标签: Jamaica

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  • Double murder mars Christmas Day on March Pen Road

    Double murder mars Christmas Day on March Pen Road

    In a brazen assault that defied heightened security measures, Spanish Town’s March Pen Road became the scene of a fatal Christmas Day shooting, resulting in the deaths of two local residents. The incident occurred despite visible police reinforcements in the St. Catherine community, raising serious concerns about persistent gang violence in the area.

    Authorities have identified the victims as Shaniel Myers, a 30-year-old bar operator, and Shamar Hall, 28, both residents of the troubled March Pen Road vicinity. According to official reports, the tragedy unfolded approximately at 6:00 PM when multiple armed assailants stormed a local gathering and opened indiscriminate fire.

    Eyewitness accounts indicate Hall succumbed to his injuries immediately at the crime scene, while Myers managed to flee approximately to a nearby churchyard before collapsing. Both victims were transported to the Spanish Town Hospital where medical personnel confirmed their deaths.

    In a related development hours following the initial shooting, police patrols intercepted a group of armed individuals who allegedly engaged law enforcement in a violent confrontation. Preliminary reports suggest one suspect was fatally wounded during the exchange, though his identity remains unverified pending formal notification of relatives.

    This recent violence continues a disturbing pattern of retaliatory killings that have plagued March Pen Road since the alleged assassination of a local gang leader earlier this year. Security analysts note this incident represents at least the third murder attributed to ongoing factional disputes between rival gangs in the community.

    The Christmas Day shooting has intensified calls for more effective crime intervention strategies as residents report deteriorating security conditions despite official promises of increased police presence.

  • Zelensky to meet Trump this weekend in Florida

    Zelensky to meet Trump this weekend in Florida

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed a high-stakes diplomatic meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump scheduled for Sunday in Florida. The summit aims to advance negotiations toward ending Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, focusing on a newly formulated 20-point peace framework currently under consideration by Moscow.

    The proposed agreement, developed through recent U.S.-Ukraine negotiations, represents a potential breakthrough in the conflict. According to Zelensky, the plan includes significant concessions for Ukraine, notably freezing current frontlines and eliminating previous requirements for Kyiv to formally abandon its NATO membership aspirations. Additionally, the proposal opens possibilities for Ukrainian troop withdrawals from the eastern Donetsk region and establishes a demilitarized zone—positions previously resisted by Ukrainian leadership.

    Key agenda items for the Zelensky-Trump meeting include security guarantees for Ukraine and sensitive territorial disputes concerning the Donbas region and Zaporizhzhia nuclear facility. While acknowledging ongoing disagreements with Washington on these matters, Zelensky characterized the proposed agreement as containing meaningful compromises.

    The Kremlin confirmed Friday that foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov has engaged in telephone discussions with U.S. officials regarding negotiations, though Moscow has not yet revealed its official position on the proposed terms. Historically, Russia has maintained stringent demands including complete Ukrainian withdrawal from Donbas, permanent NATO non-membership status for Ukraine, and sweeping restrictions on Western military presence—conditions Kyiv considers equivalent to surrender.

    Zelensky noted that while Ukrainian negotiators maintain no direct communication channels with Moscow, the United States serves as intermediary in the diplomatic process. The Ukrainian president anticipates Russia’s formal response to the proposed agreement within coming days, potentially determining whether these negotiations evolve into substantive peace talks or reach another diplomatic impasse.

  • 79 race days planned in 2026

    79 race days planned in 2026

    Caymanas Park has officially released its highly anticipated racing calendar for the 2026 season, promising a year filled with top-tier thoroughbred competition. The jam-packed schedule outlines 79 provisional race days, strategically distributed across weekends and national holidays to maximize spectator engagement.

    The racing program features 52 Saturday events, 21 Sunday meetings, and six special holiday race days, offering ample opportunities for racing enthusiasts to experience world-class equestrian sports.

    Season highlights commence with the prestigious 1000 Guineas, exclusively for fillies, scheduled for Saturday, June 6th. This will be immediately followed by the colts and geldings counterpart, the 2000 Guineas, scheduled for Sunday, June 7th, creating an exciting weekend of classic racing.

    Mid-summer will showcase Jamaica’s most celebrated racing events, with the Jamaica St Leger set for Saturday, July 4th. August will feature two major competitions: the Jamaica Oaks for fillies on Saturday, August 1st, and the premier Jamaica Derby on Thursday, August 6th.

    The season culminates with the spectacular Mouttet Mile, one of the Caribbean’s most prestigious racing events, scheduled for Saturday, December 5th. This grand finale promises to deliver an unforgettable conclusion to what anticipates to be an exceptional racing season at Caymanas Park.

