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  • Cavalier SC secure third straight win in JPL

    Cavalier SC secure third straight win in JPL

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Cavalier Soccer Club achieved a significant milestone in the Jamaica Premier League season by securing their third consecutive victory with a narrow 1-0 triumph over Chapelton Maroons at Stadium East on Sunday. The defending champions, who had previously struggled to maintain consistent form this season, demonstrated renewed competitive strength with this critical win.

    The match’s sole goal came from substitute Romarion Thomas, who entered the game during the second half and found the net in the 71st minute. This marked Cavalier’s fourth consecutive victory against Chapelton Maroons, solidifying their dominance in this particular matchup. The loss halted Chapelton’s own two-game winning streak, leaving them in 10th position with 32 points.

    In other Sunday fixtures, Tivoli Gardens mounted an impressive comeback against Dunbeholden FC, overturning an early deficit to claim a 2-1 victory. Despite conceding an eighth-minute goal from Clive Wedderburn, Tivoli responded with equalizer from Alton Lewis in the 13th minute before Joshua Dewar secured the winning goal in the 22nd minute.

    Meanwhile, Portmore United missed a crucial opportunity to advance in the standings after being held to a 1-1 draw by Treasure Beach. Dunsting Cohen initially put Portmore ahead in the 22nd minute, but veteran player Afiba Chambers equalized for Treasure Beach in the 76th minute, extending their positive run to five points from their last three matches.

    The day’s action concluded with a goalless draw between Arnett Gardens and Molynes United, leaving Arnett without a victory in their last five outings while Molynes maintained a four-point cushion above the relegation zone.

  • Teen one of two men fatally stabbed in Grand Bahama over weekend

    Teen one of two men fatally stabbed in Grand Bahama over weekend

    The Grand Bahama community is reeling from two separate fatal stabbings that occurred within a 24-hour period, claiming the lives of two local men and leaving multiple others injured.

    In the first incident on Saturday night, 17-year-old Gtero Foster, a promising baseball athlete with aspirations of joining Major League Baseball, was fatally stabbed outside the Ibiza nightclub and lounge on Queen’s Highway. According to his grieving mother, Latara Knowles, the teenager never entered the establishment and was socializing with friends outside when assailants arrived by vehicle and initiated the violent attack. Foster sustained critical wounds to his chest and lung and tragically succumbed to his injuries during transport to the medical facility.

    Ms. Knowles described her son as a mannerly and helpful individual who was actively working toward completing his graduation requirements at St. George’s School. She revealed that just hours before the tragedy, she had exchanged text messages with her son, reminding him about Sunday church services. His final message to her read: ‘I isse going church in the morning.’

    Authorities confirmed that three additional individuals sustained injuries during the nightclub incident, with two having received treatment and been discharged from medical care. Law enforcement officials have taken a teenage boy and an adult male into custody in connection with the stabbing.

    In a separate occurrence later that same evening, 38-year-old Okino Kareem Burrows was fatally stabbed during a physical altercation in Hepburn Town, Eight Mile Rock. The suspected assailant, a 46-year-old male, subsequently surrendered himself at the local police station. Mr. Burrows had previously experienced significant personal tragedy, having lost all his possessions and documents in a suspicious house fire in Hepburn Town last year, which he believed had been deliberately set.

    These violent incidents have raised serious concerns about public safety and youth violence in the community, with investigations ongoing for both cases.

  • ‘They had no reason to shoot the dog’

    ‘They had no reason to shoot the dog’

    A tragic incident involving a correctional officer fatally shooting a family dog during a funeral procession for a retired canine officer has ignited nationwide condemnation in The Bahamas, raising serious questions about law enforcement training and animal protection protocols.

    The event occurred Friday on Soldier Road as correctional officers participated in a procession honoring retired officer Andrew Sears. Video evidence circulating widely on social media shows officers with leashed dogs passing the property of 92-year-old Bahamian music legend Duke Errol Strachan when his three-year-old dog approached while barking. Shockingly, one officer—already holding his drawn firearm—discharged a single shot that killed the animal on Mr. Strachan’s property.

