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  • Nicki Minaj says she is Donald Trump’s ‘number one fan’

    Nicki Minaj says she is Donald Trump’s ‘number one fan’

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a striking display of political allegiance, global music icon Nicki Minaj publicly proclaimed herself to be former President Donald Trump’s foremost supporter during a presidential summit event this Wednesday. The Trinidadian-born rapper, born Onika Maraj, joined Trump onstage at the White House gathering focused on financial initiatives.

    Trump enthusiastically introduced the performer, hailing her as ‘the greatest and most successful female rapper in history’ and acknowledging her steadfast support. Minaj responded with unequivocal endorsement, stating: ‘I am probably the president’s number one fan, and that’s not going to change.’

    The artist demonstrated remarkable resilience against criticism, noting that opposition only strengthens her commitment. ‘The hate or what people have to say? It does not affect me at all; it actually motivates me to support him more,’ Minaj declared as Trump stood approvingly behind her.

    Addressing Trump’s supporters directly, Minaj framed the political climate as a battle against perceived injustice, asserting: ‘We’re not gonna let them get away with bullying him and the smear campaigns. It’s not going to work. He has a lot of force behind him, and God is protecting him.’

    The rapper’s political alignment marks a significant development in celebrity-political relationships. Having immigrated to the United States at age five, Minaj has built an extraordinary music career while recently expressing conservative leanings through her substantial social media presence.

  • Work to commence on 401 SPARK roads by end of March, says Morgan

    Work to commence on 401 SPARK roads by end of March, says Morgan

    The Jamaican government has announced a significant acceleration of its landmark infrastructure initiative, the Shared Prosperity through Accelerated Improvement to our Road Network (SPARK) Programme. Robert Morgan, Minister with responsibility for Works, confirmed that construction work is expected to begin on 401 roads under the ambitious program by the conclusion of March.

    During Wednesday’s post-Cabinet media briefing at Jamaica House, Minister Morgan provided a comprehensive update on the $45 billion national project designed to rehabilitate over 600 roads within a two-year timeframe. The minister revealed that approximately $4 billion has already been expended since work commenced in December 2024, with an additional $5.2 billion allocated for expenditure throughout this year.

    The implementation timeline has faced substantial challenges due to Hurricane Melissa, which necessitated the postponement of numerous projects. In response to the natural disaster, primary contractor China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) was mobilized to assist in recovery and cleanup operations across affected regions.

    Since resuming normal operations, CHEC has received instructions to initiate work on 132 additional roads by March, bringing the active total to 258 projects. Furthermore, instructions for commencing work on an additional 143 roads will be issued by month’s end, achieving the targeted 401 active projects.

    Current progress indicates 84 roads are either completed or under active construction, with 56 already paved. Minister Morgan elaborated on the comprehensive design process required before physical work begins, emphasizing that most Jamaican roads historically evolved from community pathways without proper engineering design.

    The SPARK Programme introduces rigorous design standards including soil testing, topographic analysis, hydrological assessment, and drainage installation. This methodological approach results in significantly higher construction standards with costs ranging between $40-45 million per kilometer, substantially exceeding traditional road expenditure of approximately $20 million per kilometer.

    Project completion typically requires two to three months per road, though complex cases such as Harbour Heights in East Kingston and Port Royal required nearly a year due to unforeseen challenges including asbestos pipe replacement and retaining wall installations.

    Despite these achievements, Minister Morgan expressed uncertainty regarding public recognition of these unprecedented infrastructure developments, noting that no previous administration has initiated 401 road projects within such a compressed timeframe. Further acceleration is anticipated during summer months when the main road component targeting 63 major highways nationwide commences operations.

  • WATCH: NSWMA workers protest after colleague dies of electrocution

    WATCH: NSWMA workers protest after colleague dies of electrocution

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Grief and frustration erupted at the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) headquarters as sanitation workers staged an emotional protest following the tragic death of their colleague Garfield Johnson. The sanitation worker succumbed to severe burn injuries on Tuesday, January 27, after being electrocuted during operations in the Greenwich Farm community of St Andrew eleven days prior.

