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  • St Lucian is first English-speaking Caribbean native to gain MD from Morocco

    St Lucian is first English-speaking Caribbean native to gain MD from Morocco

    In an unprecedented academic achievement, Dr. Kerrone Courtney Stanislaus has etched his name in the annals of Caribbean educational history by becoming the first English-speaking Caribbean national to earn a Doctor of Medicine degree from Morocco’s prestigious Mohammed V University in Rabat. The historic graduation ceremony took place on February 13, 2026, marking the culmination of years of rigorous medical training and research.

    The Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission confirmed that Dr. Stanislaus represents multiple firsts: the inaugural medical graduate from Saint Lucia, the pioneering citizen from the Eastern Caribbean region, and the first English-speaking Caribbean student to achieve this distinguished qualification from the North African kingdom.

    Dr. Stanislaus’s doctoral research broke new ground in oncology support care with his thesis titled “The Impact of Physical Exercise Therapy on Cancer Patients: Clinicians’ Perspective.” His innovative work exploring how structured physical activity interventions can improve treatment outcomes and quality of life for cancer patients earned him the university’s prestigious thesis graduation award.

    This milestone achievement symbolizes the strengthening educational partnership between Morocco and Caribbean nations. Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Stanislaus expressed profound gratitude to the Moroccan government for their hospitality and educational support system. “My heartfelt appreciation goes to the Kingdom of Morocco for its generosity and for offering an enriching educational environment that made this achievement possible,” he stated.

    The personal dimension of his success was equally poignant. Dr. Stanislaus dedicated his accomplishment to his late mother, who had passionately supported his medical aspirations but passed away at the beginning of his academic journey. “I want to dedicate this moment to my mother, who invested everything in me becoming a doctor, but she just wasn’t here to see it happen,” he shared emotionally.

    This pioneering achievement underscores Morocco’s expanding educational outreach to the Caribbean region. Annually, the North African nation offers up to 20 fully-funded scholarships to each OECS member state for undergraduate and master’s level studies. Currently, over 100 students from Eastern Caribbean nations are pursuing various disciplines in Moroccan institutions, including approximately 32 in medical and pharmaceutical fields.

    The application window for these scholarships runs from May to July each year, providing valuable opportunities for students from Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to access world-class education through this bilateral educational partnership.

  • Small craft, high surf advisory remains in effect for Barbados

    Small craft, high surf advisory remains in effect for Barbados

    Barbados remains under an extended marine hazard alert as meteorologists warn of persistently dangerous ocean conditions continuing through the coming week. The Barbados Meteorological Service (BMS) has maintained both small craft and high surf advisories due to threatening marine patterns developing from a significant low-pressure system in the central Atlantic.

    Ocean swells measuring between 2.0 to 3.0 metres (8-10 feet) are creating hazardous conditions for maritime activities and coastal areas. These powerful northerly swells present substantial risks to smaller vessels and beachfront infrastructure. The meteorological agency emphasized the increased potential for loss of life, injuries, and property damage along the island’s coastline.

    According to the BMS release, the turbulent conditions are expected to persist due to a developing Atlantic high-pressure system that will maintain strong surface winds and continued sea agitation. Beach erosion has been reported across numerous coastal areas, with many beaches completely submerged, particularly along cliff bases and during high tide cycles.

    The advisory specifically cautions small craft operators about the operational challenges posed by large open-water swells, while warning beachgoers of dangerous breaking waves. Authorities recommend using only beaches with active lifeguard supervision and securing all loose coastal property.

    The meteorological service will reassess the situation on Saturday, February 28th at 6:00 a.m., or earlier if marine conditions significantly change. The current alert criteria involve sustained winds of 20-25 knots, sea swells of 2.5-3.0 metres, and/or reduced visibility forecasts within 36-hour periods.

  • Antigua and Barbuda to debate immigration amnesty bill within weeks

    Antigua and Barbuda to debate immigration amnesty bill within weeks

    The Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda is poised to implement a groundbreaking immigration amnesty initiative following parliamentary approval of legislative amendments. Prime Minister Gaston Browne’s administration has confirmed that Parliament will convene within the forthcoming fortnight to deliberate on substantial revisions to the Immigration and Passport Act of 2014.

    Cabinet members will initially examine the proposed legal modifications before presenting them to the legislative body. This strategic overhaul aims to establish a robust juridical foundation for normalizing the status of specific undocumented immigrants who have maintained prolonged residence in the country. The program specifically targets individuals who entered through legal channels but have resided without regularized status for a minimum of four years.

    The regularization window will remain open for ninety days, spanning from April 1 to June 30, 2026, during which qualifying persons may submit applications. Additionally, the legislation incorporates provisions addressing those who marginally missed citizenship eligibility due to brief interruptions in lawful residency.

