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  • Heart of Love V-Day show to cater to Christians

    Heart of Love V-Day show to cater to Christians

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Starliner Seafood, Wine Bar & Grill in Plantation Cove, St Ann is redefining Valentine’s celebrations with its specially curated ‘Heart of Love’ event targeting Christian couples seeking meaningful entertainment alternatives. The February 14th gathering addresses a identified gap in the market for faith-based social gatherings during romantic holidays.

    Event co-director Errol Henry explained the inspiration behind the initiative: “Our conversations with patrons revealed that Christian couples frequently desired more substantial celebrations than conventional restaurant dinners. They sought experiences aligning with their values while providing exceptional entertainment.”

    The evening’s program features gospel music icon Dr. Carlene Davis-Cowan alongside her husband Tommy as master of ceremonies. The performance lineup includes Shagga Tee and Desmond ‘Desi’ Jones, the event’s co-director and leader of the Skool Band.

    Tommy Cowan emphasized the spiritual dimension of the celebration: “Our nearly 45-year marriage stands as testimony to God-centered love. Carlene’s setlist will include both gospel favorites and love songs from our repertoire, including ‘Going Down To Paradise’ and ‘Everything I Own,’ all reflecting Christian values.”

    The schedule includes gates opening at 7:00 PM followed by dinner service at 8:00 PM. A pre-show entertainment segment runs from 9:00-10:00 PM preceding Dr. Davis-Cowan’s headline performance.

    Event sponsorship includes Visual Vibe, which has promoted the gathering through digital billboards in Ocho Rios featuring the headline artist. The venue offers two VIP ticket tiers providing comprehensive dining packages with beverage selections.

    Henry encourages attendance: “This represents an unparalleled experience—one inclusive price covers gourmet dining, premium entertainment, and an atmosphere celebrating love through faith.”

    Tickets remain available at the venue, Cove Electrical Plumbing and Hardware, and through online purchasing platforms.

  • Opposition raises concern over new taxes post-Hurricane Melissa

    Opposition raises concern over new taxes post-Hurricane Melissa

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Opposition legislators from the People’s National Party (PNP) have raised significant apprehensions regarding potential new taxation measures targeting Jamaican citizens recovering from Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic impacts. The concerns emerged as Parliament prepared for its official reopening on Thursday, with Finance Minister Fayval Williams scheduled to present the 2026-2027 national budget.

    Opposition Leader Mark Golding characterized the anticipated tax implementation as a “procyclical measure” that could exacerbate existing economic challenges. “With the economy having contracted and growth entering negative territory,” Golding stated while entering Gordon House, “imposing additional taxes during such depression tends to worsen economic conditions rather than alleviate them.”

    While acknowledging the governing Jamaica Labour Party’s (JLP) difficult fiscal decisions, Golding emphasized the potential negative consequences of taxation-based recovery strategies. He expressed particular concern about impacts on citizens’ cost of living and the pace of national economic recovery, noting he awaited specific budget details before forming definitive conclusions.

    Julian Robinson, Opposition Spokesperson on Finance and Member of Parliament for St Andrew South Eastern, highlighted the particularly challenging timing for western Jamaican communities devastated by the October 28, 2025 Category Five storm. Robinson emphasized that new taxes would impose “severe burden and hardship” on populations already facing job losses, business destruction, and displacement.

    The opposition officials indicated they would scrutinize the budget’s revenue measures, specifically examining which segments of the population would be affected and the nature of proposed taxation. Minister Williams’ 2:00 PM budget presentation is expected to outline the government’s comprehensive fiscal strategy for recovery and economic stabilization.

  • Man United’s Ratcliffe’s apologises for ‘language’ on immigration

    Man United’s Ratcliffe’s apologises for ‘language’ on immigration

    LONDON, United Kingdom—Jim Ratcliffe, the billionaire co-owner of Manchester United, issued a formal apology on Thursday following widespread condemnation of his inflammatory comments describing the United Kingdom as “colonised by immigrants.” The Monaco-based industrialist had made the remarks during a televised interview where he linked immigration to economic strain.

