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  • Salah seals Egypt win as Osimhen leads Nigeria into Cup of Nations quarters

    Salah seals Egypt win as Osimhen leads Nigeria into Cup of Nations quarters

    In a dramatic night of Africa Cup of Nations knockout football, two continental giants secured their passage to the quarter-finals with vastly different performances. Egypt’s Pharaohs, led by captain Mohamed Salah, endured a nerve-shredding extra-time battle against Benin, while Nigeria’s Super Eagles delivered a commanding display to eliminate Mozambique.

    The Egyptian squad faced a formidable challenge from underdogs Benin in Agadir. Despite taking the lead through Marwan Attia’s superb 69th-minute strike, Egypt conceded a late equalizer when Jodel Dossou capitalized on a defensive lapse in the 83rd minute. The match extended into extra time, where Yasser Ibrahim’s header restored Egypt’s advantage before Salah sealed the 3-1 victory with a breakaway goal in the 124th minute—his third of the tournament.

    Egyptian coach Hossam Hassan acknowledged the challenge: ‘Before the game, I said there are no easy teams, and Benin were tough opponents. Egypt are a great team and I want to make my people happy.’ The seven-time champions now await the winner between title-holders Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso.

    Meanwhile, Nigeria produced a masterclass in Fes, overwhelming Mozambique 4-0 in a rain-soaked encounter. African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen netted twice, ending his AFCON scoring drought with his first goals in ten tournament appearances. Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman orchestrated the victory with a remarkable performance, contributing to all four goals while earning man-of-the-match honors.

    The scoring opened with Lookman’s 20th-minute finish, followed by Osimhen’s brace—the first from a Lookman cross and the second shortly after halftime. Sevilla forward Akor Adams completed the rout with a powerful strike in the 75th minute, marking Nigeria’s largest knockout-stage victory since 2010.

    Despite elimination, Mozambique celebrated a historic achievement, having reached the knockout phase for the first time in their AFCON history. Nigeria advances to face either Algeria or DR Congo, with potential for redemption against the latter after November’s World Cup qualifying defeat.

  • KSA heritage queen captures runner-up title at national competition

    KSA heritage queen captures runner-up title at national competition

    In a celebration of youthful elegance and cultural pride, Annorah Brown from Kingston and St Andrew secured the position of second runner-up at the groundbreaking Mini Miss Jamaica Heritage Queen Pageant. The inaugural event unfolded on December 28, 2025, at a vibrant ceremony in Ocho Rios, St Ann, marking a significant new chapter in Jamaica’s pageantry landscape.

    Brown’s journey to the national stage was paved by her prior accolade as the Mini Miss Kingston and St Andrew Heritage Queen, a title she earned earlier in the year. According to her supporters, her successful progression was fueled by a combination of her prior experience in competitive pageants and the unwavering encouragement from her directors, family, and friends.

    The atmosphere in the venue was electric with anticipation as Brown was announced as one of the top five finalists, triggering an eruption of enthusiastic applause from the audience. While she did not clinch any specific sectional awards during the competition, her placement among the elite finalists highlighted her overall strong performance.

    The climax of the evening featured the finalists’ victory walk, culminating in the revelation of the winners. The historic first-ever Mini Miss Jamaica Heritage Queen title was awarded to Athena Whyte of St Mary, with Shayde Anderson of Portland being named the first runner-up. Brown’s achievement as second runner-up is celebrated as a moment of immense pride for the Kingston and St Andrew community. Her performance stands as a powerful testament to her grace, confidence, and the compelling national appeal she displayed on the heritage pageant stage, solidifying her status as a rising star.

  • Gov’t to safeguard integrity of Overseas Employment Programme

    Gov’t to safeguard integrity of Overseas Employment Programme

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican government has declared a zero-tolerance stance against fraudulent activities targeting its Overseas Employment Programme, with Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr. vowing to prosecute offenders. The Minister’s stern warning came during a send-off ceremony for seasonal agricultural workers departing for Canada, held at the Ministry’s Overseas Employment Centre on January 6.

