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  • Ardenne Prep/Extension PTA executive resigns over school fee dispute

    Ardenne Prep/Extension PTA executive resigns over school fee dispute

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a dramatic demonstration of institutional discord, the entire executive committee of Ardenne Preparatory and Extension High School’s Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) has tendered its immediate resignation. The mass departure stems from profound disagreements with the school’s governing board regarding financial transparency, administrative communication, and overall governance practices.

    The rupture follows months of strained relations between the PTA and school administration, culminating in a contentious proposal to raise term fees to $150,000 for preparatory students and $130,000 for extension division attendees starting January 2026. School authorities justified the increases as necessary measures to address rising operational costs, including teacher compensation, technological resources, and facility maintenance, which they stated have created a growing budgetary deficit.

    According to the resignation letter disseminated to the school community on Thursday, the PTA executive accused the board of exhibiting ‘complete disregard’ for collaborative dialogue during fee adjustment negotiations. Particularly galling to the resigning members was the board’s decision to communicate the fee changes directly to parents via email, effectively bypassing a prearranged meeting between the board chair and PTA leadership.

    The departing executive highlighted critical concerns regarding financial accountability, noting the absence of a clear strategic plan demonstrating how the increased revenue would enhance the institution’s long-term financial sustainability. Parents remain uncertain about potential future increases as the school provided no transparency regarding the scale or timing of additional fee adjustments.

    Despite their resignation, the outgoing committee reaffirmed strong support for teaching and administrative staff, emphasizing the need for competitive salary structures to attract and retain qualified professionals. In a gesture of continued commitment to school improvement, the executive confirmed the transfer of $304,913 in net proceeds from the December 2025 Christmas Concert to their successors. These funds, originally designated for the Resource Centre project transformation, will support the ongoing redevelopment of the former school library facilities.

  • London police failed to vet thousands of recruits — report

    London police failed to vet thousands of recruits — report

    An internal investigation has uncovered systemic failures within London’s Metropolitan Police Service regarding officer recruitment vetting procedures, prompting a government-announced independent inquiry into the force’s hiring practices. The review revealed that inadequate background checks during the 2019-2023 recruitment drive resulted in dozens of officers with concerning histories being hired, many of whom subsequently committed criminal offenses or engaged in serious misconduct.

    The damning report identified two particularly egregious cases: David Carrick, who became one of Britain’s most notorious serial sex offenders, was hired in 2017 without proper vetting that would have uncovered prior domestic abuse allegations. Similarly, Cliff Mitchell, later convicted of multiple rapes, joined the force in 2020 after a special diversity-focused vetting panel overturned his initial rejection despite previous child rape allegations.

    Metropolitan Police leadership attributed these critical lapses to intense pressure to meet government-mandated recruitment targets. The now-disbanded vetting panel, originally established to enhance diversity within the force, ultimately approved 114 previously rejected applicants—25 of whom subsequently faced misconduct allegations or criminal charges.

    This revelation compounds existing institutional challenges for the Met, which a landmark 2023 report found to be fundamentally racist, sexist, and homophobic in its structures and practices. The force has been rocked by multiple scandals involving serving officers convicted of sexual offenses in recent years.

    In response to the findings, the UK Home Office announced an urgent independent inspection of the Metropolitan Police’s recruitment and vetting standards. Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood condemned the failures as “a dereliction of the Met’s duty to keep London safe,” while Assistant Commissioner Rachel Williams characterized the report as part of the force’s commitment to transparency regarding past practices that allowed “unsuitable people” to join the police service.