    According to official reports, the fatal incident occurred on January 16 when Johnson was performing his duties on a garbage truck that became entangled with live electrical wiring. Despite being rushed to medical facilities and considered for transfer to a specialized burn unit, Johnson could not overcome his critical injuries.

    The protest revealed significant tension between frontline workers and management, with attendees expressing anger over perceived communication failures following the tragedy. Mourners gathered outside NSWMA offices weeping openly while displaying placards bearing messages including ‘RIP’ and ‘No justice.’

    Audley Gordon, Executive Director of NSWMA, countered claims of inadequate response, stating that authority officials had maintained consistent contact with Johnson’s family since the incident and had visited him in hospital. Gordon emphasized the organization’s commitment to allowing space for collective grieving, describing Johnson as ‘a dedicated sanitation officer’ who ‘served up to the point of his demise.’

    In an official statement, the NSWMA acknowledged the inherent dangers faced by sanitation workers across Jamaica and extended condolences to Johnson’s family and colleagues. The Jamaica Public Service Company has launched its own investigation into the electrocution incident, while police authorities continue their separate inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the operational tragedy.

  • Lila Ike to make Grammy performance debut

    Lila Ike to make Grammy performance debut

    Jamaican reggae sensation Lila Ike is poised for a groundbreaking moment at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards this Sunday, where she will not only compete as a first-time nominee but also grace the stage as a performer at the prestigious event’s opening ceremony. The Manchester-born artist announced her dual participation through social media on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone in her rapidly ascending career.

    Ike’s nomination in the Best Reggae Album category for her critically acclaimed debut project ‘Treasure Self Love’ places her among an elite group of Jamaican artists including Vybz Kartel, Jesse Royal, Keznamdi, and Mortimer. Notably, she stands as the sole female contender in this year’s category, potentially following in the footsteps of Koffee, who remains the only woman to have ever won the Best Reggae Album trophy.

    The album itself represents a collaborative masterpiece, featuring contributions from Grammy-winning R&B superstar H.E.R., renowned rapper Joey Badass, and her mentor Protoje—a Grammy-nominated reggae artist in his own right. This musical convergence has positioned ‘Treasure Self Love’ as both a commercial success and critical darling within the international music scene.

    Reflecting on her journey, Ike shared an emotional tribute to her younger self: “I remember the little girl who loved singing and decided she wanted to be an artiste. Attending the GRAMMYs was a very big dream of hers. Now, not only do I get to walk the red carpet as a nominee, but I’m also honoured to be performing at the opening ceremony.”

    The 2026 Grammy Awards ceremony will be held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, where music’s biggest stars will gather to celebrate artistic excellence across genres. Ike’s participation represents not just personal achievement but a significant moment for female representation within the reggae industry.

  • Chuck Fenda links up with Dolly Don for ‘Weh Me Like’

    Chuck Fenda links up with Dolly Don for ‘Weh Me Like’

    An unexpected musical partnership between emerging dancehall artist Dolly Don and established reggae star Chuck Fenda has ignited substantial excitement within the music industry. Their collaborative single ‘Weh Me Like,’ recently remixed and leaked on producer Rvssian’s Recovery rhythm, has generated an immediate viral response, particularly among younger digital audiences.

    The collaboration originated organically years ago when Fenda contacted Dolly Don regarding a potential musical partnership. ‘Chuck Fenda reached out to me about a riddim he believed would suit my style,’ Dolly Don explained. ‘He came to my home studio, and we created the record spontaneously on the spot.’ The recent decision to remix the track on Rvssian’s popular rhythm transformed the previously recorded material into a contemporary dancehall sensation.

    Industry response has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing surprise at Chuck Fenda’s participation in a pure dancehall project given his established Rastafarian principles and previous musical direction. The veteran artist acknowledged the unexpected attention, stating: ‘My phone has been constantly ringing with industry players verifying my involvement. People genuinely appreciate the song’s creativity, fresh sound, and clever lyrics that have been absent from dancehall recently.’

