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  • ‘Predator: Badlands’ conquers N American box office

    ‘Predator: Badlands’ conquers N American box office

    The North American box office witnessed a sci-fi horror triumph as ‘Predator: Badlands,’ the latest addition to the nearly four-decade-old franchise, stormed into theaters with a commanding $40 million debut, according to industry estimates released Sunday. Produced by 20th Century Studios, the film introduces Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi as an outcast Predator who takes on the role of an unlikely hero, joining forces with an android portrayed by Elle Fanning on a grand quest for redemption. This marks the ninth installment in the iconic series that began in 1987 with Arnold Schwarzenegger as its lead.

  • J’can students ace several units in CAPE 2025 exams

    J’can students ace several units in CAPE 2025 exams

    Jamaican students have once again demonstrated their academic prowess, securing top positions in the June 2025 Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) conducted by the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC). The recently released CAPE Merit List highlights Jamaica’s dominance across various subjects, with students excelling in both traditional and non-traditional high schools. Campion College emerged as a standout institution, with Jonathan Harvey claiming the top spot in Accounting Unit 1 and Dominic Kyle Haisley earning the regional prize for Computer Science. Other notable achievements include Daniel Peart of Jamaica College in French, Keira Halliburton of Campion College in Geography, and Dajanae Dawkins of Immaculate Conception High School in Law. Non-traditional schools like Guy’s Hill High School and McGrath High School also made significant contributions, particularly in Agricultural Science. Jamaican students secured nine of the top ten spots in Law and achieved first-place finishes in subjects such as Management of Business, Animation and Design, and Tourism. The success extended to CAPE Unit 2, with students like Kayla Wright in Biology and Brianna Barrett in Economics leading the region. These results underscore Jamaica’s commitment to academic excellence and its ability to nurture talent across diverse educational institutions.

  • Morgan tours south Trelawny post Melissa

    Morgan tours south Trelawny post Melissa

    In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, Jamaica’s National Works Agency (NWA) has launched urgent efforts to restore access for emergency services and residents in South Trelawny. Robert Morgan, Minister with responsibility for Works, emphasized the agency’s focus on clearing debris, stabilizing roads, and ensuring safe passage despite the widespread damage. During a tour of affected communities alongside Member of Parliament Marisa Dalrymple-Philibert and NWA representatives, Morgan highlighted the extensive destruction to housing, road infrastructure, and the region’s unstable soil, which complicates recovery efforts. He urged residents to exercise caution while traveling, as many roads remain hazardous due to single-lane conditions and breakaways. Dalrymple-Philibert assured residents that relief supplies are ready for distribution once safety conditions permit. The NWA’s operations prioritize reconnecting communities with essential services, including healthcare, markets, and schools, through coordinated planning and timely execution. The visit provided critical insights into the resources and actions needed to fully restore connectivity and support recovery in the constituency.

  • Christians in Bangladesh alarmed after bomb attacks

    Christians in Bangladesh alarmed after bomb attacks

    Bangladesh’s Christian minority, comprising approximately 500,000 individuals in a population of 170 million, is reeling from fear following a series of crude bomb attacks on churches and a Catholic school. Police confirmed on Sunday that the incidents, which caused no injuries, were deliberately orchestrated to instill terror. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attacks, leaving the motives shrouded in mystery.

  • UK minister says claims BBC misled viewers with Trump edit ‘incredibly serious’

    UK minister says claims BBC misled viewers with Trump edit ‘incredibly serious’

    LONDON, United Kingdom — A UK government minister has labeled allegations against the BBC regarding the editing of clips featuring former US President Donald Trump as “incredibly serious.” Culture, Media, and Sport Minister Lisa Nandy made the remarks on Sunday, as the BBC announced its chair, Samir Shah, would address a parliamentary committee on Monday to provide an explanation. Media reports, including those from the BBC, indicated that an apology is expected as part of the response. The controversy centers on edited clips from Trump’s speech on January 6, 2021, which appeared to show him urging supporters to march to the US Capitol and “fight like hell.” However, the unedited version reveals he encouraged the audience to “cheer on our brave senators and congressmen and women.” The edited footage was featured in the documentary “Trump: A Second Chance?”, broadcast shortly before the 2020 US election. Nandy expressed broader concerns about the BBC’s editorial standards, citing systemic bias in reporting on contentious issues such as Israel, Gaza, transgender rights, and Trump. Earlier this year, the BBC apologized for “serious flaws” in another documentary, “Gaza: How To Survive A Warzone,” and faced sanctions from the UK media watchdog for misleading content.

