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  • Bartlett receives Global Tourism Resilience Lifetime Achievement Award in Nairobi

    Bartlett receives Global Tourism Resilience Lifetime Achievement Award in Nairobi

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett has been honored with the Global Tourism Resilience Lifetime Achievement Award during the 4th Global Tourism Resilience Day ceremonies in Nairobi, Kenya. The prestigious recognition was presented on February 17, 2026, at the Safari Park Hotel, acknowledging Bartlett’s transformative contributions to global tourism security and sustainability.

    The award celebrates Minister Bartlett’s pioneering development of comprehensive resilience frameworks that have enhanced crisis preparedness and recovery capabilities across international tourism destinations. His innovative approaches have established resilience as a fundamental component of sustainable tourism development, enabling tourist destinations worldwide to better anticipate, withstand, and recover from various disruptions including natural disasters, pandemics, economic instability, and other global crises.

    Throughout his distinguished career, Bartlett has been instrumental in championing multinational collaboration, policy innovation, and capacity-building programs specifically designed to protect tourism—one of the world’s most critical economic sectors. His visionary leadership has facilitated stronger partnerships between governments, private sector entities, and global institutions, promoting strategies that encourage recovery, sustainability, and inclusive growth within tourism-dependent economies.

    In his acceptance address, Minister Bartlett reaffirmed his dedication to developing resilient tourism systems that empower local communities, safeguard livelihoods, and promote long-term economic stability. He stressed the critical need for ‘continued global cooperation to build adaptive frameworks capable of responding to emerging challenges in our increasingly interconnected world.’

    Bartlett attributed the honor to the collective efforts of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre based in Jamaica, extending gratitude to both public and private partners who recognize the vital importance of building tourism resilience. Professor Waller, executive director of the Centre, praised Bartlett’s achievements, noting that the minister’s work represents ‘a huge win for both the minister and Jamaica’ on the global stage.

    The Global Tourism Resilience Lifetime Achievement Award is reserved for exceptional leaders whose contributions have created lasting, transformative impacts on the international tourism industry, setting new standards for excellence and innovation in the field.

  • Jamaican models take New York Fashion Week by storm

    Jamaican models take New York Fashion Week by storm

    NEW YORK — Jamaican modeling powerhouse SAINT International achieved remarkable prominence during New York Fashion Week’s Fall 2026 Ready-To-Wear collections, held from February 11-16. Under the leadership of CEO Deiwght Peters, the agency’s models delivered exceptional performances across numerous prestigious runway shows throughout the city.

    Leading the contingent was Naki Depass, who secured an impressive nine runway appearances for top-tier designers including Thom Browne, Marc Jacobs, Laquan Smith, and Area. Her colleague Dru Campbell joined her at Michael Kors’ landmark 45th anniversary presentation at the Metropolitan Opera House. Campbell, returning for her second NYFW engagement after debuting in September, commenced her schedule with a appearance for Coach before walking for five additional luxury brands including Tory Burch and Calvin Klein.

    Veteran model Tami Williams, who began her career at 15 with Alexander Wang, booked three significant shows: Sergio Hudson’s 10th anniversary celebration, Cucculelli Shaheen, and Jamaican designer Rachel Scotta’s Diotima presentation. For Scotta’s ‘Femme Cheval’ collection inspired by Cuban artist Wifredo Lam, Williams shared the runway with Depass as Looks 8 and 12.

    Male model Romaine Dixon represented SAINT at Cult Gaia’s ‘Shirzan — The Gathering’ show under creative director Jasmine Larian Hekmat, appearing as Look 43 immediately preceding Depass’s Look 44 in the brand’s 55-look collection.

    Peters described the achievement as ‘a banner season’ for what he termed ‘the SAINT model army,’ referencing over 60 runway events and presentations throughout the weeklong fashion extravaganza. He particularly highlighted Depass’s ‘spectacularly fantastic season’ and Campbell’s successful follow-up to her previous NYFW debut.

