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标签： Jamaica

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  • Brazil’s Braathen wins South America’s first ever Winter Olympic gold

    Brazil’s Braathen wins South America’s first ever Winter Olympic gold

    BORMIO, Italy — In a landmark moment for winter sports, Lucas Pinheiro Braathen captured the men’s giant slalom title at the Winter Olympics on Saturday, securing not only his first gold medal but also the first-ever Winter Olympic gold for any South American nation. The Norwegian-born skier, representing his mother’s homeland of Brazil, delivered two impeccable runs down the challenging Stelvio course in Bormio to finish with a combined time of 2 minutes 25.00 seconds.

    Braathen’s victory was a study in composure under pressure. After posting the fastest time in the initial run, he faced intense competition from Switzerland’s Marco Odermatt in the final leg. Odermatt, already a double medalist at these Games, pushed aggressively to claim the lead by 0.59 seconds over his teammate Loic Meillard, setting up a dramatic finale with only Braathen remaining on the course.

    The Brazilian responded with a technically masterful performance, particularly excelling through the critical mid-section flats. His second run—the 11th fastest of the heat—proved sufficient to surpass Odermatt by 0.58 seconds, clinching the historic victory. Meillard completed the podium at 1.17 seconds behind, giving Switzerland two medals in the event.

    This achievement represents a monumental breakthrough for Latin American winter sports. The previous best Winter Olympic result from the region was Brazil’s Isabel Clark Ribeiro’s ninth-place finish in snowboard cross at the 2006 Torino Games. In alpine skiing specifically, Chile’s Thomas Grob held the record with an 11th-place finish in the combined event at Nagano 1998.

    Braathen’s journey to this golden moment has been unconventional. Born in Oslo to a Norwegian father and Brazilian mother, the 25-year-old spent childhood years in South America following his parents’ separation. Though his father gained custody and returned him to Norway, Braathen maintained strong ties to Brazil through annual visits from age 11, becoming fluent in both Norwegian and Portuguese.

    His switch to representing Brazil came after a dispute with the Norwegian ski federation over sponsorship rights, which led him to sit out the 2023-24 World Cup season before returning under the Brazilian flag in October 2024. Since then, Braathen has accumulated nine World Cup podium finishes across giant slalom and slalom events, including a victory in slalom at Finland’s Levi resort last November.

    The emotional significance of the victory was palpable as Braathen crossed the finish line. Overcome with emotion, he stared at the results screen in tearful disbelief before raising his ski in triumph and embracing his father Bjorn, who had introduced him to the sport.

  • Brook hails ‘brilliant’ Banton as England back on track at T20 World Cup

    Brook hails ‘brilliant’ Banton as England back on track at T20 World Cup

    KOLKATA, India — England’s cricket team resurrected their T20 World Cup aspirations with a crucial five-wicket victory against Scotland on Saturday, largely propelled by Tom Banton’s exceptional unbeaten knock of 63 runs. The dramatic turnaround at Eden Gardens showcased Banton’s matured batting prowess when England desperately needed stability.

    Facing early trouble at 13-2 while chasing Scotland’s target of 153, Banton transformed the game’s momentum with strategic aggression. His performance stood in stark contrast to previous outings where he managed just two runs against both Nepal and West Indies. Captain Harry Brook lauded Banton’s adaptability, noting how the batsman cleverly countered Scotland’s attempts to neutralize his signature reverse sweep by exploiting different scoring areas.

    The match’s pivotal moment arrived in the ninth over when Banton dismantled Scottish spinner Mark Watt, hammering three colossal sixes that yielded 22 runs and effectively shifted the contest permanently in England’s favor. Brook emphasized how Banton recognized this bowling matchup as ideal for his aggressive approach and executed perfectly under pressure.

    With supporting contributions from Jacob Bethell and Sam Curran, England reached 155-5 with balls to spare. This victory proved particularly vital following England’s disappointing loss to West Indies in Mumbai earlier in the week, which had jeopardized their progression to the Super Eights stage.

