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  • Video appears to show St John’s College principal with hands around girl’s neck

    Video appears to show St John’s College principal with hands around girl’s neck

    The Anglican Central Education Authority (ACEA) has launched a formal investigation into disturbing footage showing St John’s College Principal Quinn McCartney, a former Deputy Police Commissioner, physically confronting a female student during school festivities. The viral video, captured on February 14 during the school’s Mardi Gras celebration dance, depicts McCartney seizing the student by her arms before applying both hands to her neck and propelling her through a doorway, prompting audible shock from bystanders.

    Additional footage from the same event reveals further concerning incidents, including a uniformed police officer carrying a rifle, groups of screaming minors fleeing the premises, and physical altercations among male students. Despite the alarming nature of the videos, the ACEA’s initial statement claimed that, based on current information, no physical harm or injuries resulted from the documented events.

    The authority emphasized its commitment to thorough investigation through established procedures, collaborating with relevant stakeholders to gather and review all available evidence. Human rights advocate Alicia Wallace has condemned the incident, criticizing the normalization of violence within educational settings and calling for higher standards of conduct among school administrators. Wallace emphasized that those in positions of power must employ nonviolent conflict resolution methods and emotional regulation techniques, stating that violence represents both danger and professional incompetence.

  • Public blasts Symonette’s comment on Adriel’s killer

    Public blasts Symonette’s comment on Adriel’s killer

    A firestorm of public outrage has engulfed The Bahamas following controversial remarks by former Immigration Minister Brent Symonette concerning the fate of convicted murderer Chris Ferguson. Symonette suggested that deporting Ferguson after he serves a 40-year sentence for the 2024 strangulation killing of 12-year-old Adriel Moxey would be ‘inhumane,’ a statement that has been met with fierce backlash across social media platforms.

    The case, which has captivated and horrified the nation, took a significant turn last week when Ferguson, 39, accepted a plea deal resulting in his four-decade prison term. Further complicating the matter, immigration officials confirmed Ferguson is a Haitian national who had resided in The Bahamas under a contested status. He had claimed Bahamian birth and initiated a citizenship application in 2010 but never finalized the process, raising critical questions about immigration enforcement.

    Mr. Symonette framed the situation as a perennial challenge for authorities, noting the dilemma of dealing with long-term residents who complete extensive prison sentences. However, this perspective found little sympathy among the Bahamian public.

    Online sentiment has been overwhelmingly condemnatory. A vast majority of commenters argued that deportation is a standard international procedure for foreign nationals who commit serious crimes and should be applied unequivocally in this case. Many directly challenged the minister’s characterization of the punishment, pointing to the inherent inhumanity of Ferguson’s actions against the child. One viral comment captured the prevailing mood: ‘So it wasn’t inhumane to commit the crime? That’s all I’m hearing.’

    Beyond the deportation debate, a segment of the public expressed that the 40-year sentence itself was an insufficiently lenient punishment for the murder, with some calling for the application of the death penalty. The collective outcry underscores a deep-seated demand for stricter justice and more robust immigration controls within the archipelago nation.

  • The countdown to election

    The countdown to election

    The Baha Mar Convention Centre erupted in a vibrant display of political fervor as hundreds of Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) supporters clad in yellow attire gathered for the official commencement of their electoral campaign on Tuesday evening. The event, which transformed the venue into a pulsating political rally, signaled an accelerated push toward general elections despite the constitutional deadline extending until September.

    Party loyalists arrived well in advance, adorned in official merchandise and carrying oversized placards while creating an energetic atmosphere with horns and chants. The venue entrance featured strategically placed campaign banners, while the interior ballroom dazzled with bright lights, musical performances, and frequent standing ovations throughout the program.

    The diverse assembly spanned multiple generations, from young activists to senior citizens, illustrating the broad demographic appeal of the ruling party. Many attendees expressed motivation through their perceived progress under the current administration and emphasized the importance of maintaining developmental momentum.

    The structured program encompassed four thematic segments preceding the keynote address, with constituency candidates outlining policy priorities focused on economic recovery, public relief initiatives, opportunity expansion, and targeted investments in the Family Islands. Each political address generated enthusiastic applause, interspersed with musical performances by local artists Julian Believe and Johnny Cake that prompted synchronized flag-waving and collective singing.

    Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis delivered the principal address, highlighting his government’s record of converting ‘crisis into progress’ while acknowledging ongoing challenges. ‘The economy demonstrates growth, critical crime statistics show decline, and expert assessments turn positive—yet these indicators hold limited meaning for citizens struggling with household expenses, employment uncertainty, or neighborhood safety concerns,’ Davis stated.

