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  • WATCH: More than two dozen Haitians detained in Portmore

    WATCH: More than two dozen Haitians detained in Portmore

    Jamaican law enforcement officials have apprehended a group of Haitian nationals during a targeted operation in the Edgewater community of Portmore, St Catherine. The incident occurred on Monday evening when police units, acting on intelligence reports, conducted a raid at a specified location where the migrants were reportedly residing.

    While authorities have not released an official count, preliminary reports indicate approximately 32 individuals were taken into custody during the operation. The detainees were subsequently transported to the Greater Portmore Police Station for processing, where representatives from Jamaica’s Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency conducted initial immigration status evaluations.

    The legal status of the detained individuals remains uncertain as investigations continue. It has not been confirmed whether formal charges have been filed against any of the Haitian nationals. This operation occurs amid ongoing regional concerns regarding migration patterns from Haiti, which has experienced prolonged political instability and security challenges.

    Jamaica maintains specific immigration protocols for Haitian nationals, requiring proper documentation for legal entry and residence. The Caribbean nation has periodically addressed similar situations involving undocumented migrants from its neighboring country, typically processing such cases through established immigration channels rather than criminal courts unless other violations are discovered.

  • Cruise-ship visitors enjoy Trinidad: No war here

    Cruise-ship visitors enjoy Trinidad: No war here

    Despite escalating geopolitical tensions in the region, the Coral Princess cruise ship made its inaugural visit to Port of Spain on December 2nd, marking the official commencement of Trinidad and Tobago’s 2025-2026 cruise season. The vessel arrived with approximately 1,900 passengers, generating over 500 bookings for local heritage tours and creating vibrant activity throughout the port complex.

    International visitors expressed overwhelming satisfaction with their Trinidad experience, contradicting potential safety concerns. American first-time visitor Allan Franklin acknowledged initial hesitations but reported, ‘This is a beautiful, peaceful place. The people are nice, the food is good. I would definitely come back.’ UK tourist Edwin Parker similarly noted, ‘I don’t see any real danger. You can’t let world events stop you from having a good time and seeing new places.’

    German repeat visitor Gisela Bach, who previously attended Carnival celebrations, brought her parents to experience Caribbean culture. ‘I fell in love with this place, the culture, the people,’ she affirmed. ‘Trinidad is still Trinidad—a place I like to visit with friends I consider family.’

    Tourism officials revealed ambitious development plans to enhance the country’s competitive position. Works and Infrastructure Minister Jearlean John disclosed discussions with UAE port operators regarding a revitalization blueprint that includes developing 142 acres of port land into improved cruise terminals and marinas. ‘We are about to free that up to ensure we are extremely competitive not only against our fellow Caribbean islands but against the world,’ Minister John stated.

    The current season anticipates significant economic impact, with Trinidad scheduled to receive 16 cruise calls carrying approximately 40,000 visitors, while Tobago expects 41 calls with 48,000 visitors. Permanent Secretary Abigail Byrnoe emphasized that these numbers translate to tangible benefits: ‘They represent taxi drivers earning a living, artisans selling their craft, and restaurants serving our cuisine. Tourism is a pillar of growth and a catalyst of national development.’

    Port Authority officials confirmed terminal enhancements and facility repairs have been completed to strengthen visitor capacity, demonstrating the nation’s commitment to establishing itself as a premier global cruise destination.

  • NET urges coordinated donor support for schools recovering from Hurricane Melissa

    NET urges coordinated donor support for schools recovering from Hurricane Melissa

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the wake of October’s devastating Category Five Hurricane Melissa, the National Education Trust (NET) is making a strategic appeal to donors and humanitarian partners. The agency, operating under the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, is urging all recovery assistance to be channeled through its centralized coordination system to maximize efficiency and impact.

    Executive Director Latoya Harris-Ghartey articulated the critical need for a unified approach, stating that coordinated support is essential for targeting the most severely affected educational institutions while aligning with national recovery objectives. NET’s unique governmental positioning provides donors with data-driven guidance informed by real-time assessments and policy directives.

    Highlighting additional financial incentives, Harris-Ghartey emphasized NET’s registered charity status, which offers donors significant benefits including tax relief and customs waivers. The agency is collaborating with the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) to ensure cost-efficient procurement through vetted brokers, guaranteeing that ‘donors get the most bang for their buck.’