    The distinguished musician, known professionally as Duke Errol and founder of the Errol Strachan Quintet, expressed profound grief over the loss of a pet gifted by his daughter. He characterized the shooting officer as ‘trigger-happy’ and disputed the official account that the dog posed a threat to humans. ‘They had no reason to shoot the dog,’ Strachan stated. ‘The dog was barking, not attacking.’

    Bahamas Department of Correctional Services described the incident as ‘unfortunate’ and announced an ongoing investigation, extending condolences to the affected family while claiming the dog had ‘charged at the Department’s trained canines.’

    Animal welfare organizations responded with forceful criticism. Kim Aranha, president of the Bahamas Humane Society, condemned the shooting as ‘a disgraceful action’ and questioned why an officer would patrol with weapon drawn in a residential area. ‘What if he tripped and set it off and killed a child?’ she posed, calling for improved training and respect for animal life among uniformed personnel.

    Lisse McCombe of the Bahamas Alliance for Animal Rights and Kindness (BAARK!) noted the situation escalated to lethal force with unjustified speed, highlighting ‘the consequences of poor training and selective enforcement of the Animal Protection and Control Act.’

    The incident has stimulated broader discussions about responsible pet ownership and appropriate law enforcement responses. While the Royal Bahamas Police Force subsequently issued guidance urging residents to secure their dogs, many viewed the timing as insensitive following the viral video.

    Prominent community members including Paige Waugh, granddaughter of Super Value owner Rupert Roberts, have demanded thorough investigation, characterizing the shooting as ‘morally wrong and unethical.’ Officials from the Department of Agriculture confirmed their Animal Control Unit has collected the deceased animal and scheduled interviews with involved officers as the investigation continues.

  • Dr Soomer urges Caribbean govts to intensify push for reparations

    Dr Soomer urges Caribbean govts to intensify push for reparations

    A former chair of the United Nations Permanent Forum on People of African Descent has called upon Caribbean governments to escalate their campaign for reparatory justice, emphasizing that sustainable development remains unattainable without confronting the enduring legacies of slavery and colonialism. Dr. June Soomer, formerly Saint Lucia’s ambassador to CARICOM and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, delivered these remarks during the launch event for the UN’s Second Decade for People of African Descent, held at the University of The Bahamas.

    Dr. Soomer articulated that the Caribbean’s leadership in the global reparations movement spans decades, not years. She traced the origins of the struggle back to the African coast, where enslaved individuals resisted even before their traumatic transatlantic passage. The modern regional agenda gained significant momentum in 2013 when CARICOM leaders formally committed to seeking justice for both Indigenous peoples and people of African descent. The CARICOM Reparations Commission first formally acknowledged the genocide of Indigenous populations before addressing the crimes of African enslavement.

    A central pillar of Dr. Soomer’s address was the imperative to reframe historical narrative. She vehemently rejected the term ‘slaves,’ insisting on the formulation ‘enslaved people’ to underscore that individuals with established professions and identities were forcibly subjugated. She further highlighted active resistance to captivity, countering the myth of passive acceptance.

    The former diplomat argued that the second UN decade must transcend symbolic gestures and catalyze structural reform. Key demands include comprehensive reviews of colonial-era constitutions and legislation, which she stated continue to perpetuate systemic racism and discrimination, particularly against women of African descent. Dr. Soomer expanded the concept of reparations beyond historical grievances to encompass contemporary issues like environmental injustice and technological bias. She noted the Caribbean’s disproportionate vulnerability to climate change impacts, despite its minimal contribution to global emissions, labeling it a form of ‘double reparations’ due to the legacy of being forced onto marginalized lands.

    Dr. Soomer concluded with a call for strengthened collaboration between governments and civil society organizations to ensure the reparations movement maintains its momentum and achieves meaningful, collective rights for people of African descent.