  • Guyana’s non-oil sector registers growth of more than 7%

    Guyana’s non-oil sector registers growth of more than 7%

    GEORGETOWN, Guyana — Guyana’s economic transformation continues to accelerate as new government data reveals a remarkable 13.8% expansion in the non-oil sector during the first half of 2025. This exceptional performance, described by officials as unprecedented by global standards, demonstrates the South American nation’s successful economic diversification strategy.

    Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Susan Rodrigues characterized the growth figures as extraordinary, emphasizing that such expansion percentages represent world-class economic performance. The broader economy maintained its robust trajectory with 7.5% overall growth, marking the fifth consecutive year of sustained economic expansion across multiple sectors.

    The non-oil growth was driven by significant advancements across diverse industries including agriculture, tourism, trade and infrastructure development. Minister Rodrigues highlighted the government’s commitment to building an “extremely diversified” economic foundation that reduces dependency on single industries while creating multiple growth engines.

    The administration’s development strategy focuses on ensuring that economic prosperity reaches all citizens regardless of geographical location, background, ethnicity, religion or political affiliation. This inclusive growth model will be implemented through various governmental agencies including the Small Business Bureau, Guyana National Bureau of Standards, Guyana Tourism Authority and the Competition Consumer Affairs Commission.

    Rodrigues emphasized that the current expansion represents just the initial phase of Guyana’s comprehensive development plan, with further economic diversification and inclusive growth initiatives planned for the coming years.

  • RACING GUIDE FOR SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2025

    RACING GUIDE FOR SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2025

    A comprehensive ten-race thoroughbred racing program featured competitive fields across various classes and age groups, showcasing both established performers and promising newcomers. The card included high-stakes optional claiming races, maiden special weights, graded stakes competitions, and restricted allowance events.

    Race 1’s $350,000 Optional Claiming event saw Rum With Me deliver an impressive performance, holding up strategically before leading one furlong out and securing a four-length victory over Sudden Flight. Princess Akilah entered with strong credentials after finishing third to Propellant by 13 lengths in September while dropping in class.

    The maiden races presented several intriguing prospects. In Race 2, Stardom emerged as a forward-type Sensational Slam colt with strong scope, while Another Wow appeared as a nicely conformed Casual Trick filly showing promising training patterns. Race 3 featured Prince Zayden, who had previously chased five furlongs to finish third to Papi Uso by ten lengths.

    Undefeated American-bred Sir Don dominated Race 4’s Restricted Stakes discussion with three wide-margin victories recorded in fast times. The Graded Stakes Open Allowance in Race 9 featured elite competitors including Legacy Isle, who led seven furlongs before finishing second by eight lengths in the Mouttet Mile, and Desert of Malibu, who had previously led three furlongs before finishing third to Of A Revolution.

    Race 10’s Restricted Stakes included Diesel Train, who demonstrated front-running prowess by clearing two furlongs out and beating Im Outstanding by ten lengths. Don Kwesi similarly displayed dominant speed, leading and clearing in the final two furlongs to defeat American Invader by seven lengths.

    The program highlighted numerous horses returning from layoffs, class droppers seeking improved results, and several contenders showing significant fitness improvements from their previous outings.

  • Izizzi player hits $2.8 million jackpot on Greek Gods game

    Izizzi player hits $2.8 million jackpot on Greek Gods game

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — A life-changing fortune has transformed the future prospects of a local restaurant employee and dedicated gaming enthusiast, who recently secured a monumental $2.8 million jackpot prize. The fortunate winner, identified as Ms. G, achieved this extraordinary windfall while playing the Greek Gods game on Izizzi gaming terminals.

    As a long-time participant in the Izizzi gaming system, Ms. G maintained her established routine by acquiring a $500 play ticket. Despite her balance diminishing to a mere $30, she persisted with her gameplay. This determination was rewarded when her machine triggered the distinctive ‘Easy Spin’ feature, accompanied by flashing lights and illuminated displays that culminated in the jackpot announcement within seconds.

    “I felt surprised,” Ms. G confessed, still processing the substantial scale of her unexpected fortune. The timing of this financial breakthrough proved particularly opportune, as she anticipates the arrival of a newborn. The substantial prize money will enable her to establish enhanced security for her expanding family’s future.

    Ms. G has formulated practical plans for her winnings, prioritizing the acquisition of a Toyota Probox vehicle to initiate a taxi enterprise. This entrepreneurial venture will generate sustainable income while simultaneously providing family support and creating savings for household requirements.