    The cornerstone of NET’s approach is its comprehensive database of hurricane-impacted schools, meticulously compiled through damage assessment surveys. This system enables precise tracking of needs and prevents redundant efforts by directing donors to institutions with unmet requirements. While acknowledging some partners prefer direct school support, NET is implementing enhanced monitoring mechanisms to capture all recovery activities across the education sector.

    Donors retain the flexibility to designate contributions to specific institutions, with NET maintaining rigorous accountability protocols. The agency provides detailed reporting on fund utilization, undergoes annual independent audits, and publishes comprehensive activity reports, ensuring full transparency for all cash and in-kind donations.

  • JLP communication task force to step up efforts in war on misinformation—Morgan

    JLP communication task force to step up efforts in war on misinformation—Morgan

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—In a forceful declaration against fabricated narratives, Jamaican government officials have launched a comprehensive counteroffensive against politically motivated disinformation. Marlon Morgan, a prominent senator and key member of the Jamaica Labour Party’s (JLP) Communications Taskforce, articulated the party’s uncompromising stance against systematic attempts to undermine democratic institutions through false information campaigns.

    Morgan identified a recent social media fabrication alleging that Maroon community members in Accompong, St. Elizabeth received ‘paint water’ for domestic use as a particularly egregious example of malicious misinformation. He characterized such efforts as deliberate assaults on Jamaica’s international reputation and domestic stability that transcend acceptable political discourse.

    The JLP communications apparatus has committed to intensifying its fact-verification mechanisms, particularly during ongoing recovery operations from Hurricane Melissa’s devastation. Morgan emphasized the critical distinction between robust political debate and coordinated deception campaigns, noting that while the party welcomes ideological competition, it will not tolerate character assassination or public mischief masquerading as free speech.

    This initiative represents a strategic pivot toward ensuring public access to rigorously verified information, with the communications taskforce pledging to amplify factual, constructive narratives throughout Jamaican media ecosystems. The effort underscores growing global concerns about information integrity in democratic processes and institutional credibility.

  • Same day processing of driver’s licence on hold says TAJ

    Same day processing of driver’s licence on hold says TAJ

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) has announced ongoing technical complications that are significantly impairing its ability to process same-day driver’s licenses. The government agency confirmed that these service disruptions emerged following a recent scheduled maintenance operation, which has had unintended consequences across its entire network of tax offices.

    The technical malfunction is currently affecting both new applications and renewal procedures for driver’s licenses. However, TAJ officials emphasized that all other services remain fully operational, including standard tax payment processing and various motor vehicle transaction services that are unrelated to license issuance.

    In response to these operational challenges, TAJ has issued specific interim guidelines for motorists. Applicants must submit a completed driver’s license application form accompanied by an uncertified passport-sized photograph. Additionally, they must present proof of payment—whether transactions were completed physically at tax offices or through the agency’s digital portal.

    To mitigate inconvenience for drivers, TAJ has implemented a temporary grace period policy. Motorists are permitted to legally operate vehicles using their expired driver’s license alongside the official payment receipt for a duration of up to 60 days. The administration has committed to notifying affected customers directly once their printed driver’s licenses are prepared for collection at designated offices.

    The agency continues to work on resolving the technical issues but has not provided a specific timeline for full system restoration. Customers are advised to monitor official TAJ communication channels for further updates regarding service normalization.

  • Diego man charged with threats to kill Senator

    Diego man charged with threats to kill Senator

    A 48-year-old resident of Diego Martin, Trinidad, now faces serious criminal charges following a disturbing social media threat investigation targeting Senator Dr. Amery Browne. Law enforcement officials have formally charged the individual with three counts of making death threats and four counts of misusing electronic communication devices.

    The case originated on November 19 when Senator Browne discovered explicit threats posted by an unidentified Facebook user on his personal profile. The threatening comments, which appeared in response to the Senator’s public posts from November 8-9, contained specific threats against both Browne and his children. According to investigative reports, the victim confirmed having no previous acquaintance or connection with the suspect.

    In a significant development, the alleged perpetrator voluntarily surrendered himself to authorities at the West End Police Station. The formal charges were subsequently filed by W/Cpl Cobb of the Criminal Investigations Department (Area East), marking a swift response to the digital threats.

    The investigation received top-level oversight from senior police officials including Snr Supt Thom, Superintendent Baird, and ASP Mongroo. The operational team was supervised by Insp Durga, Sgt Bhagwandeen, and Sgt Masleir, demonstrating the priority given to cases involving threats against public officials.

