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  • Seven students honoured at JIS 2025 Heritage Competition Awards Ceremony

    Seven students honoured at JIS 2025 Heritage Competition Awards Ceremony

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s future leaders and creatives received national recognition during the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Heritage Competition Awards Ceremony held Tuesday. Seven exceptional students across primary, secondary, and tertiary education levels were honored for their outstanding contributions in essay writing, digital artistry, and photography.

    The 2025 competition, themed ‘Honouring Our People, Protecting the Future,’ showcased Jamaica’s brightest young minds. Danash Brown from West Indies College Preparatory School in Manchester claimed top honors in the essay category, with Kahiel Stewart (Kensington Primary School) and Jonathan Clark (Stella Maris Preparatory School) securing second and third places respectively.

    Digital artistry awards were dominated by Campion College students, with Alayna Elliott winning the grades 10-13 division and Bryce Wilson taking first place in the grades seven-nine category. Brian Levy of York Castle High School earned distinction in the illustrated poster category, while Shante Sinclair from the University of Technology demonstrated photographic excellence.

    The award ceremony at Summit Kingston featured significant prizes including trophies, vacation packages, gift certificates, laptop computers, and cash awards. Rhoda Moy Crawford, Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, praised the JIS for maintaining this platform for fifteen consecutive years.

    “For more than a decade, JIS has provided a credible platform that enables our youth to express themselves through artistic mediums,” Crawford stated. “This initiative encourages research, reflection, and personal growth among Jamaica’s next generation of leaders.”

    Crawford emphasized the lifelong value of skills developed through the competition, noting: “You have reminded us that young people are not merely participants in Jamaica’s story but authors of Jamaica’s next chapter.”

    JIS Acting Chief Executive Officer Celia Lindsay highlighted the competition’s expanding geographical reach, noting increased participation beyond traditional strongholds in western Jamaica. “This achievement reflects our intensified efforts to engage youth through innovative strategies that promote awareness of governmental policies and national values,” Lindsay explained.

    The annual competition, established in 2011, continues to partner with prominent organizations including the Universal Service Fund, Sandals Resorts International, and First Heritage Co-operative Credit Union to support youth development and national pride.

  • Doue inspires PSG to comeback Champions League win in Monaco

    Doue inspires PSG to comeback Champions League win in Monaco

    MONACO (AFP) — Paris Saint-Germain orchestrated a remarkable second-half resurgence to overcome a two-goal deficit against AS Monaco, securing a 3-2 victory in Tuesday’s Champions League knockout phase play-off first leg at Stade Louis II.

    The match began disastrously for the reigning European champions as United States international Folarin Balogun netted two early goals for Monaco—the first just 55 seconds into play, marking the fastest goal ever conceded by PSG in European competition. Balogun doubled Monaco’s advantage in the 18th minute through a clinical finish following a rapid exchange with Maghnes Akliouche.

    PSG’s fortunes worsened when Vitinha’s penalty attempt was thwarted by Monaco goalkeeper Philipp Koehn, and Ballon d’Or recipient Ousmane Dembele exited with an injury before the half-hour mark. However, substitute Desire Doue emerged as the catalyst for PSG’s stunning reversal, entering the match and immediately altering its trajectory.

    Doue reduced the deficit with a powerful left-footed strike just minutes after his introduction, before contributing to Achraf Hakimi’s equalizer shortly before halftime. Monaco’s challenges compounded early in the second half when playmaker Aleksandr Golovin received a red card following VAR review. Capitalizing on their numerical advantage, PSG sealed their comeback in the 67th minute as Warren Zaire-Emery assisted Doue for his second goal.

    PSG manager Luis Enrique praised Doue’s impact, stating: ‘He is an incredible and different player. I am very pleased for him because he deserved this moment.’ Despite recent domestic struggles that saw them relinquish their Ligue 1 top position, PSG now enter the return leg as strong favorites to advance to the final sixteen.

    The victory maintains PSG’s pursuit of European glory while extending their substantial domestic lead over Monaco, who currently sit eighth in Ligue 1. Monaco will seek to overcome the one-goal deficit in next Wednesday’s second leg in Paris, having previously demonstrated resilience by holding elite European clubs including Manchester City and Juventus at home during the group stage.

  • JLP hails contribution of civil rights icon Rev Jesse Jackson

    JLP hails contribution of civil rights icon Rev Jesse Jackson

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has issued a formal tribute commemorating the life and legacy of Reverend Jesse Jackson, the renowned American civil rights leader who passed away at age 84 on Tuesday. His death was confirmed through an official family statement.

