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  • MOU signed for development of Montego Bay Sports Complex

    MOU signed for development of Montego Bay Sports Complex

    ST JAMES, Jamaica — A landmark agreement was formalized on Tuesday as Montego Bay Multi Sports Development Limited and the St James Municipal Corporation executed a 25-year lease for the Montego Bay Sports Complex. The signing ceremony, held at the Corporation’s offices, marks a transformative chapter for sports infrastructure in western Jamaica.

    Johann ‘Yoni’ Epstein, Chairman of Montego Bay Multi Sports Development Limited—the parent organization of Premier League club Montego Bay United—declared that substantial development work would now commence. The facility, originally gifted to the city by Venezuela under the PetroCaribe Agreement, is set to undergo major expansion and modernization.

    The company emerged as the sole bidder when the development tender concluded in November 2024, submitting a proposal valued at approximately $700 million. Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon, who signed alongside CEO Naudia Crosskill, characterized the agreement as both “transformational and historic,” emphasizing its significance for the entire western region.

    The comprehensive redevelopment plan includes urgent refurbishment of structures severely damaged by Hurricane Melissa on October 28, with football activities scheduled to resume in time for the 2026-27 season. Additional enhancements within the two-year timeline include restoration of the all-weather 400m running track, construction of an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and development of courts for racquet sports alongside specialized fields for futsal and scrimmage football.

  • Seretse returns to the stage after two decades

    Seretse returns to the stage after two decades

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a landmark musical event that breaks a twenty-year performance hiatus, legendary Jamaican guitarist Seretse will grace the stage once again at the ‘Herbie Miller Presents Jazz Night’ on Thursday, February 26. The highly anticipated concert will unfold at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel, commencing at 7:30 PM.

    This comeback performance promises to showcase a surprising dimension of the artist’s talent—his prowess as a rock guitarist—a revelation likely to astonish long-time followers of his distinguished career. Seretse has curated a diverse setlist that he describes as encompassing ‘interpretations of Jamaican music, great jazz and R&B standards, music of the African Diaspora, and original compositions spanning Afro funk, calypso jazz, and Reggae jazz.’

    The return marks a significant moment in Caribbean music. Rather than a mere performance, Seretse frames this event as a ‘strategic re-entry into public performance and a statement of artistic intent’ for the forthcoming chapter of his professional journey. His two-decade absence was dedicated to foundational work in music education, most notably through building the Avant Academy of Music, alongside other institutional projects.

    Now, as an fully realized musician, esteemed educator, and cultural philosopher, Seretse re-emerges onto the performance scene with a refined and uncompromising artistic vision, prepared to communicate profoundly through his instrument. A leading force in Jamaican music education for nearly forty years and a 2012 inductee into the Caribbean Hall of Fame, Seretse is celebrated for his unique ability to synthesize Caribbean musical roots with the sophisticated traditions of North American jazz.

  • Appeals intensify for burn victim

    Appeals intensify for burn victim

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — A humanitarian crisis unfolds in Westmoreland as a Jamaican family races against time to secure a US$55,000 medical evacuation for Dacia Forrester, who suffered catastrophic burns after being set ablaze during a violent confrontation at a gas station last Thursday. The alleged perpetrator, pump attendant Collate Swaby, now faces criminal charges of assault occasioning bodily harm.

    Carol Blackwood Hewitt, Forrester’s distraught sister, has launched impassioned appeals to both local and international communities for urgent financial assistance. With her sister’s condition deteriorating in a local medical facility, Blackwood Hewitt emphasizes that specialized burn treatment available in the United States represents Forrester’s only hope for survival. Despite reaching out to governmental agencies including the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and cultural official Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, the family has yet to receive the promised institutional support.

    Fundraising efforts led by the Burn Foundation of Jamaica and Crisis Support Charity have thus far gathered approximately US$7,000 through a GoFundMe campaign—a fraction of the required amount. Luke Josephs, co-founder of these organizations, stressed the critical nature of the situation: ‘Severe burn injuries demand immediate, specialized care and every hour matters. We are acting swiftly in the interest of preserving life.’

    The judicial aftermath continues to develop as police prepare case files for three women, including one of Forrester’s sisters who remains in custody. The complexity of the incident involves alleged reciprocal violence during the altercation, with authorities awaiting the Director of Public Prosecutions’ decision on additional charges.