    Government spokespersons emphasize that the amnesty constitutes a meticulously regulated process rather than an indiscriminate pardon. Explicit exclusions apply to individuals deemed threats to national security or public safety, applicants furnishing fraudulent information, and those under active deportation orders or international arrest warrants.

    The administration characterizes this measure as a structured endeavor to enhance compliance with immigration statutes while reinforcing national security protocols. Officials project that upon legislative endorsement, the regularization process will commence promptly, potentially affecting thousands of long-term residents seeking legal conformity.

  • Fabrienne Foster sets North Texas record to win women’s weight throw

    Fabrienne Foster sets North Texas record to win women’s weight throw

    BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Collegiate indoor track and field championships witnessed a series of extraordinary performances and dramatic turns this weekend. Fabrienne Foster of North Texas emerged as a standout athlete, shattering both the school record and her personal best with a monumental throw of 19.57 meters in the women’s weight throw at the American Conference Indoor Championships. Her achievement eclipsed the previous school mark of 19.25m, set earlier this year by Allison Stigarll, and surpassed her own prior best by nearly half a meter.

    Meanwhile, at the Big 12 Indoor Championships hosted by Texas Tech University, Annishka McDonald soared to new heights, establishing a personal best and school record by clearing 1.84 meters in the women’s high jump. In a contrasting moment of drama at the SEC Indoors in College Station, Texas, University of Georgia’s Shaquena Foote faced a harsh disqualification from the women’s 400m preliminaries for an alleged lane violation on the opening lap. Her teammate, Dejanea Oakley, provided a silver lining for the Bulldogs by advancing to the final with a swift time of 52.07 seconds.

    Additional notable results included Corey Ottey (University of South Florida) capturing third in the men’s high jump with 2.05m, Carleta Bernard (University of Texas) dominating her 60m heat in 7.25 seconds to qualify for two individual finals, and Daniel Beckford (Northern Colorado) securing a spot in the men’s 60m hurdle final at the Big Sky Championships.

  • Mount Pleasant to face LA Galaxy in Concacaf Champions League

    Mount Pleasant to face LA Galaxy in Concacaf Champions League

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—In a highly anticipated cross-league showdown, Jamaican football club Mount Pleasant FA will confront American powerhouse LA Galaxy in the Round of 16 of the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup. The fixture pairing, confirmed this week, sets the stage for a compelling two-leg confrontation between the reigning Caribbean Cup holders and the multi-time MLS title winners.

    Having secured an automatic berth into the tournament’s knockout phase by virtue of their regional championship victory, Mount Pleasant FA bypassed the initial round. The Theodore Whitmore-led squad is scheduled to commence the home-and-away series with an away match at LA Galaxy’s home ground in Los Angeles on March 11. The decisive return leg will be hosted a week later on March 19 at the National Stadium in Kingston, offering Jamaican supporters a pivotal home-field advantage.

    The aggregate victor of this clash will progress to the tournament’s quarterfinal stage, where they will encounter the winning side from another North American duel between Mexico’s Deportivo Toluca FC and the MLS’s newest expansion franchise, San Diego FC.

  • Sagicor X Fund delivers historic year, surpassing billion-dollar profit mark

    Sagicor X Fund delivers historic year, surpassing billion-dollar profit mark

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – Sagicor Real Estate X Fund Limited has concluded its 2025 fiscal year with unprecedented financial results, announcing a record-breaking net profit of J$1.01 billion. This achievement marks a staggering 121 percent year-over-year growth, positioning the fund as a standout performer in the Caribbean real estate investment sector.

    The remarkable performance was primarily fueled by a 70 percent surge in net profits from core operations, which escalated from J$454.02 million to J$772 million. This substantial growth underscores the effectiveness of the fund’s strategic initiatives and operational excellence.

    A key driver of this success was the fund’s strategic expansion of its direct real estate portfolio, including a significant investment property acquisition in September 2024. This move dramatically improved commercial operations’ profit contribution, which soared to 11.2 percent from negative 7 percent the previous year.

    The hospitality division emerged as another powerful earnings engine, with the DoubleTree Orlando property reporting a 36 percent increase in net profit to J$659.42 million. Enhanced occupancy levels and elevated average daily rates, coupled with effective cost management strategies, contributed significantly to this performance.

    Additional operating activities generated profits of J$236.31 million, representing substantial growth of J$233.62 million year-over-year. These gains were attributed to favorable fair value adjustments, foreign exchange advantages, and capital gains from investment note redemptions.