    Senator Abka Fitz-Henley, Chairman of the JLP Communication Committee, characterized Jackson as a ‘colossal figure in the global civil rights movement’ and praised his lifelong dedication to racial, social, and economic justice. In an official release, Fitz-Henley emphasized Jackson’s unwavering moral consistency, drawing parallels to his close associate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in championing righteous causes regardless of political convenience.

    The JLP statement highlighted Jackson’s seminal ‘I am somebody’ refrain as a transformative declaration that instilled confidence and belonging among marginalized communities worldwide. Fitz-Henley noted that Jackson maintained steadfast advocacy for society’s most vulnerable members, never retreating from his condemnation of injustice regardless of its origin.

    While expressing profound regret at his passing, the JLP emphasized celebration of Jackson’s enduring legacy. The party statement concluded that Jackson’s life of consistent activism establishes a profound example for current and future generations to emulate in the ongoing global struggle for equality and human dignity.

  • Vinicius stunner helps Real Madrid edge Benfica in play-off marred by alleged racism

    Vinicius stunner helps Real Madrid edge Benfica in play-off marred by alleged racism

    A moment of sublime individual brilliance from Vinicius Junior secured a narrow 1-0 advantage for Real Madrid against Benfica in their Champions League play-off first leg encounter on Tuesday. However, the sporting spectacle at Lisbon’s Estadio da Luz was severely tarnished by a serious incident of alleged racial abuse directed at the Brazilian forward.

    The match’s decisive moment arrived in the 50th minute when Vinicius, positioned on the left edge of the penalty area, unleashed a breathtaking curling shot that nestled perfectly into the top corner of Benfica’s net, leaving goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin utterly helpless.

    The subsequent controversy erupted during the goal celebration. After being shown a yellow card for his exuberant dance in front of home supporters, Vinicius became engaged in a heated exchange with Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni. The situation escalated when Prestianni allegedly covered his mouth with his shirt and directed a racial slur at the Madrid star. Vinicius immediately reported the incident to French referee Francois Letexier, citing the use of the Spanish word ‘mono’ (monkey).

    This triggered UEFA’s official racism protocol, bringing the high-stakes match to a complete halt for over ten minutes as officials addressed the situation. Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni later confirmed to media that Vinicius had informed his teammates about the nature of the abuse.

    From a tactical perspective, Real Madrid displayed significantly improved defensive solidity under coach Alvaro Arbeloa compared to their dramatic 4-2 league defeat to Benfica just weeks earlier. The visiting side was further bolstered by the return of French superstar Kylian Mbappe, who had been sidelined with knee discomfort.

    The match concluded with further drama as Benfica coach Jose Mourinho received a red card in the 85th minute for persistent dissent, ruling him out of the decisive second leg at Santiago Bernabeu. Despite late pressure from the hosts, Madrid’s defense, marshaled by an impressive Thibaut Courtois in goal, held firm to take a precious clean sheet advantage back to Madrid.

  • Parnassus Agro-Park farmers get $30m worth of agricultural tools and supplies

    Parnassus Agro-Park farmers get $30m worth of agricultural tools and supplies

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – In a significant move to strengthen national food security, the Jamaican government has distributed agricultural resources worth approximately $30 million to thirty-three farmers operating at the Parnassus Agro-Park. This initiative forms part of the first phase of the Southern Plains Agricultural Development Project (SPAD) Matching Grant Scheme, designed to equip local agriculturists with essential tools for enhanced productivity and enterprise sustainability.

    The provision includes comprehensive one-acre irrigation systems, extensive fencing materials, diverse seeds and seedlings, specialized crop inputs for both one-acre and half-acre plots, along with practical small tools like mist blowers and sprayers. This strategic support aims to directly increase crop yields, fortify farmers’ economic livelihoods, and substantially contribute to reducing Jamaica’s reliance on food imports.

    Managed by the Agro-Investment Corporation (AIC), an agency under the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, the project receives funding from the United Kingdom Caribbean Infrastructure Fund (UKCIF) and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), totaling a $100-million investment. While initially benefiting farmers in Clarendon and St. Catherine—specifically in areas like Amity Hall and Bridge Pen—the scheme specifically prioritizes support for small to medium-scale operations, including those run by youth and women.

    During the official handover ceremony at the Clarendon agro-park on February 11, Minister Floyd Green emphasized the government’s commitment. “This matching grant represents a $30 million investment in our agricultural entrepreneurs. We are investing in the farmers so they can invest in their enterprises, ensuring we get the food needed for a food-secure Jamaica,” he stated. Minister Green further highlighted that the support extends beyond financial input, incorporating crucial training programs to build long-term capacity.