    Minister Charles revealed he had received anonymous WhatsApp messages and TikTok videos falsely portraying him as offering unauthorized access to the farmwork programme. He characterized these attempts as direct attacks on the programme’s integrity and announced immediate coordination with relevant authorities to pursue legal action against perpetrators. “Consider this a final warning… you will find yourself behind bars,” Charles stated emphatically.

    The Minister emphasized the programme’s critical importance, particularly following Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact on western Jamaican parishes. He highlighted how overseas employment provides essential livelihood support through “gainful, lawful employment” that enables workers to sustain their families and communities.

    This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Jamaica-Canada seasonal agricultural partnership, which has enabled thousands of workers to fund their children’s tertiary education. Charles encouraged both new and experienced participants to remain focused despite potential distractions, while urging veterans to guide newcomers.

    Recent statistics demonstrate the programme’s growing impact: since January 1, 2025, a total of 15,156 workers have secured employment in Canada and the United States—representing an increase of 687 compared to 2024. The breakdown shows 59% participated in the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Programme, 3% in the Low-Skilled Programme, and 38% in the United States Programme.

    Charles concluded by reframing these statistics as representations of “livelihoods, children that have been supported, and communities that have been strengthened,” underscoring the human impact behind the numbers.

  • Gordon looking to arrest Spanish Town Police’s JPL safety

    Gordon looking to arrest Spanish Town Police’s JPL safety

    Jamaican football strategist MERRON Gordon has formally assumed the role of Technical Director at Spanish Town Police FC, leveraging his extensive national team experience to guide the club through its precarious position in the Wray & Nephew Jamaica Premier League (JPL). The appointment, confirmed this past weekend, marks a strategic shift for Gordon following his four-year tenure as assistant coach for the Reggae Boyz and previous consultancy work with Old Harbour United.

    The transition occurred following Old Harbour’s acquisition of the JPL club, with owner Jabarie Baker persuading Gordon to join the restructured organization. Despite concurrent commitments as a full-time educator and new business owner, Gordon found alignment with the club’s developmental philosophy. “The vision aligns with my philosophy,” Gordon explained to the Jamaica Observer, emphasizing objectives to “develop a youthful team, sell players to international opportunities, and build a competitive local core.”

    Gordon brings a decade of multifaceted coaching experience, including work with the Reggae Girlz, national U-17 and U-23 teams, alongside club engagements with Humble Lion, Sporting Central Academy, and Garvey Maceo in schoolboy football. His immediate focus centers on implementing structural reforms within both the club administration and technical departments. “I’ve learned from top coaches locally and abroad,” Gordon noted, citing mentorship from Vin Blaine and Roy Simpson in both technical and administrative domains.

    Spanish Town Police currently anchors the JPL table with merely eight points from 14 matches, trailing safety by five points. Historical context underscores their challenge: since the league expanded to 14 teams in 2022-23, only Phoenix Chapelton Maroons have avoided relegation as a promoted club. Despite this, Gordon identifies strategic optimism in recent performances, including two victories within the last three games and an unexpected training window created by a waterlogged pitch cancellation.

    The technical director outlined a pragmatic survival strategy: “We’re not trying to win the league but maintain our spot. We’ll concentrate on the bottom six teams while treating any points from top sides as bonuses.” The club faces immediate tests against playoff contenders Tivoli Gardens and title-chasing Portmore United, matches that will critically impact their relegation battle.

  • Extra-time stunner takes Algeria over DR Congo through to AFCON quarter-finals

    Extra-time stunner takes Algeria over DR Congo through to AFCON quarter-finals

    RABAT, Morocco — A spectacular extra-time strike from substitute Adil Boulbina propelled Algeria into the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo on Tuesday. The decisive moment came in the 119th minute at Rabat’s Moulay El Hassan Stadium, moments before the tense encounter seemed destined for penalties.