    The triumph positions England to control their destiny with a final Group C match against Italy scheduled for Monday at the same Kolkata venue. A victory would secure their advancement, making Banton’s innings not just statistically impressive but potentially tournament-saving for the English side.

  • Omoda | Jaecoo join ATL

    Omoda | Jaecoo join ATL

    Jamaica’s automotive sector witnessed a significant expansion on February 7 as ATL Automotive Group inaugurated its new Oxford Road showroom exclusively for sister brands Omoda and Jaecoo. The launch event marked the official introduction of these two distinct marques from Chinese automaker Chery Automobile to the Jamaican market.

    Managing Director Mark Dommisse expressed strong confidence in the brands’ potential, stating, “We’re excited about what Omoda | Jaecoo will bring to the Jamaican automotive landscape, and we’re proud to have them in our home at ATL Automotive.” This sentiment was echoed by Courtney Smith, Sales Manager for Omoda | Jaecoo, who emphasized these brands represent “a new direction in mobility” for the company.

    The two brands target distinctly different consumer segments. Omoda, whose name combines ‘oxygen’ and ‘moda’ (Italian for fashion), adopts a contemporary approach targeting young professionals, first-time buyers, and technology-oriented consumers. In contrast, Jaecoo—blending the German word ‘Jaeger’ (hunter) with ‘cool’—focuses on premium sport utility vehicles for customers seeking “presence, capability, but also comfort.”

    The newly established showroom at 5 Oxford Road occupies the property previously dedicated to ATL’s certified pre-owned vehicles division, featuring external vehicle displays on the grounds. Smith will oversee a team of five sales associates dedicated to the brands.

    Initial offerings include five models across both brands. Jaecoo’s lineup comprises the J6 (a pure electric vehicle), J7 (a five-seat plug-in hybrid compact SUV), and the flagship J8—a six-seater premium SUV featuring captain’s chairs in the second row. Omoda introduces the C5 compact SUV, available with either a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine or an electric motor offering a rated range of 501 kilometers.

    Pricing strategy positions the C5 starting at $4.8 million Jamaican dollars, with the top-tier J8 reaching approximately $10 million. The company has confirmed plans to expand the model range later this year.

    Beyond sales, ATL Automotive has committed to robust after-sales support including long warranties and substantial investment in service infrastructure. Dommisse emphasized this represents a firm market commitment rather than mere market testing: “We’re not testing the market, we’re committing to it.” Servicing will initially be handled at ATL’s primary location, with an additional showroom already established in Montego Bay.

    Early marketing efforts have already yielded positive results, with Smith noting customer inquiries and several deliveries completed shortly after the launch. The strategic introduction of these brands signals ATL Automotive’s continued expansion and diversification within Jamaica’s competitive automotive industry.

  • Public Advisory: Beware of fraudulent websites and social media pages

    Public Advisory: Beware of fraudulent websites and social media pages

    The Jamaica Observer has issued an urgent public advisory warning citizens about a proliferation of unauthorized digital platforms falsely utilizing its brand identity. These sophisticated impersonation schemes involve counterfeit websites and social media profiles that illegally appropriate the newspaper’s name, logo, and branding elements to deceive the public.

    According to the official statement, these fraudulent entities operate without any affiliation to Jamaica Observer Limited and may attempt to harvest personal data, solicit illegitimate payments, or misrepresent the publication’s services. The organization emphasized that these platforms pose significant risks to personal security and digital safety.

    The publication has provided specific protective measures for the public:

    • Access information exclusively through their authenticated website: https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/
    • Engage only with verified social media channels on Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube
    • Exercise heightened caution toward pages requesting sensitive information, financial transactions, or unusual engagement patterns
    • Immediately report suspicious accounts to both the hosting platforms and the organization’s abuse department at abuse@jamaicaobserver.com

    Jamaica Observer has affirmed its serious approach to protecting its intellectual property and public trust, confirming active collaboration with law enforcement agencies and digital platforms to dismantle these fraudulent operations. The newspaper reiterated that maintaining public safety and trust constitutes their highest priority in addressing this concerning trend of brand exploitation.

