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  • All-new Q5 from Audi Jamaica

    All-new Q5 from Audi Jamaica

    KINGSTON, JAMAICA – Audi Jamaica has officially introduced the highly anticipated third-generation Q5 to the local market, marking a significant milestone for the luxury automotive sector. The official launch event, held on Saturday, January 17th at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston, was met with exceptional consumer enthusiasm, signaling a strong post-hurricane economic rebound.

    Company executives reported an overwhelmingly positive response, with over 200 guests attending the exclusive unveiling. Channa Kay Walker, Sales Manager for Audi Jamaica, confirmed the substantial market interest, while Damien Kerr, General Manager of Oxford Road, revealed that the entire initial shipment of vehicles had already been pre-sold prior to the official launch.

    The new Q5 represents Audi’s engineering evolution, built upon the innovative Premium Platform Combustion architecture. This third iteration of Audi’s global best-seller over the past 15 years incorporates significant advancements across multiple domains including powertrain efficiency, performance metrics, interior spaciousness, and cutting-edge technology integration.

    Exterior styling embraces Audi’s contemporary design philosophy, featuring the distinctive singleframe grille and state-of-the-art lighting systems both front and rear. The vehicle’s expanded dimensions translate to enhanced passenger comfort and cargo capacity, while the interior showcases four fundamental design concepts: human-centric layout, visual clarity, digital stage presentation, and material-driven aesthetics. The cockpit is dominated by a sophisticated triple-screen configuration comprising an 11.9-inch Virtual Cockpit, 14.5-inch MMI interface, and an optional 10.9-inch passenger display.

    Powertrain options demonstrate Audi’s commitment to performance-efficiency balance. The standard variant features a 204bhp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive. For consumers seeking enhanced dynamism, the Q5 Sportback offers coupé-like styling, while the high-performance SQ5 variant delivers 367bhp through a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine complemented by Quattro all-wheel drive. Mild-hybrid and Quattro versions are scheduled for later release in 2026.

    Despite challenges posed by Hurricane Melissa in late October 2025, Audi Jamaica maintains optimistic projections for the coming year. The company has announced plans to introduce additional models including the S3 and Q3 in subsequent months, reinforcing their product portfolio in the Jamaican luxury automotive market.

  • Disciplinary actions taken by JRC stewards

    Disciplinary actions taken by JRC stewards

    The Jamaica Racing Commission has issued disciplinary sanctions against two professional jockeys following official inquiries conducted on January 20, 2026. The proceedings took place at the Commission’s offices located in Big Buy Plaza, Portmore, St Catherine.

    Jockey Shane Richardson faced financial penalties for regulatory breaches during competitive events. Richardson, who rode Oro Oro in the eighth race on January 3, 2026, received a $12,500 fine for employing his whip excessively during the competition.

    In a separate incident, Jockey Jerome Innis incurred a $10,000 penalty for dangerous riding conduct. During the eighth race on January 1, 2026, while mounted on Mamma Mia, Innis engaged in intimidating behavior and caused improper interference with another competitor, Digital One. The infraction occurred approximately 200 meters from the finish line, potentially affecting race outcomes.

    The disciplinary actions demonstrate the racing authority’s continued commitment to maintaining safety standards and fair competition practices within Jamaican horse racing. Such measures aim to protect both equine athletes and human participants while ensuring the integrity of the sport.

  • CONVICT cries

    CONVICT cries

    In a dramatic courtroom conclusion, Jamaican Constable Noel Maitland was convicted on Thursday for the murder and unlawful burial of his 24-year-old girlfriend, Donna-Lee Donaldson, who vanished in July 2022. The seven-member jury’s verdict triggered an emotional collapse from the convicted officer, who wiped away streaming tears with a handkerchief as the reality of his conviction settled upon him.

    Initially maintaining composure in the dock, Maitland eventually bowed his head beneath the weight of the courtroom’s gaze. Trial Judge Leighton Pusey formally delivered the verdict to the visibly distressed defendant, whose scowling expression and knitted eyebrows betrayed his inner turmoil. As officers prepared to handcuff him, Maitland’s emotional control shattered completely with loud, audible sobs.

