In a commanding display of cricketing prowess, India seized control on the opening day of the first Test against the West Indies at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Mohammed Siraj spearheaded India’s bowling attack with an impressive haul of 4-40, dismantling the West Indies for a modest total of 162. The visitors, plagued by injuries and a lack of experience, struggled to build momentum, with Justin Greaves top-scoring at 32. Jasprit Bumrah complemented Siraj’s efforts with three crucial wickets. India’s response was steady, reaching 121-2 by stumps, with KL Rahul anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 53. Shubman Gill remained firm on 18, setting a solid foundation for the hosts. The West Indies, once a cricketing powerhouse, now face an uphill battle, having suffered a 0-3 whitewash against Australia earlier this year. With India heavily favored to dominate the two-match series, the visitors must regroup quickly to avoid another disappointing outcome.
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National domino boss uplifts Jamaica’s seniors through timeless tiles
Humbert Davis, President of the National Association of Domino Bodies (NADB), is spearheading a transformative initiative aimed at enhancing the lives of Jamaica’s senior citizens through the strategic and engaging game of dominoes. The NADB, in collaboration with the National Council for Senior Citizens (NCSC), recently hosted a domino tournament that transcended mere competition, fostering mental agility, social interaction, and joy among participants. The event, held in Morant Bay as part of the St Thomas leg of the competition, brought together seniors who engaged in spirited matches, showcasing both skill and camaraderie. Davis emphasized that dominoes is more than a pastime—it’s a vital tool for cognitive health and social connection, essential for healthy aging. The tournament was marked by a warm yet competitive atmosphere, with Gilbert Whittle and Healey Johnson emerging as champions. Whittle expressed his gratitude, praising the organizers for creating a meaningful and enduring experience for seniors. Davis lauded the participants’ enthusiasm, highlighting the event’s success in promoting mental resilience and community engagement.
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CWI director of cricket finds positives in T20 series loss to Nepal
In a surprising turn of events, the West Indies cricket team, ranked sixth globally, suffered a 1-2 defeat against 18th-ranked Nepal in their recent T20 International (T20I) Unity Cup series held in the United Arab Emirates. Despite fielding a young squad with six potential debutants and missing several senior players, the Caribbean side was expected to dominate the series. However, Nepal’s historic victory, their first-ever win against a full-member team in any format, sent shockwaves through the cricketing world.
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Garvey Maceo, Glenmuir advance after contrasting results
In a dramatic turn of events during the ISSA daCosta Cup Zone I play-offs on Thursday, defending champions Garvey Maceo High and former champions Glenmuir High secured their places in the Round of 32, albeit with contrasting outcomes. Glenmuir High, despite their strong form, suffered a surprising 0-1 defeat to Kemps Hill High, with Dalton Francis scoring the decisive goal in the 85th minute. Meanwhile, Garvey Maceo High triumphed over Denbigh High with a 2-1 victory, marking their second win against Denbigh this season. Both Glenmuir and Garvey Maceo are now tied at 21 points each, ensuring they finish no lower than third in the group. Their qualification brings the total number of schools advancing to the second round to 12, joining Cornwall College, Mannings School, Cedric Titus High, William Knibb Memorial High, Christiana High, Alphansus Davis High, Manchester High, Central High, Clarendon College, and Ocho Rios High. In other matches, Ferncourt High avenged their earlier loss to York Castle High with a 2-0 win in Zone K, while Morant Bay High climbed to the top of Zone L after a 4-1 victory over Yallahs High. Former champions Rusea’s High, currently on 18 points, aim to secure their spot in the next round with a win over Green Island High, who remain unbeaten in their last four games. Titchfield High and St Mary High also look to strengthen their positions in Zone M with crucial upcoming matches.
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Cops target female gang boss
In a significant move to combat organized crime, the St James Police Division has unveiled Operation Endgame, a targeted initiative aimed at dismantling a female-led robbery syndicate plaguing the region. The syndicate, reportedly headed by a woman known as ‘Toots,’ has been operating across multiple parishes, causing widespread disruption and fear, particularly among the Chinese business community. Senior Superintendent Eron Samuels, head of the division, emphasized the urgency of the operation, especially as the Yuletide season approaches, to ensure public safety and peace. ‘Our efforts will be relentless in ensuring that this robbery syndicate is fully demolished,’ Samuels declared during a press conference in Montego Bay. Deputy Superintendent Michael Moore, the St James crime chief, revealed that over a dozen suspects linked to the syndicate have already been arrested, with firearms seized during recent operations. Moore noted that these arrests have brought significant relief to the Chinese business community, which has been a primary target of the syndicate. Superintendent Lynroy Edwards, operations officer for St James, outlined the broader objectives of Operation Endgame, which will extend into the new year. The initiative builds on the successes of previous operations, Storm One and Storm Two, launched last year. Edwards highlighted the inclusion of praedial larceny—the theft of animals and agricultural produce—as a key focus area, with partnerships established with the Agricultural Protection Branch to address food security concerns. Police statistics indicate a notable decline in violent crimes in St James, with murders dropping by 57.8% and shootings by 52.8% compared to the same period last year. Samuels reaffirmed the police’s commitment to maintaining this downward trend, aiming to keep murders below 100 for the year. The St James Police have urged continued cooperation from the public to ensure the success of Operation Endgame and to foster a safer, more secure community.