  • St James and Bimini seats created in boundaries report

    St James and Bimini seats created in boundaries report

    The Constituency Boundaries Commission has unveiled a comprehensive proposal to reshape the electoral landscape of The Bahamas, responding to significant demographic changes and aiming to ensure voter parity across the nation. Central to these recommendations is the establishment of a new parliamentary constituency in western New Providence, to be designated as St James, which will incorporate communities spanning Golden Isles, Killarney, and Southern Shores. A separate, standalone constituency for Bimini and the Berry Islands is also proposed, addressing long-standing calls for dedicated representation for these island communities. The commission’s report, formally presented in the House of Assembly by Speaker Patricia Deveaux, maintains the national total of 501 polling divisions while realigning boundaries and reassigning voter bases to reflect population data from the latest census and recent election results. The proposed adjustments impact numerous constituencies, including Bain and Grants Town, Centreville, and several in Grand Bahama and Abaco. The restructuring involves the transfer of specific polling divisions between constituencies to balance voter numbers, with the new St James constituency projected to host 5,149 registered voters. The commission’s methodology relied on historical boundaries reports, electoral data, and the 2022 census. The governing Progressive Liberal Party has endorsed the report, characterizing the redistribution as a normal and essential process for a healthy democracy that strengthens local representation.

  • ‘FIT FOR PURPOSE’

    ‘FIT FOR PURPOSE’

    Jamaica’s ambitious redevelopment of its National Stadium has garnered significant endorsement from World Athletics President Sebastian Coe, who indicates the project could swiftly return the island nation to the forefront of international track and field hosting. The government’s primary objective for the major infrastructure overhaul is to position Jamaica as a viable venue for global sporting spectacles.

    During the concluding segment of his four-day tour of Jamaica, President Coe met with Sports Minister Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange at the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) headquarters in Kingston. Minister Grange provided a comprehensive update on the transformation plans for the 64-year-old sporting arena. The construction phase, now officially slated to commence in July 2027—a adjustment from earlier announcements—represents a monumental investment exceeding $16 billion Jamaican dollars.

    The sweeping redevelopment will dramatically expand the stadium’s capacity from 28,500 to approximately 40,000 seats while introducing state-of-the-art facilities, including a modernized running track. This substantial enhancement has been met with enthusiastic support from the international athletics community.

    President Coe expressed his encouragement regarding the project’s progression, stating, ‘I’m delighted that it’s now moving ahead with pace and with purpose, and also pleased that it’s going through those necessary phases to come to fruition.’ He emphasized the dual benefit of such ventures, noting, ‘Having venues that are fit for purpose allows more people to be involved in sport at the highest level while simultaneously creating a smart economic model that generates revenues crucial for national well-being.’

    While the stadium’s first confirmed major event will be hosting matches during the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Coe revealed that preliminary discussions are already underway regarding Jamaica hosting World Athletics Series events. The World Under-20 Championships, last held in Jamaica in 2002 when Usain Bolt announced his arrival on the global stage, is specifically being considered as a potential event for the rejuvenated venue.

    The hosting rights for the 2030 World Under-20 Championships may be decided by the World Athletics Council before year-end, though the 2032 edition appears a more pragmatic target given the construction timeline. The World Athletics Relays, operating on a smaller scale than comprehensive championships, also presents a viable hosting opportunity for Jamaica.

    Minister Grange, while refraining from committing to a specific completion date—having previously mentioned 2029—highlighted the project’s extraordinary economic implications. ‘Revenues are expected to increase by approximately 169 percent, primarily driven by expanded commercial capacity and enhanced event hosting capabilities,’ Grange revealed. She further detailed that ‘the project is projected to generate $70 billion in economic output during construction, contribute $34 billion to GDP, and create nearly 14,900 jobs,’ while significantly reducing government subsidies to the stadium’s operating entity by 70 percent.

  • Tasty Bites @ Footeprints Hotel Negril

    Tasty Bites @ Footeprints Hotel Negril

    Nestled along Jamaica’s iconic coastline, the town of Negril reveals its treasures not through grandeur, but through gradual immersion into its unique rhythm of life. This seaside paradise has mastered the art of understated elegance, where luxury manifests in ocean breezes, panoramic views, and the freedom of authentic existence.

    At the heart of this experience stands Footeprints Hotel, a 32-room beachfront sanctuary that embodies Negril’s philosophy through culinary excellence and genuine Jamaican hospitality. The property, named after the founding Foote family, transforms the conventional hotel stay into a familial journey, with each space bearing the name of family members and extending that warmth to every guest.

