Carib Scope

标签： Jamaica

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  • 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.

  • 2025/26 NFL season: Week 17, still a lot to play for

    2025/26 NFL season: Week 17, still a lot to play for

    The penultimate week of the 2025/26 NFL regular season arrives with immense playoff implications, set against a backdrop of recent dramatic finishes. Week 16 delivered high-stakes theatrics, headlined by two overtime walk-off victories: the Seattle Seahawks’ 38-37 thriller over the Los Angeles Rams and the Chicago Bears’ 22-16 comeback against the Green Bay Packers.

    The drama extended into Sunday, where the Detroit Lions suffered a heartbreaking 24-29 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers after two offensive pass interference calls nullified potential game-winning touchdowns. This defeat leaves last season’s NFC leaders at 8-7, clinging to faint postseason hopes. Significant shifts occurred in the conference hierarchies as the Jacksonville Jaguars dominated the AFC-leading Denver Broncos 34-20, while the Carolina Panthers seized control of the NFC South with a 23-20 upset over Tampa Bay. The Sunday action culminated with the New England Patriots joining Denver atop the AFC following a 28-24 victory against Baltimore.

    The Philadelphia Eagles solidified their dominance by clinching the NFC East title with a 29-18 win over Washington, eliminating Dallas from playoff contention. While Philadelphia remains the only division champion confirmed, nine additional teams secured postseason berths in Week 16, leaving just four spots remaining across both conferences.

    AFC playoff qualifiers include Denver, New England, Jacksonville, Los Angeles Chargers, and Buffalo, with Pittsburgh, Houston, Indianapolis, and Baltimore competing for the final two positions. The NFC confirmed Seattle, Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Los Angeles Rams, while Carolina, Green Bay, and Detroit vie for remaining slots.

    Week 17 features critical matchups with substantial seeding consequences. The Buffalo Bills (11-4) host the Philadelphia Eagles (10-5) at Highmark Stadium, where arctic conditions may influence gameplay. Buffalo trails New England by one game in the AFC East while pursuing conference supremacy. Despite Philadelphia’s overtime victory in their November 2023 meeting, Buffalo enters as field goal favorites riding a four-game winning streak and formidable home advantage (16-1 since early 2024). The matchup hinges on Buffalo’s vulnerable run defense (143.6 yards allowed/game) versus Philadelphia’s resurgent ground game (152.8 yards/game).

    Simultaneously, the San Francisco 49ers (11-4) host the Chicago Bears (11-4) at Levi’s Stadium, where both offenses rank among the league’s elite. San Francisco seeks to maintain its five-game winning streak and NFC West leadership aspirations, while Chicago aims to clinch its first division crown since 2018. The Bears leverage additional rest days and league-leading takeaways (31) against a 49ers team combating turnover vulnerabilities. With both teams facing formidable Week 18 opponents, this contest carries vital seeding implications.

    As the regular season concludes, teams navigate narrow paths to playoff qualification where any misstep proves catastrophic. Betting markets currently favor the Los Angeles Rams (5.40) as Super Bowl LX favorites, followed closely by Seattle (6.60) and Buffalo (9.60), though odds remain fluid heading into critical weekend matchups.

  • A look back at the 13 biggest local stories of 2025

    A look back at the 13 biggest local stories of 2025

    The year 2025 emerged as a defining chapter in Jamaica’s modern history, characterized by unprecedented natural disasters, landmark political achievements, and profound societal shifts. This comprehensive analysis examines the year’s most significant developments through a restructured narrative framework that captures the nation’s resilience and transformation.

    Natural Catastrophe and National Response
    Hurricane Melissa etched its name in meteorological history on October 28, 2025, when it made landfall as a Category 5 storm with sustained winds of 185 mph—the most powerful hurricane ever recorded to strike Jamaica. The catastrophic event resulted in 45 fatalities, matching Hurricane Gilbert’s 1988 death toll, while rendering approximately 160,000 buildings damaged or destroyed. Early World Bank assessments projected damage estimates reaching US$8.8 billion, representing 41% of Jamaica’s 2024 GDP, with the parishes of St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, and St. James absorbing 63% of the total devastation.

    The international community mobilized rapidly, delivering over 320,000 care packages and construction materials to affected regions. Despite global assistance, thousands of Jamaicans remained displaced during the Christmas season, prompting the Holness administration to accelerate the deployment of 3,000 containerized homes to the most severely impacted areas.

    Political Landscape: Historic Third Term
    Against considerable odds, Prime Minister Andrew Holness secured an unprecedented third consecutive term for the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) in the September 3 general election. Defying opinion polls that consistently favored the opposition People’s National Party (PNP), the JLP captured 35 parliamentary seats against the PNP’s 28. Political analysts attributed this victory partly to Holness’s last-minute pledge to double the national minimum wage from J$16,000 to J$32,000 weekly—a commitment made just days before the election.

    This electoral triumph positioned Holness to potentially become Jamaica’s longest-serving prime minister, continuing a pattern of historical achievements that began when he led the JLP to back-to-back victories in 2020—a feat not accomplished since 1967.

