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  • Nearly $30b in new taxes on sweetened beverages, cigarettes, pure alcohol and tourism activities

    Nearly $30b in new taxes on sweetened beverages, cigarettes, pure alcohol and tourism activities

    In an unprecedented fiscal response to the devastation wrought by Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaican government has announced a comprehensive $29.4 billion tax package for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. Finance Minister Fayval Williams presented these measures to the House of Representatives on Thursday, marking the first major tax overhaul in a decade.

    The centerpiece of this revenue strategy is a groundbreaking Special Consumption Tax (SCT) on sweetened non-alcoholic beverages, projected to generate $10.1 billion. This tax encompasses all sugar-sweetened drinks, whether carbonated or still, locally produced or imported, including those containing artificial sweeteners. Minister Williams emphasized that beyond revenue generation, this measure addresses critical public health concerns, noting Jamaica’s persistently high rates of obesity and diabetes linked to excessive sugar consumption.

    The tax reforms extend across multiple sectors. Tobacco products will face a significant increase with cigarettes rising to $20 per stick, adding $3 to the current price and expected to yield $1.1 billion. The tourism industry will see its preferential GCT rate climb from 10% to the standard 15% beginning April 2027, generating an estimated $11.4 billion annually. This delayed implementation acknowledges the sector’s need for hurricane recovery time.

    Additional measures include modifications to vehicle duty concessions for public officials ($1.3 billion), an increased Environmental Protection Levy from 0.5% to 0.8% ($3.639 billion), and higher alcohol taxes based on pure alcohol content rising from $1,230 to $1,400 per liter ($1.6 billion). Most taxes take effect May 1, 2026, with the beverage tax following in the first quarter of the fiscal year.

    Historically significant, this presentation marks the first simultaneous tabling of revenue measures with expenditure estimates, fulfilling requirements of the Financial Administration and Audit Act that were previously flagged by the Independent Fiscal Commission.

  • Former Arsenal player Partey faces two more rape charges

    Former Arsenal player Partey faces two more rape charges

    LONDON — Ghanaian international footballer Thomas Partey, formerly of Arsenal and currently with Spanish club Villarreal, faces intensified legal troubles as UK authorities have brought two additional rape charges against the 32-year-old athlete. The new allegations involve a single victim and date back to events alleged to have occurred in 2020.

    The Metropolitan Police confirmed the charges following an investigation launched after the alleged offense was formally reported in August 2025. Partey is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on March 13 to address these latest charges.

    This development compounds the serious legal challenges already facing the midfielder. In September, Partey had entered not guilty pleas at Southwark Crown Court regarding five separate rape counts involving two different women, plus an additional charge of sexual assault against a third individual. Those alleged incidents are said to have taken place between 2021 and 2022 during his tenure with Arsenal Football Club. A trial for these initial charges is scheduled for November 2.

    Partey’s professional career includes a high-profile £45 million (approximately $61 million) transfer from Atletico Madrid to Arsenal in 2020. During his four-year stint with the London club, he made 167 appearances before departing in June last year to join Villarreal.

    The ongoing legal proceedings cast uncertainty over Partey’s international career with Ghana, where he has earned over 50 caps and remains a potential candidate for the national squad in upcoming international competitions, including the World Cup later this year.

  • PATH recognised among regional best practices in fight to eliminate child labour

    PATH recognised among regional best practices in fight to eliminate child labour

    JAMAICA’S SOCIAL PROTECTION PROGRAM RECEIVES INTERNATIONAL ACCLAIM AT GLOBAL CHILD LABOR SUMMIT

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaica’s Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH) has garnered significant international recognition as a Caribbean model for preventing child labor during the ongoing 6th Global Conference on the Elimination of Child Labour in Marrakesh, Morocco.

    A high-level Jamaican delegation from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) is currently representing the nation at the prestigious gathering from February 11-13, 2026, where global leaders are convening to address the pressing issue affecting approximately 138 million children worldwide.

    The conference has highlighted education and child protection as fundamental pillars in effective strategies to combat child exploitation. During pivotal discussions, Caribbean employer representative Ronald Ramlogan of Trinidad and Tobago formally acknowledged PATH as the regional benchmark for excellence in social protection initiatives.