  • Tributes paid at funeral to Romona Farquharson-Seymour

    Tributes paid at funeral to Romona Farquharson-Seymour

    The Bahamian legal profession gathered in solemn tribute on Saturday to honor the life and legacy of Romona Farquharson Seymour, a formidable attorney remembered for her unwavering dedication to justice and fearless courtroom presence. Her funeral service at Salem Union Baptist Church became a platform for colleagues, family, and political figures to celebrate her profound impact on the legal landscape.

    Opposition Leader Dr. Michael Pintard characterized Farquharson Seymour as a powerful voice within the legal community, emphasizing her commitment to accountability and truth. “She possessed an exceptional ability to ask difficult questions and challenge conventional thinking without compromise,” Pintard noted during his tribute.

    Personal recollections painted a portrait of a multifaceted individual. Family friend and attorney Cathleen Hassan described her as a “ferocious warrior” for clients, frequently accepting cases others avoided. Beyond her professional tenacity, Hassan highlighted Farquharson Seymour’s capacity for unconditional love and her dedication as a mother who seamlessly integrated her young daughters into her demanding career.

    Reverend Heuter Rolle’s sermon emphasized her deep religious convictions and steadfast devotion to both church and family. The sudden nature of her passing at age 49 left many, including Reverend Cedric Farquharson, expressing shock at her departure during what they described as the prime of her life.

    With over two decades of legal practice since being called to the Bar in 2001, Farquharson Seymour built a reputation through high-profile cases. Her recent representation included former Prison Commissioner Charles Murphy in his ongoing litigation against the government and her initial defense work for Long Island MP Adrian Gibson during his 2022 investigation.

    Her ambitions extended beyond courtroom advocacy. In 2023, she publicly declared her intention to run for presidency of the Bahamas Bar Association, advocating for new vision and leadership. She had also briefly explored political candidacy with the Free National Movement before withdrawing her application.

    Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis, upon her passing last month, recognized her as a significant force within the legal field whose name carried substantial weight among peers. She is survived by her husband, prominent attorney Calvin Seymour, and their two young daughters, Victoria and Sienna.

  • US attorneys general sue Trump over latest ‘illegal’ tariffs

    US attorneys general sue Trump over latest ‘illegal’ tariffs

    A multistate coalition spearheaded by New York Attorney General Letitia James has initiated legal action against former President Donald Trump’s administration over controversial tariffs targeting Caribbean nations and other countries. The lawsuit, joined by 21 attorneys general alongside the governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania, contends that these sweeping trade measures exceed presidential authority and violate constitutional principles.

    The legal challenge emerges shortly after the US Supreme Court ruled against Trump’s previous tariff imposition under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). In response to that defeat, the former president invoked Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 to enact new tariffs affecting Caribbean economies.

    The coalition’s central argument maintains that the presidential administration lacks legal standing to implement such comprehensive tariffs under this legislation. They assert that the measures fail to meet Section 122’s specific requirements while simultaneously infringing upon constitutional separation of powers protections.

    Attorney General James characterized the move as another example of Trump disregarding legal boundaries to effectively tax consumers and small businesses. ‘These tariffs will only drive up the cost of living,’ James stated in comments to Caribbean Media Corporation, ‘and I will continue to uphold the rule of law to protect New Yorkers.’

    New York Governor Kathy Hochul supported the legal action, noting that ‘illegal and reckless tariff policies continue to weigh on businesses, farmers and consumers across New York State.’ Hochul emphasized the state’s pursuit of recovering $13.5 billion in tariff costs from federal collections.

    The legal filing highlights that no previous administration has attempted to utilize Section 122 for broad tariff implementation. The statute was specifically designed to address monetary crises within fixed-rate exchange systems like the gold standard—a financial framework abandoned by the United States fifty years ago.

    Furthermore, the coalition challenges the administration’s justification based on trade deficits, arguing that such economic conditions are conceptually distinct from the balance of payments deficits that Section 122 was intended to address. The lawsuit also notes discriminatory application, as the tariffs exempt numerous goods from Canada, Mexico, and several Central American nations while including 84 pages of specific product exceptions.

    The legal action seeks judicial intervention from the United States Court of International Trade to declare the tariffs unlawful, prevent their implementation, and secure refunds for states that have already incurred costs under the proclamation.