  • Mother says Ardenne High removed son from classes over hairstyle; school denies claim

    Mother says Ardenne High removed son from classes over hairstyle; school denies claim

    A contentious dispute has emerged at Ardenne High School in St. Andrew, Jamaica, following allegations that a 16-year-old student was removed from classes due to non-compliance with grooming policies. Michelle Scott, mother of a fifth-form student, claims school authorities isolated her son at the school’s entrance with instructions not to return until obtaining a haircut.

    Scott reported receiving a call from the dean of discipline confirming her son’s removal from instructional sessions. According to her account, the dean stated the student would remain excluded until complying with haircut requirements. This incident reportedly marks the second occurrence of such disciplinary action, with a similar situation arising during the student’s Grade 9 year.

    The mother raised concerns about potential racial disparities in policy enforcement, noting that while white and Indian students sport longer hairstyles, black male students face requirements for nearly bald cuts. Scott emphasized her son’s exemplary academic record, highlighting his punctuality and zero disciplinary incidents throughout five years at the institution.

    Following media involvement, the student was reinstated to classes later that Tuesday. Scott intends to file a formal complaint with the Ministry of Education regarding the treatment.

    School administration offered a contrasting narrative, with Acting Principal Jacqueline Pinto denying any classroom exclusion occurred. Pinto explained that the dean of discipline appropriately engaged with the student regarding alleged grooming violations per the school’s handbook regulations. She emphasized the institution’s commitment to educational access while acknowledging considerations for economic constraints in grooming compliance.

    The Ministry of Education has initiated review proceedings regarding the incident. Acting Chief Education Officer Terry-Ann Thomas Gayle reiterated that while schools must uphold established standards, no student should be denied educational access. The ministry emphasized balancing disciplinary actions with continuous learning opportunities and student welfare priorities.

  • Ackeem Blake gets wild card to World Indoor Championships

    Ackeem Blake gets wild card to World Indoor Championships

    Jamaican sprint sensation Ackeem Blake has officially received a wild card invitation to compete in the men’s 60m event at the upcoming World Athletics Indoor Championships, scheduled for March 20-22 in Kujawy Pomorze, Poland. The decision comes following Blake’s exceptional performance in the World Athletics Indoor Tour, where he accumulated a perfect 20 points by claiming victory at both the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix in Boston on January 24 and the prestigious Millrose Games in New York on February 1.

    Blake’s qualification brings significant advantages for Jamaica, securing a third spot in the highly competitive men’s 60m category at the global championships. Additionally, his tour dominance earned him a substantial $10,000 prize in recognition of his athletic achievements.

    The announcement also highlighted several other Jamaican athletes who made notable showings in the qualification standings. Odaine McPherson finished 11th overall, while triple jumper Jordan Scott, a previous World Indoor finalist, secured third position in his specialty event. Middle-distance runner Navasky Anderson demonstrated remarkable form by breaking Jamaica’s national indoor record in the 800m, ultimately placing 16th after competing in two European events last week.

    In women’s events, two-time world 100m hurdles champion Danielle Williams claimed third place in the 60m hurdles standings, with teammate Megan Simmons finishing 12th. High jumper Lamara Distin also represented Jamaica strongly with an eighth-place finish in her event category.

    The wild card selection acknowledges Blake’s consistent excellence throughout the indoor season and enhances Jamaica’s prospects at the forthcoming championships, where the nation aims to continue its tradition of sprint dominance on the global stage.

  • Mexico president offers ‘full guarantees’ for safety of World Cup games

    Mexico president offers ‘full guarantees’ for safety of World Cup games

    MEXICO CITY—In the wake of severe cartel violence that erupted across Jalisco state, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has issued a firm pledge to ensure absolute safety for international football spectators attending World Cup matches in Guadalajara this June.

    The assurance comes after a weekend of intense conflict triggered by the Mexican military’s operation that resulted in the death of notorious drug lord Nemesio Oseguera, known as ‘El Mencho,’ leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The firefights between cartel members and security forces resulted in significant casualties on both sides, causing widespread panic among tourists and local residents.

    Despite the recent turmoil, President Sheinbaum emphasized that the situation is now under control, stating unequivocally that visitors face ‘no risk’ during the tournament. The Mexican government is implementing enhanced security protocols to protect the four scheduled matches in Guadalajara, one of three host cities in Mexico for the 2026 World Cup, jointly organized with the United States and Canada.

