meditate to. It can help youths stay connected to the Almighty despite the difficulties they face,” he shared.

    Interestingly, the track was not part of the original plan for that fateful studio session. Firgo Diamond says the concept emerged out of nowhere during a session booked to record an entirely different song. “We went there to record another song, but suddenly ‘Big Shark’ came to me,” Firgo recalled. “Paul laid the track and created one of the sweetest bridges I’ve ever heard. He looked at me and said, ‘Firgo, this song will shine for a lifetime.’”

    After hearing the rough early draft of the track, Firgo Diamond’s manager Margaret Pickersgill also pushed the artist to expand on the concept and fully develop the song, giving him the encouragement he needed to bring the final version to audiences.

    Much of Firgo Diamond’s discography is shaped by the personal adversity he has navigated over the years, including significant hardship and past legal struggles during his time living in the United States. Those experiences, he says, continue to fuel his songwriting and shape his unique perspective on the world around him. “I’ve been through a lot and my story still has to be told,” he said. “Sometimes people misunderstand conscious music, but I’ll always speak my truth.”

    Today, the artist balances his growing music career with a full-time regular job, but he notes that his passion for creating conscious, authentic reggae has never wavered. “The music is what I crave for,” he declared.

    Already, “Big Shark” has gained early traction, earning regular airplay on two prominent Jamaican radio outlets: Full Force Radio and SunCity Radio. Firgo Diamond shows no signs of slowing down, as he works to bring his message of truth and awareness to broader global audiences through authentic storytelling and purpose-driven reggae. Ultimately, the artist says his career goal is simple: to leave a lasting, positive legacy through his work, following in the footsteps of reggae’s most iconic figure. “I just want to leave some great music in this world, even a little fraction of what the great Bob Marley left behind,” Firgo Diamond said. “I want to leave inspiration for generations to come.”

  • Gas prices down $0.25, diesel down $0.25

    Gas prices down $0.25, diesel down $0.25

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s state-owned oil refinery Petrojam has released its latest ex-refinery pricing update, confirming a series of adjustments to fuel costs that will go into effect for consumers across the island starting Thursday, May 28. Contrary to initial warnings that motorists would face higher gasoline prices at retail pumps, most common fuel grades have actually received a modest per-litre price cut.

    The 90-octane gasoline grade, a popular option for many modern vehicles, will be priced at $201.58 per litre following a $0.25 reduction. Similarly, the more widely used 87-octane gasoline will drop by the same $0.25 margin, bringing its ex-refinery price to $194.13 per litre.

    Diesel products have also seen matching downward adjustments. Regular automotive diesel will now carry an ex-refinery cost of $201.75 per litre, down $0.25 from the previous cycle, while ultra-low sulphur diesel, which meets stricter emissions standards, will retail at an ex-refinery price of $208.60 per litre, also reflecting a $0.25 per-litre decrease.

    Not all fuel products moved lower in this pricing cycle, however. Kerosene, commonly used for cooking, heating and certain industrial applications, saw a $0.25 per-litre increase that brings its ex-refinery price to $186.40.

    Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) products saw far more dramatic shifts. Liquid propane will now cost $83.09 per litre, marking a $2.00 reduction from prior pricing, while liquid butane dropped even more sharply by $3.06 per litre, landing at an ex-refinery price of $94.17.

    It is important to note that these published figures represent Petrojam’s ex-refinery base costs. Independent marketing companies and retail gas station operators will add their own standard markups to these base prices before consumers see the final cost at the pump.

  • INDOMET and Civil Defense partner to enhance national risk management

    INDOMET and Civil Defense partner to enhance national risk management

    In a major step forward to strengthen disaster preparedness across the Dominican Republic, two key national agencies—the Dominican Civil Defense and the Dominican Institute of Meteorology (INDOMET)—have formalized a collaborative agreement to deploy specialized meteorological stations at high-priority strategic locations managed by the Civil Defense.

    The inter-institutional partnership was signed by Juan Salas, representing the Dominican Civil Defense, and Gloria Ceballos, head of INDOMET. The core mission of the agreement is to reinforce the country’s national Early Warning System by enabling constant, real-time monitoring of changing atmospheric conditions, standardized collection of climate data, and rapid, widespread distribution of critical weather updates to relevant stakeholders. Ultimately, the project is designed to meaningfully improve the nation’s disaster prevention frameworks and community-focused risk management strategies.

    Speaking after the signing ceremony, Salas outlined the operational structure of the new network: all installed stations will be overseen by specially trained Civil Defense staff posted across the country. This on-the-ground supervision will give national emergency authorities unprecedented, close-up visibility into developing weather patterns, allowing decision-makers to act far more quickly when hazards are detected. The enhanced monitoring capacity will directly support efforts to protect at-risk, vulnerable communities that face recurring exposure to severe natural events including Atlantic hurricanes, tropical storms, and widespread river and coastal flooding.

    For her part, Ceballos detailed the technical specifications of the equipment being rolled out: the new stations are thermopluviometric units purpose-built to collect precise, continuous measurements of rainfall and key climate variables. This granular data will help emergency planners and forecasters rapidly pinpoint geographic zones that face elevated risk of flash floods and other sudden, weather-driven disasters. Ceballos confirmed that INDOMET will take responsibility for providing ongoing technical support and specialized expert guidance to Civil Defense teams throughout the implementation and operation of the new monitoring network, ensuring the system delivers reliable, actionable data for years to come.

  • Reggae Boyz qualify for Unity Cup final after beating India 2-0

    Reggae Boyz qualify for Unity Cup final after beating India 2-0

    LONDON – In a gripping semi-final clash held at Charlton Athletic’s iconic Valley stadium on Wednesday, Jamaica’s men’s national football team, the Reggae Boyz, secured their spot in a second consecutive 2026 Unity Cup final with a clinical 2-0 victory over first-time tournament entrant India.

    The result sets up a highly anticipated final showdown this Saturday against defending champions Nigeria, who earned their own 2-0 semi-final win against Zimbabwe just two days prior on Tuesday. For Jamaica, this final will mark a third consecutive title decider against the Super Eagles, after the Reggae Boyz fell to Nigeria in both the 2022 and 2025 Unity Cup finals, adding extra stakes to the upcoming rematch.

    It took Jamaica less than 10 minutes to open the scoring, with debutant forward Courtney Clarke announcing his arrival on the international stage with a spectacular opening goal in the 8th minute. Clarke, one of two first-time internationals named in Jamaica’s starting lineup alongside 19-year-old defender Odin Samuels-Smith, cut inside from the left flank, dribbled past India’s backline into the penalty area, and curled a precise right-footed effort into the far top corner, out of reach of Indian goalkeeper Sandhu Gurpreet Singh.

    India fought hard to equalize through the remainder of the first half and most of the second, putting pressure on Jamaica’s defense and creating a handful of half-chances that failed to convert. The match was put to bed in the 78th minute, when Kaheem Dixon – a Charlton Athletic player who got to feature on his home stadium pitch – slotted home the insurance goal to seal the two-goal win for the Reggae Boyz.

    This historic run gives Jamaica a shot at redemption this weekend, as they look to finally take down the three-time defending champions and lift their first Unity Cup title.