  • Church members watched as elderly deacon mowed down by motorcycle

    Church members watched as elderly deacon mowed down by motorcycle

    The Wakefield Seventh-day Baptist Church community in Trelawny is grappling with profound grief following the tragic death of 70-year-old deacon Oscar Russell, who was struck by a motorcycle while departing church services late Saturday afternoon. The incident occurred directly outside the church premises, witnessed by several congregation members who were present at the entrance at the time of the collision.

    According to eyewitness accounts, the violent impact threw Russell between the church wall and a utility pole, requiring emergency responders to extract him from the narrow space. The motorcycle operator also sustained severe injuries, particularly to the head, and was transported to medical facilities in critical condition.

    Both individuals were rushed to Falmouth Public General Hospital, where Russell unfortunately succumbed to his injuries. The motorcyclist remains hospitalized under intensive care.

    Pastor Ronald Blissett, head of the Wakefield Seventh-day Baptist Church, was ministering at another location when notified of the catastrophic event. He described the congregation as ‘shell-shocked’ by the sudden loss and the traumatic nature of the incident. The church has implemented emergency counseling services and additional support systems to help members process the emotional trauma.

    Russell, a resident of Montego Bay, St. James, was characterized as a devout member who regularly traveled to Wakefield for Sabbath worship services. Preliminary investigations suggest he was returning to the church building after crossing the road when the collision occurred.

    The tragedy has evoked painful memories for Trelawny residents, recalling a similar incident in April 2019 when 55-year-old Montego Bay Red Cap porter Romeal Wilson was fatally struck by a motorcycle in the adjacent community of Bounty Hall. Wilson had been attending his mother’s wake at the time of that previous accident.

    Local authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the latest incident while the community mourns the loss of a respected religious leader and supports those affected by the traumatic event.

  • Marley family unveils upgraded Tuff Gong Int’l Studios

    Marley family unveils upgraded Tuff Gong Int’l Studios

    Kingston’s historic Tuff Gong International Studios inaugurated its newly transformed facilities with an exclusive relaunch event on Thursday, marking a significant evolution for one of the Caribbean’s most iconic music production hubs. The invite-only gathering brought together politicians, musicians, and media figures within the storied Marcus Garvey Drive compound for a firsthand experience of the modernized creative space.

    The evening unfolded with a celebratory yet reflective atmosphere as guests explored the comprehensively upgraded studios, featuring cutting-edge production suites and acoustically enhanced recording environments. The redesign carefully balances state-of-the-art technology with conscious preservation of the location’s profound musical heritage, creating what the Marley family describes as a nurturing ground for both established and emerging Jamaican talent.

    Entertainment professional Empress framed the historical significance of the venue, tracing its origins to the pioneering Federal Records establishment founded by Ken Khouri in 1957. As Jamaica’s first fully integrated music production complex, Federal revolutionized the local industry by combining recording, mastering, and vinyl pressing operations under one roof—a rare capability that Tuff Gong has maintained and enhanced through its latest renovations.

    The narrative of Bob Marley’s early rejection at these same gates, followed by his prophetic vow to one day own the property, resonated throughout the evening. This vision materialized in 1981 when Rita Marley acquired the compound, transforming it into both a tribute to the reggae legend and a functional creative ecosystem.

    The ceremonial highlight occurred when siblings Cedella and Stephen Marley struck a massive metal Gong, symbolically inaugurating the new chapter. Guests then toured the facilities, including a thoughtfully designed artist lounge equipped with recreational amenities and decorated with archival photography documenting the studio’s storied history.

    The experiential journey concluded in the vinyl pressing area, where attendees observed the complete production process from recording to physical record creation. The evening culminated with musical performances by third-generation Marley artists Yohan and Mystic Marley, who delivered selections from their grandfather’s legendary catalog to an appreciative audience.

    This reimagined Tuff Gong International Studios now stands as both a memorial to Jamaican music’s golden era and a forward-looking creative incubator designed to serve the entire island’s artistic community.