  • Abandoned for decades: Bellevue CEO Suzette Buchanan calls for greater family support

    Abandoned for decades: Bellevue CEO Suzette Buchanan calls for greater family support

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Bellevue Hospital’s Chief Executive Officer Suzette Buchanan has issued an urgent appeal for family reunification with mental health patients, revealing that numerous individuals have been effectively abandoned at the institution for up to four decades. During a recent facility tour, Buchanan documented cases of patients who were delivered by relatives and never reclaimed, creating a humanitarian crisis within Jamaica’s primary mental health institution.

    Buchanan provided disturbing specifics, including one female patient left by her children thirty years ago without subsequent contact. While acknowledging the phenomenon of caregiver burnout, the CEO emphasized that treated mental health conditions permit stable functioning, comparable to managing chronic physical illnesses like diabetes or hypertension.

    ‘These individuals are not given opportunities despite treatment success,’ Buchanan stated. ‘Many function normally in communities through medication compliance, attending schools, churches, and maintaining households.’

    The CEO identified persistent stigma and linguistic prejudice as fundamental barriers to family reintegration. She specifically criticized the derogatory use of the term ‘mad’ instead of clinically accurate terminology like ‘mental health condition,’ which perpetuates social exclusion.

    Bellevue Hospital, operational since 1861, has implemented technological solutions to bridge connection gaps. Under Buchanan’s leadership since 2022, the institution launched a virtual communication system enabling global relatives to conduct video visits through social worker facilitation.

    Buchanan’s advocacy has received international recognition, with the Mental Health Foundation Australia naming her International Mental Health Advocate of the Year for 2025. Despite technological advancements and treatment improvements, she maintains that therapeutic intervention alone cannot replace familial bonds and social support systems essential for patient recovery.

    The CEO concluded with an emotional plea: ‘They require loving arms, not institutional confinement. Family participation constitutes a humanitarian imperative, not merely supplemental care.’

  • FROM DESPAIR TO WORLD BEATER

    FROM DESPAIR TO WORLD BEATER

    Emerging West Indies cricketer Vitel Lawes has revealed how a transformative mentorship from assistant coach Nikita Miller propelled him from a state of profound self-doubt to earning a prestigious spot in the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 Team of the Tournament. The 18-year-old Jamaican left-arm wrist spinner stood as the sole Caribbean representative in the global selection, following his instrumental role in guiding the West Indies Under-19 squad to the Super Six phase of the competition ultimately claimed by India.

    Lawes emerged as the team’s primary bowling weapon, securing 10 wickets at an average of 22.70 throughout the tournament. His performance surpassed those of pace bowler Shaquan Belle (8 wickets at 24.87) and fellow spinner Micah McKenzie (7 wickets at 21.57), establishing him as the region’s most effective bowler in the youth championship.

    In an exclusive interview with the Jamaica Observer, Lawes detailed his dramatic psychological and technical transformation after disappointing returns during last year’s series against Sri Lanka, where he managed just one wicket across three matches. “I was very demotivated at the time when we started working together,” Lawes confessed. “But he took me under his wings and motivated me and gave me confidence in my ability.”

    The St. Catherine Cricket Club player attributed his subsequent success to Miller’s specialized coaching methods, which yielded immediate results during the England series in late 2025. Lawes emerged as the leading wicket-taker in that preparatory campaign, setting the stage for his World Cup excellence.

    Competing in his inaugural Under-19 World Cup across the challenging pitches of Namibia and Zimbabwe, Lawes faced additional obstacles as surfaces favored seam bowling over spin. The young cricketer adapted by increasing revolutions on the ball and employing greater wrist action, strategically limiting himself to three primary variations—the slider, googly, and conventional leg break—rather than deploying his full repertoire of six deliveries.

    Despite acknowledging that pitch conditions limited his wicket tally below expectations, Lawes emphasized his commitment to disciplined execution and crucial breakthroughs during pivotal match moments. He also highlighted his productive collaboration with spin partner McKenzie, noting how their tactical communication and pressure-building approaches created mutual opportunities throughout the tournament.

