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  • Manchester United blow lead three times in 4-4 Bournemouth thriller

    Manchester United blow lead three times in 4-4 Bournemouth thriller

    In a Premier League spectacle characterized by offensive brilliance and defensive frailty, Manchester United were held to a dramatic 4-4 draw by a resilient Bournemouth side at Old Trafford on Monday. The result saw United miss a crucial opportunity to climb into fifth place in the league standings, as they repeatedly surrendered hard-earned advantages in a match that delivered eight goals.

    The contest began favorably for the hosts, with Amad Diallo capitalizing on a Djordje Petrovic error to nod into an unguarded net in the 13th minute. Despite United’s commanding attacking display, their defensive vulnerabilities were exposed just before halftime. Antoine Semenyo overpowered Luke Shaw to equalize, only for Casemiro to restore United’s lead in first-half stoppage time with a header that Petrovic should have saved.

    The second half commenced with a stunning Bournemouth blitz. Evanilson needed just 37 seconds to slot home his first goal since August, before Marcus Tavernier’s expertly drilled free-kick completed a rapid turnaround, putting the visitors ahead 3-2.

    United demonstrated characteristic resilience in response. Captain Bruno Fernandes unleashed a magnificent free-kick into the top corner, and Matheus Cunha then swept home to put United back in front at 4-3. However, the lead proved temporary once more. With six minutes remaining, Eli Junior Kroupi delivered a fine finish to secure a deserved share of the points for the Cherries. Bournemouth nearly snatched a sensational victory in stoppage time, but substitute David Brooks was twice denied by superb saves from United goalkeeper Senne Lammens.

    Post-match, United manager Ruben Amorim expressed frustration at more dropped points at home, though he acknowledged a superior performance compared to recent outings. The result leaves United sixth on goal difference, while Bournemouth move up to 13th, ending a seven-game winless streak.

  • Coach David Riley appointed to World Athletics Commission

    Coach David Riley appointed to World Athletics Commission

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—In a significant development for Caribbean athletics, Jamaican track and field expert David Riley has secured a prestigious appointment to the World Athletics Coaches’ Commission. The Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) officially confirmed this elevation on Monday, marking a milestone for the nation’s sporting representation on the global stage.

    Riley, who serves as head coach at Excelsior High School while holding dual roles as World Athletics Global Calendar Liaison and deputy chairman of the Competitions Commission at JAAA, underwent an extensive vetting procedure before his nomination. The JAAA release emphasized that his selection directly recognizes his exceptional work in athletics coaching, educational programs for coaches, and athlete development initiatives spanning both national and international contexts.

    This appointment carries substantial implications for Jamaica’s role in international sports governance. Riley’s position will enable direct Jamaican input into the formulation of global coaching policies, the establishment of international standards, and the creation of athlete development frameworks. The move signals growing Caribbean influence within World Athletics’ decision-making processes.

    JAAA President Garth Gayle celebrated the appointment as a moment of national pride, stating: ‘Coach Riley’s placement on this commission reflects the extraordinary respect that Jamaican coaching professionals command worldwide. It validates the exceptional expertise within our coaching community and guarantees that Jamaica’s distinctive viewpoints and proven methodologies will actively inform the future trajectory of global athlete development and coaching excellence.’

  • Three killed in alleged confrontation with police in St James

    Three killed in alleged confrontation with police in St James

    ST JAMES, Jamaica — A deadly altercation erupted in the Rose Heights community of St James on Monday afternoon, resulting in the deaths of three individuals following an armed confrontation with security personnel. Preliminary reports indicate that members of the security forces were conducting operations in the area when they encountered a group of armed men. The situation escalated into an exchange of gunfire between the two parties. Upon securing the scene, authorities discovered three males sustaining critical gunshot wounds. Emergency medical services promptly transported the injured individuals to a nearby medical facility. Despite receiving urgent medical attention, all three suspects succumbed to their injuries and were pronounced dead at the hospital. The Jamaica Constabulary Force has launched a standard investigation into the incident, which represents the latest in a series of security operations aimed at combating escalating violence in the St James parish. The identities of the deceased remain undisclosed pending formal notification of next of kin. This incident occurs amid ongoing government efforts to address gang-related violence and criminal activities through enhanced security measures across troubled communities in western Jamaica.

  • SLB reports strong uptake of debt reset programme

    SLB reports strong uptake of debt reset programme

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—Jamaica’s Students’ Loan Bureau (SLB) has witnessed substantial engagement with its newly introduced debt relief initiative, with more than 6,000 borrowers successfully registering through the agency’s customer portal since its launch.

    Current data reveals that approximately 3,600 applicants have formally sought enrollment in the debt reset programme. Among these, 800 individuals have applied for arrears credit assistance, while 2,900 have requested the ‘good standing’ credit benefit amounting to $100,000.