    Ratcliffe, founder and chairman of the INEOS chemical conglomerate, expressed regret specifically for his “choice of language,” stating: “I am sorry that my choice of language has offended some people in the UK and Europe and caused concern.” He defended his underlying intention to highlight the need for “controlled and well-managed immigration that supports economic growth.” The 73-year-old businessman emphasized that his comments were made during a discussion about UK policy at the European Industry Summit in Antwerp, focusing on economic growth, jobs, and manufacturing.

    The apology came after direct pressure from Prime Minister Keir Starmer, whose spokesman acknowledged the apology as “absolutely right” while reaffirming the government’s commitment to a “Britain built for all.” Despite the controversy, Finance Minister Rachel Reeves confirmed continued government support for Ratcliffe’s UK businesses, including the Grangemouth oil refinery in Scotland, though she characterized his original statements as “unacceptable” and “disgusting.

    Ratcliffe’s initial interview with Sky News included statistically inaccurate claims, asserting the UK population grew from 58 million in 2020 to 70 million currently. Official Office for National Statistics data confirms the population was actually 67 million in mid-2020 and just under 70 million in mid-2024.

    The football community reacted strongly, with anti-racism organization Kick It Out condemning the “disgraceful and deeply divisive” remarks and noting that such language “has no place in English football.” Several Manchester United supporters’ groups and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham also criticized the characterization of immigrants as a “hostile invading force.” The comments could potentially lead to disciplinary action from England’s Football Association for “bringing the game into disrepute.”

  • Foreign policy must be leveraged for economic independence — Holness

    Foreign policy must be leveraged for economic independence — Holness

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has issued a strategic directive to Jamaica’s diplomatic corps, emphasizing foreign policy as the cornerstone for achieving complete economic independence. Addressing heads of mission at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade on Wednesday, Holness declared the current decade pivotal for transforming Jamaica’s sovereignty from political autonomy to economic self-reliance.

    Holness articulated that while Jamaica has maintained political sovereignty since 1962, true independence remains ‘hollow’ without fiscal credibility, institutional robustness, competitive industries, and resilience against external shocks. ‘The only way to fulfil your political objectives is to make sure that you are economically independent,’ he stated, framing economic strength as the bedrock of national sovereignty.

    The Prime Minister tasked diplomats with leveraging Jamaica’s international credibility to attract investments, generate employment, and forge strategic partnerships. He emphasized their role as custodians of Jamaica’s global image, urging them to amplify the nation’s progress in macroeconomic management, post-pandemic recovery, and hurricane resilience—particularly referencing Hurricane Beryl’s devastation and the targeted reconstruction response.

    Holness also highlighted national security achievements, including reduced violence and homicide rates over the past three years, and instructed diplomats to communicate these gains globally. ‘We are moving towards peace, and that’s the message you will take to the global community,’ he asserted.

    This week-long consultative meeting—the first since 2018—includes 20 diplomatic and consular posts and 85 consulates. Foreign Minister Kamina Johnson Smith characterized the gathering as an ‘internal reset’ to align foreign policy with evolving domestic and international landscapes, ensuring Jamaica’s priorities are advanced with professional conviction worldwide.

  • Woman injured in Clarendon crash

    Woman injured in Clarendon crash

    CLARENDON, Jamaica — A dramatic early morning rescue operation unfolded on the Swansea main road in Clarendon this Thursday following a severe head-on collision. Emergency services were dispatched to the scene after a commercial truck collided with a Toyota RAV4, trapping its 53-year-old female driver within the wreckage.

    According to preliminary police reports, the incident occurred at approximately 5:30 a.m. as the woman was traveling eastbound toward May Pen. A truck traveling in the opposite direction crossed into her lane, resulting in a direct impact that left the motorist pinned inside her severely damaged vehicle.

    Fire and rescue teams from both Mandeville and May Pen fire stations responded to the emergency call. Specialized extraction equipment was required to carefully remove the injured driver from the crushed automobile. Following her rescue, she was immediately transported to a nearby medical facility for treatment of sustained injuries.

    In a statement to investigators, the 30-year-old truck operator admitted to having fallen asleep while operating his vehicle, leading to the catastrophic loss of control. Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident while reminding motorists about the dangers of fatigued driving.