  • ‘Only one MP’

    ‘Only one MP’

    A ceremonial health center inauguration in St. Mary, Jamaica, descended into political chaos on Thursday after Health Minister Christopher Tufton unexpectedly invited former MP Dr. Norman Dunn to address attendees despite his absence from the official program. The incident triggered heated confrontations between supporters of the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and opposition People’s National Party (PNP).

    Outside the newly opened Belfield Health Centre, Dunn’s supporters credited him with driving the project to completion. However, current MP Norman Brown countered these claims by emphasizing the community-led effort initiated by late former MP Dr. Winston Green, a dental surgeon who died suddenly in 2017 while serving his second term under the PNP ticket.

    Brown recounted how Belfield residents had “protested, organised, appealed and consistently raised their voices about the unacceptable condition of the former clinic,” noting that advocacy began under Green’s leadership and continued through sustained community engagement until the vision materialized. “This facility belongs to the people of Belfield. It is their victory,” Brown asserted.

    The tension reached its peak when Minister Tufton invited Dunn to speak toward the end of the program, deviating from the planned agenda that should have proceeded directly to the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Brown expressed concern to Observer Online that Dunn’s remarks unexpectedly shifted into political territory, with the presentation taking on a partisan tone as it outlined the project’s ‘history.’

    Brown emphasized democratic principles, noting that residents of St. Mary South East had already exercised their voting rights in last year’s general election. “At any given time, there is one duly elected Member of Parliament. Political contests have their place and when that time comes, we will meet in the political field. But during moments of governance and community development, politics must not overshadow progress,” Brown stated.

    Despite the political theatrics, Brown remained determined to focus on substantive governance matters, stating his commitment to “delivering for the people, protecting the dignity of the office entrusted to me and ensuring that development in South East St Mary continues without unnecessary political distractions.”

  • Montego Bay Boys Club goes after second win

    Montego Bay Boys Club goes after second win

    The St James Football Association/Sandals Resorts International Major League continues this weekend with a series of compelling matches that promise to deliver intense football action. All eyes will be on Montego Bay Boys Club as they seek to maintain their perfect start to the season against newcomers Montego Bay United City FC in Friday’s headline clash at Wespow Park (3:30 pm kickoff).

    The Boys Club squad enters the match with momentum following their convincing 2-0 victory over Bogue FC in Monday’s season opener. Their opponents, MoBay City FC, will be making their highly anticipated season debut, adding an element of unpredictability to this local derby.

    Friday’s schedule features another significant encounter as former champions Granville United Real MoBay AFC face off at the Granville Community Centre. Both teams will be desperate to secure their first victory of the campaign after disappointing opening results. Granville United squandered a winning position through an unfortunate own goal to draw 2-2 with Norwood Strikers, while Real MoBay AFC suffered a 3-1 defeat against Faulkland FC.

    The weekend action continues on Saturday with four additional fixtures that could reshape the early league standings. Zone A joint-leaders Faulkland FC and Reggae Youths will both pursue consecutive victories against Norwood Strikers and Wadada FC respectively. Faulkland FC’s match against Norwood Strikers will take place at Albion, while Reggae Youths host Wadada FC in the opening game of a Jarrett Park double-header commencing at 1:30 pm.

    Saturday’s other matches see Lilliput Rovers entertaining Cambridge United at Spot Valley High, followed by the second Jarrett Park encounter between Bogue FC and Heights FC at 3:30 pm.

    Full Weekend Fixture Schedule:

    Friday:
    • Granville United vs Real MoBay AFC (Granville Community Centre, 3:30 pm)
    • MoBay City FC vs MBBC (Wespow Park, 3:30 pm)

    Saturday:
    • Norwood Strikers vs Faulkland FC (Albion, 3:30 pm)
    • Lilliput Rovers vs Cambridge United (Spot Valley High, 3:30 pm)
    • Reggae Youths vs Wadada FC (Jarrett Park, 1:30 pm)
    • Bogue FC vs Heights FC (Jarrett Park, 3:30 pm)

  • DPM slams ‘completely false’ Epstein e-mails

    DPM slams ‘completely false’ Epstein e-mails

    Bahamian Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper has issued a forceful denial against fabricated emails circulating on social media that falsely allege his association with convicted financier Jeffrey Epstein. The minister, who also oversees tourism, investments and aviation portfolios, condemned the documents as digitally manipulated forgeries containing fundamental chronological inaccuracies that undermine their credibility.