    Dolly Don expressed particular excitement about recognition from established industry figures. Prominent influencers including Pink Panther and Foota Hype have shared and reviewed the track on their platforms, significantly amplifying its reach. ‘Seeing legends share your work and endorse your music is truly amazing,’ she commented, describing the experience as potentially ‘life-changing.’

    The overwhelming online response, comprising hundreds of shares and enthusiastic listener engagement, has accelerated plans for a music video. Pre-production and creative planning are currently underway, with potential filming locations including Miami, Atlanta, or Jamaica pending final approvals.

    This collaboration continues Chuck Fenda’s history of successful partnerships with female artists, reminiscent of his 2007 hit ‘Are You Coming Over Tonight’ with Cherine Anderson and more recent work with dancehall artist Jada Kingdom.

    The single’s future commercial release currently depends on obtaining formal approval from producer Rvssian. Dolly Don confirmed that discussions are ongoing through marketing and PR teams to secure necessary clearances and bring the officially approved track to market.

  • Google unveils AI tool probing mysteries of human genome

    Google unveils AI tool probing mysteries of human genome

    PARIS — Google DeepMind has launched a groundbreaking artificial intelligence system designed to decode the complex language of human genetics, potentially revolutionizing our understanding of genetic diseases and paving the way for innovative treatments.

    The newly unveiled AlphaGenome represents a significant advancement in genomic research, employing deep learning algorithms to interpret the previously enigmatic regions of human DNA. This development comes from the same research division that produced AlphaFold, the AI system that recently earned a Nobel Prize in Chemistry for its protein structure predictions.

    Pushmeet Kohli, Google DeepMind’s Vice President of Research, explained the historical context: “The first complete human genome sequence in 2003 provided us with the fundamental text of life. However, comprehending its intricate grammar—how our DNA actually governs biological processes—has remained one of science’s most challenging frontiers.”

    The human genome consists of approximately three billion nucleotide pairs, represented by the genetic letters A, T, C, and G. While merely two percent of this genetic material contains protein-coding instructions, the remaining 98 percent—once dismissively labeled ‘junk DNA’—is now recognized as containing crucial regulatory functions that direct cellular operations.

    AlphaGenome’s sophisticated model was trained on extensive public datasets measuring non-coding DNA across hundreds of human and murine cell and tissue types. The AI demonstrates remarkable capability in analyzing extended DNA sequences and predicting how individual nucleotide pairs influence various biological processes within cells.

    This technological breakthrough enables researchers to simulate and study the fundamental mechanisms behind difficult-to-treat genetic conditions by examining the disease-associated variants contained within non-coding DNA regions. The research findings supporting AlphaGenome’s development have been published in the prestigious scientific journal Nature.

    The scientific community has welcomed AlphaGenome as a transformative tool that could accelerate genetic research and potentially lead to novel therapeutic approaches for conditions with genetic components.

  • Murders plummet 31% as major crime hits record lows

    Murders plummet 31% as major crime hits record lows

    The Bahamas has witnessed a dramatic downturn in criminal activity during 2025, marking one of the most significant nationwide crime reductions in decades. Police Commissioner Shanta Knowles unveiled these transformative results during the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s annual crime briefing, revealing substantial declines across multiple major offense categories.

    Preliminary statistical analysis indicates an overall 15 percent reduction in major crimes, decreasing from 2,825 incidents in 2024 to 2,409 cases in 2025. This positive trend manifested across all regions, with New Providence leading at 16 percent reduction, followed by the Family Islands at 13 percent, and Grand Bahama with the Northern Bahamas region at 8 percent.

    Violent crimes against persons demonstrated particularly impressive improvement, plunging by 27 percent from 696 to 509 reported cases. The most striking development emerged in homicide statistics, which recorded an unprecedented 31 percent decline—from 120 murders in 2024 to 83 in 2025. Commissioner Knowles emphasized this represents both the largest percentage decrease since national crime tracking began in 1963 and the lowest homicide count in a comparable policing environment since 2008.