    Cheryl Surjue, Director of Client Relationship Management Services, confirmed that nearly 25,000 borrowers are potentially eligible for relief under this temporary initiative designed for targeted loan accounts delinquent as of October 31, 2025.

    The comprehensive debt relief package includes full waiver of late fees and insurance charges, alongside a 50 percent reduction in interest arrears accumulated through October 31, 2025. To qualify for these benefits, borrowers must settle the remaining balance of outstanding arrears within the programme’s designated timeframe.

    During a recent Jamaica Information Service (JIS) ‘Think Tank’ session, Surjue announced that the good standing credit has already been successfully processed and applied to the accounts of onboarded applicants. “Borrowers can immediately verify this credit through their online portal accounts,” she stated.

    Surjue emphasized that programme participants must clear their principal arrears—either through lump-sum payment or scheduled installments—to activate the debt relief benefits. This structured approach enables borrowers to achieve financial reset and resume regular monthly payments.

    Owin Watson, SLB’s Debt Recovery Manager, clarified that borrowers must complete the digital onboarding process at register.slbja.com to access the portal and confirm benefit application. The registration requires Taxpayer Registration Number (TRN) verification and personal information submission including name, email, and telephone number.

    “Upon successful onboarding,” Watson explained, “borrowers gain immediate access to download updated loan statements displaying the applied credits visibly.”

  • Venezuela claims TT complicit in piracy, cancels gas deals

    Venezuela claims TT complicit in piracy, cancels gas deals

    Venezuela has abruptly severed all energy cooperation agreements with Trinidad and Tobago, escalating regional tensions following a disputed oil tanker interception by US forces. The decision was formally announced on December 15 through an official statement shared by Venezuelan Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez.

    The diplomatic rupture stems from Venezuela’s allegation that Trinidadian authorities had prior knowledge of the US military’s December 10 interception of the crude oil tanker ‘Skipper’ off the Venezuelan coast. The vessel, reportedly transporting Venezuelan oil to Cuba, was seized in what Caracas characterizes as ‘an act of piracy violating international law and principles of free navigation.’

    Venezuelan authorities explicitly condemned what they termed Trinidad’s transformation into ‘a US aircraft carrier to attack Venezuela,’ referencing Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s alleged ‘hostile agenda’ since her United National Congress party’s April election victory. The statement further referenced the October 27 termination of the Framework Agreement on Energy Cooperation between the nations.

    Trinidadian leadership has vigorously rejected these allegations. Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar dismissed Venezuela’s claims as ‘false propaganda,’ asserting that complaints should be directed toward the Trump administration rather than Trinidad. She emphasized the nation’s energy self-sufficiency, stating: ‘We have never depended on Venezuela for natural gas supplies. We have adequate reserves within our territory.’

    Energy Minister Dr. Roodal Moonilal echoed these sentiments, characterizing Venezuela’s statement as ‘hypocritical’ given Venezuela’s ongoing engagements with US energy giant Chevron. Both officials identified bureaucratic inefficiencies rather than international relations as the primary constraint on Trinidad’s energy development.

    Opposition leader Stuart Young expressed profound concern regarding the termination’s potential impact on critical cross-border energy projects, particularly the Loran-Manatee field unitization agreement and Shell’s development of the Manatee field scheduled for 2027 production. Young warned this development compounds existing challenges including Nutrien’s closure and the National Gas Company’s failure to negotiate new contracts.

    The incident occurs against the backdrop of Venezuela’s October declaration of Persad-Bissessar as persona non grata following her support for US military deployment in the Caribbean—a move she defends as necessary for combating drug trafficking, while Venezuela maintains US intentions center on regime change.

  • Arima Mayor on attending UNC dinner: Let’s stop the hate politics

    Arima Mayor on attending UNC dinner: Let’s stop the hate politics

    Arima Mayor Balliram Maharaj has publicly addressed the controversy surrounding his appearance at a United National Congress (UNC) fundraising dinner on December 13th, stating his presence was motivated by personal rather than political reasons. The prominent businessman, who was sworn into office in September 2023 as a member of the ruling People’s National Movement (PNM), found himself at the center of social media speculation after photographs emerged showing him alongside Phillip Alexander, Minister in the Ministry of Housing.

    In an exclusive interview, Mayor Maharaj revealed that his attendance stemmed from profound personal loneliness following the passing of his wife nearly five years ago. He attended as a guest of his nephew, who has been his primary companion and support system since becoming widowed. “I reside alone in a large house,” Maharaj explained. “He’s the only one who regularly takes me out. He treats me like a son and looks after my wellbeing.”

