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  • Beyond the Stars gala to prioritise STEM and student support at Alpha

    Beyond the Stars gala to prioritise STEM and student support at Alpha

    JAMAICA — A significant philanthropic initiative is set to elevate educational opportunities for students at the Convent of Mercy Academy (Alpha). The Alpha Alumnae Florida Chapter will host its 2026 Charity Gala, titled “Beyond the Stars,” on March 14 at Club 19 within the Pembroke Lakes Golf and Racquet Club. This elegant all-white banquet and dance event, operating under the theme “In Reaching for the Ultimate,” aims to transcend a mere festive occasion by serving as a strategic investment in youth development.

    Kerry-Ann Brown, the association’s president currently serving her second term, emphasized the gala’s dual mission. “Our objective extends beyond fundraising for immediate financial aid,” she stated. “We are building a sustainable reserve to perpetually support our alma mater and local charitable causes. This ensures continuity of assistance for future generations in need.”

    The association is implementing a progressive educational strategy that prioritizes structured mentorship and career exposure, particularly within science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. This modern approach incorporates virtual mentorship sessions, industry career panels, and strategic partnerships with professionals across various sectors. “We are dedicated to providing our students—our ‘little sisters’—with tangible pathways that extend far beyond traditional classroom learning, encompassing leadership development and global opportunities,” Brown explained.

    The gala will also serve as a platform to honor individuals demonstrating exceptional commitment to community service, leadership, and philanthropy. These awards, aligned with the “Beyond the Stars” theme, recognize those whose positive impact exceeds conventional expectations. Adding a poignant perspective to the evening, the featured guest speaker will be Tamoya Thompson, the academy’s current head girl and 2026 recipient of the prestigious Sister Mary Bernadette Little Award.

    Underpinning these efforts is a deliberate strategy by the South Florida Chapter to integrate deeply with the school’s administration. By collaborating directly with the principal and program coordinators, the alumnae ensure their initiatives in robotics, literacy, leadership training, and student wellness are perfectly aligned with the institution’s strategic goals, thereby enhancing existing educational frameworks.

  • Cheers, music, anger: World reacts as Iran’s Khamenei is killed

    Cheers, music, anger: World reacts as Iran’s Khamenei is killed

    The reported death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a US-Israeli military strike has triggered diametrically opposed reactions worldwide, creating unprecedented geopolitical fissures. While segments of the Iranian diaspora and domestic opposition groups erupted in celebratory demonstrations, official Tehran and its allies declared mourning and vowed severe retaliation.

    Within Iran’s capital, scenes of profound division unfolded simultaneously. Verified footage showed Tehran residents setting off fireworks and playing music in spontaneous celebrations, while state-organized mourners clad in black gathered in Enghelab Square chanting anti-American and anti-Israeli slogans. This stark contrast highlighted the deep societal fractures within the Islamic Republic.

    The international response revealed equally sharp divisions. Western leaders including U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu openly celebrated Khamenei’s demise, characterizing him as a historical evil whose death presented an opportunity for regime change. Conversely, Russia’s Vladimir Putin and China’s foreign ministry condemned the operation as a cynical violation of international law and Iranian sovereignty.

    Global protests manifested with varying intensity—from violent attempts to storm U.S. diplomatic compounds in Karachi and Baghdad that resulted in casualties, to peaceful demonstrations in European capitals where expatriate Iranians waved pre-revolutionary flags. The UN Security Council faced calls for emergency session as the action threatened to destabilize an already volatile region.

    Iran’s Revolutionary Guards declared the incident an act of war and promised severe retaliation, while President Masoud Pezeshkian framed the strike as a declaration against Muslims worldwide. Regional proxies including Hamas and Hezbollah joined in condemning the attack and vowing resistance, setting the stage for potential multi-front conflict escalation.

    European leadership expressed cautious optimism about potential political transformation in Iran, with EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas noting this could represent a ‘defining moment’ for Iranian freedom, while simultaneously urging restraint to prevent broader regional conflagration.

  • Dominican gov’t to announce changes to Cuban health programme

    Dominican gov’t to announce changes to Cuban health programme

    The Government of Dominica has declared its intention to implement modifications to its longstanding Cuban medical workers initiative, while simultaneously expressing profound gratitude for Havana’s decades-long contributions to the nation’s healthcare infrastructure. Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Vince Henderson confirmed during parliamentary proceedings that adjustments to the program are forthcoming, emphasizing that Cuban authorities have cooperatively agreed to collaborate on meeting new operational requirements.