    The disputed correspondence, which surfaced during ongoing election campaigning, purports to show Epstein offering $200,000 to Cooper’s political campaign in 2016. However, investigative verification revealed the dates referenced in the emails correspond incorrectly to actual calendar days—March 14, 2016 was a Monday, not Tuesday as claimed, while March 20, 2016 fell on a Sunday rather than Monday.

    Further undermining the documents’ authenticity, Tribune Business reported that exhaustive searches through three million pages of released U.S. Justice Department Epstein files yielded no matching communications. The deputy prime minister characterized the dissemination as potentially criminal libel, warning citizens about AI-generated forgeries and manipulated media increasingly deployed during election cycles.

    Cooper stated unequivocally: “I have never met Jeffrey Epstein or anyone claiming association with him. No campaign contributions—direct or indirect—were ever received from him or his representatives.” He emphasized full transparency in his campaign disclosures and public record.

    The controversy emerges alongside separate allegations against Bahamian gaming moguls Sebas Bastian and Adrian Fox, named in an FBI document alleging Epstein’s influence over Bahamian and U.S. governments. Both entrepreneurs denied any association with Epstein or involvement in firearms/human trafficking activities referenced in the report.

    Also mentioned in the FBI documentation was former National Security Minister Marvin Dames, currently a parliamentary candidate, who confirmed facilitating an informant’s meeting with U.S. embassy officials while challenging the overall report’s authenticity. The informant—a wealthy U.S. expatriate residing in Paradise Island’s exclusive Ocean Club Estates—alleged Epstein’s control over governments but remains unnamed in media reports for legal considerations.

  • FNM claims ‘political skullduggery’ over voter drive at ILTV Studios

    FNM claims ‘political skullduggery’ over voter drive at ILTV Studios

    The political landscape in The Bahamas was charged with controversy as opposition leaders leveled serious accusations against the Parliamentary Registration Department, alleging partisan conduct in electoral preparations. The dispute ignited when a voter registration drive was hosted at ILTV Studios, a facility opponents claim has direct links to Progressive Liberal Party candidate Sebas Bastian.

    Travis Robinson, the Free National Movement candidate for Fort Charlotte, publicly denounced the department’s actions, demanding an immediate cessation of what he characterized as politically motivated activities. Robinson asserted that Bastian maintains significant ownership stakes in the studio complex, which simultaneously serves as an operational base for campaign activities with political materials stored on-site. He emphasized that the proximity of campaign vehicles to the registration venue created an unacceptable appearance of partiality that could undermine public trust in the electoral process.

    Verizon Media Group Ltd, which operates ILTV Studios, issued a formal rebuttal to these allegations. The company clarified that the registration event was conducted under official authorization with strict adherence to established guidelines. Their statement emphasized the non-partisan nature of the initiative, which was openly accessible to both employees and the general public while being broadcast live. The organization maintained clear separation between the registration activities and any political operations occurring in other sections of the building.

    The confrontation escalated during a press conference outside the Government Building, where opposition figures expanded their criticisms to encompass broader concerns about voter registration integrity. Deputy Opposition leader Shannendon Cartwright highlighted multiple systemic issues, including the improper rejection of young voters based on passport expiration dates. He clarified that no legal requirement mandates passport validity beyond the registration date, noting that even expired Bahamian passports don’t negate citizenship rights.

    Further concerns were raised regarding administrative deficiencies in the electronic voter registration system. Cartwright questioned the prolonged delays in updating records, the adequacy of quality control measures, and the mysterious disappearance of registered names from the system. The opposition also identified instances of voters appearing in multiple constituencies and the persistent inclusion of deceased individuals on registration lists despite repeated notifications to authorities.