    This case highlights growing concerns about the misuse of social media platforms for targeted harassment and threats against political figures, prompting discussions about enhanced digital security measures for public servants.

  • Windies grab nine wickets on Day one of 1st N/Zealand Test

    Windies grab nine wickets on Day one of 1st N/Zealand Test

    In a compelling display of pace bowling under overcast conditions, the West Indies cricket team seized control on a rain-interrupted first day of the opening Test against New Zealand at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on December 2, 2025. The visitors’ decision to bowl first proved immediately rewarding as veteran pacer Kemar Roach struck in the very first over, dismissing Devon Conway for a duck with a catch at second slip.

    The New Zealand innings struggled to gain momentum throughout the day, eventually stuttering to 231 for nine at stumps. Captain Kane Williamson provided the most substantial resistance with a composed 52, while Michael Bracewell contributed a valuable 47. Their efforts, however, were consistently undermined by a disciplined West Indian bowling attack that capitalized on favorable swinging conditions.

    Jamaican debutant Ojay Shields emerged as a standout performer, claiming two crucial wickets for 34 runs in an impressive introduction to Test cricket. His first Test wicket came when he clean-bowled Tom Blundell for 29, this time avoiding the no-ball that had earlier denied him Williamson’s wicket. All-rounder Justin Greaves provided excellent support with two wickets for 35 runs, including the prized scalp of Williamson shortly after he reached his half-century.

    The day’s proceedings concluded dramatically when last man Jacob Duffy was struck on the helmet by a Roach bouncer, prompting the umpires to suspend play due to deteriorating light conditions. With Shields, Greaves, and Roach leading the attack, the West Indies will resume day two in a commanding position, needing just one wicket to conclude the New Zealand innings.

  • From The Grove to Mount Fitzwilliam – ‘Mother’ Pratt opens doors to her life story

    From The Grove to Mount Fitzwilliam – ‘Mother’ Pratt opens doors to her life story

    The historic family residence of Governor General Dame Cynthia ‘Mother’ Pratt has been ceremoniously inaugurated as a permanent museum honoring her extraordinary life journey. Government officials and community representatives assembled yesterday for the unveiling of the Dame Cynthia ‘Mother’ Pratt Legacy Hall, housed within the very home where The Bahamas’ first female Deputy Prime Minister spent her formative years.

    Located on Sixth Street, Poinciana Avenue, the property known as The Grove now serves as a meticulously curated repository of photographs, personal artifacts, and historical exhibits documenting Dame Cynthia’s evolution from humble beginnings to becoming the nation’s head of state. The Governor General described the museum’s establishment as the realization of a ‘lifelong dream,’ emphasizing its role in preserving her narrative of perseverance, faith, and purposeful living.

    The opening ceremony featured musical performances by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Band and students from three inner-city schools adjacent to the gubernatorial residence. Personal testimonials from family members, including her daughter, highlighted Dame Cynthia’s resilience and leadership qualities.

    In remarkably candid reflections, Dame Cynthia recounted her childhood in a household of sixteen children where food scarcity was commonplace. She narrated Sundays when a single chicken had to be distributed among all siblings, leaving her—as the thirteenth child—to hope for remaining portions. She described foraging in plum and dilly trees for sustenance and sometimes facing the choice between consuming insect-contaminated rice or going hungry.

    The Governor General shared poignant memories of her mother, an illiterate straw vendor, and her own experiences singing for tourists in exchange for nickels to purchase lunch. One particularly moving account involved a Canadian couple she met as a child while guiding them to a local hotel. So captivated by her spirit, the couple spent two decades attempting to locate her with intentions of adoption, only to discover she had already become a Member of Parliament.

    Dame Cynthia’s distinguished athletic career was also highlighted, including her leadership of the Bahamas women’s national softball team to a bronze medal at the 1981 World Games in Santa Clara, California—where she earned the enduring nickname ‘Mother.’ She additionally competed on the National Basketball and Netball Teams before assuming her current role as Governor-General on September 1, 2023.

    In her inaugural address last year, she emphasized her maternal approach to governance: ‘As a mother my eyes and ears are always open to the needs of our young people and the importance of doing all we can to uplift them.’