    This development emerges against the backdrop of intensified criticism from the United States government regarding Cuba’s international medical missions. The US Embassy in Barbados recently characterized the program as fundamentally exploitative, alleging systematic coercion and abuse of medical personnel. According to official statements, Cuban healthcare workers face withheld compensation, confiscated travel documents, forced family separations, and excessive working hours under surveillance regimes.

    Washington has escalated its condemnation of what it terms ‘forced labor exploitation,’ asserting that Havana generates substantial profits by contracting medical professionals to foreign governments while retaining most compensation for regime elites. Despite these allegations, Minister Henderson highlighted the exceptional nature of the bilateral relationship, noting that approximately 65 Cuban medical specialists currently serve in Dominica’s healthcare system.

    Since its inception over thirty years ago, the medical cooperation program has enabled the establishment of Dominica’s first intensive care unit and diagnostic center. Additionally, Cuba has provided medical education opportunities for Dominican students at Cuban institutions. Minister Henderson affirmed that despite anticipated program modifications, Dominica maintains unwavering solidarity with Cuba, acknowledging Havana’s consistent support even during periods of internal resource constraints.

  • WATCH: Denham Town welcomes new streetlights after killing of 3-y-o boy

    WATCH: Denham Town welcomes new streetlights after killing of 3-y-o boy

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — A comprehensive community safety initiative is underway in Denham Town, bringing renewed optimism to residents following the tragic shooting that claimed the life of three-year-old Zaylon Pinnock and his father. The multipronged approach includes the installation and repair of dozens of streetlights, increased security presence, and community engagement programs.

    Local Councillor Delon Gayle confirmed that Jamaica Public Service crews have successfully restored 25-30 streetlights across the neighborhood, with additional new installations in previously unlit areas. The infrastructure improvement addresses what residents described as dangerously dark conditions that hampered nighttime visibility and security.

    “The streets were practically jet black before this intervention,” Gayle stated, noting that tree pruning around light fixtures has further enhanced illumination. “This represents a crucial step toward restoring public confidence and safety after the devastating incident.”

    Security reinforcements from the Jamaica Constabulary Force and Jamaica Defence Force have established a noticeable presence in the community, operating under a 72-hour curfew implemented after the shooting. Gayle expressed gratitude for residents’ cooperation with law enforcement and commended the security forces for their increased visibility.

    Beyond infrastructure and security measures, community initiatives including neighborhood clean-up exercises and children’s playdates are in progress. Resident Marine expressed relief at the improvements: “I was praying for the streetlights to be fixed. Now I can see clearly across and walk comfortably—this has made a tremendous difference.”

    The safety campaign follows the October 18th tragedy where gunmen posing as customers opened fire on a Nelson Street residence, fatally wounding young Zaylon Pinnock and injuring his father Kerrio Pinnock, 31, and another child. Kerrio Pinnock subsequently succumbed to his injuries in hospital, compounding the community’s trauma.

  • Trump says 48 Iranian ‘leaders’ killed in US attack

    Trump says 48 Iranian ‘leaders’ killed in US attack

    PALM BEACH, United States — President Donald Trump characterized the ongoing military offensive against Iran as “very positive” during televised interviews on Sunday, asserting that coordinated U.S.-Israeli airstrikes had successfully eliminated 48 high-ranking Iranian figures. The operations, which commenced on Saturday, were described by the President as a mission to dismantle the Islamic Republic’s leadership and degrade its military capabilities.

    In an interview with Fox News, Trump proclaimed, “Nobody can believe the success we’re having. Forty-eight leaders are gone in one shot. And it’s moving along rapidly.” He reiterated this sentiment in a separate discussion with CNBC, stating the campaign was progressing “ahead of schedule” and was being conducted for the benefit of “not just for us but for the world.”

    These statements preceded an official announcement from U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) revealing the first American casualties of the conflict. Three service members were killed, five sustained serious injuries, and several others received minor wounds. In a significant naval engagement, CENTCOM also confirmed the sinking of an Iranian warship at a dock in the Gulf of Oman.

    The Iranian government has officially confirmed the death of its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, marking a pivotal development in the rapidly escalating situation. President Trump’s optimistic assessment stands in contrast to the emerging human cost and the potential for further regional destabilization.

