Jamaican international footballer Kasey Palmer is set to miss eight to ten weeks of action following a knee injury sustained during the recent World Cup qualifying matches, as reported by UK media outlets. The Hull Daily Mail revealed that the 28-year-old midfielder returned from international duty last week with a medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury, potentially keeping him out of play until early next year. Palmer featured prominently in Jamaica’s 4-0 triumph over Bermuda at Kingston’s National Stadium last Tuesday but was absent from the previous match against Curacao due to a suspension. His injury comes at a critical juncture for the Reggae Boyz, who are vying for a spot in the World Cup. With two crucial games left in the final qualification round—an away fixture against Trinidad and Tobago and a home clash with Curacao in November—Jamaica currently leads Group B with nine points, narrowly ahead of Curacao with eight and Trinidad and Tobago with five.
标签： Jamaica
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Fletcher bags brace as Montego Bay beat Racing to extend JPL lead
Montego Bay United solidified their position at the top of the Jamaica Premier League with a decisive 3-1 triumph over second-placed Racing United on Sunday at the Montego Bay Sports Complex. This victory marks their fourth consecutive win, propelling them to 22 points, a significant seven-point lead over Racing United and Portmore United, who are tied at 15 points after eight matches. Jourdain Fletcher continued his stellar form, netting his second brace in as many games, bringing his league-leading goal tally to seven. His performance was pivotal in Montego Bay’s comeback after a sluggish start, as they scored three goals in the final 15 minutes of the first half to seize control. An own goal by Racing defender Jimoy Jones in the 31st minute opened the scoring, followed by Fletcher’s opportunistic strikes in the 34th and 45th minutes. Jones redeemed himself with a goal for Racing in the 51st minute, but it wasn’t enough to challenge Montego Bay’s dominance. Fletcher narrowly missed a hat-trick when his second-half penalty was disallowed due to an inadvertent double touch. Meanwhile, defending champions Cavalier bounced back from last week’s loss with a 3-0 victory over Spanish Town Police, while Waterhouse FC settled for a second consecutive 0-0 draw against Dunbeholden FC.
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Dembele returns for PSG after six weeks out
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) received a significant boost as Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele was named in the squad for their upcoming Champions League match against Bayer Leverkusen. The 28-year-old forward has been sidelined for six weeks due to a hamstring injury sustained while on international duty with France in early September. After undergoing rehabilitation at a specialized clinic in Qatar, Dembele resumed training last week and is poised to make his return in Tuesday’s crucial encounter. His comeback is timely for coach Luis Enrique, as PSG has been grappling with a string of injuries this season. Dembele missed PSG’s thrilling 3-3 draw against Strasbourg last Friday but could feature in Germany as the French champions aim to secure their third consecutive victory in the Champions League. Leverkusen’s Loic Bade, Dembele’s compatriot, praised the PSG star as a “complete player” with no apparent weaknesses, emphasizing the need for collective defense to counter his threat. Meanwhile, PSG also welcomed back forwards Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, though midfielders Fabian Ruiz and Joao Neves remain unavailable. Leverkusen’s new coach, Kasper Hjulmand, acknowledged PSG’s high-energy press as both a “weapon” and a “risk,” expressing confidence in his team’s ability to compete. Leverkusen, the reigning Bundesliga champions, have drawn their first two Champions League matches this season and are eager to showcase their quality against the European giants.
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Colombia recalls ambassador to US as Trump-Petro feud intensifies
Colombia has recalled its ambassador to the United States, Daniel Garcia Pena, for consultations as tensions between the two nations escalate over drug policy and aid disputes. The move follows a series of heated exchanges between Colombian President Gustavo Petro and US President Donald Trump, who recently threatened punitive tariffs and an end to US aid to Colombia. Trump accused Petro of being an ‘illegal drug leader’ and vowed to ‘close up’ drug cultivation in Colombia if Petro fails to act. Colombia’s Interior Minister Armando Benedetti interpreted Trump’s remarks as a ‘threat of invasion or military action.’ The rift deepened after the US deployed warships off the South American coast in August, targeting drug trafficking operations. At least 27 people have been killed in these operations, with recent strikes allegedly targeting Colombian armed groups. Petro has accused Trump of violating Colombia’s sovereignty and committing murder. The US has historically been Colombia’s largest aid provider, with $740 million allocated in 2023, half of which was earmarked for anti-drug efforts. However, relations have soured, with the US decertifying Colombia as an ally in the drug war and revoking Petro’s US visa. Petro’s administration has shifted focus from forced eradication to addressing the social issues driving drug trafficking, leading to a 70% increase in coca cultivation, according to UN estimates.