    Despite his emotional display, Maitland maintained his innocence through legal representatives. Defense attorney Christopher Townsend informed journalists that his client was ‘teary-eyed’ because ‘he knows he is innocent,’ indicating plans to pursue justice through the Court of Appeal. Townsend expressed surprise at the circumstantial evidence-based verdict, noting the jury’s relatively brief deliberation period of three and a half hours following a short summation.

    The prosecution team, led by Director of Public Prosecutions Claudette Thompson, received the verdict with solemnity rather than celebration. Thompson explicitly rejected congratulatory messages, explaining that the conviction served as painful confirmation that Donaldson was truly gone. ‘There is no rejoicing, there is no happy, because Donna-Lee is dead,’ Thompson stated, emphasizing the tragedy of a mother losing her daughter rather than any prosecutorial victory.

    The case centered on Donaldson’s disappearance from the Chelsea Manor Apartments in St. Andrew, where Maitland resided. The conviction represents a significant development in a case that has drawn considerable public attention in Jamaica, involving a serving police officer and highlighting issues of domestic violence and accountability within law enforcement.

  • The beat goes on!

    The beat goes on!

    Jamaica is channeling the healing power of reggae music to fuel national recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic impact. The island nation has officially launched its 2026 Reggae Month celebrations under the thematic banner ‘Rhythms of Resilience,’ transforming the cultural observance into a symbol of post-disaster restoration.

    The February observance, which honors reggae’s profound influence on Jamaica’s social, cultural, and economic development, takes on heightened significance this year as communities continue rebuilding from November’s devastating storm. At Wednesday’s launch event hosted at J Wray & Nephew headquarters, government officials and music industry leaders united in emphasizing reggae’s therapeutic role during challenging times.

    Culture and Entertainment Minister Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange addressed attendees with an impassioned plea for heightened participation. ‘We enter Reggae Month at a time when half the country is rebuilding from devastating hurricane damage, and we face so much trouble in the world,’ Minister Grange stated. ‘Our reggae music is therapy. We turn to this music in good and bad times; the rhythm and lyrics provide relief and inspiration.’

    The minister highlighted several significant anniversaries coinciding with the 2026 celebrations: eight years since UNESCO’s official inscription of reggae music, ten years since Kingston’s designation as a UNESCO Creative City, and seventeen years since the Governor General’s proclamation of Reggae Month.

    Tourism Enhancement Fund Director Carey Wallace echoed the minister’s sentiments, noting that reggae music served as a critical source of hope during the grim aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. ‘We’ve been hit by Hurricane Melissa, but this is Jamaica; we will rebound and shine brighter,’ Wallace declared. ‘When we support Reggae Month, we’re supporting the story of Jamaican resilience that we want to replace the story of devastation.’

    J Wray & Nephew Managing Director Daniel Caron emphasized his company’s continued investment in the celebrations, stating: ‘This year’s celebrations are about coming back and coming back stronger. We want to keep the culture alive, the spirit alive, and with that we will always have resilience.’

    The 2026 Reggae Month calendar features an expansive lineup of more than 60 registered events, including Dennis Brown’s birthday celebrations (February 1), Bob Marley’s birthday festivities at Emancipation Park (February 6), the Wickie Wackie Music Festival (commencing February 12), Dancehall Week (February 22-March), and weekly programming organized by JaRIA and JCDC symposiums.

  • Pathway to Capital

    Pathway to Capital

    Jamaica’s micro and small enterprises are poised to gain unprecedented access to equity financing through a groundbreaking micro market initiative within the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE), with Finance Minister Fayval Williams confirming a targeted launch for the second quarter of 2026.

    During her keynote address at the Jamaica Stock Exchange’s Regional Investments and Capital Markets Conference in Kingston, Minister Williams revealed that preparatory work has reached an advanced stage, marking a significant milestone in the country’s financial infrastructure development.

    The innovative micro market will function as a specialized second tier within the existing Junior Market framework, specifically designed to accommodate earlier-stage businesses. Unlike traditional lending systems that often exclude micro enterprises due to stringent collateral requirements, this new platform will enable qualified small businesses to raise capital through equity financing while benefiting from the JSE’s established infrastructure, governance standards, and regulatory oversight.