    Michael Foulkes, FNM candidate for Golden Gates, confirmed that outdated records remained active in the system, with deceased voters still appearing on the most recent registers. The opposition collectively called for intervention from the Ministry of National Security to standardize registration procedures across polling divisions and address the inconsistencies in voter transfer processes.

  • Moore: Govt failing to tackle crisis of mothers prostituting daughters

    Moore: Govt failing to tackle crisis of mothers prostituting daughters

    A year after Bahamian Social Services Minister Myles Laroda alerted Parliament to an alarming surge in maternal-facilitated child prostitution, advocates report a complete absence of government-funded national measures to combat this deeply entrenched crisis. The Bahamas Urban Youth Development Centre (BUYDC) reveals that vulnerable minors continue to be commercially sexually exploited, primarily driven by severe economic deprivation that forces desperate mothers into unthinkable choices.

    Prodesta Moore, BUYDC’s founder and president, characterizes this not as a sudden epidemic but as a decades-old systemic failure stemming from intergenerational poverty, housing insecurity, and profound trauma. While public awareness has increased since Minister Laroda’s 2025 disclosure that girls as young as 14 were being exploited to pay household bills, Moore confirms that concrete governmental response remains conspicuously absent.

    Critical gaps persist across multiple fronts: emergency housing for at-risk youth, economic stabilization programs for struggling families, trauma-informed counseling, and rehabilitation services remain underdeveloped. Prevention education in high-risk communities and sustainable funding partnerships with frontline NGOs have similarly failed to materialize despite repeated advocacy efforts.

    BUYDC, established in 2010 by Moore, has pioneered trauma-informed care, mentorship programs, housing referrals, and life-skills training specifically targeting youth coerced into transactional sex due to economic desperation. The organization emphasizes that the crisis transcends criminal justice matters, representing instead a catastrophic failure of social protection systems when families resort to exploitation for basic subsistence.

    Minister Laroda, when contacted by The Tribune, maintained that the government continues working to mitigate the issue and eliminate instances of child exploitation, though he acknowledged the challenges of complete eradication. This stands in stark contrast to advocates’ assertions that the government has failed to implement targeted interventions despite its public acknowledgments.

    Moore stresses that meaningful change requires immediate political commitment, coordinated leadership, and substantial financial investment—elements that have yet to materialize in any comprehensive national strategy. The organization remains prepared to collaborate on immediate solutions, emphasizing that the window for effective intervention is rapidly closing for countless vulnerable youth.

  • Cooper orders probe into Exuma runway lights after patient’s death

    Cooper orders probe into Exuma runway lights after patient’s death

    A critical emergency medical evacuation flight arriving at Exuma International Airport on Wednesday evening encountered potential operational complications due to alleged runway lighting malfunctions, resulting in the subsequent death of the intended patient. Chester Cooper, Member of Parliament for Exumas and Ragged Island, confirmed the tragic outcome and announced he has formally requested a comprehensive investigation by the Civil Aviation Authority of The Bahamas.

    Initial reports indicate that while routine sundown inspections confirmed the runway lighting system was fully operational, the emergency flight may still have been impacted by illumination issues during its approach. Cooper has committed to keeping the public informed as the investigation progresses and more details become available.

    The incident has ignited political tensions and drawn attention to broader healthcare deficiencies in the region. Debra Moxey-Rolle, opposition FNM candidate for Exumas and Ragged Island, characterized the event as symptomatic of systemic healthcare failures. She revealed that concerns about airport infrastructure were raised as early as October 2025, resulting only in temporary repairs that have since deteriorated.

    Moxey-Rolle highlighted multiple healthcare crises plaguing the community: emergency medical flights costing approximately $1,800 per evacuation, non-functional morgue facilities due to excessive heat, absence of ultrasound technicians forcing pregnant women to travel to New Providence for basic prenatal care, and reduced laboratory services operating just twice monthly—or sometimes once—due to funding shortages.

    The situation has prompted urgent calls for accountability and improved healthcare infrastructure, with residents questioning why basic medical services remain inaccessible despite repeated appeals to elected officials.

