In a landmark move to bolster national football development, the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) and the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) have formalized a partnership through a memorandum of understanding (MOU). Signed on Monday at the KSAMC office in downtown Kingston, the agreement stipulates that the municipality will waive all advertising fees for football matches held in the Corporate Area. This initiative is expected to provide significant financial relief to the JFF, which previously faced costs of approximately $1 million per match. JFF President Michael Ricketts expressed his enthusiasm, describing the collaboration as a pivotal step forward for the sport. Mayor Andrew Swaby emphasized that the waiver transcends financial support, symbolizing a commitment to Jamaica’s national teams and their potential. He urged citizens to rally behind the Reggae Boyz and Reggae Girlz, who represent the nation’s culture and determination. The agreement comes at a crucial time as the Reggae Boyz prepare for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers, with Ricketts reaffirming the team’s resolve to secure a spot in the 2026 tournament.
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Ramona Samuels celebrates milestone of Voicebox brand
Ramona Samuels, a dynamic broadcaster and media entrepreneur, exudes an unmistakable aura of quiet confidence and determination. Her journey with Voicebox, a pioneering voice-over and personality brand, marks a significant 15-year milestone, celebrating her relentless drive and innovative spirit. Since its inception on September 2, 2010, Voicebox has become synonymous with professionalism, creativity, and international appeal, carving a niche in Jamaica’s media landscape. Samuels’ vision extended beyond offering a service; she aimed to create a sustainable platform where voice talent could thrive as a standalone business. Her early career as a voice artist saw her lend her distinctive voice to campaigns for global brands like Heineken UEFA Champions League, ATI, and Kingston Restaurant Week, as well as international clients in the Cayman Islands, Russia, the USA, and Canada. Recognizing the potential to monetize her talent, Samuels transformed her voice work into a multifaceted business model. Over the years, Voicebox has evolved into a comprehensive media outlet, offering voice-over services, event hosting, production coverage, and content creation. The brand’s tagline, “The Voicebox Makes You Heard,” encapsulates its mission to amplify voices and stories. Today, Voicebox is not only a trusted name in voice-over production but also a content powerhouse through Ramona Samuels TV on YouTube, which boasts over 3,000 followers. The platform delivers independent coverage of cultural events, entertainment stories, and social commentary, all infused with a distinctly Jamaican perspective. Samuels has also ventured into public relations, leveraging her experience and insights to provide strategic counsel in a noisy marketplace. Looking ahead, Voicebox aims to expand its digital footprint, foster international collaborations, and remain steadfast in its mission to elevate voices and brands. Samuels’ entrepreneurial journey offers valuable lessons: treat clients’ resources with care, focus on impactful strategies, and embrace ideas from all sources. She emphasizes the importance of integrity in PR, a profession that, while unregulated, demands the highest ethical standards. Samuels’ story is a testament to the power of innovation, resilience, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
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Witnesses to be called in fraud trial of Ruel Reid, co-accused
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The high-profile trial of former Jamaican Education Minister Ruel Reid and his co-accused is set to resume on Thursday, with 10 to 16 witnesses expected to testify this week. The case, which could involve up to 92 witnesses in total, centers on allegations of a multi-million-dollar corruption scheme involving the misappropriation of government funds from the Ministry of Education and the Caribbean Maritime University (CMU) between 2016 and 2019. Reid is accused alongside his wife Sharen Reid, daughter Sharelle Reid, former Jamaica Labour Party councillor Kim Brown Lawrence, and former CMU President Fritz Pinnock.
Parish Court Judge Sanchia Burrell ruled on Monday that the trial must proceed, granting an order of indictment despite objections from the defense. Attorney Hugh Wildman, representing the defense, argued that the prosecution relied on statements allegedly obtained illegally, a claim supported by other defense lawyers. Wildman also contended that the Financial Investigations Division (FID) Act prohibits FID officers from sharing gathered information and lacks authority to arrest or charge individuals.
The prosecution countered that Wildman’s objections were premature, emphasizing that the admissibility of evidence should be addressed during the trial itself. While the crown acknowledged the FID’s limited investigative powers, it maintained that Jamaica Constabulary Force officers designated as FID agents retained their full legal authority, including the power to arrest.
Judge Burrell dismissed the defense’s request to adjourn the trial for 10 weeks to review crown disclosures, stating that such matters fall outside her jurisdiction at this preliminary stage. The trial’s continuation marks a critical juncture in a case that has drawn significant public and political attention, with implications for Jamaica’s fight against corruption.
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Commissioner Blake calls for clarity after murder of four-year-old Shannon Gordon
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the aftermath of a devastating incident that claimed the lives of five individuals, including four-year-old Shannon Gordon, Police Commissioner Dr. Kevin Blake has issued a fervent appeal for moral clarity and unified action. The tragic event, which occurred in a St. Catherine community, has reignited concerns over escalating violence and the societal narratives surrounding it.
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Joint enforcement at NMIA leads to POCA convictions
In a significant enforcement action, the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) and the Financial Investigations Division (FID) have successfully prosecuted two individuals for attempting to leave Jamaica with undeclared large sums of cash, violating Section 101A of the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA). This development underscores the intensified efforts to regulate cross-border financial movements and combat illicit activities.
