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  • American Aviator to lead home rivals in RonRon Trophy

    American Aviator to lead home rivals in RonRon Trophy

    The highly anticipated RonRon Trophy, valued at $1.19 million, will be the highlight of tomorrow’s 10-race event at Caymanas Park. This Restricted Stakes race features imported three-year-olds and older horses (non-winners of three) alongside native-bred three-year-olds and four-year-olds (non-winners of four), competing over a six-furlong (1,200m) course. The Jamaica Observer’s Supreme Racing Guide provides an in-depth analysis of the eight contenders vying for the prestigious trophy.

    1. **Lockdown**: A competent runner, Lockdown has shown potential but is unlikely to make a significant impact based on past performances.
    2. **Bowmore**: This consistent performer from the USA could secure a minor placing.
    3. **Riley J**: Despite a disappointing ninth-place finish in the Jamaica Oaks, Riley J has the potential to improve at this distance.
    4. **Mighty Gully**: Fresh off an impressive win at 5½ furlongs, Mighty Gully might thrive over the extended distance.
    5. **Strong Mind**: While repeating his recent victory may be challenging, Strong Mind remains a contender for minor placings.
    6. **American Aviator**: After a promising run following a four-month break, this talented horse could challenge for top honors.
    7. **Miss MoneyPenny**: With two consecutive second-place finishes, Miss MoneyPenny is expected to put up a strong fight.
    8. **Dutchess**: Likely to struggle with the race’s pace, Dutchess is expected to fall behind.

    The race promises excitement and fierce competition as these contenders battle for the coveted RonRon Trophy.

  • Nelson aims for international glory at Century Downs

    Nelson aims for international glory at Century Downs

    Dane “The Warrior Chief” Nelson, fresh off his recent triumph as jockeys’ champion at Century Mile, is gearing up for a pivotal weekend at Century Downs racetrack in Canada. With his sights set on securing a second international title this season, Nelson is brimming with confidence as he prepares to face stiff competition.

  • AI artistes takeover?

    AI artistes takeover?

    The global music industry is grappling with the implications of a multimillion-dollar record deal awarded to Xania Monet, an AI-generated artist, sparking heated debates among musicians and industry professionals. Singer Denyque, known for her participation in the talent show Digicel Rising Stars, expressed frustration, stating that the deal undervalues human talent. ‘I’ve poured blood, sweat, and tears into my career, yet I’ve never been offered such a contract. It’s baffling,’ she remarked, emphasizing the irreplaceable authenticity of human artistry. Denyque remains confident that AI artists cannot truly compete with human performers, particularly in live settings. Meanwhile, Raymond ‘Shadow’ Small, director of communications at Prism Marketing Consultants, views the rise of AI artists as both groundbreaking and concerning. ‘It’s a testament to technology’s power but also a wake-up call for human artists to elevate their craft,’ he said. Small highlighted the limitations of AI, noting its inability to replicate the emotional depth and cultural nuances of human experience. He urged the industry to strike a balance, integrating AI as a tool rather than a replacement. Social media users have also weighed in, with some lamenting the focus on AI over human talent, while others praised the quality of Xania Monet’s music. According to Yahoo News, the bidding for Xania Monet exceeded $3 million, with the deal ultimately secured by Hallwood Media, led by former Interscope executive Neil Jacobson. The artist was created by Mississippi poet and designer Talisha Jones, who used the generative platform Suno to transform her poetry into songs and develop the artist’s image.