    Having consistently enjoyed the Greek Gods game on Izizzi platforms, Ms. G praised its entertainment value and winning potential. She enthusiastically encouraged prospective players: “They perform superiorly compared to alternative gaming options, which many players don’t recognize. Other machines lack these million-dollar jackpot opportunities. For those who haven’t attempted them previously – take the chance. Without participation, victory remains impossible.”

    The winning momentum continues throughout the Izizzi network, with the progressive jackpot currently exceeding $4 million and still accumulating, presenting additional opportunities for substantial prizes.

    Alyssa MooYoung, Chief Executive Officer of Izizzi Lottery, affirmed in an official statement: “This $2.8 million jackpot achievement further demonstrates the exceptional winning possibilities our participants experience. Izizzi terminals consistently provide genuine opportunities for transformative financial rewards, with Greek Gods maintaining its status as one of our most thrilling and popular games for justified reasons. We delight in celebrating this remarkable success and anticipate more players discovering Izizzi’s rewarding potential.”

  • NORBROOK’S PANAMANIAN PLAY

    NORBROOK’S PANAMANIAN PLAY

    In a significant development for Panama’s fast-food sector, Platinum Brands S.A., a portfolio company of Norbrook Equity Partners Limited, has unveiled ambitious plans to launch twelve new KFC outlets nationwide. This strategic expansion, representing a capital investment exceeding $15 million, will substantially increase the brand’s presence from 46 to 58 locations.

    The expansion follows Platinum Brands’ acquisition of the KFC and Dairy Queen franchises from Franquicias Panameñas, S.A. in June 2024. After a year of intensive operational assessment and strategic restructuring, the company has secured prime locations for its growth initiative. According to Khary Robinson, Founder and Executive Chairman of Norbrook Equity Partners, the initial phase focused on strengthening business fundamentals—infrastructure, processes, and human resources—before pursuing aggressive growth. Robinson emphasized that this foundational work has positioned the venture as Panama’s fastest-growing quick-service restaurant in terms of same-store sales.

    The company has already successfully inaugurated three new restaurants in Chorrera Center, David Center, and Algarrobos, all reporting robust customer traffic and strong initial sales performance. This forms part of a broader vision to expand the combined KFC and Dairy Queen portfolio to 100 locations by 2028. The Dairy Queen brand currently operates 21 stores within the country.

    Leadership on the ground, led by CEO Juan Carlos Andrade and CFO Christian Sturla, has been instrumental in executing this measured growth strategy. Andrade highlighted that the mandate prioritized rebuilding the operational foundation over rapid expansion, with significant investments directed toward service culture, efficiency, product consistency, store modernization, and leadership development.

    The franchises have been recognized as top performers regionally, demonstrating strong same-store sales growth, improved guest satisfaction metrics, and enhanced operational efficiency. Enhancements are also underway for the Dairy Queen brand, with new locations planned for the future.

    This expansion is financed through a combination of equity and debt facilities provided by JMMB Bank (Jamaica) Limited and BAC International Corporation. Notably, JMMB Bank had previously extended a $3 million financing facility in June 2024 to facilitate the initial acquisition.

    Ownership of Platinum Brands is structured with Norbrook Restaurant Holdings Limited (a St. Lucian entity) holding a 60% majority stake. The remaining shares are distributed among Sygnus Deneb Investments Limited (20%), the Henriquez family (10%), and FirstRock Global Holdings Limited (10%).

    This investment represents the latest activity within Norbrook’s diversified private equity portfolio, which also includes recent ventures such as the rebuilding of Pure National Limited’s ice manufacturing plant, the acquisition of a majority stake in California-based Mighty Pilates by Express Fitness Limited, and the divestiture of interests in Grupo Alaska S.A. by joint venture Grupo Frontera Limited. Additionally, Norbrook’s publicly listed subsidiary, Mailpac Group Limited, continues to show strong financial performance following its acquisition of MyCart Quick Limited.

  • ‘My mission is done’: Popular crime vlogger Sir P says he’s signing off

    ‘My mission is done’: Popular crime vlogger Sir P says he’s signing off

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant development within Jamaica’s digital media landscape, prominent social commentator and crime vlogger Sir P from Politricks Watch has announced his departure from YouTube. The influential content creator revealed his decision through a farewell video titled “All Lame Things Must Come To An End… Sir P Says Goodbye To YouTube (No Me Naw Joke),” which rapidly garnered over 13,000 views within just two hours of posting.