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US Supreme Court to rule on gun ownership by drug abusers
The United States Supreme Court has agreed to examine a federal law that prohibits individuals who abuse illegal drugs from owning firearms. This case, which will test the boundaries of the Second Amendment, involves Ali Danial Hemani, a dual US-Pakistani national and alleged habitual marijuana user, who was indicted for unlawfully possessing a Glock pistol. An appeals court previously ruled that denying Hemani the right to own a firearm violated his constitutional rights. The case has drawn attention due to its implications for gun control and individual liberties. The conservative-majority court, known for its pro-gun rulings, will determine whether the law imposes an unjustifiable burden on Second Amendment protections. The Justice Department, under former President Donald Trump, has argued that habitual drug users with firearms pose a unique societal danger, but the restriction is temporary and can be lifted if the individual ceases illegal drug use. This case is one of two gun rights disputes the court will address this term, the other involving a Hawaii law on concealed carry permits.
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Brazil greenlights oil drilling in sensitive Amazon region
Brazil’s state-owned oil company, Petrobras, announced on Monday that it has secured approval to commence drilling for oil near the mouth of the Amazon River. This decision has sparked widespread criticism from environmentalists, who argue that it undermines Brazil’s commitment to combating climate change, especially as the country prepares to host the COP30 climate talks in the Amazon city of Belem next month. The drilling in the Foz de Amazonas region, set to begin immediately and last for five months, follows a five-year battle for exploration rights. Petrobras claims it has met all environmental requirements set by Brazil’s environmental watchdog, Ibama, and is optimistic about discovering oil in what it calls a ‘new global energy frontier.’ However, the move has drawn sharp rebuke from conservationists, who warn of potential ‘massive biodiversity loss’ in the ecologically sensitive area. The Climate Observatory, a Brazilian NGO, has vowed to challenge the decision in court, citing ‘illegalities and technical flaws’ in the licensing process. Despite these concerns, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has defended the project, asserting that oil revenues will fund Brazil’s climate transition. The decision has also reignited debates over Brazil’s role as a global climate leader, with critics accusing the government of prioritizing economic gains over environmental preservation.
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Final two daCosta Cup round of 16 places to be decided
The final two spots for the ISSA daCosta Cup Round of 16 are set to be determined on Monday in a rescheduled Group 1 clash between Frome Technical and Kemps Hill High at the Wembley Centre of Excellence. Originally slated to take place at Foga Road High alongside other round of 32 matches, the game was postponed due to a waterlogged field. The match, kicking off at 1:00 pm, holds significant stakes for both teams. Frome Technical, currently joint leaders with Cornwall College on six points, need only a draw to secure their place in the next round. Cornwall College, boasting a formidable 13-1 victory over Cedric Titus High, already has one foot in the third round. Kemps Hill High, with three points, must win to advance, as even a one-goal victory would tie them with Frome Technical on points and goal difference, but they would hold the advantage in tie-breakers due to more goals scored and head-to-head results. Both teams enter the match on the back of strong performances. Frome Technical recently handed Cornwall College their first loss of the season with a 2-1 victory, while Kemps Hill rallied to defeat Cedric Titus 6-4, led by Ricardo Dean’s hat-trick and Shemar Daley’s double. The outcome of this match will finalize the Round of 16 lineup, which already includes 14 teams such as defending champions Garvey Maceo High and other top performers from various groups.