    The Mayor acknowledged that he only became aware of the event’s political nature upon arrival but expressed admiration for the organization and execution of the function. Between approximately 8:30 PM and 10:30 PM, he observed attendees questioning his presence given his PNM affiliation. Rather than apologizing, Maharaj used the opportunity to call for an end to divisive partisan politics in Trinidad and Tobago.

    “I believe it is time we move beyond this culture of political hostility,” Maharaj stated. “Political allegiance should not create divisions among our people. After sixty-three years of independence, it is imperative that we focus on building a unified nation where every creed and race occupies an equal place.” He articulated his vision for Trinidad as “one nation, one people, one love” where citizens can collectively enjoy the country’s cultural, religious, and recreational wealth.

    Regarding the controversial photograph with Minister Alexander, Maharaj clarified that the initiative came from the Minister himself. “I am not particularly familiar with him, but we exchanged greetings. He subsequently approached me suggesting we take a picture together, which I agreed to.”

    In a significant revelation, Mayor Maharaj disclosed he is contemplating resignation from his mayoral position to dedicate more time to family. He had initially committed to a two-year term when persuaded by former Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley to contest the 2023 local government elections. Having served twenty-eight months, Maharaj indicated he would evaluate key developmental projects for Arima within the next six months before making a final decision.

    His completion criteria include the establishment of a new Town Hall building, operational Social Welfare and Inland Revenue offices, new facilities for the Election and Boundaries Commission, an administration building, and progress on an indoor sporting complex on O’Meara Road. He emphasized the economic efficiency of consolidating multiple services within existing infrastructure.

    Despite the political controversy, Maharaj continued his official duties by hosting approximately 2,000 children at the Arima Velodrome on December 14th for the Borough Corporation’s annual Christmas celebration. The event featured gift distributions, recreational activities, costume characters, complimentary barber services, and an educational police interaction booth.

  • No merry Christmas for Melissa victims in St Elizabeth

    No merry Christmas for Melissa victims in St Elizabeth

    Residents across western Jamaica are confronting a holiday season overshadowed by destruction and hardship following Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic passage in late October. Multiple communities report extensive damage to homes and businesses, with many families facing Christmas without electricity, adequate shelter, or means to sustain their livelihoods.

    In the Burton district of Lacovia, St. Elizabeth, Jerome Thompson and his partner Atasha Bennett described their severely damaged home where the roof was completely torn off and furniture destroyed. With five children including twin boys, the couple urgently requires building materials and cement to address structural damage and persistent leaks. ‘Our living conditions have become unbearable without electricity,’ Bennett stated, emphasizing the family’s discomfort and displacement.

    Similarly affected is Roy Hutchinson, a double amputee and small business owner in Rocky Hill who operates a tire repair shop and poultry operation. Hutchinson reported substantial business losses due to the prolonged power outage, preventing him from conducting basic repairs or preserving his poultry stock. ‘I lost approximately one hundred chickens—some perished during the storm, others I had to distribute within the community,’ he explained. Despite organizing a fundraising event scheduled for December 19th, Hutchinson acknowledged the ongoing challenges of high feed costs and diminished customer activity.

    The hurricane’s impact extends to elderly residents like 64-year-old Hortense Ford of Parottee, whose two-bedroom home—originally provided by charity organization Food For The Poor—was completely destroyed. Now residing temporarily with relatives, Ford emotionally recounted losing all her possessions and facing Christmas without employment or financial resources. During the storm, Ford, her daughter, and two grandsons narrowly escaped rising floodwaters that inundated their coastal community. She expressed desire to relocate to safer ground near the roadside rather than rebuild on the flood-prone property.

    Despite these dire circumstances, glimmers of resilience emerge. Hutchinson noted his gratitude for life and health, stating: ‘I remain thankful that I can still move around and function daily.’ Community solidarity has manifested through shared resources and emergency shelter arrangements, though residents unanimously emphasize the critical need for structural support, electrical restoration, and construction materials to rebuild their shattered lives.

  • Trinidad Gov’t gives green light for US military aircraft to transit local airspace

    Trinidad Gov’t gives green light for US military aircraft to transit local airspace

    PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – A significant political dispute has erupted in Trinidad and Tobago following the government’s approval for United States military aircraft to utilize local airspace. The controversy emerged when former Caribbean Community (Caricom) and Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Amery Browne characterized an official government statement as deliberately misleading.

    The Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs had announced Monday that approval was granted for U.S. military transit operations “in the coming weeks,” describing these movements as logistical support missions focused on supply replenishment and routine personnel relations. The statement emphasized Trinidad’s ongoing security partnership with the United States.

    However, Browne presented a starkly different interpretation during a radio interview, asserting that “this was a very deceptive media release by the government.” The former minister contended that “never before has our country given blanket permission for unspecified foreign military aircraft to use the airports and airspace of Trinidad and Tobago in the build-up to a regime change war.”