  • Damaged but determined

    Damaged but determined

    In the devastating wake of Hurricane Melissa, the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation (WCJF) has demonstrated extraordinary resilience by maintaining its essential services for vulnerable adolescent mothers. Despite severe infrastructure damage across multiple parishes, the foundation received crucial support from both partner organizations and former beneficiaries—embodying the 2024 International Women’s Day theme ‘Give to Gain’ through powerful displays of mutual aid during crisis.

    Established to address Jamaica’s persistently high teenage pregnancy rates, the WCJF provides continuing education and support for pregnant girls under 19 who are excluded from the regular school system. The hurricane inflicted substantial damage to facilities in Savanna-la-Mar, Santa Cruz, Montego Bay, St Ann’s Bay, Morant Bay, and Junction. The Savanna-la-Mar centre suffered critical roof displacement, Santa Cruz lost its water storage tanks, Montego Bay’s pre-school roof was partially torn away, and multiple locations experienced structural collapses and security breaches.

    Executive Director Novlette Howell emphasized that despite these physical damages, the foundation’s primary concern remained its human resources—both the staff and beneficiaries. Through coordinated efforts with the Jamaican Government, WCJF personnel distributed care packages and financial assistance to affected women and girls in the hardest-hit parishes of St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, and St James.

    The foundation secured significant overseas donor grants, distributing amounts ranging from $20,000 to $210,000 to 22 staff members for various recovery needs including roof repairs, structural rebuilding, and complete home replacements. Additionally, WCJF centers served as temporary shelter for both staff and beneficiaries displaced by the hurricane.

    A particularly inspiring aspect of the recovery effort emerged from the foundation’s alumni network. Former beneficiaries across the globe—now working as police inspectors, teachers, nurses, and business owners—mobilized support through material donations and mentorship. Howell noted that barrels of supplies from past students were delivered to the Savannah-la-Mar centre, demonstrating the powerful cycle of empowerment that defines the organization’s mission.

    The WCJF maintains long-term commitment to its beneficiaries, providing ongoing counseling through university and professional integration via mentorship programs. This sustained support system exemplifies how investing in women creates ripple effects that strengthen entire communities, transforming personal achievement into collective advancement—the very essence of ‘Give to Gain’ in practice.

  • RACQUET DREAMS

    RACQUET DREAMS

    Tennis Jamaica is advancing plans for a transformative multimillion-dollar national tennis facility, signaling a new era for the sport’s development across the island. President John Azar confirmed the association is in advanced negotiations to establish a modern complex that would replace its current headquarters at the Eric Bell Tennis Centre in Kingston.

    While acknowledging the project remains a long-term initiative, Azar revealed that funding has already been secured through private sponsorships and support from the International Tennis Federation. The primary challenge lies not in financing but in finalizing land acquisition details for the proposed facility, which aims to be situated in a more centralized location to better serve Jamaica’s tennis community.

    The association’s vision extends beyond the capital city. Tennis Jamaica is actively pursuing partnerships with schools island-wide to construct additional courts, addressing what Azar identifies as the fundamental constraint to tennis development: limited playing infrastructure. ‘Unlike football where any open space suffices, tennis is limited by the number of courts,’ Azar noted, emphasizing the need to expand facilities to make the sport more accessible.

    Complementing this infrastructure expansion, Tennis Jamaica is working with institutions like G.C. Foster College to certify physical education teachers as tennis instructors, creating a sustainable pipeline of qualified coaches. This initiative forms part of a broader strategy to dismantle historical perceptions of tennis as an elitist sport. The association now provides racquets, balls, and complimentary coaching to remove financial barriers to participation.

    Despite recent high-profile tournaments including the Davis Cup matches hosted at Eric Bell Centre in 2023-2025, some events have migrated to alternative venues like the Liguanea Club, underscoring the need for enhanced facilities. Azar, who will not seek re-election in 2028 after three terms leading the association, anticipates the transition to a new national tennis center will occur ‘sooner than later,’ marking a significant milestone in Jamaica’s tennis evolution.