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  • Urban Under-16 football quarterfinalists decided, two spots up for grabs in Under-14

    Urban Under-16 football quarterfinalists decided, two spots up for grabs in Under-14

    The group stage of Jamaica’s premier schoolboy football competitions concluded Thursday, setting the stage for intense knockout rounds next week. In the Mighty Malt Under-16 tournament, the eight quarterfinalists have been decisively confirmed, while the Burger King Under-14 competition sees two final spots still to be determined in ongoing group play.

    Under-16 competition defending champions St Andrew Technical High School (STATHS) demonstrated their championship pedigree by topping Group 1 despite a thrilling 3-3 draw against Excelsior High in a rematch of the 2024 final. STATHS finished with seven points, followed by Excelsior with five. St Catherine High narrowly missed advancement despite a 4-3 victory over Haile Selassie, finishing third with four points.

    Kingston College delivered the performance of the day in Group 2, emphatically ending Mona High’s previously unbeaten campaign with a commanding 6-2 victory. KC finished perfect with nine points while Mona progressed as group runners-up with six. Greater Portmore claimed third position with three points after defeating Waterford High 2-1.

    Group 4 witnessed Jamaica College securing top position through superior goal difference after overwhelming Jose Marti 5-0. Eltham High kept pace by defeating Calabar 2-0, claiming the second qualification spot and eliminating Calabar who began the day leading the group.

    St George’s College completed a perfect group stage run with nine points after edging St Jago High 1-0 in Group 3. Wolmer’s Boys joined them in the quarterfinals following a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Hillel Academy, finishing with six points.

    The quarterfinal groups are now set with Group A featuring STATHS, St George’s College, Mona High, and Eltham High. Group B will comprise Kingston College, Jamaica College, Excelsior High, and Wolmer’s Boys.

    In the Burger King Under-14 tournament, defending all-island champions Kingston College continued their dominant form with a 2-0 victory over previously strong Hillel Academy. KC finished Group 2 with maximum nine points while maintaining a remarkable defensive record of zero goals conceded alongside 57 goals scored across nine matches. Hillel Academy narrowly advanced on goal difference despite finishing with four points, identical to Calabar who defeated Vauxhall 5-1.

    KC will compete in Group B alongside Jamaica College, STATHS, and the runner-up from Group 1, which remains contested between Eltham High and Wolmer’s Boys. Group A will feature Excelsior High, Hillel Academy, Campion College, and either Wolmer’s or Eltham High.

    Thursday’s other notable results included STATHS defeating Jose Marti 4-1, Eltham High routing Greater Portmore 7-0, while Dunoon Park Technical drew 0-0 with Camperdown and Wolmer’s Boys played to a goalless draw with Holy Trinity High. Jamaica College edged Campion College 1-0 and Excelsior secured a narrow 1-0 victory over St Catherine.

    The quarterfinal matches across both competitions are scheduled to commence Monday, promising elevated intensity as teams compete for championship glory.

  • Stabroek newspaper closes down

    Stabroek newspaper closes down

    GEORGETOWN, Guyana – In a significant blow to Caribbean media diversity, Stabroek News, one of Guyana’s longstanding daily publications established in the 1960s, has announced its permanent closure. The shutdown marks the second major media outlet in the region to cease operations recently, following Trinidad and Tobago’s NEWSDAY.

    The newspaper’s principal shareholders, Isabelle and Brendan de Caires, described the decision as “extraordinarily difficult and painful” in a comprehensive public statement. They revealed that the state-operated Department of Public Information (DPI) has accumulated an outstanding debt exceeding GUY$80,000,000 (approximately US$320,000) for unpaid advertisements over the past year.

    Despite numerous private appeals and public calls for settlement, the government entity has persistently failed to clear its substantial debt. The shareholders characterized this pattern of non-payment as a deliberate strategy to deprive the publication of essential operating capital, effectively crippling its financial viability.

    The statement further contextualized the challenges of operating a media enterprise in the Caribbean region, noting that “publishing has always been a precarious undertaking in Guyana and the Caribbean due to the modest size of the potential readership, and to other market constraints.” While emphasizing that profit was never the primary motivation, they stressed that any business must maintain financial sustainability to continue operations.

    Additional obstacles cited include repeated denials of radio broadcasting licenses and significant competitive disadvantages compared to other local media entities. Although Stabroek News maintained a television subsidiary for several decades, the shareholders noted that competitors enjoyed “significant privileges” that created an unlevel playing field. This environment ultimately made the anticipated transition from print newspaper to multimedia broadcaster impossible, contributing to the publication’s eventual demise.