    The Prime Minister extensively addressed artificial intelligence’s transformative potential, detailing applications across business enhancement, educational advancement, healthcare innovation, national security reinforcement, meteorological forecasting, and governmental modernization. Simultaneously, he cautioned about unprecedented disruption rates, warning about potential job displacement in vulnerable sectors and malicious AI utilization through cybercrime, digital fraud, deepfakes, and disinformation campaigns.

    Davis concluded with criticism toward opposition parties and urged unwavering commitment to the PLP platform. The event culminated emotionally as the Prime Minister stood hand-in-hand with colleagues and his wife while Cece Winans’ ‘Goodness of God’ played, prompting supporters to rise in unified cheers and flag-waving demonstrations.

  • Los Angeles mayor calls for 2028 Olympics chairman to step down over Epstein files

    Los Angeles mayor calls for 2028 Olympics chairman to step down over Epstein files

    LOS ANGELES – In a significant development for the 2028 Summer Olympics organization, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has publicly called for Casey Wasserman to resign from his position as chief organizer. The demand follows revelations about Wasserman’s past communications with convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell.

    During a CNN interview on Monday, Mayor Bass expressed her position clearly, stating, “My opinion is that he should step down,” while acknowledging this view contrasted with that of the LA28 board. Bass characterized the ongoing support for Wasserman from Olympic organizers as “unfortunate” given the emerging details about his historical connections.

    The controversy stems from flirtatious email exchanges between Wasserman and Maxwell that occurred approximately two decades ago, before Maxwell’s criminal activities were publicly known. Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for trafficking underage girls for financier Jeffrey Epstein, who died in custody in 2019 in what was ruled a suicide.

    This political pressure follows earlier calls from other Los Angeles city officials for Wasserman’s resignation earlier this month. Initially, Mayor Bass had declined to take a position on the matter, stating it should be decided by the LA28 board.

    The LA28 Olympics executive committee had previously reaffirmed their support for Wasserman on February 11. In response to the growing backlash, Wasserman announced last week his decision to sell the major sports and entertainment agency he founded.

    The International Olympic Committee has distanced itself from the decision-making process, with spokesperson Mark Adams telling journalists, “This is a matter for the board of LA28 still at this stage.” Adams noted that a law firm had investigated the matter and that numerous conversations were ongoing regarding Wasserman’s position.

    Notably, Wasserman, 51, has not been accused of any criminal wrongdoing related to the Epstein scandal. He issued an apology last month, emphasizing that his communications with Maxwell predated public knowledge of her crimes.

    The developments come amid the continued release of documents from the Epstein investigation, with the U.S. Justice Department last month unveiling over three million documents, photos, and videos related to the case.

  • Holness mourns passing of US civil rights activist Jesse Jackson

    Holness mourns passing of US civil rights activist Jesse Jackson

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has publicly expressed profound sorrow following the passing of renowned American civil rights pioneer Reverend Jesse Jackson, who died Tuesday morning. In an official statement released the same day, Holness memorialized Jackson as an extraordinarily influential figure whose advocacy reshaped social justice movements across two centuries.

    The Prime Minister emphasized that Jackson’s lifelong dedication to advancing economic parity, racial equality, and social justice created transformative impacts extending far beyond U.S. borders. His empowerment initiatives for Black communities, minority groups, and working-class citizens generated worldwide resonance that will endure for generations, Holness noted.

    Holness characterized Jackson as an inspirational communicator whose powerful oratory captured the attention of global power structures. “Humanity owes Reverend Jackson a debt of gratitude,” the statement continued, highlighting his unique capacity to influence policymakers and consciousness leaders internationally.

    The Jamaican leader placed Jackson within an exceptional group of civil rights pioneers including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., applauding their selfless commitment to humanitarian principles despite significant personal risks. Holness specifically noted their shared prioritization of universal justice over self-interest.

    Describing Jackson’s death as a historic moment, Holness credited the activist with restoring virtues of kindness, justice, and equality during periods when these principles faced erosion. The Prime Minister concluded by extending official condolences to Jackson’s family, friends, and supporters worldwide during their time of grief.

  • Two men injured in crash on Reading main road

    Two men injured in crash on Reading main road

    A severe traffic collision on Reading Main Road in St. James, Jamaica, resulted in two drivers sustaining significant injuries on Tuesday morning. The incident involved a head-on collision between a Honda Integra and a Toyota Probox, causing both vehicles to be forcibly ejected from the roadway.

    Emergency response teams from the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) and the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) were dispatched to the scene following reports of the crash. Preliminary investigations suggest the vehicles were traveling in opposite directions when the impact occurred.