  • Minister Grange reaffirms commitment to Bustamante celebrations

    Minister Grange reaffirms commitment to Bustamante celebrations

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican government has unveiled comprehensive plans to commemorate the 142nd birth anniversary of Sir Alexander Bustamante, the nation’s first prime minister and revered national hero. Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange has confirmed that dual ceremonies will be held simultaneously on February 24, 2026, at both Bustamante’s birthplace in Blenheim, Hanover, and at Kingston’s National Heroes Park.

    The commemorative proceedings will commence with a floral tribute ceremony at the National Heroes Park at 9:00 AM, followed by a birthday tribute ceremony in Blenheim at 11:00 AM. Additionally, Pearnel Charles Jr, Member of Parliament for Clarendon South Eastern—where Bustamante served for approximately 18 years—has organized supplementary activities within his constituency to honor the late statesman.

    Minister Grange directly addressed recent concerns about potential disruptions to the Hanover celebrations, emphasizing the government’s unwavering commitment to preserving national observances. She referenced the February 2025 celebrations when similar concerns emerged regarding funding availability. “The Government, through the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, acted decisively in mandating the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) to fully fund and execute the Bustamante birthday celebrations,” Grange stated in an official news release, highlighting the administration’s dedication to maintaining these traditions.

    The minister elaborated on the profound significance of these annual commemorations, describing them as crucial opportunities for national reflection on Bustamante’s legacy of workers’ rights advocacy and nation-building contributions that fundamentally shaped modern Jamaica.

    Acknowledging current fiscal constraints due to Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts, Grange expressed appreciation for public understanding while stressing the immeasurable value of heritage celebrations. “The value of heritage commemorations, particularly for young Jamaicans still coping with the impact of the hurricane, cannot be understated,” she explained. “These celebrations offer a sense of continuity, pride and inspiration at a time when our people, especially our youth, need it most.”

    The minister issued a nationwide call to action, encouraging participation from all societal sectors including educational institutions, community organizations, cultural groups, and families. She specifically urged school communities, youth groups, and cultural organizations to actively engage in both the Hanover and Kingston events, emphasizing the importance of keeping Bustamante’s legacy alive in both ceremonial practice and national consciousness.

    Interested parties seeking additional information about scheduled activities or wishing to confirm participation are advised to contact the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission directly.

  • NWA begins $328m road repairs in western Jamaica post-Melissa

    NWA begins $328m road repairs in western Jamaica post-Melissa

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — A comprehensive $328 million infrastructure recovery initiative is now underway across western Jamaica, addressing extensive roadway damage inflicted by Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic passage in October 2025. The National Works Agency (NWA) has commenced an intensive patching and rehabilitation program targeting the most severely affected transportation corridors.

    The category five hurricane made landfall on October 28, 2025, unleashing unprecedented destruction throughout Jamaica’s western region. The storm’s impact created substantial challenges for transportation networks, particularly across the parishes of St James, Trelawny, Westmoreland, and Hanover where multiple roadways suffered critical damage.

    Janel Ricketts, Community Relations Officer for NWA’s western region, identified specific priority areas for rehabilitation. The comprehensive repairs will focus on key transportation arteries including Montego Bay’s city center thoroughfares in St James, the Highgate Hall to Stettin main road in Trelawny, Norman Manley Boulevard in Negril, Westmoreland, and critical segments of the Shettlewood to Chester Castle main road in Hanover. Additionally, the West End roadway in Negril will receive complete asphalting treatment.

    The ambitious recovery project, scheduled for completion within six weeks, forms part of the agency’s broader $1.7 billion islandwide Graded Overlay (GO) Road Rehabilitation Programme. Motorists are advised to anticipate potential traffic disruptions during construction periods and are strongly encouraged to adhere to posted warning signage and follow instructions from traffic management personnel.

    This infrastructure rehabilitation represents a significant step toward restoring normalcy to regions hardest hit by the hurricane, reestablishing vital transportation links for economic recovery and community connectivity.