    Howard Mitchell, Chairman of Sagicor Real Estate X Fund Limited, emphasized that these results stem from deliberate strategic decisions rather than temporary market conditions. ‘Surpassing the billion-dollar net profit mark confirms that our strategy is working, our portfolio is resilient, and our focus on disciplined growth creates meaningful shareholder value,’ Mitchell stated.

    The fund’s financial strength was further demonstrated through earnings per share reaching J$0.45 – a 125 percent increase from the previous year’s J$0.20 – and operating cash flows of J$922.59 million. Despite challenges including Hurricane Melissa’s impact in Jamaica, the fund maintained minimal exposure (1 percent) to Jamaican real estate through Sigma holdings, highlighting its diversified risk approach.

    Mitchell expressed optimism for future prospects, noting the continued benefits from international tourism recovery, stable investment yields, and high occupancy rates across the portfolio. The fund remains committed to pursuing opportunities that meet return thresholds while supporting regional recovery efforts.

  • Paramount acquires Warner Bros. in US$110 billion mega-merger

    Paramount acquires Warner Bros. in US$110 billion mega-merger

    NEW YORK—In a landmark transaction reshaping the global media landscape, Paramount Skydance has emerged victorious in acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery for a total enterprise value of $110 billion. The deal, announced Thursday, concludes an intense five-month bidding war that saw streaming giant Netflix withdraw from negotiations after declining to match Paramount’s final offer.

    The merger creates an unprecedented entertainment conglomerate, combining Paramount’s assets with Warner Bros. Discovery’s extensive portfolio. The new entity will control some of the world’s most recognizable media brands, including CNN, HBO, Nickelodeon, and powerhouse franchises such as Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, the DC Universe, Mission Impossible, and SpongeBob SquarePants.

    Under the acquisition terms, Paramount will pay $31.00 per share in cash for all outstanding Warner Bros. Discovery shares, representing an equity valuation of $81 billion. The transaction, which includes assumption of debt, has received unanimous approval from both companies’ boards of directors, with expected closure scheduled for the third quarter of 2026.

    Paramount Chairman and CEO David Ellison stated the strategic move was ‘guided by a clear purpose: to honor the legacy of two iconic companies while accelerating our vision of building a next-generation media and entertainment company.’

    The merger’s significance extends beyond corporate consolidation, raising questions about political connections and regulatory scrutiny. The Ellison family, which will control the expanded media empire, maintains notable political ties—Larry Ellison, Oracle billionaire and father of Paramount’s CEO, is a longstanding ally of former President Donald Trump. Both Paramount and Netflix had reportedly sought favor with the current administration during bidding negotiations.

    Financing arrangements include backing from three Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds (Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi), potentially attracting additional regulatory examination. Paramount has proactively addressed regulatory concerns by offering a $7 billion termination fee should the deal fail to clear regulatory hurdles, while also covering the $2.8 billion breakup fee Warner Bros. Discovery owed Netflix upon terminating their previous agreement.

  • ‘Doubt the doubt’: Phylicia Rashad urges Jamaican women and girls to push forward

    ‘Doubt the doubt’: Phylicia Rashad urges Jamaican women and girls to push forward

    In a powerful address that moved attendees to tears, acclaimed actress Phylicia Rashad delivered an inspirational message to Jamaican women at the ‘Women of Vision: A Visionary Salon’ event hosted by Plie for the Arts. The February 27, 2026 gathering at Jamaica Pegasus hotel formed part of the organization’s decade-long celebration of artistic excellence.

    The cultural icon, renowned for her groundbreaking role as Clair Huxtable on The Cosby Show, braved severe winter conditions in New York to reach Jamaica, demonstrating her commitment to the cause. During her emotional speech, Rashad emphasized spiritual connectivity and life purpose, stating: ‘I’m so privileged to be with you all today. I love seeing the sunshine in every face I see.’

    When young women expressed their anxieties about future aspirations, Rashad offered transformative advice: ‘There’s no challenge that’s greater than you. You are equal to it.’ She urged the audience to cultivate internal courage, practice patience, and persist without surrender. To one student grappling with self-doubt about her ambitions, the actress counseled simply: ‘Doubt the doubt.’

    The event showcased Jamaica’s most accomplished women across diverse sectors, with twelve exceptional leaders receiving 2026 Women of Vision honors. Among them were Olympic champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Scotia Group CEO Audrey Tugwell Henry, master blender Joy Spence, and Supreme Court Justice Simone Wolfe-Reece.

    A distinguished panel featuring Tugwell Henry, architect Isiaa Madden, shipping executive Corah Ann Robertson-Sylvester, and business leader Lisa Lake Epstein shared insights on achieving professional excellence. They identified focus, curiosity, integrity, and discipline as crucial attributes for success.