    Browne expressed particular concern about the timing and context, noting that Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has consistently supported U.S. military operations in the Caribbean despite regional objections. This position contrasts sharply with other Caricom members who maintain the region should remain a “zone of peace” while acknowledging cooperation on narcotics interdiction.

    The government, through Foreign Minister Sean Sobers, maintains that engagement with the U.S. Embassy remains constructive and focused on mutual security interests. Sobers reiterated the administration’s commitment to “cooperation and collaboration in the pursuit of safety and security for Trinidad and Tobago and the wider region.”

    The Ministry highlighted tangible benefits from the security partnership, including joint military training exercises, enhanced surveillance capabilities through advanced radar systems, and successful narcotics interdiction efforts worth millions of dollars.

    Browne concluded with a broader criticism, accusing the government of abandoning Trinidad’s traditional neutral foreign policy and diminishing the nation’s regional standing through its alignment with U.S. military objectives.

  • South America market still strong post-Melissa, says Bartlett

    South America market still strong post-Melissa, says Bartlett

    JAMAICA — Jamaica’s tourism sector is demonstrating remarkable resilience with South American markets driving a powerful post-hurricane recovery, according to Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett. While North American arrivals have experienced temporary adjustments, South American visitor numbers have not only rebounded but exceeded pre-Hurricane Melissa levels with a sustained 77% increase.

    Minister Bartlett, speaking during a sector update at Ocean Coral Spring Hotel following a tour of Falmouth attractions, revealed significant airlift expansions from South America. Copa Airlines has substantially increased its weekly flights to Jamaica, now operating 10 weekly flights to Montego Bay alongside 5 to Kingston—exceeding pre-hurricane capacity by two additional flights.

    “This expansion represents a strong vote of confidence in our destination’s recovery,” Bartlett stated. “Our air seats are adequately aligned with current capacity, and the sustained momentum from South American markets indicates robust demand.”

    European markets remain strong according to the Minister, with the United Kingdom maintaining particularly powerful performance. North American markets (United States and Canada) are showing signs of rebounding as room inventory increases, with full recovery anticipated by 2026.

    The destination has welcomed approximately 300,000 visitors within a short period post-Melissa, positioning Jamaica for what Bartlett describes as a “V-shaped recovery.” Attractions across the island from Morant Point along the northern coastal area are fully operational.

    Hoteliers confirm the positive trend, with Ocean Coral Spring and Ocean Eden Bay General Manager Rudy Richardson reporting strong demand pressures. “We’re currently operating at 85% of our 954-room inventory with sales teams pushing for 100% capacity,” Richardson noted. The property maintained continuous operations throughout the hurricane period with all 1,250 staff retained.

    Final touch-up works are underway across properties, ensuring rooms meet quality standards before availability. The sustained airlift expansion and strong market performance indicate Jamaica’s tourism sector is exceeding recovery expectations.

  • Bellevue Hospital urges families to bring loved ones home for Christmas

    Bellevue Hospital urges families to bring loved ones home for Christmas

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – In a heartfelt holiday appeal, Bellevue Hospital is urging Jamaican families to reunite with relatives undergoing treatment and to welcome home those who have been medically discharged but remain institutionalized due to lack of family support.

    The psychiatric facility emphasized in a recent statement that familial involvement significantly accelerates healing and recovery. This call comes as households across Jamaica prepare for festive gatherings, gift exchanges, and shared meals—traditions that stand in stark contrast to the experience of numerous Bellevue patients who face the holiday season in isolation, without visits or even phone calls.

    Hospital authorities revealed that among their current residents are clinically stable individuals who have been fully discharged yet continue to reside at the facility simply because they have nowhere to go. These patients remain hospitalized not for medical reasons but due to the absence of family support networks desperately needed for their reintegration into society.

    CEO Suzette Buchanan, during recent ward inspections, encountered multiple discharged patients clinging to the hope of family reunification before Christmas. She observed, ‘With mere days remaining before the holidays, many of our patients would cherish even a single visit from loved ones this year.’

    Buchanan added with emotional resonance, ‘Those cleared for discharge have literally packed their bags. Their eyes reflect profound sadness and heartache as they yearn to celebrate Christmas where they truly belong—at home surrounded by family. A simple visit or taking them home could represent the most transformative healing gift they might receive this season.’

    The hospital has undertaken substantial facility improvements to facilitate meaningful family reconnections. Recently refurbished areas, including the newly inaugurated Leon Bailey Family Room, provide warm and comfortable environments designed specifically for family interactions. These thoughtfully designed spaces aim to help rebuild strained or lost connections, embodying the Christmas values of hope, grace, and the fundamental belief that every individual deserves to feel valued and remembered.