    Minister Williams emphasized that the initiative represents a strategic extension of Jamaica’s capital markets rather than a dilution of listing requirements. “The success of the Junior Market provides strong empirical justification for extending this model downward,” she stated, referencing the proven track record of the existing framework that has served growing companies across multiple sectors for over 16 years.

    The development addresses a critical gap in Jamaica’s financial ecosystem, where micro and small enterprises constitute the majority of businesses and significant employment contributors yet face persistent challenges in accessing affordable capital. Traditional bank lending remains largely inaccessible due to collateral constraints, while informal financing options often impose growth limitations and cash flow pressures.

    A multi-stakeholder steering committee, established in June 2025 and led by the Jamaica Stock Exchange, has been coordinating technical, regulatory, and policy preparations across public and private sectors. The committee has already identified over 200 prospective micro and small businesses as potential candidates, with projections suggesting 25 companies could list within the first two years of operation.

    Capacity-building initiatives will form a central component of the rollout strategy, focusing on preparing investment-ready businesses rather than rushing unprepared companies to market. The approach aligns with the government’s broader strategy to mobilize domestic savings—particularly from pension and insurance funds managing approximately $1.2 trillion in assets—into productive, growth-enhancing investments while maintaining fiscal discipline and market integrity.

  • WRONG TURN!

    WRONG TURN!

    Jamaica’s sporting establishment has delivered a powerful collective rebuke against the controversial Enhanced Games, reinforcing the nation’s unwavering commitment to drug-free athletic competition. The unified stance emerged during Thursday’s annual symposium hosted by the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) in St. Andrew, where prominent figures including Sport Minister Olivia Grange, coaching authority David Riley, Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) Vice-President Ian Forbes, and JADCO Chairperson Debby-Ann Brown Salmon unanimously condemned the scheduled Las Vegas event that permits performance-enhancing substances.

    The symposium gained particular significance following recent revelations that Jamaican sprinter Shockoria Wallace became the nation’s first athlete to register for the privately funded competition, which offers substantial financial incentives for record-breaking performances achieved through medically supervised doping. This development prompted former JAAA president Dr. Warren Blake to publicly question the event’s safety protocols and competitive credibility earlier this week.

    Minister Grange, addressing attendees as special guest speaker, articulated Jamaica’s official position with unmistakable clarity: ‘As a WADA foundation board member overseeing Jamaica’s anti-doping framework, I cannot endorse participation in the Enhanced Games. This concept contradicts everything we champion at JADCO and as signatories to international anti-doping conventions. We are unequivocally about clean sport, not enhanced performances.’

    Grange elevated the discussion beyond regulatory compliance, framing clean competition as fundamental to national identity: ‘We must perceive clean sport as a matter of national character intertwined with our development. Integrity, fairness and discipline define our people and must permeate our sporting culture. Upholding these principles safeguards our global reputation and strengthens the foundation of our athletic excellence.’

    During subsequent panel discussions, Forbes identified financial motivation as the primary driver for athlete participation: ‘The potential monetary gain appears the overarching factor. While financial rewards might seem lucrative, most considering participation are athletes nearing career conclusions. This pursuit jeopardizes their legacy and our nation’s sporting integrity.’

    Riley acknowledged the event’s potential spectacle value but expressed concern about long-term repercussions: ‘Some athletes might pursue fame or competitive advantage unattainable in clean sport. However, association with such competitions could permanently damage professional reputations regardless of actual substance use.’

    Brown Salmon emphasized the dangerous trade-off between short-term gains and lasting consequences: ‘While new platforms and rewards seem attractive, participation undermines principles we’ve tirelessly upheld. Athletes risk their reputations, future eligibility, and most importantly, their nation’s trust. This jeopardizes both personal legacy and Jamaica’s sporting integrity.’

    The Jamaican position aligns with international governing bodies including World Athletics and World Aquatics, the latter having implemented 2025 regulations banning athletes who participate in events embracing prohibited substances from its competitions.