    The Parnassus Agro-Park itself is a hub of diverse agricultural production, with farmers actively cultivating hot pepper, sweet pepper, pumpkin, sweet potato, watermelon, callaloo, sweet corn, cucumber, okra, onion, and pak choi. Through this injection of resources and the overarching work of the AIC, the project underscores a dedicated national effort to modernize agricultural practices, mobilize sector finance, and promote sustainable socio-economic development across rural communities.

  • WRHA reports stable STI and HIV trends in western Jamaica

    WRHA reports stable STI and HIV trends in western Jamaica

    Health authorities in western Jamaica report a period of epidemiological stability for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), with rates holding relatively constant over a recent three-year span. Data from the Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA) indicates only minor fluctuations, dispelling notions of a significant surge. According to Dr. Tanesha Hickman, the WRHA’s Regional Priority Communicable Disease Coordinator, a slight uptick observed in 2024 has since subsided, with 2025 figures returning to the baseline established in 2023. A parallel trend of stability has been documented for HIV cases across the region. Despite this overall steadiness, a persistent and troubling pattern has emerged: young adults aged 20-29 continue to constitute the demographic most severely impacted by these infections. This cohort, recognized for its high social and sexual activity, is followed by the 30-39 age group in prevalence. Health officials are intensifying focus on vulnerable populations who encounter significant barriers—including social stigma, economic hardship, and limited healthcare access—which exacerbates their risk and often results in infection rates that exceed the general population’s. The WRHA is championing targeted interventions, emphasizing that tailored education, outreach, and prevention programs are crucial for curbing transmission. Furthermore, clinic data reveals a higher reporting of STIs among women, a statistic Dr. Hickman attributes to more proactive health-seeking behaviors in women rather than a lower actual infection rate in men. This ongoing public health effort was recently highlighted during Jamaica’s national Safer Sex Week, held under the theme ‘Tek Charge: Safer Sex with Endless Possibilities!’, reinforcing the message of responsible sexual practices and routine testing.

  • Jamaica’s two-man bobsled team fail to advance to fourth round

    Jamaica’s two-man bobsled team fail to advance to fourth round

    CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy — Jamaica’s celebrated two-man bobsled team encountered a bittersweet conclusion to their event at the XXV Winter Olympic Games on Tuesday. Piloted by Shane Pitter with brakeman Junior Harris, the team demonstrated significant progress in their third heat at the Eugenio Monti Sliding Centre but fell short of qualifying for the final medal round.

    After posting times of 56.68 and 56.72 seconds in Monday’s initial heats, the Jamaican duo rallied with a markedly improved third-run performance of 55.97 seconds. This effort elevated their cumulative time to 2:49.37, moving them one position upward to 22nd place overall. Despite this advancement, they narrowly missed the top-20 cutoff required to compete in the fourth and decisive heat.

    The team’s Olympic journey now transitions to the upcoming four-man bobsled competition scheduled to commence later this week, where Jamaica will pursue another historic chapter in their winter sports legacy.

    In related Caribbean representation, Trinidad and Tobago concluded their second Winter Olympics appearance with a 25th-place finish, registering a combined time of 2:51.05 minutes.

  • Bob Marley One Love Football Festival set to take place on Ash Wednesday

    Bob Marley One Love Football Festival set to take place on Ash Wednesday

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The iconic Bob Marley One Love Football Festival prepares for its 44th edition with a meaningful convergence of music, sports, and philanthropy. Scheduled for Ash Wednesday, February 18, at Harbour View Mini-Stadium, this year’s event will honor five distinguished Jamaican reggae artists: Tony Rebel, Sizzla, Chris Martin, Romain Virgo, and Mikey Bennett.

    Clive ‘Busy’ Campbell, the event’s visionary organizer since its inception in 1982 following Marley’s passing, announced that proceeds will directly support victims and educational institutions devastated by Hurricane Melissa. In keeping with the charitable spirit, admission operates on a donation basis, with contributions exceeding $500 Jamaican receiving entry tickets and eligibility for prize drawings from event sponsors.

    Campbell revealed this year’s thematic focus draws inspiration from Johnny Nash’s 1969 classic ‘Love and Peace’—a fitting choice given Nash’s own interpretations of Marley’s work. He emphasized the symbolic significance of hosting on Ash Wednesday, a day traditionally associated with introspection, humility, and personal renewal.

    “This occasion challenges us to embrace outward compassion after inward reflection,” Campbell stated. “While rooted in scripture, this question of how we treat one another transcends religious boundaries. Bob Marley embodied the answer throughout his lifetime through anthems of liberation, unity, and love—not as abstract concepts but as practical human obligations.”