    One driver became trapped beneath his vehicle due to the force of the collision and required assistance from bystanders to be extricated. Medical personnel confirmed he suffered multiple broken limbs alongside additional trauma. The second motorist sustained lacerations that resulted in substantial bleeding at the scene.

    Both injured individuals received immediate first aid before being transported to a nearby medical facility for comprehensive treatment. Authorities have launched a full investigation to determine the precise circumstances that led to the accident, including potential factors such as road conditions, vehicle mechanics, and driver behavior.

  • US civil rights leader Jesse Jackson dies at 84

    US civil rights leader Jesse Jackson dies at 84

    WASHINGTON, United States — Reverend Jesse Jackson, the iconic Baptist minister and towering figure in America’s civil rights movement, passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning at age 84, according to a family announcement. His death concludes a monumental sixty-year journey advocating for racial equality and social justice on both national and international platforms.

    Jackson’s family memorialized him as a ‘servant leader’ whose profound commitment extended beyond his immediate family to encompass marginalized communities worldwide. ‘His unwavering belief in justice, equality, and love uplifted millions,’ the family statement expressed, urging continued advocacy for the principles he championed.

    While no specific cause of death was disclosed, Jackson had publicly disclosed his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis in 2017. Recent hospitalizations in November were connected to additional neurodegenerative challenges.

    Jackson’s activism began in the 1960s when he marched alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., subsequently evolving into one of the nation’s most recognizable Black voices. His legacy includes groundbreaking presidential campaigns in the 1980s, where he became the most prominent African American to pursue the Democratic nomination—a political barrier that remained unbroken until Barack Obama’s successful 2008 campaign.

    Born Jesse Louis Burns in 1941 Greenville, South Carolina, to a teenage mother, Jackson famously remarked, ‘I was not born with a silver spoon in my mouth. I had a shovel programmed for my hands.’ His academic excellence earned him a football scholarship to the University of Illinois, though he ultimately graduated from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University with a sociology degree.

    Jackson’s activism included participation in the historic 1965 Selma-to-Montgomery marches and presence during Dr. King’s assassination in Memphis. His later work expanded to international diplomacy, including advocacy against South African apartheid, humanitarian missions to secure American prisoners’ release in Syria, Iraq, and Serbia, and his role as President Bill Clinton’s special envoy to Africa.

    In 1996, Jackson established the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, a Chicago-based organization dedicated to social justice and political activism. His final public appearances included emotional moments at Obama’s 2008 victory celebration and supporting George Floyd’s family during the 2021 trial.

    Reverend Jackson is survived by his wife and six children, leaving an indelible imprint on civil rights history.

  • National Chorale begins 2026 concert season with applause

    National Chorale begins 2026 concert season with applause

    The National Chorale of Jamaica (NCOJ) inaugurated its 2026 concert season before a capacity audience at the University of the West Indies Chapel on February 8th, delivering an evening of classical masterpieces and romantic favorites that showcased exceptional vocal artistry.

    The performance reached an early crescendo with an excerpt from Mozart’s iconic opera Don Giovanni, featuring contralto Christine MacDonald and bass Michael Sutherland in the celebrated duet Là ci darem la mano. Their dramatic interpretation, characterized by playful interaction and profound vocal synergy, earned sustained applause from the captivated audience.

    MacDonald further demonstrated her vocal prowess through solo performances including Benjamin Britten’s Festival Te Deum and Brahms’ profoundly moving Alto Rhapsody, based on text from Goethe’s Harzreise im Winter. The evening’s centerpiece emerged with Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s dramatic cantata Hiawatha’s Wedding Feast, adapted from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s epic poem.

    Lyric tenor Brenton McLean delivered a particularly memorable interpretation of Chibiabos through the beloved aria Onaway! Awake, beloved!, expressing themes of love and longing with remarkable emotional depth. The full 30-member chorale provided powerful accompaniment alongside pianist Stephen Shaw-Naar, senior lecturer at Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, who later showcased his technical mastery through a dazzling solo performance of Chopin’s Étude in E major, Op. 10 No. 2.

    The program additionally featured romantic classics including Twilight Time (popularized by The Platters), Tony De Vita’s Softly, and Leonard Bernstein’s timeless Somewhere from West Side Story. Bass Edmund Carter contributed a passionate rendition of Cuando Caliente el Sol, accompanied by choir member Racquel McLean.

    The event, conducted jointly by Sutherland and Winston Ewart, was held under the patronage of former Governor General Sir Kenneth Hall and Lady Hall. Distinguished attendees included diplomatic corps representatives, corporate leaders, and students from selected educational institutions.