    FIFA, football’s global governing body, has maintained silence regarding the security concerns, offering no official comment on the violent incidents. Meanwhile, normalcy gradually returns to Jalisco as businesses resumed operations Tuesday, with educational institutions scheduled to reopen Wednesday.

    The successful hosting of World Cup matches represents a critical test for Mexico’s ongoing battle against organized crime and its ability to guarantee security for major international events.

  • Hurdles coach Rahnsomn Edwards has died

    Hurdles coach Rahnsomn Edwards has died

    The Jamaican athletics community is grappling with a profound loss this week following the passing of revered hurdles specialist Rahnsomn Edwards. Edwards, a towering figure in youth track and field development, succumbed to illness on Monday, leaving a void in the nation’s storied coaching landscape.

    Widely recognized for his technical expertise and developmental acumen, Edwards cultivated talent at some of Jamaica’s most prestigious high school track programs. His coaching journey included formative tenures at powerhouse institutions such as Kingston College, Jamaica College, and St. Jago High, where he shaped the careers of countless young athletes. His influence extended to Vere Technical High and Manchester High School, institutions renowned for producing world-class track talent.

    The news has triggered an outpouring of tributes from across the sporting world, with former athletes and colleagues remembering Edwards not just for his coaching prowess but for his significant personal impact. His dedication to mentoring young Jamaicans transcended mere technical instruction, embedding values of discipline, perseverance, and sportsmanship. Edwards’ legacy is inextricably linked to the continued dominance of Jamaican track and field on the global stage, having helped lay the foundation for future generations of hurdlers. His passing marks the end of an era for an entire cohort of athletes who benefited from his guidance both on and off the track.

  • Warner Bros. says ‘reviewing’ new takeover bid from Paramount

    Warner Bros. says ‘reviewing’ new takeover bid from Paramount

    NEW YORK — The media industry’s consolidation landscape intensified dramatically as Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) confirmed receiving a revised acquisition proposal from Paramount Skydance, creating a complex bidding war that could redefine Hollywood’s power structure. The development emerged Tuesday despite WBD’s board simultaneously reaffirming its commitment to a previously arranged merger agreement with streaming titan Netflix.

    The WBD board disclosed in an official statement that it is carefully evaluating Paramount Skydance’s renewed overture with assistance from financial and legal advisors. While specific terms of the enhanced proposal remain confidential, the board explicitly maintained its position supporting the Netflix transaction, noting that the existing arrangement ‘remains in effect’ and that directors ‘continue to recommend in favor of the Netflix transaction.’

    The competitive dynamics reveal sharply different strategic approaches. Paramount Skydance’s previous $108 billion offer for complete acquisition of WBD was previously rejected, while Netflix’s current proposal values the company at approximately $83 billion for a more targeted merger. Industry analysts anticipate Netflix may elevate its bid to remain competitive with Paramount’s revised terms.

    Notably, Netflix’s proposition excludes WBD’s television assets including CNN and Discovery networks. These properties would instead be transferred to a newly established publicly traded entity dubbed Global Networks should the Netflix agreement proceed.

    The high-stakes corporate struggle has attracted attention at the highest levels of government. The White House has reportedly begun monitoring developments, with President Donald Trump asserting he would become ‘involved’ in merger decisions. The U.S. Department of Justice has already initiated its review process for Netflix’s proposed acquisition.

    Political tensions surfaced when President Trump demanded Netflix dismiss board member Susan Rice following her comments regarding Democratic intentions to pursue corporate accountability should the party regain congressional power in November’s midterm elections. The escalating regulatory scrutiny ensures that whichever transaction ultimately prevails will face extensive antitrust examination before implementation.

  • St Ann mother toils to build farming legacy

    St Ann mother toils to build farming legacy

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Kayanne Cole’s transition from financial advisor to farmer defies both gender norms and personal expectations. At 42, this Jamaican mother of two had zero agricultural experience—she couldn’t wield a machete, clear land, or plant crops when she first contemplated farming during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021.

    Her journey began after visiting a client’s farm, where the cultivation process sparked an unexpected passion. ‘I saw his location, I saw his cultivation, and it spoke to me,’ Cole recalls. What started as potential investment curiosity evolved into hands-on operation by 2023, with Cole managing over five acres in Murphy Hill, St Ann while maintaining her full-time career and parenting responsibilities.