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Tancoo: 0.25 % asset levy for banks, insurance companies
In a significant fiscal move, Trinidad and Tobago’s Finance Minister, Davendranath Tancoo, announced the introduction of a 0.25% asset levy on commercial banks and insurance companies operating in the country. The announcement was made during the presentation of the 2025/2026 national budget at the Red House on October 13. Minister Tancoo highlighted that these institutions, due to their substantial size, profitability, and strong asset bases, have consistently reported high earnings and liquidity ratios. He attributed these outcomes to conservative lending practices and favorable monetary conditions. However, he noted that the average citizen continues to face exorbitant fees and negligible returns on savings and investments. The proposed levy, which excludes institutions operating under the Special Economic Zones Act, is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and is projected to generate approximately $575 million annually for the national revenue.
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Tancoo reveals $59b budget, $3.8b deficit
On October 13, Trinidad and Tobago’s Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo presented the national budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year in the House of Representatives. The government has outlined a planned expenditure of $59.232 billion, based on projected oil prices of US$73.25 per barrel and natural gas prices of US$4.35 per mmbtu. However, current market prices stand at approximately US$60 for WTI crude, US$63.50 for Brent crude, and US$3.09 per mmbtu for natural gas, indicating potential revenue challenges. Minister Tancoo projected total revenues of $55.367 billion, resulting in a fiscal deficit of $3.865 billion, which equates to about 2% of the country’s GDP. This deficit remains within the internationally accepted benchmark of 3%. The budget prioritizes key sectors, with education and training receiving the largest allocation of $8.76 billion, followed by health ($8.21 billion), national security ($6.36 billion), public utilities ($3.39 billion), and infrastructure ($1.94 billion). Tancoo emphasized the government’s commitment to inclusive growth, stating, ‘When the UNC wins, everybody wins,’ and expressed pride in the budget’s figures.
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Tobago gets $3.72b in fiscal 2026
In a significant development for Tobago, the central government has allocated $3.72 billion to the island for the fiscal year 2026. The announcement was made by Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo during the budget presentation in the House of Representatives on October 13. Minister Tancoo highlighted that the allocation includes $2.96 billion directly to the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), representing 5% of the national budget. Additionally, an extra $763 million will be allocated to various ministries operating in Tobago, bringing the total to $3.72 billion, or 6.3% of the national budget. Minister Tancoo emphasized the government’s commitment to Tobago’s development, stating, ‘When UNC wins, Tobago wins.’ This substantial funding is expected to support the THA’s national agenda and enhance the island’s infrastructure and public services.
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Modern prison, security upgrades coming
In a significant move to bolster national security and reform the prison system, Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo unveiled a series of ambitious initiatives during the 2025/2026 national budget presentation. The plan includes the recruitment of 500 new prison officers, the deployment of intelligence-led operations, and the implementation of advanced E999 systems to enhance emergency responsiveness. These measures are part of a broader government strategy to create a more efficient and rehabilitative prison system. Key upgrades to prison facilities will focus on sanitation, transport, and security, with the introduction of anti-drone technology and cellphone jamming systems to prevent illegal activities. The Port of Spain Prison, set to be decommissioned, will be replaced by a state-of-the-art correctional facility emphasizing rehabilitation. Additionally, the fire service will be strengthened with 280 auxiliary officers, 225 new breathing apparatuses, and upgraded infrastructure at select fire stations. New vehicles and thermal imaging equipment will further enhance operational readiness. Tancoo also highlighted reforms to firearm laws to promote responsible ownership and prioritize rehabilitation over incarceration for non-violent offenders. Other measures include expanding CCTV coverage to improve court security, establishing a forensic science complex, and developing a national security training center at the UWI Debe campus.
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Government to invest US$12b in maritime sector
In a bold move to revitalize its maritime sector, Trinidad and Tobago’s Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo unveiled a comprehensive $12 billion investment plan spanning seven years. The initiative aims to create 3,000 jobs and reposition the nation as a regional maritime hub. Key strategies include streamlining immigration and customs procedures, implementing digital clearances, and developing public-private partnership (PPP)-driven marinas and super yacht facilities to boost tourism and attract foreign investment. Additionally, the government plans to repurpose underutilized state assets, such as transforming the Caroni racing complex into a world-class convention center in collaboration with the TT Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA). To further strengthen the economy, a new export academy will be established, aiming to produce 100 export-ready firms annually. The government will also partner with the TT Chamber of Industry and Commerce and the Inter-American Development Bank to provide SMEs with training in trade facilitation, financing, e-commerce, and global marketing. The Eximbank will resume its core mandate of supporting exporters through foreign currency loans, with payments initially made in TT dollars before transitioning to the loan’s currency. Transparency in eligibility criteria and public reporting will ensure fairness, particularly for SMEs. Other initiatives include launching a national registry of exporters, promoting a ‘buy local’ campaign, and advancing partial scope agreements with India and West Africa.