  • Evergo leading by example with EV Link Up 2025

    Evergo leading by example with EV Link Up 2025

    Jamaica’s electric vehicle (EV) movement is accelerating, as evidenced by the record-breaking turnout at Evergo’s annual EV Link Up, held on September 6 at the Mona Hockey Field in St. Andrew. The event, hosted by Jamaica’s largest public EV charging network, showcased the growing enthusiasm for EVs among consumers and businesses alike. Dr. Wayne McKenzie, President and CEO of Evergo, hailed the event as a resounding success, highlighting the exponential growth in participation since its inception three years ago. From just six EVs in the first convoy, this year’s event saw a packed parking lot and overflow vehicles lining the streets, signaling a seismic shift in consumer interest and choice. The event featured a diverse array of EVs, from commercial models like the Riddara RD6 All-Electric Pickup and Farizon All-Electric Supervan to luxury brands such as BMW, Porsche, and Audi. Mainstream automakers like Kia and emerging Chinese brands like BYD and MG also made a strong showing, alongside hybrids and plug-in hybrids from Li Auto. Beyond the vehicles, the event underscored the growing ecosystem supporting EV adoption, with banks and insurance companies offering tailored products for this burgeoning market. Evergo’s leadership in the EV space was evident, as McKenzie emphasized the company’s commitment to leading by example—from being the first EV charging company executive to drive an EV to operating Jamaica’s largest charging network. The recent introduction of 200kWh chargers at Evergo’s West Kingston headquarters marks a significant milestone, reducing charging times to just 10 minutes for 200 kilometers of range. With overwhelmingly positive user feedback, Evergo is now strategically planning the island-wide deployment of these high-speed chargers to meet the growing demand. The event also featured the Jamaican Urban Transit Company’s EV bus, further highlighting the expanding role of EVs in Jamaica’s transportation landscape.

  • Alchemy of Souls hard to beat in Reprieve Trophy

    Alchemy of Souls hard to beat in Reprieve Trophy

    The highly anticipated $1.1-million Reprieve Trophy is set to grace the racing calendar tomorrow as the second highlight of the day. This prestigious event pays homage to the legendary thoroughbred Reprieve, a celebrated Jamaica Derby champion. The race is exclusively open to local three-year-olds with no more than one victory to their name and three-year-old imported maidens, making it a unique platform for emerging talent. Spanning nine furlongs (1,800 meters), the event promises a thrilling test of endurance and speed, a distance seldom seen in the racing world.

  • Sir Don to make light work of rivals

    Sir Don to make light work of rivals

    A thrilling maiden special weight contest is set to take place tomorrow, featuring eight juvenile runners competing over four furlongs (800 meters) for a substantial purse of $1.01 million. The race, open to both native-bred and imported two-year-olds, promises to be an exciting event on the 10-race card. Here’s an in-depth analysis of each contender:

    1. **Tia Maria**: A chestnut filly by Bold Conquest and Zacapa, Tia Maria finished fourth in her debut on August 2. With improved training and experience, she is expected to deliver a stronger performance this time.

    2. **Sir Don**: This highly-rated American colt, sired by Spun to Run and Enamored, is making his debut on local soil. His impressive training sessions suggest he could be a dominant force in this race.

    3. **Midnight Traveller**: A well-bred filly by Aveenu Malcainu and Esperanza, Midnight Traveller is racing for the first time. Despite her lack of experience, her training indicates she could secure a second-place finish.

    4. **Infinity Star**: This American filly, by Greenpointcrusader and Batmitzvah, finished second in her debut on August 23. Her promising start makes her a strong contender for another commendable performance.

    5. **Comuna Trece**: A well-bred American colt by Maximum Security and My Anguilla, Comuna Trece finished third in his debut on August 23. His pedigree and decent debut suggest he could finish in the top three.

    6. **Whataspun**: Another American colt by Spun to Run and Miss Foo Foo, Whataspun is expected to struggle in this race and may fall behind.

    7. **Brody’s Unity**: This American colt, sired by Brody’s Cause and Bagatelle Park, is not expected to pose a significant threat in this competition.

    8. **Blythwood**: A colt by Wow Wow and She’s An Introvert, Blythwood’s chances of winning are considered minimal.

    This race not only highlights the potential of these young horses but also underscores the competitive nature of juvenile racing. With a mix of experienced and debutant runners, the event is poised to be a captivating spectacle for racing enthusiasts.

  • RATINGS UPGRADE

    RATINGS UPGRADE

    S&P Global Ratings has elevated Jamaica’s sovereign credit rating from ‘BB-’ to ‘BB’, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s financial recovery. This upgrade, announced on Thursday, underscores Jamaica’s decade-long commitment to fiscal discipline, which has drastically reduced its debt-to-GDP ratio from nearly 145% in 2013 to approximately 62% today. Despite this achievement, the agency’s analysis highlights the pressing challenge of stimulating economic growth in the aftermath of the debt crisis. The ‘BB’ rating, while still within the speculative-grade tier, represents a notable improvement in creditworthiness, signaling reduced default risk. S&P also affirmed Jamaica’s ‘B’ short-term rating and assigned a positive outlook, suggesting the potential for another upgrade within 18 months if fiscal progress continues. The report praised Jamaica’s unique fiscal achievements, including maintaining an annual primary fiscal surplus above 3% of GDP for ten consecutive years—a feat unmatched by any of the 141 sovereigns rated by S&P. However, the agency cautioned that Jamaica’s growth prospects remain constrained by high security costs, low productivity, and vulnerability to external shocks. Policymakers now face the dual challenge of sustaining fiscal credibility while fostering economic expansion. The upgrade reflects Jamaica’s institutional resilience, bolstered by initiatives like its proactive disaster risk framework and strengthened financial institutions. Yet, the path forward hinges on translating fiscal stability into sustainable growth, a task that will define Jamaica’s next chapter.