  • Managing Wedding-Day Anxiety When You’re in the Spotlight

    Managing Wedding-Day Anxiety When You’re in the Spotlight

    The recent real-life wedding ceremony staged during the 2026 Super Bowl spotlighted an intriguing paradox: while such grandiose celebrations capture public imagination, most individuals express strong reservations about exchanging vows before massive audiences. An Instagram poll revealed 87% of respondents would decline a stadium wedding, underscoring how performance pressure often overshadows the appeal of spectacular settings.

    Wedding anxiety represents a widespread yet underdiscussed phenomenon distinct from marital doubts. The core tension frequently stems from the psychological weight of being observed during profoundly intimate moments—from amplified vows echoing through microphones to entrance applause triggering adrenaline surges. This performance dynamic transforms sacred rituals into stressful spectacles for many couples.

    Expert wedding planners emphasize intentional ceremony design to mitigate these pressures. Concise, well-rehearsed rituals reduce opportunities for anxiety amplification. Couples may exchange private vows beforehand, sharing abbreviated versions publicly to minimize speech-related stress. Multiple rehearsals of processional movements and standing positions create muscle memory that fosters mental calmness during the actual ceremony.

    Strategic scheduling of quiet intervals proves crucial for nervous system regulation. Private first looks, post-ceremony solitude breaks, and pre-reception pauses provide essential respiratory space within high-energy timelines. These deliberate moments of separation allow couples to reset emotionally before reengaging with celebrations.

    Furniture arrangement and reception formats significantly influence psychological comfort. Traditional head tables positioning couples as spectacle centers often intensify performance anxiety. Alternatives like sweetheart tables or integrated seating with wedding parties promote relational connection over theatrical presentation. Similarly, modified traditions—abbreviated speeches, selective reader choices, and inclusive first dances—reduce the burden of solitary performance.

    Practical techniques include four-count breathing exercises (inhale-hold-exhale patterns) to regulate heart rates before processional walks. Visual anchoring to familiar faces rather than scanning crowds helps maintain focus on meaningful connections. Attire comfort and broken-in shoes provide physical security that supports mental confidence.

    Ultimately, psychological reframing transforms audience perception: guests serve as witnesses rather than critics, there to celebrate rather than evaluate. Whether in stadiums or gardens, successful weddings prioritize emotional authenticity over theatrical impression, transforming spotlights from sources of pressure to vessels of warmth.

  • Murders unsolved until gang insiders talked, cop witness affirms

    Murders unsolved until gang insiders talked, cop witness affirms

    A senior detective with 34 years of service in the Jamaica Constabulary Force provided startling testimony Monday in the high-profile trial of 25 alleged Klansman Gang members, revealing that a 2017 murder investigation remained without identified suspects for years despite multiple eyewitness accounts.

    The ongoing trial in the Home Circuit Division of the Supreme Court in downtown Kingston centers on the murder of George Richards, who was killed in September 2017 on Roger Avenue in St. Catherine. Defendants Dwayne Frater and Lamar Rowe face charges under count seven of the indictment for “facilitating the commission of a serious offence by a criminal organisation” pursuant to Section 6 of Jamaica’s anti-gang legislation.

    The detective inspector, who supervised the murder investigation team, testified that despite commencing investigations immediately after the crime, he “did not identify any suspects” in the case until the present day. This admission aligns with the Crown’s earlier statement that without two key witnesses—former gang members who have pleaded guilty and are currently serving sentences—the majority of the 16 crimes attributed to the alleged Tesha Miller faction would have remained unsolved.

    Under cross-examination by defense attorney Kemar Robinson, the veteran officer acknowledged identifying “more than one” possible eyewitness but maintained his position regarding suspects. The testimony grew contentious when Robinson suggested the detective was being untruthful about not identifying potential suspects, prompting the officer to “disagree vehemently.”

    The courtroom proceedings took an unexpected turn when the detective, referencing a pair of flip-flops found at the crime scene, struggled to identify them in photographs due to a recent eye injury sustained on Valentine’s Day, which provoked amusement among observers.

    Earlier testimony from a forensic crime scene investigator detailed the chain of custody for evidence collected from the murder scene, including 13 spent shells, a vehicle with bullet holes, bloodstains, and projectiles removed from the victim’s body during post-mortem examination. The evidence was meticulously documented, packaged, and transported to government forensic laboratories for analysis.

    The trial of the 25 accused represents the second faction of the Klansman Gang to face justice, addressing 16 alleged offenses committed between August 2017 and November 2022. Proceedings are scheduled to continue Tuesday morning at 10:00 am.