  • UK’s King Charles honours nation’s war dead

    UK’s King Charles honours nation’s war dead

    LONDON, United Kingdom — In a poignant display of national unity, Britain’s King Charles III presided over the annual Remembrance Sunday commemorations, honoring the nation’s war dead. The 76-year-old monarch, currently undergoing treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer, laid the first wreath at the Cenotaph memorial in central London. The ceremony commenced with the traditional two-minute silence observed at 11:00 am (1100 GMT).

    Accompanied by senior members of the royal family, including his son Prince William and daughter-in-law Catherine, the Princess of Wales, the event was marked by solemnity and reverence. Queen Camilla and Catherine, who is in remission following her own cancer diagnosis, observed the proceedings from the balcony of the Foreign Office, overlooking the memorial.

    The Whitehall area of the capital was thronged with crowds as political leaders, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, alongside current and former members of the armed forces and war veterans, paid their respects. The ceremony honored British and Commonwealth soldiers who lost their lives in the two World Wars and other conflicts. Approximately 10,000 armed forces veterans participated in a march-past, including around 20 who served in World War II. Among them was 101-year-old Sid Machin, one of the last surviving veterans of the Burma (now Myanmar) campaign, who served in a special forces unit.

    Prince William also laid a wreath, while Prince Harry, who has been estranged from the royal family since stepping back from his duties in 2020, was notably absent. However, days before the event, Harry released a heartfelt statement through his U.S. office, expressing his pride in being British and urging the public not to forget veterans. The Duke of Sussex, who served two tours in Afghanistan, reflected on the courage and compassion he witnessed in war zones but lamented how veterans often feel forgotten once they remove their uniforms.

    The weekend’s commemorations also saw Prince George, the 12-year-old eldest son of Prince William and Catherine, attend his first tribute for fallen soldiers at the Royal Albert Hall. The Festival of Remembrance, organized annually by the Royal British Legion, featured readings, prayers, videos, and musical performances, including a performance by Rod Stewart. This marked a significant milestone for George, who is second in line to the throne, as he begins to take on a more active role in royal duties.

  • Education for children – but not for all

    Education for children – but not for all

    The true measure of a nation’s progress lies in its ability to safeguard its most vulnerable citizens, particularly children. In Trinidad and Tobago (TT), the rights of children to education are enshrined in international treaties, national laws, and policies designed to ensure equitable access to quality education and protection from discrimination. However, the reality paints a starkly different picture. Despite legislative frameworks, children with special needs, disabilities, and migrant backgrounds continue to face significant barriers to education. The Education Act mandates compulsory schooling for children aged five to 16, yet systemic failures persist. Parents of children with autism, Down syndrome, or other learning challenges often struggle to find suitable schools or trained educators. Public schools lack the resources for inclusive education, forcing many families to seek costly private alternatives or resort to homeschooling. Migrant children face additional hurdles, as they require student permits to access schooling, a process complicated by their parents’ legal status. Children in state care due to protection concerns also experience delays in education, further exacerbating their vulnerability. These systemic gaps not only deprive children of their fundamental rights but also place long-term burdens on society and government. Achieving inclusive education demands urgent reforms, including better teacher training, increased funding, and a commitment to prioritizing the needs of marginalized children. As TT strives to uphold its promise of free education, it must ensure that no child is left behind.