    The match-winning play began when midfielder Ramiz Zerrouki, who had also entered as a substitute, delivered a perfectly weighted through ball that released Boulbina on the left flank. The 22-year-old forward, who plays for Qatari club Al-Duhail, advanced into the penalty area before unleashing a powerful strike that found the back of the net, triggering euphoric celebrations among the majority of the 18,837 spectators.

    Boulbina’s emotional post-match comments captured the significance of his contribution: ‘I have always dreamed of playing for the national team. It is the ambition of every Algerian to play for their country and do well. I had my chance and scored, and the most important thing is that we won and qualified for the next round.’

    The victory sets up a highly anticipated quarter-final clash between Algeria and Nigeria, scheduled for Saturday in Marrakesh. The Algerian squad, which won all its group stage matches, now appears as serious contenders for their third continental title, having previously lifted the trophy in 2019.

    For DR Congo, the defeat represents a painful conclusion to their AFCON campaign despite their World Cup qualifying success against Nigeria last November. Coach Sebastien Desabre acknowledged his team’s effort: ‘We are obviously disappointed with the outcome. I thought it was a top-level game between two really good sides. The players gave everything. We fought to the end but unfortunately it was not enough.’

    The match itself, while featuring two of Africa’s football powerhouses, failed to produce many clear scoring opportunities during regulation time. Both teams struggled with final-third execution, leading to a goalless draw after ninety minutes that extended into extra time before Boulbina’s dramatic intervention.

  • Salada packs over 600 care packages for farmers affected by Hurricane Melissa

    Salada packs over 600 care packages for farmers affected by Hurricane Melissa

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a remarkable demonstration of corporate social responsibility, Salada Foods has redirected its year-end celebrations toward supporting agricultural communities devastated by Hurricane Melissa. More than 40 employees from the company’s Kingston headquarters assembled over 600 essential care packages for distribution to struggling farmers in St Elizabeth.

    The initiative marked the conclusion of Salada’s 2025 production cycle at its Bell Road manufacturing facility. The effort was spearheaded by General Manager Tamii Brown and notably included participation from teachers and students of Jebb Memorial Basic School, an institution adopted by the company.

    Brown emphasized the company’s philosophical approach: “Salada operates within an interconnected ecosystem sustained by close relationships with people, communities, and partners. Our farmers represent a crucial component of this system; their hardships directly affect us all. These relief packages symbolize our mutual bonds and profound dedication to assisting farmers, families, and neighbors during periods of adversity.”

    The care packages contained vital food supplies and hygiene products, alongside Salada’s recently introduced sorrel hibiscus beverage—a traditional Jamaican drink launched by the company in November 2025.

    The initiative garnered official recognition from Floyd Green, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Mining, who visited during packing operations. Minister Green stated: “I commend Salada for this intervention, particularly as we approach the Christmas season. Many farmers have returned to their lands but continue to face extremely challenging conditions. This assistance significantly alleviates their burden by providing essential items to sustain them throughout this period.”

    In a departure from convention, the company replaced its customary annual staff party with this humanitarian effort, choosing instead to deliver tangible support to agricultural workers following the hurricane’s destruction.

    Following the relief operation, Salada turned its attention internally to acknowledge outstanding employee contributions through its departmental ‘Gem Awards.’ Recipients included Akeele Johnson (Warehouse), Duane Taylor (Sanitation), Anthony Anglin (Production), Peter Collins (Engineering and Maintenance), Richard Thomas (Accounts), and Karimah Shepherd (Quality and Laboratory).

    Brown praised the awardees: “Our Gems have demonstrated extraordinary diligence, commitment, and a consistent willingness to exceed expectations this year. They truly embody the values that define Team Salada.”