  • WATCH: Throne Speech did not capture realities of St Thomas, says MP Shaw

    WATCH: Throne Speech did not capture realities of St Thomas, says MP Shaw

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Eastern St Thomas Member of Parliament Yvonne Rose-Marie Shaw has delivered a sharp critique of the 2024 Throne Speech, characterizing the government’s address as profoundly disconnected from the severe infrastructure and resource challenges plaguing her constituency. The parliamentary representative expressed profound disappointment following Governor General Sir Patrick Allen’s delivery of the annual policy outline at Gordon House on Thursday, asserting that the optimistic portrayal of national progress contradicts the harsh realities facing St Thomas residents.

    In an exclusive interview, Shaw highlighted multiple critical areas where her constituency remains neglected. ‘The Throne Speech presentation suggests everything is functioning optimally across Jamaica, but this contradicts the daily experiences of my constituents,’ Shaw stated. She identified a severe water distribution crisis affecting numerous communities including Cheswick, Barking Lodge, Stanton Road, Stanton Housing Scheme, Prospect, Dumfries, and Leith Hall, noting that emergency funds for water trucking have been completely depleted.

    Transportation infrastructure represents another critical concern. Shaw referenced particularly hazardous road conditions, including a dangerous breakaway in Rowlandsfield that has already claimed one life. ‘A single fatality from infrastructure neglect is unacceptable,’ the MP emphasized, voicing particular alarm about this situation. She described the Sunning Hill to Water Valley main road as being in ‘abominable’ condition while identifying the Morant Bay to Wilmington roadway as requiring immediate government intervention.

    Recreational infrastructure has similarly deteriorated according to the parliamentarian. Public access to Lyssons Beach has become severely limited due to declining conditions, despite previous investments by the Tourism Product Development Company. ‘Residents cannot even utilize what was once a popular recreational beach for picnics and family gatherings,’ Shaw noted.

    The MP confirmed she intends to urgently engage Works Minister Robert Morgan to secure funding for critical repairs, acknowledging fiscal constraints while maintaining that certain situations demand immediate attention. Shaw reaffirmed her commitment to advocating for St Thomas constituents, concluding: ‘They call us the forgotten parish and claim conditions are improving. I need to see tangible evidence of this progress, and more importantly, my residents deserve to witness it firsthand.’

  • Nia Robinson, Shaquena Foote set personal best in indoor meets

    Nia Robinson, Shaquena Foote set personal best in indoor meets

    Jamaican track and field athletes delivered exceptional performances at major indoor meets across the United States on Friday, with Nia Robinson and Shaquena Foote achieving world-class results that positioned them among the global elite in their respective events.

    At the prestigious Tyson Invitational held at the University of Arkansas, Robinson soared to a remarkable personal best of 6.82 meters in the women’s long jump championship, securing third place overall. This impressive leap not only shattered her previous record of 6.67 meters but also tied her for the fifth-best jump globally this season. The competition saw American jumper Jasmine Moore claim victory with a mark of 6.86 meters, while Robinson shared an identical distance with second-place finisher Sophia Beckmon.

    Simultaneously at Clemson University’s Tiger Paw Invitational, Shaquena Foote of the University of Georgia demonstrated exceptional speed in the women’s 400 meters, clocking a lifetime best of 51.27 seconds to win the event. Her performance ranks as the ninth-fastest in the world this season and represents the seventh-best time ever recorded by a Jamaican woman, matching Leah Anderson’s achievement. Foote’s teammate, DeJanea Oakley, complemented this success with a third-place finish in 51.62 seconds.

    The meets showcased additional standout performances from Caribbean and American athletes. World and Olympic medalist Tajay Gayle placed fourth in the men’s long jump with 8.13 meters, while Louisiana State’s Jordan Turner finished seventh at 8.11 meters. In field events, Purdue University’s Brittania Johnson won the women’s weight throw with a personal best of 20.96 meters.