  • She’s still got it!

    She’s still got it!

    Shericka Jackson, the Jamaican sprinting sensation, demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination at the recently concluded World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. Despite failing to defend her 200m title, which she had won consecutively in 2022 and 2023, Jackson secured a bronze medal with a time of 22.18 seconds, trailing behind American winner Melissa Jefferson-Wooden and Great Britain’s Amy Hunt. The 31-year-old athlete, who missed the 2024 Paris Olympics due to injury, made a commendable comeback in Japan, finishing fourth in the 100m with a season’s best of 10.88 seconds and clocking 21.99 seconds in the 200m semi-finals, the second-fastest time at the championships. Former world champions Donovan Bailey and Justin Gatlin have expressed their confidence in Jackson’s ability to remain a dominant force in the sprints. Bailey, who won 100m gold for Canada at the 1995 World Championships and the 1996 Olympics, believes Jackson’s podium finish is a testament to her resilience and will serve as a foundation for her future success. Gatlin, a multiple-time world champion, praised Jackson’s mental strength and strategic approach to the competition. In a social media post, Jackson reflected on her challenging year, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to recover and compete, and reaffirming her belief in her potential for future success. Jackson’s season concluded a day earlier than planned as she missed the 4x100m relay final, in which Jamaica won silver.

  • Positive feedback UWI, UTech student reps hail dedicated JUTC service

    Positive feedback UWI, UTech student reps hail dedicated JUTC service

    A month into the new academic year, student leaders at The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, and the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech) are celebrating the transformative impact of the Jamaica Urban Transit Company’s (JUTC) dedicated bus service. The initiative has significantly reduced travel costs and enhanced safety for students, garnering widespread praise. Roshaun Wynter, UWI Mona Guild president, highlighted the overwhelmingly positive feedback from students, emphasizing the service’s role in providing secure transportation for those attending late-night classes. Launched on July 31, the service connects key locations such as Half-Way-Tree, Portmore, Spanish Town, and Old Harbour. Prime Minister Andrew Holness further bolstered the initiative by announcing free JUTC bus travel for students from September to October, a move Wynter described as a financial lifeline for many. Despite minor concerns about route expansion, the service has been lauded for its punctuality and reliability. Notably, the bus system has enabled some students to move off-campus, easing financial burdens associated with housing. UTech Students’ Union President Percival Johnson echoed these sentiments, noting the service’s popularity among early and late commuters. The initiative has also gained traction on social media, with students sharing their positive experiences on platforms like TikTok. Looking ahead, Wynter expressed hope for fleet and route expansions to further support commuting students, particularly those in rural areas.

  • Women killer appeal on pause

    Women killer appeal on pause

    Kemar Riley, one of four individuals convicted in December 2019 for the brutal 2011 murders of 18-year-old Joeith Lynch and her 40-year-old mother Charmaine Rattray in Lauriston, St. Catherine, has filed an appeal against his conviction and life sentence. Riley, who was 29 at the time of his conviction, has consistently denied involvement in the killings, which involved beheading and extreme violence. He was sentenced to life imprisonment with hard labor, requiring him to serve a minimum of 52 years before parole eligibility. The case, initially scheduled for a hearing during the Michaelmas Term, was adjourned after Riley’s attorney, Obiko Gordon, requested time to consult with his client. Subsequently, the court indicated that a new attorney would be assigned to handle the appeal. The prosecution’s case hinged on the testimony of a star witness who claimed Riley confessed to participating in the murders while in custody. Riley, however, maintains his innocence, stating he had no prior knowledge of the crime or the alleged confession. The murders, described by Justice Vivene Harris as acts of terror, were reportedly ordered by the Klansman Gang, targeting the victims as alleged informers. The case has left a lasting impact on the Lauriston community, with Justice Harris emphasizing the heinous nature of the crimes in her sentencing remarks.