    Administered by Jamaica’s MLSS, the pioneering program implements conditional cash transfers to economically vulnerable families while supporting nutritional initiatives through school feeding programs. A cornerstone of its effectiveness lies in mandating compulsory school attendance, thereby simultaneously addressing poverty barriers while strengthening educational participation as preventive measures against child labor.

    Jamaica’s participation extends beyond PATH recognition. Labour Minister Pearnel Charles Jr. recently showcased Jamaica’s innovative Child Labour Risk Identification Model (CLRISK) during virtual discussions focused on Caribbean eradication strategies. This evidence-based tool enables targeted community-level interventions, positioning Jamaica as the first Caribbean nation to utilize the International Labour Organization’s risk assessment instrument within its National Action Plan for Combating Child Labour.

    ILO Director General Gilbert Houngbo set a sobering tone during his opening address, revealing that approximately 138 million children remain trapped in labor exploitation worldwide – including 59 million girls and 78 million boys. He characterized this situation as both “a moral failure” and “an economic one” with profound implications for productivity, growth, and social cohesion.

    Houngbo emphasized that 57% of affected children are between ages 5-11, with 51% of child labor occurring in agriculture. He called for improved working conditions for educators, comprehensive rural development, climate action initiatives, and specifically urged greater educational participation for girls to transition them away from unpaid labor.

  • Throne Speech: Gov’t to ensure peace dividends are felt across the society – GG

    Throne Speech: Gov’t to ensure peace dividends are felt across the society – GG

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican government has announced sweeping legislative reforms targeting national security infrastructure, following unprecedented success in reducing violent crime. Governor General Sir Patrick Allen revealed during the 2026 Throne Speech at Gordon House that the Ministry of National Security and Peace will pursue amendments to critical statutes including the Aliens Act, Immigration Restriction Act, and Firearms Act during the 2026/27 legislative period.

    The comprehensive security strategy, operating under the ‘Plan Secure Jamaica’ initiative, has yielded remarkable results: January 2026 witnessed a 55% reduction in murders compared to the same period in 2025. This continues a sustained downward trend in homicides that began in 2023 and has accelerated through early 2026.

    Sir Patrick emphasized the government’s holistic approach, stating: ‘We are ensuring peace dividends are felt across wider society through collective action by all ministries, departments, and agencies.’ The administration is simultaneously advancing multiple security enhancements including Corrections Act reform, public-order legislation review, security technology expansion, and JamaicaEye surveillance system upgrades.

    Infrastructure investment remains a cornerstone of the strategy, with over J$17 billion committed to capital projects. Despite setbacks from Hurricane Melissa, 27 restoration projects valued at J$2 billion are currently underway or scheduled for imminent commencement. Technological advancements include the implementation of C5 Business Solutions this fiscal year and expansion of the Ticketing Information Management System (TIMS) to bolster public order management.

    The Governor General concluded with a powerful declaration: ‘The long-held dream of a safer, more peaceful Jamaica is no longer distant—it is steadily becoming a reality that Jamaicans can see and feel in their communities.’

  • US shutters its Dominican anti-drug office over corruption claims

    US shutters its Dominican anti-drug office over corruption claims

    The United States has abruptly shuttered its Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) office in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, following unspecified corruption allegations. US Ambassador to the Caribbean nation Leah Campos announced the immediate closure via social media platform X, declaring zero tolerance for even the perception of corrupt activities within her embassy’s operations.

    “I will not tolerate even the perception of corruption anywhere in the Embassy I lead,” stated Ambassador Campos. “To that end, today I am announcing the closure of the DEA office in Santo Domingo until further notice.”

    The decision represents a significant development in bilateral relations between the two nations, particularly regarding their collaborative anti-narcotics efforts. The Dominican Republic has actively positioned itself as a key US partner in combating drug trafficking throughout the Caribbean region.

    This development follows recent enhanced cooperation between the two countries. Last November, during a visit by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Dominican authorities agreed to permit American forces to utilize a local air base and airport for counter-narcotics operations. Those operations resulted in dozens of fatalities during strikes on vessels allegedly transporting drugs, though Washington provided no concrete evidence of narcotics trafficking.