    The culinary landscape at Footeprints represents a masterclass in diverse dining experiences. Gatsby’s Restaurant elevates island flavors through contemporary Caribbean cuisine, where Executive Chef Shawn Sawyers—a 16-year veteran with pastry expertise and visual arts background—orchestrates a fusion of local and international dishes. His culinary canvas spans Asian, Jamaican, Indian, and Mexican influences, featuring standout creations like Westmoreland curry goat and lobster.

    For toes-in-the-sand relaxation, Blushy’s Beach Bar offers fresh seafood and vibrant cocktails crafted to complement the rhythm of the waves. Meanwhile, Finkel’s Eatery provides laid-back dining without compromising quality, satisfying cravings with effortless elegance.

    General Manager Ramoy McFarlane emphasizes the property’s commitment to creating memorable experiences beyond dining: ‘We welcome guests into our family, offering amenities like the skywalk with breathtaking views and the infinity pool. Ultimately, we want Footeprints synonymous with exceptional food, wine, and music.’

    The beverage program showcases mixologist Andrumar Mendez’s artistry through signature cocktails like the Tipsy Daze—a sophisticated blend of overproof white rum, vodka, coconut rum, and tropical juices—and the visually stunning Blue Hawaiian. Each drink reflects the vibrant spirit of Jamaican mixology.

    From gourmet pizzas with jerk chicken toppings to signature lobster rolls and breakfast burritos featuring callaloo and bacon, the culinary team demonstrates relentless innovation. Even traditional desserts like bread pudding with vanilla ice cream receive transformative treatment, embodying Chef Sawyers’ philosophy: ‘We have no limits—wherever inspiration comes from, we’ll tweak it and add it to our canvas.’

    Footeprints stands as a testament to Negril’s evolving narrative—a destination where luxury isn’t announced but discovered, where every meal tells a story, and where the footprints left behind are those of culinary excellence and genuine human connection.

  • Educators welcome PEP changes

    Educators welcome PEP changes

    Jamaican education authorities have implemented significant modifications to the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) assessment system in response to the extensive learning disruptions caused by Hurricane Melissa. The revised framework, which has garnered widespread support from school administrators, aims to create more equitable testing conditions for students across the island.

    Karlene Bisnott-Hemmings, Principal of Vaz Preparatory School, emphasized that the adjustments acknowledge the substantial instructional time lost by students in western parishes, where many communities remain without reliable electricity. Unlike previous disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the hurricane’s aftermath presents unique challenges as students lack basic infrastructure necessary for digital learning alternatives.

    The restructured assessment approach eliminates science and social studies from external evaluations this academic year. Grade six students will now complete only three assessments: an Ability Test, Mathematics Curriculum-Based Test with numeracy components, and Language Arts Curriculum-Based Test with literacy elements. Similarly, grade five students will undertake just two performance tasks in mathematics and language arts, while grade four pupils will sit literacy and numeracy examinations.

    Education professionals have praised these modifications as both pragmatic and necessary. Principal Bisnott-Hemmings noted that the reduced subject load makes academic preparation more manageable within the compressed timeline leading to April examinations. However, she highlighted that persistent electricity shortages continue to disadvantage western parish students, potentially requiring creative solutions such as extended on-campus study sessions.

    Alia Harris, Vice-Principal of McAuley Primary School, characterized the changes as responsive to longstanding educator advocacy. She emphasized that the streamlined assessment approach recognizes the developmental stage of primary students while maintaining academic integrity during recovery efforts. The consensus among educational institutions indicates broad approval for measures that balance accountability with compassion during this challenging period.

  • ‘Save yourselves!’

    ‘Save yourselves!’

    In a powerful address at the ‘Heal the Family, Heal the Nation’ National Day of Prayer service, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness delivered a direct message to criminals despite celebrating a historic milestone: the nation has recorded fewer than 700 murders in 2025 for the first time in 31 years.

    Speaking at Power of Faith Ministries in Portmore, St Catherine on Wednesday, Holness made an emotional appeal to those engaged in criminal activities, urging them to abandon violence. “Today, I appeal to the criminals and the gunmen, and those who are involved in criminal activities, to save yourselves. Turn away from violence. Put away the gun. In fact, turn it in,” the prime minister charged.