  • West Indies post 195-4 against India in T20 World Cup do-or-die clash

    West Indies post 195-4 against India in T20 World Cup do-or-die clash

    In a dramatic reversal of fortunes at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens, the West Indies cricket team posted a formidable total of 195-4 against India in their crucial Super Eights finale at the ICC T20 World Cup on Sunday. The Caribbean side, having been asked to bat first, unleashed a devastating assault in the final overs to keep their tournament hopes alive.

    The match witnessed strategic innovation from the West Indies management, who surprisingly promoted Test captain Roston Chase to open alongside T20 skipper Shai Hope. This tactical move allowed the inclusion of additional spinner Akeal Hosein, with regular opener Brandon King being omitted from the lineup. The reimagined opening partnership proved substantially more resilient than their previous performance against South Africa, where they had collapsed to 83-7.

    Chase and Hope established a solid foundation with a 68-run partnership before Hope was bowled by spinner Varun Chakravarthy for 32, triggering an explosive response from the capacity crowd of 67,000. The momentum continued with Shimron Hetmyer’s rapid 27 off just 12 deliveries before he fell to a barely detectable edge off Jasprit Bumrah.

    The game’s critical turning point arrived when Sherfane Rutherford departed cheaply, bringing together Jason Holder and Rovman Powell at the crease. The duo orchestrated a breathtaking counterattack, plundering 70 runs from the final five overs in an unbroken fifth-wicket stand of 76. Powell finished unbeaten on 34 from 19 balls, while Holder remained not out on 37 from 22 deliveries, their partnership featuring five sixes and five fours collectively.

    India’s fielding performance proved uncharacteristically substandard, with three straightforward catches going down, including a reprieve for Chase when he had scored only 15 runs. The defending champions now face the challenging task of chasing 196 runs to advance in the tournament.

    The victor of this high-stakes encounter will progress to face England in Mumbai on Thursday for a semi-final berth, while the defeated team will be eliminated from competition. Earlier on Sunday, tournament favorites South Africa maintained their unbeaten record with a five-wicket victory over Zimbabwe, securing their place against New Zealand in Wednesday’s first semi-final, with the championship final scheduled for Ahmedabad next Sunday.

  • Caribbean countries react to US-Israel war against Iran

    Caribbean countries react to US-Israel war against Iran

    BRIDGETOWN, Barbados — Multiple Caribbean Community (Caricom) member states have voiced profound concern regarding the dangerous escalation of military hostilities in the Middle East, following coordinated strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran. The attacks, which reportedly resulted in significant casualties according to Iranian state media, have prompted calls for restraint and a return to diplomatic channels from several Caribbean governments.

    The initial military action was justified by Washington and Tel Aviv as a necessary response to perceived threats from Iran. In retaliation, Iranian forces launched missile volleys toward both Israel and several Gulf states housing U.S. military installations. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the U.S.-Israeli operation as an ‘unprovoked, illegal and absolutely illegitimate’ act of aggression.

    Regional responses from the Caribbean have emphasized the critical importance of international law and peaceful conflict resolution. The government of Antigua and Barbuda, through Prime Minister Gaston Browne, expressed deep concern about the rapid deterioration of stability, stating that attacks on nations not directly involved in a conflict represent a serious breach of international law. Browne emphasized unwavering support for national sovereignty and called for maximum restraint from all parties.

    Guyana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation issued a statement condemning what it described as Iran’s ‘unprovoked attack’ on Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Kuwait, characterizing these actions as unjustified and in violation of international law. The Guyanese government called for immediate de-escalation to preserve regional peace and stability.

    Trinidad and Tobago’s government initially posted a statement on its Caricom and Foreign Affairs ministry website expressing support for U.S. and Israeli actions aimed at preventing ‘oppressive regimes’ from acquiring nuclear capabilities. However, the statement was subsequently withdrawn, creating ambiguity about the country’s official position.

    Jamaica has taken practical measures by issuing a travel advisory urging its citizens to avoid the Middle East and advising those already in the region to exercise extreme vigilance and shelter in place as conditions require.

    The collective Caribbean response aligns with calls from United Nations Secretary-General for renewed diplomatic engagement to prevent further deterioration of the situation and uphold the rule of law in international relations.

  • 4.6 magnitude earthquake felt in sections of Jamaica

    4.6 magnitude earthquake felt in sections of Jamaica

    A moderate seismic event registering 4.6 magnitude rattled sections of Jamaica on Sunday morning, causing brief alarm among residents. The tremor occurred at approximately 8:34 a.m. local time, according to official reports from the Earthquake Unit at the University of the West Indies.