    Geographic distribution of homicides showed New Providence accounting for 76 killings, while the Family Islands and Grand Bahama recorded 4 and 3 respectively. Demographic analysis revealed 83 percent of victims were aged 18-45, with males comprising 93 percent of homicide casualties. Retaliation, gang activity, and personal conflicts motivated 43 percent of these incidents, with firearms used in 64 cases.

    Property crimes similarly exhibited substantial improvement. Armed robberies plummeted by 39 percent (265 to 162 cases), while non-armed robberies decreased by 22 percent (59 to 46 cases). Residential break-ins nearly halved, dropping from 331 to 170 incidents, and commercial burglaries declined by 13 percent to 273 cases. Although vehicle thefts saw a slight 2 percent increase to 398 cases, law enforcement recovered 59 percent of stolen vehicles.

    Law enforcement achievements included the seizure of 366 illegal firearms and over 11,200 rounds of ammunition, resulting in 828 arrests and 292 criminal charges. Advanced ShotSpotter technology documented 970 gunshot incidents throughout the year. Collaborative operations with Customs and Immigration authorities yielded an additional 37 firearms and more than 5,400 ammunition rounds.

    Commissioner Knowles attributed these remarkable improvements to strategic initiatives including intelligence-led policing methodologies, enhanced officer visibility, targeted operational deployments, and strengthened community partnerships. The 2026 Policing Plan will build upon these successes with continued focus on disrupting firearms and drug trafficking networks, further reducing property crimes, and intensifying youth and community engagement programs.

    “The progress achieved in 2025 conclusively demonstrates that strategic, intelligence-led policing produces measurable results,” Commissioner Knowles stated. “Through unified effort and continued collaboration, we will further advance toward a safer and more secure Bahamas.”

  • Davis unveils $550m in Grand Bahama projects and landmark power deal

    Davis unveils $550m in Grand Bahama projects and landmark power deal

    Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis unveiled a comprehensive economic revitalization strategy for Grand Bahama during a landmark cabinet meeting in Freeport on Tuesday. The government announced three transformative projects totaling approximately $600 million in investments, signaling a new chapter for the island’s economic development.

    The centerpiece involves a groundbreaking energy agreement with Emera Incorporated concerning Grand Bahama Power Company. This memorandum of understanding represents a historic shift in energy governance, marking the first government control over power distribution since the Hawksbill Creek Agreement. Prime Minister Davis emphasized this move will establish uniform electricity rates across The Bahamas, addressing long-standing disparities between Grand Bahama and other regions. ‘This is about fairness, affordability, and aligning energy policy with the needs of the people,’ Davis stated, noting that reduced energy costs will enhance business competitiveness and support investment growth.

    Concurrently, Phase One of the Grand Bahama International Airport redevelopment has commenced construction with a $100 million capital investment. Construction firm Polycon has mobilized operations, with Bahamas Hot Mix conducting site preparation. The project will deliver a modern terminal capable of handling 500,000 passengers annually, expandable to one million. The design incorporates extensive flood mitigation measures and environmental considerations following comprehensive impact assessments. This infrastructure upgrade responds to remarkable tourism growth, with air arrivals increasing over 30% in 2025 compared to 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.

    In maritime developments, MSC Cruises will invest $450 million in a new cruise pier complex at Billy Cay in Freeport Harbour. The project includes $400 million for port infrastructure and $50 million for a beach club and retail village refurbishment. The facility will feature new berths, welcome plazas, retail outlets, and entertainment areas, designed as a multi-user terminal to enhance Grand Bahama’s cruise sector competitiveness. Additionally, MSC is negotiating potential acquisition of Hutchinson Ports operations, including Freeport Container Port, positioning Grand Bahama as a strategic logistics hub within global shipping networks.

    Prime Minister Davis reported over $3.5 billion in investments and commitments across multiple sectors since September 2021, including tourism, maritime, health, logistics, and education. While addressing ongoing challenges with the Grand Lucayan redevelopment, Davis affirmed the government’s commitment to ‘protecting workers and safeguarding public interest’ through careful, sustainable project advancement. The comprehensive strategy aims to establish Grand Bahama as a diversified, resilient port economy where investment and communities can thrive.