    Earlier that same month, a joint US-Dominican operation successfully intercepted a boat carrying approximately 500 kilograms (1,100 pounds) of cocaine, demonstrating previously effective collaboration.

    Ambassador Campos emphasized the seriousness with which the US government treats corruption allegations, stating: “Corruption holds no place in the U.S. government or any other government. It is a disgusting and disgraceful violation of public trust to use one’s official capacity for personal gain.”

    The closure comes as the Dominican Republic continues to manage complex regional dynamics, sharing the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, which faces profound political and security challenges.

  • Free agent Raheem Sterling joins Feyenoord

    Free agent Raheem Sterling joins Feyenoord

    PARIS, France — In a significant career development, English international footballer Raheem Sterling has finalized a transfer to Dutch Eredivisie club Feyenoord, committing until the conclusion of the current season. The announcement was formally made by the Rotterdam-based team on Thursday.

    The 31-year-old winger, who boasts an impressive 82 caps for the England national team, became a free agent after his contract with Premier League side Chelsea was terminated in January. Following his release, Sterling engaged in extensive deliberations regarding his next career move, holding discussions with multiple clubs across various leagues.

    Sterling expressed measured optimism about his new chapter, stating on the club’s official platform: ‘After careful consideration, I am confident that Feyenoord represents an environment where I can thrive and establish myself as a valued team member. This transition to international football presents an entirely fresh challenge that I am fully prepared to embrace.’

    The transfer sees Sterling joining a club currently positioned second in the Dutch top flight, though facing a substantial 17-point deficit behind dominant league leaders PSV Eindhoven.

    Sterling’s career trajectory has seen notable fluctuations since his high-profile £47 million (approximately $64 million) transfer from Manchester City to Chelsea in 2022. Previously regarded as one of England’s most dynamic wingers and a four-time Premier League champion, the player struggled to replicate his prior performance levels in West London.

    During the recent transfer window, speculation linked Sterling with several European clubs including Italian giants Juventus, German champions Bayer Leverkusen, and London-based Fulham. However, none of these potential moves materialized before the Feyenoord agreement was reached.

  • Top boys schools look to impress at Corporate Area Champs

    Top boys schools look to impress at Corporate Area Champs

    Kingston College (KC), Jamaica College (JC), and Calabar High are locked in a fierce rivalry as they prepare for the upcoming Corporate Area Championships, a critical preparatory event for the prestigious ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships (Champs) in April. The two-day championship is scheduled for February 20-21 at the Ashenheim Stadium on the Jamaica College campus, following its official launch at the NHT Sports Club.

    Defending champion KC, under the guidance of new head coach Richard Smith, is determined to retain the trophy named after their principal, Dave Myrie. Last year, KC dominated with a commanding 50-point lead over runners-up JC, while Calabar secured a distant third place. Coach Smith emphasized the event’s dual role as both a performance benchmark and a crucial confidence-builder for his squad, known as the Famed Purples.

    Meanwhile, JC’s head coach Duane Johnson, whose team is favored to win both the Corporate Area title and the upcoming Champs, highlighted the meet’s predictive power. Noting a strong correlation between Corporate Area results and Champs victories over the past six to seven years, Johnson views the event as an essential diagnostic tool to fine-tune his team’s strategy one month before the main competition.

    The competition has already commenced with three finals concluded at the Youngster Goldsmith Classic last Saturday. JC currently leads the standings with 29 points from steeplechase and pole vault events, followed by KC with 14 points. Excelsior High and Calabar High trail with eight and six points respectively.

    For Julian Robinson, newly appointed head coach of Calabar High, the championship represents an opportunity to claim his first title while testing various team combinations and providing valuable early exposure to championship conditions for novice athletes.

  • Police pursuing intelligence, suspects in murder of 4-y-o girl

    Police pursuing intelligence, suspects in murder of 4-y-o girl

    MANCHESTER, Jamaica — Law enforcement authorities in Manchester have confirmed significant progress in the investigation of four-year-old Saniyah Obrien’s tragic killing, with Superintendent Carey Duncan announcing detectives are nearing a critical breakthrough in the case.

