KINGSTON, Jamaica — Significant infrastructure improvements have prompted temporary access modifications at the Swallowfield Service Hub, according to an official advisory from the Island Traffic Authority (ITA). Starting Monday, a comprehensive seven-day road rehabilitation project initiated by the National Works Agency (NWA) will necessitate the temporary relocation of the facility’s main entrance to East Avenue. This strategic shift aims to facilitate uninterrupted roadway enhancements while maintaining operational continuity at the service center. During this construction window, primary access via Swallowfield Road will be temporarily suspended to ensure public safety and construction efficiency. The ITA has emphasized that despite these logistical changes, all essential driver licensing and vehicle management services will continue without interruption. Motorists are advised to exercise heightened caution when navigating the modified entry and exit routes. Authorities have extended apologies for anticipated inconveniences while expressing gratitude for public cooperation during this essential infrastructure upgrade period.
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TAJ warns against false income tax filings as car marts fined over $12 million
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant enforcement action, Jamaica’s tax authority has successfully prosecuted eleven used car dealerships for systematic tax evasion, resulting in substantial fines and the declaration of previously concealed income.
The Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) secured convictions against these companies after comprehensive investigations revealed they had imported and sold hundreds of vehicles between 2020 and 2023 while reporting zero income in their official tax filings. The cases, heard across multiple parish courts in Kingston, St. Andrew, Manchester, Clarendon, St. Catherine, and St. Mary, concluded with all defendants pleading guilty.
The prosecuted entities include Nostaw Limited, Karstarz Ballards International Ltd, Ballards International Ltd Automotive Limited, Auto Occasions Limited, Amalya Auto Ltd, Phillip Rankine Auto Links, Kiffin Auto Sales Company Limited, Walk In Drive Out, Videle Imports Limited, B & M Essential Limited, and Chosen Motors Works Limited.
Following court proceedings, the companies were compelled to file 32 amended tax returns declaring gross income exceeding $4 billion—a dramatic increase from their previously reported nil income. The courts imposed total fines exceeding $12.2 million for violations under Section 99(1) of Jamaica’s Income Tax Act.
The investigations were conducted by TAJ’s Intelligence, Investigation and Enforcement Unit (IIEU) with legal support from the agency’s Criminal Litigation Unit. The statute under which charges were filed criminalizes the knowing submission of false statements for tax benefits, with first offenses carrying penalties up to $2 million fines or potential imprisonment.
With Jamaica’s tax filing deadline approaching, TAJ is emphasizing the serious consequences of deliberate income misrepresentation and encouraging taxpayers with previous filing errors to proactively correct them through official customer service channels.
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Under-17 Reggae Boyz in pole position, says assistant coach Reynolds
Jamaica’s Under-17 national football team stands poised to secure qualification for the upcoming FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Qatar following two commanding victories in the CONCACAF qualifiers. The young Reggae Boyz delivered spectacular performances, defeating Aruba 3-0 before achieving an extraordinary 12-0 triumph against the Cayman Islands.
These results have positioned Jamaica at the summit of Group G with six points, equal to Canada but with a significantly superior goal differential of +15 compared to Canada’s +7. This advantageous position means Jamaica requires only a draw in their decisive final match against Canada on Wednesday to advance to the global tournament.
Assistant coach Vassell Reynolds expressed measured optimism regarding the team’s prospects, stating, ‘We’ve moved one step closer to achieving our ultimate goal with pretty efficient performances. Our objective was to secure victories with sufficient goals to establish pole position heading into the final confrontation with Canada.’
The squad’s offensive prowess was particularly evident in their record-setting performance against the Cayman Islands, where Kingston College attacker Kelvin Brown netted four goals, bringing his personal tally to five across two matches. He received substantial support from Jahmarie Nolan, Jamone Lyles, and Tyraun Bembribge, each contributing double strikes during the dominant display.
Reynolds emphasized the team’s strategic approach: ‘We managed proceedings very effectively. The tactical plan involved securing two early goals to establish comfortable control in the first half, then consolidating our advantage with multiple substitutions in the second period.’
Despite the overwhelming success, Reynolds maintained focus on the upcoming challenge, noting, ‘While the current results generate positive momentum, our mission remains incomplete. We now concentrate on recovery protocols and detailed preparation for Wednesday’s crucial encounter.’
Should Jamaica avoid defeat against Canada, they will qualify for their third FIFA U-17 World Cup, having previously participated in the 1999 and 2011 editions.
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Services restored after dialysis delays at PMH
Princess Margaret Hospital experienced a temporary suspension of its dialysis services early Monday morning, resulting in treatment delays for numerous patients. The Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) officially confirmed the incident, attributing the disruption to unexpected staff absences rather than any form of industrial labor action.
In an official communiqué, the PHA characterized the staff shortages as ‘legitimate’ absences, swiftly moving to dispel rumors of coordinated strike activity. The authority extended sincere apologies to affected patients and their families for the resultant inconvenience and emotional distress caused by the unforeseen interruption to critical healthcare services.