  • Villa’s Tielemans ruled out for up to 10 weeks

    Villa’s Tielemans ruled out for up to 10 weeks

    LONDON, United Kingdom — Aston Villa’s remarkable Premier League campaign has encountered a significant setback with the confirmation that midfielder Youri Tielemans faces an extended period on the sidelines. The Belgian international sustained an ankle injury during Sunday’s 2-0 victory over Newcastle United at St James’ Park, forcing his substitution in the 74th minute following a challenge with Lewis Miley.

    Medical assessments have revealed the 28-year-old playmaker could be unavailable for up to ten weeks, compounding manager Unai Emery’s selection dilemmas. This development exacerbates Villa’s already concerning midfield casualty list, with both Boubacar Kamara and captain John McGinn undergoing treatment for serious knee injuries.

    Emery provided a sobering update during his midweek press conference: “We recognize the challenges with Kamara, McGinn and now Tielemans. Kamara’s situation appears season-ending, while McGinn requires approximately six to eight weeks for recovery. Youri’s timeline extends to eight to ten weeks, necessitating strategic management of our remaining midfield resources.”

    The timing proves particularly inconvenient for third-placed Villa, who trail league leaders Arsenal by merely four points as they pursue their first top-flight crown since 1981. However, Emery hinted at potential reinforcements, notably confirming advanced negotiations for Douglas Luiz’s return. The Brazilian midfielder, who previously made over 200 appearances for Villa before transferring to Juventus in 2024, spent the initial half of this season on loan at Nottingham Forest.

    Additional optimism emerges with Amadou Onana’s impending return and Ross Barkley’s expected comeback within days. “Barkley has been progressing through individual training and approaches full integration with the squad,” Emery noted regarding the former Chelsea player.

    Despite these injury concerns, Villa maintain European commitments, hosting RB Salzburg in Thursday’s Europa League group stage finale. Having already secured advancement to the knockout phase, victory would guarantee top position in the league phase standings.

  • Emera says PM’s GB Power announcement “far from ideal”

    Emera says PM’s GB Power announcement “far from ideal”

    A significant divergence has emerged between Emera Incorporated and the Bahamian government regarding the status of negotiations for Grand Bahama Power Company. This follows Prime Minister Philip Davis’s public announcement that his administration had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to acquire the utility provider, a statement that Emera’s leadership has promptly qualified.

    In a company-wide communication dated January 27, Emera President and Chief Executive Dave McGregor explicitly stated that while discussions with the government are ‘active and productive,’ ‘there is no final agreement at this time.’ This declaration directly contrasts with the Prime Minister’s portrayal of a settled framework, expected to be finalized within 60 to 90 days.

    McGregor expressed clear dissatisfaction with the manner of the disclosure, noting that learning of the potential acquisition ‘via a press conference from the Prime Minister is far from ideal for our valued employees.’ He emphasized that Emera’s overwhelming preference was to secure a completed transaction before any public announcement, but the government felt the news could not be delayed.

    Despite the procedural friction, McGregor acknowledged shared ‘mutual goals’ with the government to ensure reliable and affordable electricity for the residents of Grand Bahama. He confirmed that the ongoing negotiations include a potential option for the government to purchase the utility outright.

    In his letter, McGregor sought to reassure employees, urging them to prioritize safety and maintain focus amidst the ‘unnerving’ potential for an ownership change. He pledged to keep staff informed of any significant progress or final decisions.

    This proposed acquisition is historically significant. Prime Minister Davis stated it would mark the first time the Bahamian government has taken control of Grand Bahama Power since the Hawksbill Creek Agreement was established in 1955. However, government officials have yet to disclose critical financial details, including the proposed purchase price, the financing structure, or whether the state intends to acquire full ownership or merely a controlling stake. Emera had previously consolidated its ownership of the utility by buying out minority shareholders.