    During Thursday’s monthly meeting of the Manchester Municipal Corporation, Superintendent Duncan revealed investigators have identified multiple persons of interest believed to possess crucial information about the shooting incident that claimed the young child’s life. “We have identified some persons who we believe can help us. I don’t want to call their names at this point, but we have identified some persons,” stated Duncan, who heads the Manchester police division.

    The senior law enforcement official provided new insight into the tragic incident, indicating that intelligence gathered during the investigation suggests Saniyah was not the intended target of the violent attack. “It is my belief based on our intelligence, our investigation that this child was not the target of this attack at all,” Duncan emphasized during the public address.

    The shooting occurred earlier this week in the Landsettlement area near Royal Flat in Manchester parish, where both Saniyah and her father were attacked by armed assailants. According to a Monday report from the Observer, detectives were exploring theories that the shooting might be connected to international criminal networks operating beyond Jamaica’s borders.

    Superintendent Duncan made a heartfelt appeal to those involved in the incident, urging them to surrender voluntarily to authorities. “I implore persons to find an amicable way of resolving their issues other than violence. We recognized that this child was a victim of the circumstances, so I want to appeal to the persons who are so involved to appeal to your conscience,” he stated, adding that perpetrators should acknowledge their mistake and initiate dialogue with law enforcement.

    The police superintendent assured the public that investigators would exhaust all avenues in pursuit of justice, noting, “We have the information, we have the intelligence and we certainly will be leaving no stone unturned.” The case has drawn significant public attention and highlights ongoing concerns about violent crime affecting innocent civilians in the region.

  • WATCH: Gov’t continues to monitor situation in Cuba as blackout affects students

    WATCH: Gov’t continues to monitor situation in Cuba as blackout affects students

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—Jamaican Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson Smith has addressed growing concerns regarding the welfare of hundreds of Jamaican students currently studying in Cuba, where widespread power outages have severely disrupted daily life and internet connectivity.

    Speaking to Observer Online during the ceremonial opening of Parliament on Thursday, Senator Johnson Smith revealed that while students have expressed anxiety about the deteriorating situation, their primary focus remains on completing their educational programs. The minister confirmed ongoing communication with Caribbean Community (Caricom) counterparts, noting a consistent report of concern among students but also a prevailing ‘sense of purposefulness’ across the region’s student body.

    The government has intensified daily monitoring of the Cuban crisis through its diplomatic channels. Minister Johnson Smith previously advised students to consider returning to Jamaica preemptively before potential flight suspensions complicate travel arrangements. However, she clarified that there appears to be no mass exodus of students. Contrary to circulating rumors, no Caribbean nation has negotiated special arrangements for early diplomas or organized evacuations for their students.

    With over 300 Jamaican students currently in Cuba, the government has established direct communication protocols. Students maintain contact with Jamaica’s ambassador to Cuba via WhatsApp, providing a crucial lifeline for updates and assistance. The foreign affairs ministry continues to closely monitor developments in Cuba, prioritizing student safety while supporting their academic commitments.

  • JDF head in Washington for defence conference

    JDF head in Washington for defence conference

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Vice Admiral Antonette Wemyss-Gorman, Jamaica’s Chief of Defence Staff, is representing the Caribbean nation at the inaugural Western Hemisphere Chiefs of Defense Conference in the United States capital. The high-level military gathering, convened by U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine, brings together senior defense officials from approximately 34 nations across the hemisphere.

    The Jamaica Defence Force confirmed Wemyss-Gorman’s participation through an official social media announcement. The conference serves as a strategic platform for military leaders to address collective security concerns and enhance regional cooperation mechanisms.

    Central to the discussions are transnational security threats affecting Western Hemisphere nations, including illicit drug trafficking and the proliferation of illegal firearms across borders. The dialogue builds upon previous diplomatic engagements between the United States and Caribbean partners.

    This development follows earlier commitments expressed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio during his 2025 visit to Jamaica, where he pledged continued American support for Jamaica’s crime prevention initiatives and efforts to disrupt cross-border criminal networks. The conference represents a significant step in strengthening multilateral defense relationships and developing coordinated strategies against shared security challenges in the region.