Medical operations have now been completely reinstated following the morning’s procedural delays. The PHA has guaranteed that all patients originally scheduled for treatment will receive their necessary dialysis care throughout the remainder of the day. Reaffirming its institutional commitment, the authority emphasized its continued dedication to delivering secure, punctual, and empathetic healthcare services to the community despite these operational challenges.
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WATCH: Fire engulfs building in Slipe Pen Road area
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Emergency response teams mobilized Monday morning to contain a significant structural fire at the junction of Slipe Pen Road and Alton Villa Road in St Andrew. Multiple firefighting units, comprising at least three specialized teams, were dispatched to the scene following reports of the outbreak.
Eyewitness accounts and preliminary assessments indicate substantial damage to at least one residential building in the affected area. First responders were actively engaged in search and recovery operations, meticulously sifting through charred debris where a home once stood.
The cause of the ignition remains under active investigation by authorities. Fire containment efforts continued throughout the morning as crews worked to prevent potential spread to adjacent structures. No immediate casualties have been reported, though official assessments are ongoing.
Local authorities have cordoned off the area while fire suppression and investigation activities continue. Further updates regarding property damage estimates and potential displacement of residents are expected following complete stabilization of the site.
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Klansman trial further delayed for medical advice amid contagious ‘disease’ scare
KINGSTON, Jamaica – The high-profile trial against the alleged Tesha Miller faction of the Klansman Gang encountered further procedural delays on Monday, as significant concerns emerged regarding the medical treatment of a defendant reportedly infected with a contagious disease, suspected to be tuberculosis.
The proceedings, which were abruptly adjourned last Thursday due to potential disease outbreaks at two police detention facilities, resumed amid ongoing health safety apprehensions. Medical practitioner and co-defendant Dr. Paul Robinson raised alarms over the adequacy of care provided to Travis Drummond, an accused individual housed at either the Half-Way-Tree or Greater Portmore police stations—sites of the suspected tuberculosis exposure.
Although the court registrar informed presiding Justice Dale Palmer that Drummond had received antibiotics, Dr. Robinson insisted that only an X-ray examination could conclusively diagnose his condition. Speaking through defense attorney John Jacobs, Robinson expressed deep skepticism regarding Drummond’s claimed readiness to proceed, emphasizing that mere medication was insufficient without proper diagnostic imaging.
In response, Justice Palmer temporarily suspended the session to seek further medical guidance, acknowledging the necessity of an X-ray to address safety concerns. The judge had previously mandated medical evaluations for all 25 defendants and ordered the relocation of those detained at the affected police stations to alternative facilities.
The repeated delays highlight the challenges of balancing judicial progress with public health precautions, particularly in high-security legal cases involving multiple defendants and complex custodial arrangements.
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Eclipse Florals finds new momentum after hurricane setback
MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica — Emerging from the devastation of Hurricane Melissa, Eclipse Florals and Plant Store has transformed disaster into a strategic rebirth, with proprietor Anand Kumar charting an ambitious expansion course for 2026. The catastrophic October storm obliterated the company’s inventory, infrastructure, and essential equipment, yet instead of closing operations, Kumar seized the opportunity to fundamentally reengineer his business model. The renaissance was catalyzed through strategic partnership with National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited (NCB), which provided critical financial tools and market access opportunities that propelled the floral enterprise beyond recovery into sustainable growth. A pivotal moment arrived when Kumar participated in Devon House’s Market on the Lawn event—an experience facilitated by NCB that delivered immediate commercial validation through robust customer reengagement and sales generation. The enterprise’s resurgence was further bolstered by peer-to-peer support within Jamaica’s plant entrepreneur community, with fellow vendors contributing plants and products to restore inventory. Technological empowerment came through NCB’s mobile point-of-sale (mPOS) solution, which eliminated payment barriers and maximized sales conversion. Kumar credits NCB agent Monique Smith’s encouragement for overcoming initial market re-entry hesitancy, noting the experience has fundamentally reset his business approach from mere recovery to strategic expansion. Reinvested proceeds from successful market appearances are now fueling inventory rebuilding and future growth initiatives. Danielle Cameron Duncan, NCB’s Vice President of Payments and Digital Channels, emphasized that Eclipse Florals’ revival exemplifies the institution’s broader commitment to strengthening Jamaica’s economic fabric through small business empowerment.
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US forces seize ship in Indian Ocean that fled Caribbean blockade
WASHINGTON (AFP) — In a dramatic long-range maritime enforcement operation, US military forces have successfully intercepted and seized an oil tanker in the Indian Ocean that was attempting to evade President Trump’s sanctioned vessel blockade. The Pentagon confirmed Monday that the Aquila II was boarded without incident during overnight operations.