  • Congres zet modernisering rechterlijke macht centraal voor rechtszekerheid en ontwikkeling

    Congres zet modernisering rechterlijke macht centraal voor rechtszekerheid en ontwikkeling

    Suriname has embarked on a comprehensive judicial modernization program that national leaders describe as fundamental to legal certainty, public trust, and economic advancement. The initiative was formally launched today during a joint congress convened by the National Assembly, the Court of Justice, and the Public Prosecutor’s Office at Hotel Torarica’s Ballroom.

    Assembly Chairman Ashwin Adhin delivered the opening address, emphasizing that the modernization effort extends far beyond technical legal discussions. He identified three critical pillars for societal stability and sustainable economic growth: accessible justice, predictable legal procedures, and authoritative jurisprudence. The congress, supported by the Center for Democracy and Rule of Law, represents a significant moment of national consensus regarding the urgent need for structural reforms within Suriname’s judicial system.

    The conference focuses on two primary reform areas: establishing a third judicial instance responsible for cassation (appeals) jurisprudence and modernizing the Public Prosecutor’s Office. These transformations aim to promote legal uniformity, judicial development, transparency, and effectiveness in criminal proceedings. The themes align with ongoing parliamentary initiatives to constitutionally anchor these judicial components.

    Rather than serving as a concluding event, the congress functions as a foundational element within a broader institutional and parliamentary trajectory. Organizers emphasize that the gathering provides concrete instruments and conceptual frameworks to support decision-making processes regarding judicial modernization. Outcomes and recommendations will be documented in a comprehensive final report that will serve as the basis for subsequent legislation and policy development.

    As a structural follow-up, the National Assembly will establish a Parliamentary Platform for Rule of Law and Constitutional Framework. This platform will facilitate periodic consultation with key judicial actors and monitor reform progress and coherence while fully respecting judicial independence.

  • FAO helps farmers assess investment opportunities and preparedness of protected agriculture farms in Antigua and Barbuda

    FAO helps farmers assess investment opportunities and preparedness of protected agriculture farms in Antigua and Barbuda

    A groundbreaking agricultural development mission has concluded in Antigua and Barbuda, marking a significant step toward modernizing the nation’s farming sector. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, in collaboration with Antigua and Barbuda’s Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries, and the Blue Economy, has successfully completed a comprehensive week-long program designed to transform local protected agriculture operations into financially viable investment opportunities.

    The initiative brought together 15 pioneering farmers alongside more than 20 government officials and private sector representatives. Under the guidance of FAO Agribusiness Finance Specialist Dr. Omardath Maharaj, the program focused on enhancing the economic sustainability of various farming systems including greenhouse, hydroponic, and shade house operations through targeted training sessions, thorough farm assessments, and extensive field interviews.

    This project represents a strategic expansion of previous agricultural development efforts in the region, building upon initiatives addressing water security, nature-based farming solutions, and the Water-Energy-Food Nexus sub-project under the Mexico-CARICOM-FAO Partnership established two years prior to promote climate resilience throughout the Caribbean.

    A cornerstone of the mission was the specialized workshop ‘From Data to Dollars: Building a Profitable & Resilient Farm Business,’ conducted on December 1, 2025, at the Agricultural Extension Division in St. John’s. The session attracted approximately 19 participants including extension officers, agricultural entrepreneurs, and protected agriculture farmers, providing them with essential skills to connect farm records and production costs with investment-ready business planning.

    Market analysis conducted during the mission revealed substantial demand from major buyers including supermarkets and hotels for high-value crops such as tomatoes, lettuce, and bell peppers. These findings were validated through comprehensive farm surveys and stakeholder consultations with key entities including the Antigua and Barbuda Agricultural Development Corporation and Epicurean Fine Foods & Pharmacy.

    Ms. Kathleen Forde of Seasonz Hydroponics Farm, one of the participating farmers, described the training as ‘timely and informative,’ expressing optimism that the acquired knowledge would significantly enhance both her farm operations and the nation’s overall agricultural productivity.

    Mr. Ika Fergus, Acting Chief Extension Officer and FAO National Correspondent, emphasized the mission’s alignment with ministerial objectives, noting that the developed business models provide farmers with clear financial justifications and planning tools necessary for commercialization and investment attraction, particularly in climate-resilient protected systems.