    The significant crime reduction represents a dramatic 42% decrease in murders from the previous year, building on a 19% reduction in 2024 and a 7% decrease in 2023. Holness noted that Jamaica is approaching the regional average of 15 murders per 100,000 population, currently standing between 20-25 per 100,000.

    While acknowledging progress primarily driven by actions against organized crime—which accounts for over 70% of murders—Holness highlighted persistent challenges including domestic violence and juvenile delinquency. He emphasized that policing alone cannot solve these deeply embedded social issues.

    The prime minister called on religious institutions to expand their role beyond prayer into active community intervention. “We’re going to need the army of the church to pull in those youngsters and divert them away from the gangs and criminal activities,” Holness stated, noting that many youth join gangs simply because criminal elements reach them before community organizations do.

    Holness unveiled forthcoming government policies specifically targeting family strengthening as the next phase in crime reduction. “What is now needed is a more coordinated and concentrated policy that is instrumental and directly targeting and promoting and supporting the family in Jamaica,” he announced, emphasizing that both children and parents need educational support.

    The prime minister concluded with a sobering statistic: 95% of both perpetrators and victims of killings are young men. “It pains my heart to see our young men being killed,” Holness expressed, reinforcing his appeal for Jamaicans to value every life and work collectively toward sustaining the nation’s progress toward peace.

  • Golding knocks muted international response to US actions

    Golding knocks muted international response to US actions

    Former Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding has characterized the international community’s muted reaction to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent actions in Venezuela as profoundly disheartening. In a column published in the Jamaica Observer, Golding asserted that the American leader has effectively intimidated most nations, including major European powers who now fear provoking his anger.

    The geopolitical developments have placed Caribbean Community (Caricom) nations in an exceptionally difficult position, Golding argued. Taking a principled stand against what he termed “Trump’s rampaging” would almost certainly invite severe retribution from the United States.

    Golding’s comments reference last week’s U.S. military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture and extradition of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores to face charges in American courts. Maduro, who appeared in a New York court on Monday, pleaded not guilty to multiple indictments including narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, and weapons violations.

    The former prime minister, who led Jamaica from 2007 to 2011, condemned the operation as a flagrant violation of international law and a repudiation of core principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter. These principles include the sovereign equality of all states, equal rights and fundamental freedoms for all people, maintenance of international peace and security, avoidance of force against territorial integrity, and the preference for peaceful dispute resolution.

    Golding noted that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s support for Maduro’s capture reflects his dependence on U.S. backing against Russian aggression, while apparently overlooking that Russia’s actions toward Ukraine parallel Trump’s approach toward Venezuela and potentially other nations.

    The situation creates a crisis dilemma for particularly vulnerable Caricom states, Golding explained. Countries like Antigua & Barbuda and Dominica have recently faced U.S. visa restrictions that will significantly impact their economies by hindering citizens’ travel capabilities. While officially justified by concerns over citizenship investment programs, Golding contends the restrictions actually punish these nations for their leaders’ relationships with Maduro.

    Golding warned that the Caribbean region now faces the threat of “recolonization,” drawing parallels to challenges faced eighty years ago. He expressed hope that the region could navigate these dangerous waters as it has historically.

    The former leader concluded that the world must wait until 2029 to see Trump leave office, but the future will depend on whether he establishes a new ideological framework for international relations that enjoys significant support. Ultimately, Golding argued, the future global order now rests in the hands of American voters and whether they will empower successors to perpetuate Trump’s legacy in the 2028 presidential election.

  • Vegas, Sly Dunbar, Leroy Sibbles to be honoured at Reggae Genealogy 2026

    Vegas, Sly Dunbar, Leroy Sibbles to be honoured at Reggae Genealogy 2026

    Plantation, Florida prepares to host an extraordinary celebration of Caribbean musical heritage as the Reggae Genealogy® Music Festival returns on February 7, 2026. Under the evocative theme ‘Lights. Camera. Reggae.’, Volunteer Park will transform into an immersive sound stage exploring reggae’s profound influence across film, television, gaming, and global popular culture.