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BRINGING THE HEAT!
Norman Powell, the 2019 NBA champion with the Toronto Raptors, is gearing up for his 11th season in the league, now as a key player for the Miami Heat. After being traded from the Los Angeles Clippers in July, Powell is determined to carry forward the momentum he gained while representing Jamaica’s national basketball team this summer. The NBA season is scheduled to commence on October 21, marking Powell’s second debut in months following his pivotal role in helping Jamaica qualify for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifiers in August. Born in the U.S. to a Jamaican father, Powell has become one of the most prominent figures in Jamaican basketball. His standout performance in the 80-76 overtime victory against Costa Rica, where he scored a game-high 34 points, was instrumental in securing Jamaica’s historic qualification. Powell described his experience with the national team as transformative, deepening his connection to his Jamaican heritage. He expressed his excitement about the overwhelming support from the Jamaican and Caribbean communities, which he hadn’t anticipated. Powell also highlighted the benefits of the FIBA-style play, which he believes will enhance his performance with the Heat. The physicality and intensity of international basketball have prepared him well for the upcoming NBA season. Powell is also looking forward to engaging more with the Jamaican community in Miami, home to the second-largest Jamaican population in the U.S. He plans to visit Jamaica more frequently to contribute to the development of basketball on the island. Last season, Powell averaged a career-high 21.8 points per game with the Clippers but missed out on an All-Star selection. This season, he aims to not only earn that recognition but also help the Heat become a more competitive team. The Heat, who finished the 2024/25 regular season with a 37-45 record and were swept in the first round of the playoffs, are looking to Powell to be a driving force in their quest for championship contention.
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Hope burns bright at Manchester High as hunt for Jayden continues
The search for 12-year-old Jayden Smith, a student at Manchester High School, has entered its sixth day, with over 100 classmates, teachers, and administrators joining law enforcement in a concerted effort to locate the missing boy. The search focused on the Wesley Road area following reported sightings of Jayden on Wednesday. Despite the use of a drone and hours of meticulous searching, the operation concluded without success. Karcia Beezer, a sixth-form student, expressed her sorrow and determination, emphasizing Jayden’s importance to the school community and his potential for excellence. She urged Jayden to return, assuring him of safety and support. On Wednesday evening, police responded to reports of a child matching Jayden’s description evading passers-by. An eyewitness recounted seeing the boy flee when approached. Manchester High School Principal Jasford Gabriel highlighted the school’s collective effort, with 102 students and 15 staff members participating in the search. He expressed optimism based on recent sightings, indicating that Jayden is alive and the search is nearing a breakthrough. The school community held a prayer meeting, reflecting their shared concern and hope for Jayden’s safe return. The search continues, with the community and authorities determined to bring Jayden home.
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D’Angel, Khago create chemistry on new track
D’Angel, the Jamaican entertainer, recently opened up about her dynamic collaboration with fellow artist Khago, describing it as a transformative moment in her career. Their latest track, *Personal*, has become a fan favorite, showcasing their undeniable chemistry and creative synergy. In an interview with the *Jamaica Observer’s Splash*, D’Angel praised Khago as a passionate and driven artist, emphasizing that the song was born out of fan demand. She revealed that their on-screen connection during Khago’s live sessions sparked the idea for the collaboration, which has since resonated deeply with audiences. The release of the music video further amplified the track’s popularity, with fans eagerly embracing the duo’s artistic vision. Beyond their musical partnership, social media has been abuzz with speculation about their personal relationship, fueled by sightings of the pair at Khago’s home in Manchester and on a beach. However, D’Angel remained diplomatic, focusing on their shared commitment to entertaining fans. The duo’s live performances, including a memorable show in St Elizabeth, have been met with overwhelming enthusiasm, with audiences demanding encores. Khago, in turn, expressed deep respect for D’Angel, acknowledging her talent and the challenges she has faced in the industry. He hinted at more collaborations in the future, though for now, they are focused on promoting *Personal*. With shows booked through 2026, D’Angel and Khago are poised to deliver more groundbreaking music and performances.
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Audi rings in a triple
Audi Jamaica made history on Friday, September 19, by hosting its first-ever triple vehicle launch at its Oxford Road showroom. The event showcased the Audi A5 sedan, the Audi A6 Sportback e-tron, and the Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron, offering a diverse range of options for buyers. The lineup included two sedans and one SUV, with two electric vehicles (EVs) and one combustion-powered car, reflecting Audi’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.
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DeCambre files suit against NCB
Renowned Jamaican entrepreneur Roy DeCambre has initiated legal proceedings against the National Commercial Bank (NCB), seeking substantial damages tied to an escrow agreement dispute. The lawsuit, formally lodged in July 2023, involves DeCambre’s companies, National Fuels and Lubricants Limited and Total Jamaica Limited, as the plaintiffs. The contested escrow agreement dates back to January 22, 2004, with DeCambre asserting that NCB breached its terms, leading to significant financial losses. DeCambre expressed confidence in securing a favorable verdict, estimating the damages to amount to billions of dollars. When approached by the Jamaica Observer for comment, an NCB spokesperson declined to address the matter, citing the bank’s policy of not discussing ongoing legal cases.