    Sprint events featured notable achievements including University of Florida’s Gabrielle Matthews winning the college women’s 60m in a personal best 7.19 seconds, and St. Lucia’s Julien Alfred setting a meet record of 6.99 seconds in the Women’s 60m Championships, where Jamaica’s Brianna Lyston claimed third with 7.07 seconds.

  • HYATT BETS ON JAMAICA REBOUND

    HYATT BETS ON JAMAICA REBOUND

    Global hospitality giant Hyatt Hotels Corporation has projected significant financial setbacks from Hurricane Melissa’s impact on its Jamaican operations, anticipating up to $20 million in adjusted EBITDA losses for 2026. The Chicago-based company revealed during its recent earnings call that eight all-inclusive resorts will remain closed through November 2026, resulting in approximately $15 million in lost gross booking fees.

    President and CEO Mark Hoplamazian characterized the disruption as a temporary setback rather than a permanent impairment of assets. “We’re going to take a hit in 2026,” Hoplamazian acknowledged, while expressing strong confidence in Jamaica’s recovery prospects. “2027 presents an opportunity to far exceed our original underwriting for these properties.”

    The delayed reopening timeline strategically positions Hyatt to capitalize on the 2027 winter tourism season with fully renovated properties. The company’s expanded Jamaican portfolio stems from its $2.6 billion acquisition of Playa Hotels & Resorts in June 2025, which added 1,203 rooms across four properties to its existing 899 rooms from the Apple Leisure Group acquisition.

    Hoplamazian praised the Jamaican government’s reconstruction efforts, noting rapid infrastructure restoration and regulatory support including waived import duties on building materials. All affected properties have filed business interruption insurance claims, though reimbursement timelines remain uncertain according to CFO Joan Bottarini.

    The hurricane’s financial impact previously prompted Hyatt to reduce its 2025 EBITDA outlook for Playa by $10 million. Despite near-term challenges, leadership remains optimistic about Jamaica’s long-term potential, with Hoplamazian noting the government’s commitment to preserving tourism-dependent jobs through extensive recovery efforts.

  • WATCH: Grange, Downswell praise U-17 Reggae Boyz after World Cup qualification

    WATCH: Grange, Downswell praise U-17 Reggae Boyz after World Cup qualification

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s national under-17 football team, the Young Reggae Boyz, has achieved a monumental sporting milestone by qualifying for the FIFA U-17 World Cup following a decisive 3-1 triumph against Canada. The crucial Concacaf Group G showdown in Alajuela, Costa Rica, saw Jamaica overcome their ten-man opponents to complete a perfect group stage campaign with maximum points from three matches.

    The team’s flawless performance throughout the qualifying phase, which included previous victories against Aruba and the Cayman Islands, has secured their passage to the global tournament scheduled for Qatar this November.

    Jamaican Sports Minister Olivia Grange conveyed profound national pride in the team’s accomplishment, emphasizing the significance of governmental investment in athletic development. “When our footballers excel, it validates our investment and demonstrates the strength of our developmental programs,” Minister Grange stated. “These young athletes’ achievement at such an age provides tremendous motivation and indicates a promising future for Jamaican football.”

    Minister Grange further highlighted the broader social impact of the team’s success, noting football’s role as a powerful community intervention tool. “These young men become role models in their communities, inspiring others to pursue sporting excellence. Their achievements resonate beyond the pitch, fostering positive social change and community pride.”

    The government has committed to continuing its support for the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), particularly for teams qualifying for international competitions. “We consistently provide substantial support to the JFF for qualification preparations and international participation,” Minister Grange affirmed.

    Head Coach Wendell Downswell described the qualification as a historic achievement for Jamaican football. “I am absolutely ecstatic about this historic accomplishment—qualifying for another U-17 World Cup is tremendous,” Downswell expressed. He attributed the success to meticulous preparation and strategic planning, noting the team overcame significant seeding disadvantages against higher-ranked opponents.

    Looking toward the World Cup in Qatar, Coach Downswell emphasized the importance of structured preparation. “We await the tournament draw to finalize our preparatory structure. We will focus on physical conditioning and tactical composition to ensure our team is optimally prepared for the global stage,” he added.