    Produced by Island SPACE Caribbean Museum (Island Society for the Promotion of Artistic and Cultural Education), this large-scale outdoor production anticipates welcoming over 3,000 attendees for an evening of musical excellence and cultural storytelling. The festival serves as the official commencement of South Florida’s Reggae Month celebrations, representing the most ambitious production to date through its fusion of high production values and artistic tribute to reggae’s cross-generational impact.

    The event boasts an impressive lineup of reggae royalty. Clifford ‘Mr Vegas’ Smith, whose 1997 breakout hits ‘Nike Air’ and ‘Heads High’ propelled him to international stardom, brings his unique fusion of dancehall, reggae, and gospel influences. The MOBO Award-winning artist continues to push creative boundaries with his message-driven music and irresistible rhythms.

    Legendary drummer Sly Dunbar, half of the iconic production duo Sly & Robbie, brings over four decades of musical innovation. The two-time Grammy Award winner, widely regarded as reggae’s most recorded drummer, has fundamentally shaped the genre through his work with Bob Marley, Grace Jones, and countless other artists.

    Leroy Sibbles, celebrated voice and bassist of The Heptones, represents the foundational architecture of reggae music. As lead singer on classics like ‘Book of Rules’ and ‘Fattie Fattie,’ and as the session bassist who created enduring rhythms including ‘Full Up,’ Sibbles’ contributions to the evolution from ska to reggae remain unparalleled.

    Executive Director Calibe Thompson describes the production as ‘a love letter to the soundtracks of our lives,’ emphasizing the festival’s mission to honor cultural moments that brought reggae into global consciousness. The evening opens with a special tribute to film and reggae legend Jimmy Cliff, establishing the narrative tone for the musical journey ahead.

    Additional confirmed performers include Tifa, Phil Watkis, Roy G, and Bobby Rose, backed by the Code Red Band. The main stage will be hosted by acclaimed actress Audrey Reid of ‘Dancehall Queen’ fame, with musical support from Bigg G, DJ King Mega, and pre-show host Frank!e Red.

    Beyond the musical performances, the festival offers diverse cultural experiences including an intimate fireside chat with Leroy Sibbles, dedicated children’s play zone, culinary offerings from food trucks, artisan vendors, and a corporate circle designed to foster community engagement. Gates open at 4:00 PM for this comprehensive celebration of reggae’s enduring legacy.

  • US plans to dictate Venezuela decisions and oil sales

    US plans to dictate Venezuela decisions and oil sales

    The Trump administration has declared its intention to maintain indefinite control over Venezuela’s oil exports and direct the decisions of the country’s interim leadership following the capture of President Nicolas Maduro. This bold assertion of hemispheric dominance represents a significant escalation in U.S. involvement in Venezuelan affairs.

    White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Wednesday that Washington would continue dictating policy decisions to Venezuela’s interim authorities, stating that the U.S. maintains “maximum leverage” following Saturday’s military operation that extracted Maduro from Caracas. The deposed leader and his wife were transported to New York where they face narcotics trafficking charges.

    The administration’s strategy hinges on controlling Venezuela’s oil industry, with Energy Secretary Chris Wright announcing plans to market Venezuelan crude “indefinitely, going forward.” This includes immediate sales of 30-50 million barrels of stored oil and continued control over future production. The approach relies heavily on naval blockades to prevent Venezuela from selling oil to sanctioned allies including Russia, China, and Iran.

    In a demonstration of this maritime strategy, U.S. forces seized a Russian-linked oil tanker in the North Atlantic on Wednesday after pursuing the vessel from Venezuelan waters. The tanker, previously identified as Bella-1, had recently changed its registration to Russia.

    President Trump is scheduled to meet with U.S. oil executives Friday to discuss potential investments in Venezuela’s deteriorating energy infrastructure, though no firm commitments have been made amid the ongoing political instability. The administration’s comprehensive plan combines economic control, military pressure, and political oversight to reshape Venezuela’s governance and energy sector.