  • Sometimes cheaper to go than to stay

    Sometimes cheaper to go than to stay

    In a heartwarming tale of cross-border compassion, Suki, a rescue dog from Tobago, is set to embark on a life-changing journey to Massachusetts on November 13. This initiative is spearheaded by the Venus Doggess Of Love NGO, which has successfully rehomed 18 animals, including two cats, in New England. The organization has cultivated a robust network of animal lovers, including veterinarians, dog trainers, and daycare center owners, who facilitate these adoptions. While some question the cost and effort involved, the NGO emphasizes that international adopters cover all travel expenses, making it a financially viable option. In cases where local homes are unavailable, foster arrangements are made, with travel funds raised through donations and fundraisers. The dedicated team in Massachusetts even covers their own expenses, ensuring a seamless transition for the animals. Suki’s journey was supported by a recent film screening at Mount Irvine Bay Resort, which raised sufficient funds for her travel crate and airfare. Despite the challenges of local adoption, the NGO highlights the long-term cost-effectiveness of sending dogs abroad compared to indefinite local care. Suki, part of a group dubbed ‘The Famous Five,’ has been in the NGO’s care for two years, with two of her companions already thriving in Canada. As the land used for their shelter is now needed by its owners, the NGO urgently seeks loving homes for the remaining two dogs, Frankie and Jojo, before dismantling the facility. This story underscores the power of international collaboration in transforming the lives of rescue animals.

  • Prisons club president: Everything was amicably resolved

    Prisons club president: Everything was amicably resolved

    In a dramatic turn of events, Prisons FC, the current leaders of the 2025/26 TT Premier Football League (TTPFL), has reversed its decision to withdraw from the season. The club’s initial announcement to exit the league, made less than 48 hours prior, was attributed to financial challenges and a reduction in subvention funds from the TT Football Association (TTFA). However, after a series of discussions between Prisons FC’s management and the TTFA board, an agreement was reached to continue participation in the league. TTPFL acting CEO Yale Antoine confirmed the decision on November 7, ensuring that Prisons’ scheduled match against Club Sando on November 9 would proceed as planned. Prisons coach Dexter Cyrus expressed relief in a Facebook post, stating that the team had always wanted to continue playing and praised the resolution reached through dialogue. Club president Jude Gordon apologized for the earlier decision, emphasizing that misunderstandings are part of relationships but can be resolved amicably. While the specifics of the agreement remain undisclosed, Gordon assured that Prisons FC is committed to the league for the long term. The team, which has undergone a significant makeover with only one prison officer in the squad, currently leads the table with six points from two games. Their next fixture against Club Sando is set to take place at the Mahaica Sporting Complex in Point Fortin.

  • Jamaica’s Under-20 Reggae Boyz drawn in manageable group —  Ricketts

    Jamaica’s Under-20 Reggae Boyz drawn in manageable group — Ricketts

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica has been placed in Group B for the CONCACAF U20 Championship Qualifiers, alongside Puerto Rico, Bonaire, St. Kitts and Nevis, Cayman Islands, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Michael Ricketts, President of the Jamaica Football Federation, expressed confidence in the team’s ability to navigate the group, describing it as ‘manageable.’

    Ricketts emphasized the importance of preparation and execution, stating, ‘No group is ever easy because it all depends on how prepared you are, how organized you are, and ultimately how you perform on match day. But this group looks manageable, and I am hopeful that we will be ready.’

    He also highlighted the broader challenges facing Jamaican football, with multiple competitions underway, including the Senior Men’s World Cup, U-17, U-20, and Women’s Senior tournaments. Despite the demanding schedule, Ricketts affirmed the federation’s commitment to excelling in all qualifying competitions.

    The first round of qualifiers is scheduled to run from February 23 to March 4, 2026. The group winners will advance to the Championship final round, joining seeded teams such as the United States, Mexico, Honduras, Panama, Cuba, and Guatemala. The final round, set for July 2 to August 9, 2026, will determine qualifiers for both the 2027 FIFA Men’s Under-20 World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games.

    Jamaica is widely expected to progress from Group B after the round-robin stage. The qualifying matches will be hosted across venues in Costa Rica, Curaçao, and Nicaragua, adding an international dimension to the competition.