    School groups from across Jamaica attended, including students from hurricane-affected Westmoreland. Educators highlighted the rare opportunity for youth to engage with role models of this caliber. Manning School teacher Audrey Williams Woolery noted her students’ enthusiasm about hearing Rashad speak, while Ardenne High’s Gracia Thompson emphasized the importance of exposing students to successful women.

    The celebration continues throughout the Caribbean, culminating in Kingston with an appearance by pioneering ballerina Misty Copeland.

  • Stunning revelation in Qahal Yahweh trial

    Stunning revelation in Qahal Yahweh trial

    ST JAMES, Jamaica — The high-profile trial against members of the Qahal Yahweh religious sect encountered a dramatic collapse in its prosecution case Friday at the St James Parish Court, casting serious doubt on the allegations of indecent assault brought against two defendants.

    In a pivotal moment for the proceedings, a female complainant summoned to substantiate charges of indecent assault was unable to identify any of the accused individuals as perpetrators of the alleged acts. Under oath, the witness further complicated the prosecution’s narrative by revealing she had previously filed a report against a member of her own family, introducing potential questions about the credibility and context of the allegations.

    The evidentiary foundation suffered additional erosion during the cross-examination of Detective Inspector Rodrick Muir, the investigating officer who concluded his testimony. Defense attorneys Peter Champagnie and Samoi Campbell exposed critical investigative shortcomings, establishing that despite multiple interrogation sessions with the suspects, law enforcement rarely posed questions directly related to the specific offenses being tried.

    Detective Inspector Muir conceded under rigorous questioning that during his conducted interviews, no specific names of complainants were ever presented to the accused for their response, highlighting a significant procedural gap in the investigation.

    Expressing profound frustration, defense counsel Champagnie and Campbell criticized the prosecution for seeking another adjournment to summon an additional witness. This move directly contradicts previous assurances from the prosecution that it would not call further witnesses, prolonging a legal process that has already been marred by evidential instability.

    The accused face charges under Jamaica’s Child Care and Protection Act, the Education Act, and counts of indecent assault. All defendants had their bail conditions extended, with the case scheduled to resume in April for continued proceedings.

  • African and Caribbean literary voices to take centre stage at Jamaica Book Festival’s literary exchange

    African and Caribbean literary voices to take centre stage at Jamaica Book Festival’s literary exchange

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Book Festival is poised to make literary history this Saturday, February 28, with the grand finale of its inaugural Africa Caribbean Literary Exchange. The event will transform the Confucius Institute at the University of the West Indies, Mona, into a vibrant cultural hub from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, marking a significant milestone in transatlantic literary dialogue.

    This groundbreaking gathering features an extraordinary delegation of internationally acclaimed authors and cultural visionaries from both Africa and the Caribbean. The distinguished roster includes Namina Forna, the Sierra Leonean-American New York Times bestselling author renowned for her Gilded Ones series that challenges patriarchal structures through feminist fantasy narratives.

    The African literary representation is further strengthened by Troy Onyango, the award-winning Kenyan writer and founding editor of the influential Lolwe literary magazine, alongside Ghanaian-born moderator and cultural analyst Alexandra Antwi-Boasiako. Together, they bring decades of combined experience in shaping contemporary African literary landscapes.

    Festival director Latoya West-Blackwood emphasized the historical significance of this exchange, stating: “This initiative transcends conventional literary gatherings. It represents a profound reconnection of shared histories, the establishment of new creative partnerships, and the creation of intentional spaces for direct engagement between African and Caribbean voices. The festival invites public participation in these transformative dialogues.”

    The day’s extensive programming includes keynote addresses, stimulating panel discussions, hands-on workshops, author reading sessions, and specialized children’s storytelling activities. The event will also feature a bustling vendor marketplace celebrating literary entrepreneurship and creative commerce.

    Caribbean literary excellence is prominently showcased through contributions from Paulette A Ramsay, Research Fellow and Chief Operating Officer at the PJ Patterson Institute for Africa Caribbean Advocacy; Trinidad and Tobago multidisciplinary creative Jeunanne Alkins; and Jamaican award-winning novelist Nicole Dennis-Benn, author of the critically acclaimed works ‘Patsy’ and ‘Here Comes the Sun’.

    Programming themes will address crucial topics including publishing pathways across Africa and the Caribbean, developing sustainable Black arts ecosystems, linguistic diversity within diaspora communities, and the growing global impact of contemporary African and Caribbean narratives. The morning sessions will commence with Odiyo’s “Books for Breakfast” audio lounge experience.

    Designed as an intergenerational gathering, the exchange incorporates dedicated children’s programming and a curated vendor village featuring literary works, artisan merchandise, and creative products from local entrepreneurs, ensuring comprehensive community engagement.