The vessel had been operating in violation of the established US quarantine of sanctioned ships in the Caribbean region before attempting to flee. Pentagon officials stated on social media platform X that the tanker ‘ran, and we followed,’ emphasizing the determined pursuit across ocean basins. The operation was documented with video footage showing US special operations forces fast-roping from helicopters onto the tanker’s deck.
This seizure marks the eighth such enforcement action since President Trump’s December directive establishing a blockade against oil vessels traveling to and from Venezuela. It represents the second instance where US forces have pursued a sanctioned vessel beyond the Caribbean region, following last month’s apprehension of a Russia-linked tanker in the North Atlantic after a similar chase originating near Venezuela.
The Washington administration has significantly increased naval presence in the Caribbean, conducting multifaceted operations including drug interdiction missions, tanker seizures, and the controversial operation targeting Venezuela’s socialist leader Nicolás Maduro. Despite these high-profile seizures, captured vessels constitute only a minimal fraction of the estimated 800-strong global ‘dark fleet’ of sanctioned ships operating worldwide, as noted by Rear Admiral David Barata of the US Coast Guard in recent congressional testimony.
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Youth skier selected as Jamaica’s flag bearer for Winter Olympic Games
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a landmark moment for Caribbean winter sports, 17-year-old Alpine skier Henri Rivers IV has been selected as Jamaica’s flag bearer for the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, Italy. The Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) announced the historic appointment on Monday, celebrating the achievement as a national triumph.
The teenage athlete, part of a remarkable set of triplets all pursuing Olympic dreams, earned his place through what JOA officials describe as extraordinary talent and determination. JOA Secretary General Ryan Foster, who also serves as secretary general of the Jamaica Ski Federation, emphasized the significance of this achievement: “We invested in his emotions, his passion, his dream. Now the reality is a berth at the Winter Games where the dividend he is giving to the JOA and aspiring Olympic skiers is a fine example.”
While Henri will be Jamaica’s sole representative on the slopes at these Games, his sisters Helaina and Henniyah nearly joined him in making history as the first triplets to compete together in Winter Olympics history. The siblings, recent high school graduates from the United States, are all children of Henri Rivers, head of the Jamaica Ski Team.
JOA President Christopher Samuda praised the young skier’s pioneering spirit: “Henri was out of the blocks early in qualifying with unqualified talent, determination and guts. At 17 he became a pioneer, a trailblazer and certainly, as I have always said, he is ‘hot pon di ice.’”
The association remains optimistic about future opportunities for the Rivers sisters, with Foster noting “there will be other chapters that will be written, and the ink will be gold.” He added that “the Rivers triplets have given to the JOA and Jamaica a script for a best seller for all time in Olympic sports.”
Looking beyond the 2026 Games, Jamaica’s winter sports program shows promising expansion. The JOA anticipates fielding more skiers, snowboarders, a curling team, and potentially an ice hockey team for future Winter Olympics, particularly if qualification requirements regarding home ice facilities are modified.
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US backs Haitian prime minister
The United States has formally expressed its support for Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimè as he assumes interim leadership following the conclusion of the Provisional Transitional Council’s (CPT) mandate. Washington’s endorsement came through an official statement released by the U.S. Embassy in Haiti, acknowledging the peaceful transfer of authority from CPT coordinator Laurent Saint-Cyr to Prime Minister Fils-Aimé and his ministerial council.
The American government emphasized its readiness to collaborate with Haiti’s interim administration to address the nation’s pressing stabilization needs. The statement highlighted Washington’s recognition of the profound responsibility facing Haitian authorities during this critical juncture, while underscoring the essential role of domestic efforts in restoring security and advancing the aspirations of the Haitian population.
Citing Secretary Rubio’s previous remarks, the communication stressed that sustainable progress in Haiti hinges upon responsible governance, enhanced security conditions, and robust international partnerships that respect Haitian sovereignty. The United States reaffirmed its commitment to working alongside Haitian leadership and regional allies to support stabilization initiatives.
The CPT, established in April 2024 following Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s resignation, was tasked with restoring political stability, addressing severe security challenges posed by armed gangs, and facilitating a democratic transition. The nine-member council was specifically mandated to appoint new governmental leadership and oversee preparations for national elections scheduled for early 2026—marking the first electoral processes since April 2024.
However, the council’s tenure concluded last Saturday amid internal conflicts, governance deficiencies, operational paralysis, and widespread allegations of corruption, influence peddling, and alleged collusion with armed factions. While Haitian civil and political leaders broadly agreed on the CPT’s dissolution, consensus regarding its replacement structure remains elusive.
In his departure statement, Saint-Cyr urged stakeholders to prioritize national security over personal interests, confirming that ministerial leadership under Prime Minister Fils-Aimé would assume control. Meanwhile, Fils-Aimé addressed the nation over the weekend, invoking Haiti’s historical commitment to republican values and popular sovereignty while emphasizing the necessity of national unity and state authority. He acknowledged the CPT’s efforts during nearly two years of extreme complexity while recognizing that the transition process remains incomplete due to persistent insecurity and electoral timeline adjustments.