    Public Security: Dramatic Crime Reduction
    National Security Minister Dr. Horace Chang and Police Commissioner Dr. Kevin Blake implemented a comprehensive crime strategy that yielded extraordinary results—a 42% reduction in homicides compared to 2024. By mid-December, murder totals had dropped to approximately 650 cases, marking the first time in three decades that Jamaica’s annual homicide count fell below 1,000. Government officials credited ‘Plan Secure Jamaica’—a multi-faceted initiative involving social transformation, police force modernization, military reform, and legislative changes—for this remarkable turnaround.

    Athletic Exodus and Sporting Heartbreak
    Track and field experienced a significant setback when four elite Jamaican athletes—including three 2024 Olympic medalists—completed citizenship transfers to Turkey. Discus throw gold medalist Roje Stona, long jump silver medalist Wayne Pinnock, shot put bronze medalist Rajindra Campbell, and world junior record holder Jaydon Hibbert reportedly received substantial financial incentives, with Pinnock citing inadequate support systems in Jamaica as motivation for his decision.

    Football witnessed profound disappointment as the Reggae Boyz failed to secure automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup despite favorable conditions. A scoreless draw against Curaçao before 35,000 expectant fans at the National Stadium resulted in the dismissal of coach Steve McLaren and necessitated qualification through intercontinental playoffs.

    Cultural Resurgence and Tragic Losses
    Entertainment saw Vybz Kartel’s triumphant return to performance after his murder conviction was overturned due to juror misconduct. His Freedom Street Concert on New Year’s Eve 2024 attracted what observers described as the largest crowd ever assembled at the National Stadium, signaling a cultural milestone.

    Track athletics celebrated Oblique Seville’s breakthrough victory in the 100m at the World Championships in Tokyo, where he clocked 9.77 seconds to claim Jamaica’s first men’s sprint world title in a decade. This triumph coincided with Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s retirement after an extraordinary career that included five world 100m titles and three Olympic gold medals.

    Society grappled with the tragic suicide of former Miss Universe Jamaica contestant Tyra Spaulding, whose public struggles with mental health highlighted systemic gaps in psychological support services. Meanwhile, law enforcement’s fatal engagement with notorious gang leader Othniel ‘Thickman’ Lobban triggered widespread disruptions in Spanish Town, illustrating the complex relationship between crime and community dynamics.

    The year concluded with the passing of numerous Jamaican icons, including reggae pioneer Jimmy Cliff, business leader and senator Don Wehby, broadcasting legend Barrington ‘Barry G’ Gordon, and football maestro Allan ‘Skill’ Cole—marking the end of an era across multiple spheres of Jamaican society.

  • Salute The Don poised for a winning run in Wayne daCosta Jamaica Two-Year-Old Stakes

    Salute The Don poised for a winning run in Wayne daCosta Jamaica Two-Year-Old Stakes

    Caymanas Park becomes the epicenter of Jamaican horse racing excitement today as twelve promising two-year-old thoroughbreds compete in the prestigious Wayne daCosta Jamaica Two-Year-Old Stakes. The one-mile (1,600m) Futurity event features a substantial $4-million purse, creating intense anticipation among racing enthusiasts and professionals alike.

    Leading the field as the probable favorite is Salute The Don, a chestnut colt demonstrating exceptional form in recent performances. With one victory and a strong second-place finish behind the highly-talented Sir Don in two starts this season, this offspring of Aveenu Malcainu and Abicadabby has trained impressively leading up to today’s event. His previous performance, finishing 13¾ lengths behind Sir Don over 7 furlongs on November 29, demonstrates the caliber of competition he has faced.

    Several contenders emerge as potential challengers for the top prize. Tia Maria, a chestnut filly, has shown remarkable improvement by securing her maiden victory in her fourth attempt, covering 6 furlongs in 1:16.2. Her current sharpness in exercise suggests she could pose a significant threat at this ideal distance.

    Fernando represents another serious competitor, having previously finished third behind both Sir Don and Salute The Don. The chestnut colt has trained exceptionally well and benefits from the expertise of jockey Dane Nelson, potentially enabling him to overcome the favorite’s advantage.

    Fidelity, a bay gelding, cannot be overlooked after his record-breaking performance on October 25, where he covered 4½ furlongs in 53.0 seconds. His strong training regimen leading to this event indicates he remains in peak condition.

    The field also includes Midnight Traveller, London Spirit, We Jammin, God’s Plan, Senor Biscotti, Bigger Boss, Prosperity Sen, and Darwin, each bringing unique racing equipment and strategies to the competition. Various horses will compete with first-time Lasix administration, tongue-ties, blinkers, and figure-8 equipment, adding strategic dimensions to this high-stakes juvenile event.

  • Watson poised to break Charlton’s record of most wins in a single racing season

    Watson poised to break Charlton’s record of most wins in a single racing season

    The Jamaican horse racing scene stands poised to witness historic breaking of a nearly five-decade record as prominent owner Carlton Watson equals Cecil Charlton’s legendary 1977 benchmark of 43 winners in a single racing season. The pivotal moment arrived on December 20, 2025, when Watson’s thoroughbred Hit N Run, skillfully guided by jockey Tevin Foster, surged to victory in the opening event at Caymanas Park.