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‘WHISPER’ THE DANGER
Dujuan “Whisper” Richards, the 20-year-old Chelsea FC winger, has made a remarkable return to Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz, catching the attention of Head Coach Steve McClaren. After a two-year absence from the national senior men’s team, Richards was called up for the final-round Concacaf World Cup Qualifiers, following an injury to winger Demarai Gray. Despite missing the team’s final training session before the October 10 game against Curacao, Richards made a lively 82nd-minute substitute appearance in the 0-2 defeat. He further impressed during the October 14 match against Bermuda, where his nifty footwork, incisive passing, and a brilliant solo goal in the 76th minute contributed to a 4-0 victory. McClaren revealed that Richards had been on the coaching staff’s radar for a year, with Chelsea closely monitoring his recovery from ACL surgery. “We’ve seen his quality in training and his cameo performances,” McClaren said. “He’s a significant addition to the squad.” Ludlow Bernard, a former coach of Richards’ youth teams, praised the young player’s talent and impact, emphasizing his potential to play a crucial role in Jamaica’s World Cup Qualifying campaign. Richards, who has yet to play first-team football at Chelsea, has scored twice in six appearances for the club’s Under-21 team this season. Despite this, Bernard believes his talent warrants a permanent spot in the national team. McClaren hinted that Richards could feature in Jamaica’s decisive qualifiers against Trinidad and Tobago and Curacao in November. Jamaica currently leads Group B with nine points, positioning them strongly for automatic qualification to the Fifa World Cup.
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London police to stop probing ‘non-crime hate incidents’
In a significant policy shift, London’s Metropolitan Police announced on Monday that they will no longer investigate ‘non-crime hate incidents,’ following widespread criticism over the arrest of comedy writer Graham Linehan for anti-transgender social media posts. The decision comes after Police Commissioner Mark Rowley emphasized the need for clearer guidelines on handling offensive online content, particularly in cases that do not constitute criminal offenses. Linehan, known for creating popular shows like ‘Father Ted’ and ‘The IT Crowd,’ was detained at Heathrow Airport in September over three posts on X (formerly Twitter), which authorities initially claimed incited violence. The UK’s policing watchdog had previously recommended halting the recording and investigation of such non-criminal hate incidents. The Met’s spokesperson stated that the new policy would provide ‘clearer direction for officers’ and allow them to focus on criminal investigations. While non-crime hate incidents will still be recorded, police will no longer pursue them unless they involve clear risks of harm or disorder. Prosecutors also confirmed on Monday that they would take ‘no further action’ against Linehan, who had been accused of inciting violence through his posts. One of the controversial posts read, ‘If a trans-identified male is in a female-only space, he is committing a violent, abusive act. Make a scene, call the cops, and if all else fails, punch him in the balls.’ Linehan, who denies separate harassment charges related to abusive posts against a transgender woman, vowed to hold the police accountable for what he described as an ‘attempt to silence and suppress gender-critical voices.’ The arrest sparked a heated debate on free speech, with figures like tech billionaire Elon Musk, author JK Rowling, and hard-right politician Nigel Farage criticizing the UK’s approach. Prime Minister Keir Starmer echoed concerns, urging police to prioritize ‘the most serious issues.’ Rowley noted that ambiguous laws have left officers ‘between a rock and a hard place,’ forcing them to record non-criminal incidents as crimes when reported. The move reflects broader tensions in the UK over free speech, particularly in light of recent arrests of individuals supporting proscribed groups like Palestine Action.
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Heroes among us
The historic King’s House in Jamaica will once again serve as the backdrop for the nation’s 2025 Ceremony of Investiture and Presentation of National Honours and Awards, a prestigious event coinciding with National Heroes’ Day. This annual ceremony, deeply rooted in Jamaican tradition, is a moment of national reflection and celebration, honoring individuals whose contributions have significantly enriched the country’s cultural, economic, and social fabric. Since the establishment of the National Honours and Awards Act in 1969, Jamaica has recognized exemplary service, bravery, scholarship, and community work through a structured system of orders, decorations, and awards. Governor General Sir Patrick Allen, acting as chancellor of the orders, will confer these honors based on the prime minister’s recommendations. The ceremony, traditionally held on the third Monday in October, will this year honor 141 Jamaicans across various categories. Among the notable recipients are three individuals appointed to the Order of Jamaica (OJ), the fourth-highest national honor. Keith Duncan, Group CEO of JMMB Group and a government senator, is recognized for his transformative leadership in finance and social development. Desmond McKenzie, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, is honored for over four decades of public service, while Marlene Street Forrest, former managing director of the Jamaica Stock Exchange, is celebrated for her role in elevating the JSE to global prominence. The 2025 honors list also includes distinguished figures such as track star Yohan Blake, author Olive Senior, and music producer Lloyd “King Jammy” James. Additionally, 13-year-old Adrian Ellis will receive the Badge of Honour for Gallantry for his heroic actions in saving a classmate’s life. This year’s ceremony underscores the diversity and vibrancy of Jamaican achievement, highlighting acts of courage, leadership, and service across generations.