    The festival will feature competitive matches between four teams comprising entertainers, celebrity figures, former national footballers, and Christian ambassadors, all contending for the Cecelia Marley-designed One Love Trophy. Confirmed musical participants include Jahshi, Laa Lee, Nesbeth, Jesse Royal, Ras I, and Valiant, with an open invitation extended to all artists willing to participate.

    Organizers promise a vibrant family-friendly atmosphere blending athletic competition with cultural celebration, continuing Marley’s legacy of community solidarity through artistic expression and collective action.

  • Belize records two ‘imported’ cases of malaria

    Belize records two ‘imported’ cases of malaria

    Health authorities in Belize have confirmed two new malaria infections, though both cases have been classified as imported with transmission occurring outside national borders. The Ministry of Health and Wellness identified the cases in Crique Sarco Village within the Toledo district, emphasizing that while the infections were acquired externally, they underscore persistent malaria risks in neighboring nations and the ongoing threat of disease reintroduction through travel channels.

    The ministry issued updated guidance urging travelers visiting rural, forested, or border regions of adjacent countries to implement comprehensive mosquito bite prevention strategies. This advisory comes despite Belize’s official malaria-free certification from the World Health Organization, awarded in June 2023, which remains unaffected by these imported cases.

    Belize’s health system maintains enhanced surveillance and response protocols to prevent the reestablishment of local malaria transmission. Health officials note that malaria symptoms typically emerge 7-30 days post-infection, advising that any travelers experiencing fever or flu-like symptoms should promptly seek medical attention while disclosing their recent travel history.

    The nation’s public health facilities provide complimentary testing and treatment services, with additional access through community health workers and malaria voluntary collaborators. In a related health advisory, the ministry confirmed maintained laboratory capacity for Chikungunya and Zika virus testing, referencing current regional health alerts. No local transmission of Chikungunya has been recorded since 2016, with Zika virus transmission absent since 2017.

    The Ministry of Health and Wellness continues to advocate for public cooperation with health authorities and consistent practice of mosquito bite prevention measures to preserve Belize’s public health achievements and malaria-free status.

  • Jamroc Dept launches new collection in celebration of Reggae Month

    Jamroc Dept launches new collection in celebration of Reggae Month

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Fernando Edwards, the Jamaican-born creative force behind clothing label Jamroc Dept, has unveiled a culturally significant fashion collection titled “Roots. Rhythm. Legacy.” to coincide with Reggae Month celebrations. The launch strategically coincided with both the commencement of Reggae Month on February 1st and the global recognition of Jamaican culture during the Grammy Awards ceremony.

    Edwards, who now operates from Los Angeles, revealed that the timing was deliberately chosen to capitalize on the international spotlight. “Witnessing Jamaican culture celebrated on such a prestigious platform as the Grammys created the perfect backdrop for launching a collection deeply rooted in heritage and purpose,” Edwards explained in an interview.

    The collection represents a sophisticated fusion of cultural storytelling and contemporary streetwear. Available exclusively through Jamroc Dept’s digital storefront, the lineup features premium oversized t-shirts, bold graphic statement shirts, and a signature Reggae Month Legacy Urban Hoodie. Each garment is meticulously designed to bridge the gap between traditional Jamaican aesthetics and modern fashion sensibilities.

    Early consumer response has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly regarding the collection’s authentic narrative elements. Edwards emphasized the intentionality behind each design: “This isn’t merely apparel; it’s wearable history. Every piece consciously communicates the rich essence and profound legacy of reggae music.”

    The creative inspiration draws directly from reggae’s Jamaican origins and its subsequent global impact. “Reggae embodies universal values of unity, resilience, and truth-telling,” Edwards elaborated. “Our designs pay homage to this incredible legacy while remaining culturally relevant to contemporary audiences.”

    Before establishing his fashion enterprise, Edwards cultivated a diverse career spanning culinary arts and filmmaking. The Clarendon native attended Edwin Allen High School before relocating to Portmore and eventually settling in Los Angeles. There, he operated a catering business before transitioning into film, with credits including the 2020 feature “She Ball” and the 2023 crime thriller “Rooted Betrayal.”

    Edwards’ ultimate vision for Jamroc Dept transcends commercial success. “My objective is to foster global appreciation for Jamaican culture while empowering individuals to wear their heritage with pride. This collection represents legacy, not transient trends. I aspire for Jamroc Dept to symbolize unity, purpose, and cultural elevation through fashion,” he concluded.