    The quake’s epicenter was precisely located approximately 10 kilometers northeast of Stony Hill, St Andrew, placing it in close proximity to the nation’s capital and most densely populated region. Seismologists reported the event originated at a focal depth of 16 kilometers, classifying it as a shallow crustal earthquake.

    While preliminary assessments indicate no immediate reports of significant damage or injuries, the tremor served as a stark reminder of Jamaica’s position within an active seismic zone. The earthquake unit continues to monitor aftershock potential and has urged citizens to maintain earthquake preparedness protocols. The event triggered brief emergency response evaluations across affected parishes, with infrastructure assessments underway in urban centers.

  • Main Event rises to Lost In Time’s challenge

    Main Event rises to Lost In Time’s challenge

    Jamaica’s entertainment landscape witnessed an unprecedented audio revolution during the dual-stage Lost In Time festival, where reggae luminary Protoje granted his emphatic approval to Main Event Entertainment Group’s cutting-edge sound engineering. The pre-festival soundcheck at Hope Gardens became a testament to audio excellence as Protoje rigorously tested the system through a 30-minute medley of his greatest hits.

    In an industry where auditory precision is paramount, Protoje emphasized that ‘sound quality remains the most crucial element of any performance—audiences demand both visual spectacle and acoustic perfection.’ This philosophy drove Main Event to deploy what project manager Rayon Stephenson describes as ‘firsts and onlys’ in Caribbean audio technology.

    The festival’s innovative twin-stage configuration featured Martin Audio loudspeakers—a system exclusively possessed by Main Event in the Caribbean region. Founded in 1971, Martin Audio represents the vanguard of professional touring sound, specializing in optimizing audience experience through technological innovation.

    Stephenson revealed the quantum leap in audio engineering: ‘Martin Audio stands unparalleled in Jamaica’s entertainment ecosystem. Our Digico consoles—Quantum 338, SD 12, and SD 21—represent equipment that international artists specifically stipulate in performance contracts.’ The technological marvel left Protoje visibly impressed, with the artist spontaneously requesting a particular mix be incorporated into one of his performances after exclaiming ‘Yea, fi real’ during post-soundcheck feedback.

    The production excellence extended to satisfying discerning professionals like production manager Martin Lewis and performing artists including Tanya Stephens, Chronixx, Grammy-nominated Lila Iké, and Jesse Royal. This event not only set new technical standards but demonstrated Jamaica’s growing capacity to rival global entertainment production quality.

  • Jam-Brit composer Shirley J Thompson premières ‘Heroines of Opera’ masterwork

    Jam-Brit composer Shirley J Thompson premières ‘Heroines of Opera’ masterwork

    Renowned composer Shirley Thompson, a cultural pioneer of Jamaican and English descent, will present the world premiere of her latest operatic masterpiece “Seventh Sense: Incidents in the Life of Queen Amanirenas” in March 2026. The groundbreaking work for orchestra and dance will debut at Wentz Hall in Naperville, Illinois on March 6, followed by a second performance at Chicago’s Harris Theatre on March 7.

    Thompson, recognized as the first composer of African heritage to receive an OBE and to create music for a British royal coronation (King Charles III’s 2023 ceremony), continues her transformative impact on classical music through culturally significant narratives. The Chicago Sinfonietta commissioned this electrifying production for their International Women’s Day 2026 ‘Still I Rise’ celebration.

    The work dramatizes the extraordinary legacy of Queen Amanirenas of Kush, the warrior monarch who successfully defended her kingdom against Roman invasion through military prowess and diplomatic acumen. Thompson’s composition merges orchestral grandeur with contemporary dance, featuring the Chicago Sinfonietta under conductor Mei-Ann Chen alongside the celebrated Deeply Rooted Dance Theatre.

    “Seventh Sense” represents the latest installment in Thompson’s revolutionary Heroines of Opera series, which resurrects forgotten histories of women of African ancestry through large-scale stage productions. Previous works in the series include “Sacred Mountain: Incidents of the Life of Queen Nanny of the Maroons,” “Dido Elizabeth Belle,” “Women of the Windrush,” and “The Woman Who Refused to Dance.”

    Thompson describes the project as an exploration of pre-colonial African civilizations, highlighting an era when the continent flourished as a global epicenter of artistic, scientific, and cultural advancement. The production promises to deliver both historical revelation and contemporary artistic innovation.