  • Foster reaches 400 wins

    Foster reaches 400 wins

    Jockey Tevin Foster achieved a monumental career milestone on February 7, 2026, securing his 400th professional victory at Jamaica’s Caymanas Park racetrack. The historic win occurred aboard Tigray Express, a thoroughbred trained by Adrian Prince, during the day’s seventh race—an Optional Claiming event for three-year-olds and upward.

    The race unfolded strategically after Tigray Express started slowly from the gates. Foster expertly positioned the horse in second place behind early leader Golden Loyalty down the backstretch. Demonstrating tactical prowess, Foster urged his mount forward in the final stretch, ultimately claiming victory by a comfortable margin of one and a half lengths in the 1,300-meter contest.

    In an emotional post-race interview with The Supreme Racing Guide, Foster expressed profound gratitude for the achievement. ‘I am grateful for this milestone. The hard work and dedication have finally paid off,’ stated the accomplished jockey. He specifically acknowledged the support system that contributed to his success, including trainers, owners, stable staff, family members, and loyal supporters throughout his career.

    Foster reflected on the inevitable challenges of professional horse racing, noting, ‘There were numerous ups and downs, but obstacles are meant to be overcome.’ The jockey provided context to his achievement timeline, revealing that a seven-month riding engagement overseas had potentially delayed reaching the 400-win marker sooner.

    When questioned about future aspirations, Foster remained focused on immediate objectives while acknowledging the ultimate ambition of every professional jockey: ‘Winning a jockeys’ championship would be the icing on the cake. A champion is a champion—it would be a tremendous feeling and a significant enhancement to my racing career.’ The jockey emphasized that continued hard work and dedication would determine what accomplishments follow this significant milestone.

    Documenting the celebratory moment, trackside photographer Garfield Robinson captured Foster sharing the victory with trainer Adrian Prince and commemorating the career-defining achievement in the winner’s circle.

  • NWA extends closure of Top Road in Browns Town, St Ann

    NWA extends closure of Top Road in Browns Town, St Ann

    Residents and motorists in St Ann, Jamaica, must prepare for continued travel disruptions as the National Works Agency (NWA) announces a one-week extension of the closure on Top Road in Browns Town. Originally scheduled to reopen this weekend, the critical corridor will now remain inaccessible until Sunday, February 22nd.

    The decision follows significant delays in infrastructure upgrades, primarily attributed to persistent intermittent rainfall over the past fortnight. The comprehensive works undertaken include the complete replacement of aging National Water Commission (NWC) pipelines and the installation of 540 square meters of new rigid concrete pavement.

    While NWA officials confirm successful completion of the concrete laying phase, the extended closure is necessary to ensure proper curing of the pavement. This crucial period allows the concrete to achieve sufficient strength before opening to vehicular traffic, ensuring long-term durability.

    To mitigate transportation challenges, the NWA has implemented detailed detour protocols. Motorists bound for Alexandria are directed to use St Hilda’s Drive, connecting to York Castle Drive. Those traveling toward Browns Town may utilize North Street onto Musgrave Street, continuing to Bottom Road, or alternatively use Court Street directly onto Bottom Road.

    Recognizing logistical constraints, the agency will permit single-lane access exclusively to truckers on Top Road, as alternative routes cannot accommodate large commercial vehicles. All motorists are strongly advised to exercise heightened caution, observe all posted warning signs, and follow instructions from traffic personnel until operations conclude.

  • 75-y-o pedal cyclist killed in Hanover crash

    75-y-o pedal cyclist killed in Hanover crash

    HANOVER, Jamaica — A tragic traffic incident has claimed the life of a senior citizen, marking the 33rd road fatality recorded across Jamaica since January. The victim, 75-year-old Keith Campbell from Cousins Cove, Hanover, succumbed to severe injuries sustained during a morning collision in the parish capital.

    The fatal accident occurred approximately at 7:20 AM on Thursday along Watson Taylor Drive. According to preliminary reports, Campbell was operating a pedal bicycle when he was struck by a Toyota Coaster minibus near the Lucea library vicinity. Despite emergency response efforts, the elderly cyclist could not survive the critical injuries inflicted during the impact.

    Law enforcement authorities from the Hanover Police Traffic Division have launched a formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision. The incident highlights growing concerns over road safety measures, particularly for vulnerable commuters.

    Comparative statistical data reveals a complex picture of Jamaica’s traffic safety trends. While the current year’s fatality count of 33 shows a notable decrease from the 42 deaths documented during the same period last year, alarming patterns emerge upon closer examination. Official figures from the Island Traffic Authority indicate that vulnerable road users—including pedestrians, motorcyclists, and pedal cyclists—account for 14 of the 33 fatalities recorded this year, representing approximately 42% of all road deaths.

    This disproportionate impact on non-protected road users has sparked renewed discussions about infrastructure improvements and protective legislation for Jamaica’s most exposed commuters.

  • 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.’