    Under mentor guidance, she mastered land preparation and crop management, embracing agriculture’s inherent patience. ‘Farming teaches patience. You put a seed in the soil, and you wait. It doesn’t happen overnight,’ she reflects.

    Cole confronts gender stereotypes in the male-dominated sector head-on. ‘Some people believe women only come to reap or harvest. They don’t expect you to be involved in planting or to be the backbone of the operation,’ she notes. Determined to be taken seriously, her days begin at 4:30 AM with weather checks, crew coordination, and task management before school preparations and her primary job.

    Her commitment extends to family integration—Sundays are sacred ‘farm days’ where her children participate in planting, field activities, and on-site meals. ‘I don’t want my children to feel like mommy is always too busy. I want them to be part of what I’m building,’ Cole emphasizes.

    The enterprise faced severe adversity when Hurricane Melissa devastated her Scotch bonnet pepper crop in October 2023. ‘I was nervous and scared—not just for my home but for the farm,’ she admits. The storm forced rebuilding efforts, with Cole currently replanting cabbage and Irish potatoes while gradually clearing damaged sections.

    Despite setbacks, her vision expands beyond local markets to supplying north coast hotels and exploring export opportunities. Cole aims to acquire machinery, expand acreage, and establish core crops within five years while creating employment opportunities.

    Her story represents more than supplemental income—it’s about ‘purpose, independence, food security, and legacy for my children and my children’s children.’ Cole hopes to inspire other women: ‘You can be feminine, confident and still be farmer. Those things don’t cancel each other out.’

    Support exists for farmers like Cole through Jamaica’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, which implemented a two-year recovery plan post-Melissa. The initiative provides replanting assistance, infrastructure rehabilitation, and training through the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA). Female farmers additionally receive specialized training in financial literacy, climate-smart practices, and mental health through the Jamaica Network of Rural Women Producers.

  • UK govt says will release files on ex-prince Andrew

    UK govt says will release files on ex-prince Andrew

    LONDON, United Kingdom – The British government has pledged to disclose previously confidential documents concerning the controversial appointment of former Prince Andrew as a trade envoy, responding to mounting political pressure in the wake of the expanding Jeffrey Epstein scandal. This development follows the arrest of veteran politician Peter Mandelson, further intensifying scrutiny on both royal and political establishments.

    Minister Chris Bryant announced in Parliament that vetting documents related to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s tenure as trade envoy (2001-2011) would be released, acknowledging this action as a fundamental obligation to Epstein’s victims. The commitment came after the Liberal Democrats successfully deployed an obscure parliamentary procedure known as a ‘humble address’ – a mechanism designed to compel ministerial disclosure of historical files dating back 26 years to Tony Blair’s administration.

    The political firestorm has created significant challenges for Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour government, which faces simultaneous police investigations into both Andrew and former minister Mandelson. Bryant characterized the former prince as ‘a rude, arrogant and entitled man’ but cautioned that document release would be coordinated with law enforcement to avoid compromising ongoing investigations.

    Andrew, stripped of royal titles in 2023, is under investigation for allegedly sharing sensitive documents with Epstein during his diplomatic tenure. His recent arrest for suspected misconduct in public office has drawn a rare response from King Charles III, who stated that ‘the law must take its course.’

    Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey condemned the associations between prominent British figures and Epstein as ‘a stain on our country,’ advocating for transparency as the necessary ‘disinfectant.’ The motion passed without opposition due to government support, though Bryant tempered expectations regarding the timeline for release, citing the volume and age of materials involved.

    The document release commitment coincides with preparations to publish files concerning Mandelson’s 2024 appointment as Washington ambassador. Mandelson, a central figure in Blair’s government nicknamed the ‘Prince of Darkness’ for his media manipulation prowess, faces separate misconduct allegations related to his Epstein connections. Biographer Andrew Lownie revealed that Blair and Mandelson had ‘pushed his [Andrew’s] appointment through’ as trade envoy.

    Starmer has already dismissed Mandelson from his diplomatic post after seven months following revelations about his Epstein ties, accepting the resignation of two top aides and apologizing to Epstein’s victims for the appointment. The prime minister has accused Mandelson of misleading officials during vetting procedures regarding the extent of his relationship with the convicted financier.

    Neither Andrew nor Mandelson has been formally charged with any offenses. Andrew previously settled a civil lawsuit with Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre in 2022 without admitting liability, while Mandelson has apologized for his friendship with Epstein while maintaining ignorance of his sexual crimes.