    The vlogger, known for his distinctive vocal delivery and analytical approach to crime reporting, explained his reasoning with notable clarity: “It’s time to call it quits. In life, you have to know when to call it quits.” Sir P emphasized that his departure stems from having successfully completed his self-defined mission on the platform, which primarily involved challenging prevailing narratives about Jamaican society and crime.

    “My mission from day one was not to wrestle against flesh and blood,” Sir P elaborated. “It was to wrestle against narratives. That’s what I’ve really been at war with this whole time—false narratives.” The content creator specifically highlighted his focus on transforming discourse around crime and culture, noting that he has observed significant changes in public conversation both within Jamaica and across the diaspora.

    Sir P provided tangible evidence of his impact, describing encounters with Jamaicans in barbershops abroad discussing crime statistics and societal issues with the same analytical framework he pioneered. “When you hear people in New York, people all over Uncle Sam’s place, people in other Caribbean islands talking and they sound exactly like how me sound, my job here is finished,” he stated.

    The vlogger also referenced Jamaica’s improved crime statistics for 2025—which he described as “the best year of crime in decades”—though noting these achievements were overshadowed by Hurricane Melissa’s late October impact. With his original mission accomplished, Sir P indicated he is transitioning to new endeavors, asserting, “It’s time for me to do more and talk less.

    Despite understanding his rationale, subscribers expressed profound disappointment in the comments section. Emotional responses ranged from “We need you” to acknowledgments that “all good things must come to an end.” Many followers expressed gratitude for his years of service, with one commenting, “Your work will never go in vain Sir P. Big up yourself every time… you are a hero to the Jamaican people.”

  • No stopping Money Market in Boxing Day Sprint

    No stopping Money Market in Boxing Day Sprint

    The prestigious Boxing Day Sprint, featuring a substantial $1.25 million purse, is set to commence with seven elite thoroughbreds competing in this Overnight Allowance event. The 6½-furlong (1,300-meter) race for horses aged three and upward promises intense competition at the track.

    Analysts identify MONEY MARKET as the probable favorite following his impressive second-place finish, merely two lengths behind Of a Revolution, in the recent Bruceontheloose Sprint on December 6. This five-year-old bay horse by Successful Native appears perfectly suited to today’s conditions and is widely expected to outperform his rivals.

    SUPREMASI, a four-year-old colt by Savoy Stomp, demonstrates remarkable consistency despite his fifth-place finish in the same preliminary event. Racing experts anticipate another strong performance from this dependable contender.

    COMMANDER Z (USA) presents another compelling opportunity after narrowly losing to Another One in straight course competition on December 14. The four-year-old chestnut colt has demonstrated equal proficiency around bends and is projected to mount a serious challenge for the title.

    The remaining competitors face steeper odds. HUNTSMAN might contend for minor placement, while A GIFT FROM BEN, MAJOR DANGER (USA) – still winless through nine seasonal starts – and FIRECRACKER are generally regarded as unlikely to challenge the frontrunners in this high-stakes competition.

  • Olivier Shield to be played on January 7

    Olivier Shield to be played on January 7

    The Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) has officially announced the rescheduled date for the prestigious Olivier Shield championship match. The decisive clash between St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) and Excelsior High will now determine Jamaica’s supreme schoolboy football team on Wednesday, January 7, 2026.

    ISSA President Keith Wellington confirmed that while the venue remains undecided, the match will be held at either the National Stadium or the adjacent Stadium East field. This scheduling change became necessary due to extensive disruptions caused by Hurricane Melissa, which struck the island on October 28 and forced a month-long postponement of the football season. The championship was originally slated for December 13, 2025.

    The Olivier Shield represents one of Jamaica’s most historic sporting traditions, established in 1909 through the donation of Sir Sydney Haldane Olivier (later Lord Olivier), who served as Governor of Jamaica from 1907 to 1913. The competition was created to crown supremacy between urban Manning Cup champions and rural daCosta Cup winners, creating a unique inter-school rivalry that has endured for over a century.

    Jamaica College holds the record with 22 titles, claiming the inaugural championship in 1909 and their most recent in 2017. Munro College follows with 17 titles, though their last victory dates back 74 years to 1951. St George’s College maintains third position with 13 championships, while Cornwall College and Kingston College are tied with 11 titles each.

    Current title holders Kingston College secured the 2024 championship through a dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout victory against Garvey Maceo. The competition format has evolved from allowing shared titles in drawn two-legged ties to the current winner-takes-all approach decided by penalties if necessary.

    STETHS enters the final seeking their second all-island title, having previously triumphed in 1999 alongside their six daCosta Cup victories. Excelsior High aims for their third Olivier Shield, having shared the title with Rusea’s High in 1993 before claiming an outright victory in 2003.