  • FRENCHMEN CLIMAX Red Alert

    FRENCHMEN CLIMAX Red Alert

    As the clock struck midnight on New Year’s Eve, fashion-forward celebrants at Frenchmen Climax demonstrated that style traditions remain powerfully alive in contemporary culture. The longstanding custom of wearing red for good fortune—symbolizing luck, love, and prosperity in the coming year—was prominently displayed throughout the festivities, though many attendees confessed their choices were equally influenced by aesthetic appeal.

    Tuesday Style Fashion captured the sartorial elegance of the evening, documenting not only the predominant crimson hues but also the emerging trend of soft, off-white tones. The latter choice aligned remarkably with Pantone’s recently announced 2026 Color of the Year: 11-4201 Cloud Dancer, described as a gentle, airy neutral that embodies serenity and new beginnings.

    Among the standout appearances, entrepreneur Adrianna Bryan presented a floral interpretation of the red tradition, while Tashi Nailz World owner Tsahai Douglas incorporated bold red accents into her bejeweled ensemble. The white trend manifested elegantly through Live and Direc Production Director Cheryl Peart, who selected an ivory lace suit, and Select Brands Category Manager Kedish Suckram alongside Kloset Klutch principal Naketa Hosang, who both opted for sophisticated all-white outfits.

    Partygoer Kadian Samuels embraced the festive spirit in a red mini dress from Monokini Collection, while Scotia Wealth Marketing Manager Simone Hull made a striking impression in vibrant crimson. Artiste Tosh Alexander channeled confidence in a body-hugging Babyboo creation, and National Commercial Bank Investor Relations Manager Belinda Williams consciously chose white to symbolize her clean slate approach to the new year.

  • Maduro copied my dance, says Trump

    Maduro copied my dance, says Trump

    In a characteristically unconventional address to Republican lawmakers at the recently renamed Trump-Kennedy Center in Washington, President Donald Trump marked the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro while simultaneously kicking off his 2026 midterm election campaign. The speech combined foreign policy commentary with domestic political theater as Trump referenced Maduro’s alleged imitation of his dance moves alongside more serious allegations of human rights abuses.

    Trump asserted that Maduro’s public dancing to a techno remix of his ‘No War, Yes Peace’ mantra during U.S. military deployments to the Caribbean in late 2025 influenced White House decision-making. ‘He gets up there and tries to imitate my dance a little bit,’ Trump remarked, before transitioning to grave accusations. ‘But he’s a violent guy who’s killed millions. They maintain a torture chamber in central Caracas that they’re now dismantling.’

    The President celebrated what he termed a ‘brilliant’ special forces operation that resulted in Maduro’s capture last Saturday, though he provided no additional details about alleged Venezuelan torture facilities or elaborated on his previously vague intentions for U.S. management of Venezuela’s oil resources.

    Much of the address focused on domestic politics, with Trump performing an exaggerated imitation of a transgender weightlifter while discussing his administration’s sports policy. ‘My wife hates when I do this,’ he acknowledged. ‘She says it’s so unpresidential.’ Trump further revealed that his spouse disapproves of his dancing, rhetorically asking attendees to imagine Franklin D. Roosevelt engaging in similar behavior—a pointed reference to the polio-stricken president’s physical limitations.

    The speech coincided with the fifth anniversary of the U.S. Capitol attack, with Trump repeating his unsubstantiated claims about the 2020 election being ‘rigged.’ He warned Republican lawmakers that failure to win the upcoming midterms could result in another impeachment effort, noting that he had pardoned nearly 1,600 January 6 rioters upon returning to office in January 2025.

    Despite Trump’s assertions of economic success, polls indicate persistent voter concerns about affordability and living costs. The President expressed frustration with public perception, telling fellow Republicans: ‘I wish you could explain what’s happening with the public mindset. We have the right policies.’