  • It’s time! Masicka, Tommy Lee kick off dancehall’s ‘war season’ with potent diss tracks

    It’s time! Masicka, Tommy Lee kick off dancehall’s ‘war season’ with potent diss tracks

    The dancehall scene has erupted into full-scale lyrical warfare as two of Jamaica’s most prominent artists, Masicka and Tommy Lee Sparta, exchange blistering diss tracks in what fans are calling the official start of the genre’s ‘war season.’ The escalating conflict began when Tommy Lee Sparta launched the opening salvo with his single ‘Control,’ released Monday afternoon, directly challenging Masicka’s credibility and status within the dancehall hierarchy. In his track, Tommy Lee dismissed Masicka as insignficant mosquito lacking authentic street credentials while warning him against comparing himself to Vybz Kartel, the recently crowned ‘King of Dancehall.’ The reference addressed circulating rumors about tensions between Kartel and Masicka, though neither artist has confirmed any direct conflict. Masicka responded with devastating efficiency early Tuesday morning through his five-minute lyrical counterattack titled ‘Vain.’ The Genasyde Records leader declared himself the ‘GOAT’ (Greatest of All Time) while strategically distancing himself from what he characterized as demonic associations—a clear reference to Tommy Lee’s ‘Uncle Demon’ persona. In his meticulously crafted response, Masicka accused the Spartan artist of riding Vybz Kartel’s coattails following his incarceration and revealed that he had rejected collaboration requests from Tommy Lee during his 2021-2023 imprisonment. The most cutting blow came when Masicka suggested his teenage son enjoys a superior lifestyle to that of the Sparta boss, implying Tommy Lee’s career has become ‘watered-down.’ The brewing tensions between their respective fan bases—Genasyde supporters and Gaza loyalists—reportedly intensified following Reggae Sumfest where Vybz Kartel received his official coronation as dancehall royalty. Masicka’s declaration during his performance that it would be his final appearance at the summer show, coupled with his self-proclamation as the ‘greatest of all time,’ created the perfect storm for the current feud. Both camps are now celebrating their artist’s verbal prowess while advocating for the conflict to remain strictly musical rather than physical. The dancehall community has largely welcomed the explosive exchange as a necessary injection of excitement into the scene, particularly as the Christmas season approaches. Social media platforms have erupted with commentary from enthusiastic fans who view the showdown as a return to dancehall’s classic era of competitive artistry.

  • 10 ways to volunteer this Christmas to support Jamaicans impacted by Melissa

    10 ways to volunteer this Christmas to support Jamaicans impacted by Melissa

    In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa’s devastating passage through Jamaica, a nationwide call for volunteerism has emerged as communities enter the Christmas season. The catastrophic weather event has created unprecedented needs across the island, prompting both governmental and non-governmental organizations to coordinate large-scale relief efforts during what is traditionally a period of giving and community solidarity.

    The reconstruction initiative encompasses multiple tiers of engagement, from hyperlocal assistance to nationally coordinated programs. Neighborhood churches and community groups are organizing food distribution campaigns, structural repairs, and emotional support services for affected families. Corporate entities have activated their seasonal volunteer programs, facilitating employee participation in rebuilding projects and donation drives through human resources departments.

    Governmental coordination occurs through Support Jamaica, an official digital platform that connects vetted volunteers with structured opportunities in disaster response, social services, and community development. Simultaneously, international humanitarian organizations have established significant operations on the ground. Food For the Poor Jamaica continues its critical work in housing construction and sustenance distribution, while World Central Kitchen maintains its emergency feeding operations requiring assistance with meal preparation and delivery logistics.

    The American Friends of Jamaica collaborates with local partners to address educational, healthcare, and disaster relief needs, welcoming volunteers for reconstruction projects. Jamaica Red Cross remains instrumental in emergency response, providing shelter support, first aid, and community preparedness training. The Salvation Army continues its tradition of offering emergency provisions including food, clean water, and temporary housing to displaced families.

    For those seeking formal disaster management roles, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management operates the National Disaster Risk Management Volunteer Programme, focusing on preparedness education, damage assessment, and relief coordination. Alternatively, individuals can pursue direct assistance through personalized ‘adopt-a-family’ initiatives, such as that pioneered by Westmoreland Eastern MP Dr. Dayton Campbell, which connects donors with severely affected households for targeted support with groceries, educational materials, and home repairs.

    This comprehensive volunteer mobilization represents a critical component of Jamaica’s recovery strategy, harnessing the collective power of civic engagement to address both immediate humanitarian needs and long-term reconstruction requirements following natural disaster.