    The project’s next phase, scheduled for completion by February 2026, will involve detailed analysis of collected data to develop five customized business cases. These cases will directly support farmers in securing financing while assisting the Ministry in attracting investments toward building a more sustainable, resilient, and profitable agricultural sector focused on import substitution and improved national livelihoods.

  • PE teachers, players trained as foundation cricket coaches

    PE teachers, players trained as foundation cricket coaches

    In a significant move to bolster cricket development at the grassroots level, the Saint Lucia National Cricket Association (SLNCA) partnered with Cricket West Indies (CWI) to conduct an intensive Foundation Coaching Course this week. The program successfully trained over 40 physical education instructors and active cricketers in fundamental coaching methodologies.

    The workshop featured extensive hands-on practical sessions directed by CWI Coaching Educators Brendon Ramlal and Keshava Ramphal. They were assisted by a team of local coaching experts, including John Eugene, Head Coach of the Saint Lucia Cricket High Performance Centre, alongside accomplished instructors Alton Crafton, Keith Charlery, Craig Emmanuel, and Donald Dave Albert.

    Held on January 19th and 20th, the event attracted more than 30 physical education teachers on its inaugural day, followed by 17 players from the High Performance Centre on the subsequent day. Each day’s agenda included a five-hour interactive practical component from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., enabling attendees to implement skills acquired through prior online modules. This format fostered peer collaboration and provided opportunities for direct, personalized feedback from the leading educators.

    The overarching objective of this initiative is to empower these newly certified coaches to return to their respective schools and local communities to introduce the sport’s fundamentals to young, aspiring athletes. This effort aligns with the SLNCA’s recent expansion of youth competitions, including the introduction of an Under-13 tournament last year and an announced plan by SLNCA President Wayne Auguste to establish an Under-10 cricket league, signaling a clear strategic focus on early-age participation.

    “Cultivating quality players fundamentally starts with cultivating quality coaches,” stated Auguste. “This foundation course for physical education teachers represents a strategic investment in the very bedrock of our grassroots and school cricket ecosystem. By arming our educators with the proper tools, knowledge, and coaching frameworks, we are fortifying the foundation of our player development pathways. This ensures that young cricketers throughout Saint Lucia benefit from consistent, high-caliber instruction from their initial exposure to the sport. This initiative is a testament to SLNCA’s dedication to sustainable development and achieving long-term, high-performance success.”

    This foundational course is a cornerstone of SLNCA’s broader strategic goals to certify a roster of credentialed coaches, solidify its performance pathways for regional and international team selection, and actively promote comprehensive player development across all tiers. Through investing in the training and up-skilling of educators, the association aims to establish a sustainable pipeline of talented coaches and athletes prepared to achieve excellence on local, regional, and global platforms.

  • Good Deeds organisation to launch 2026 national programme

    Good Deeds organisation to launch 2026 national programme

    Saint Lucia is set to officially inaugurate its 2026 Good Deeds Day program with a national launch ceremony scheduled for January 24, 2026. The event will take place at the Finance Administrative Centre from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., marking the beginning of a year-long campaign promoting social responsibility and community engagement.

    This global movement, dedicated to inspiring acts of kindness and civic participation, finds strong representation in Saint Lucia where local organizers have consistently mobilized citizens, organizations, and communities toward positive national impact. The launch ceremony will serve as a strategic gathering point for media representatives, program coordinators, and key stakeholders to unveil the comprehensive 2026 National Good Deeds Day Calendar of Activities.

    The detailed calendar will outline a structured series of initiatives designed to encourage volunteerism, community service, and active citizenship across the island nation throughout the coming year. According to program organizers, the ceremony will feature concise presentations highlighting targeted national initiatives while announcing specific opportunities for public involvement. This structured approach aims to create a coordinated framework for sustainable social impact rather than isolated charitable acts.

    The Good Deeds Day movement has gained international recognition as a transformative force in promoting social cohesion and community development. Saint Lucia’s participation reflects a growing commitment to organized philanthropy and structured volunteerism as essential components of national development.