  • US operation in Venezuela undermined international law—UN

    US operation in Venezuela undermined international law—UN

    GENEVA, Switzerland – The United Nations issued a stern condemnation on Tuesday regarding a recent U.S. military intervention in Venezuela, characterizing the operation as a severe breach of fundamental international legal principles. The forceful extraction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores by American commandos has triggered significant diplomatic alarm.

    Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the UN Human Rights Office, addressed the media in Geneva, emphasizing the inviolable tenet that nations must refrain from threatening or employing force against the territorial integrity or political sovereignty of any state. This statement directly challenges the legal justifications put forward by the United States for its audacious Saturday dawn operation, which was supported by aerial bombardments over Caracas and a substantial naval presence.

    The U.S. administration has defended its actions by citing the Maduro government’s extensive record of egregious human rights abuses. However, Shamdasani explicitly rejected this rationale, asserting that achieving accountability for such violations cannot be accomplished through unilateral military actions that themselves contravene international law. She underscored that her office has meticulously documented the progressive decay of Venezuela’s humanitarian and political climate for over a decade.

    Expressing profound apprehension, the UN official warned that the current instability, exacerbated by the U.S. intervention and the ensuing militarization within Venezuela, threatens to intensify the nation’s pre-existing crises rather than alleviate them. The incident marks a significant escalation in international tensions surrounding the Venezuelan situation.

  • Digital postal codes initiative aims to modernise Jamaica’s national delivery system

    Digital postal codes initiative aims to modernise Jamaica’s national delivery system

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica has embarked on a transformative digital initiative through a strategic partnership between the Jamaica Postal Service (Jamaica Post) and technology firm Yassuh Jamaica Limited. The collaboration, publicly endorsed by Minister of Efficiency, Innovation and Digital Transformation Audrey Marks, represents the first government-sanctioned commercial application of groundbreaking addressing technology in the nation.

    Minister Marks characterized the initiative as a pivotal advancement in modernizing public services through digital innovation. “This collaboration exemplifies the type of digital transformation that can generate meaningful national impact by modernizing public services, enhancing operational efficiency, and strengthening Jamaica’s comprehensive logistics ecosystem,” Marks stated.

    The partnership operates under a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing a pilot program for a national postal code system. This technological solution aims to enable precise, reliable, and direct delivery of mail and packages across Jamaica, addressing decades-long challenges with standardized addressing that have hampered mail delivery, last-mile logistics, and e-commerce fulfillment.

    Postmaster-General and CEO of Jamaica Post, Lincoln Allen, emphasized the initiative’s alignment with national development objectives. “This pilot directly supports Vision 2030 Jamaica and the government’s digital transformation agenda, which prioritize innovation, efficiency, and enhanced public service delivery,” Allen explained. “A modern, reliable addressing system forms the foundation for national development by strengthening logistics networks, improving emergency response capabilities, expanding e-commerce opportunities, and promoting broader inclusion in the digital economy.”

    Yassuh Jamaica Limited CEO Andrew Walker, a former Google software engineering manager who led infrastructure for globally scaled products including Google Docs and G Suite, identified the partnership as addressing a critical development gap. “Our mission is to bridge the divide between developed and developing nations,” Walker stated. “One of the most persistent gaps exists in last-mile delivery logistics where countries lack uniform addressing systems. The Yassuh ecosystem resolves this fundamental issue through digital transformation that will prove extremely beneficial for Jamaica.”

    Beyond logistics, the Yassuh platform is engineered to support wider national development through enhanced geospatial capabilities for hospitality and travel sectors, strengthened emergency response systems, and expanded e-commerce potential previously constrained by unreliable addressing.

    Jamaica Post executives highlighted the operational benefits of the collaboration. Deputy Postmaster Sophia Hamilton Brown noted that “this partnership will prove transformational for the department, particularly benefiting customers in remote areas through improved service delivery and enhanced customer experience.” Carol Hammond, Head of Corporate Services, praised Walker’s personal contribution, noting how he “utilized international exposure to identify opportunities and gather resources to impact Jamaica.”