  • Throne Speech: NaRRA represents new development architecture for Jamaica — GG

    Throne Speech: NaRRA represents new development architecture for Jamaica — GG

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica has established a centralized authority to coordinate national reconstruction efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. The National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NaRRA) will function as a technical hub for project development and implementation, marking a significant shift in the nation’s approach to disaster recovery and resilience building.

    Governor General Sir Patrick Allen announced the initiative during Thursday’s 2026 Throne Speech at Gordon House, which inaugurated the 2026/27 legislative session. The authority will serve as Jamaica’s primary coordination center across governmental ministries, agencies, and international development partners while creating a structured platform for public-private collaborations.

    Sir Patrick emphasized that NaRRA will transform unprecedented international financing into viable, resilient projects executed with transparency, speed, and measurable impact. “This authority represents a new development architecture for Jamaica,” he stated, “one that embeds resilience into national planning, accelerates delivery, and ensures that reconstruction investments translate into lasting economic opportunity and sustained national strength.”

    Currently established as a government department, NaRRA will operate pending special-purpose legislation that will reconstitute it as a statutory corporation, granting it greater autonomy and operational flexibility in overseeing Jamaica’s comprehensive recovery strategy.

  • High-stakes gamble

    High-stakes gamble

    A significant legislative debate unfolded in Jamaica’s House of Representatives on Tuesday as lawmakers examined the final component of the nation’s casino gaming framework. The Casino Gaming Regulations, spearheaded by Finance and Public Service Minister Fayval Williams, represent the culmination of over a decade of legal development aimed at establishing integrated resort developments (IRDs) combining luxury accommodations, entertainment venues, and gaming facilities.

    Minister Williams articulated that the comprehensive regulations were meticulously designed to safeguard Jamaica’s international standing while simultaneously creating substantial investment opportunities and employment pathways. The regulatory architecture encompasses detailed provisions governing casino organizational structures, staffing qualifications, internal control mechanisms, advanced surveillance systems, and standardized accounting practices aligned with international financial reporting standards.

    Despite governmental assurances, Opposition members voiced profound concerns regarding the social implications of expanded gambling accessibility. Dr. Dayton Campbell, Member of Parliament for Westmoreland Eastern, delivered a clinically-informed intervention characterizing gambling disorder as a legitimate mental health condition comparable to substance addiction. He particularly criticized provisions permitting credit extension to casino patrons, warning this could precipitate household financial devastation and potentially increase suicide rates among vulnerable populations.

    Prime Minister Andrew Holness countered these concerns by highlighting built-in safeguards within the regulatory framework, including mandatory patron registration systems and behavioral monitoring protocols designed to identify problematic gambling patterns. The Prime Minister emphasized that casino operators bear direct responsibility for implementing early intervention strategies when detecting signs of addictive behavior.

    The debate concluded with Minister Williams reaffirming the Casino Gaming Commission’s existing responsible gaming initiatives and commitment to evolving protective measures as Jamaica’s gaming industry develops, while acknowledging ongoing parliamentary concerns regarding familial intervention protocols and independent oversight mechanisms.

  • Jamaica, Trinidad gear up for Winter Olympics bobsleigh events set for Thursday

    Jamaica, Trinidad gear up for Winter Olympics bobsleigh events set for Thursday

    Beijing’s National Sliding Center prepares for a significant sporting moment as training sessions for the inaugural women’s monobob and the classic two-man bobsleigh events officially commence on Thursday. This marks the final preparatory phase for athletes before the intense competition begins.

    Jamaica’s Mica Moore will be among the pioneers competing in the historic women’s monobob, an event making its Olympic debut. The discipline requires athletes to single-handedly both push and pilot their sleds down the treacherous icy track. Competitors are allocated three crucial training sessions from Thursday through Saturday to acclimatize to the course conditions.

    The monobob competition will launch into its first two heats on Sunday afternoon, with the final two heats determining the medals on Monday afternoon. Mirroring the Olympic tradition of all bobsleigh events, the winner will be crowned based on the athlete with the fastest aggregate time across all four runs.

    Simultaneously, the iconic two-man bobsleigh event begins its training schedule. Jamaica will be represented by pilot Shane Pitter alongside crew members Nimroy Turgott, Joel Fearon, and Junior Harris. They will be joined by a historic team from Trinidad and Tobago, featuring pilot Axel Brown and crew Shakeel John, De Aundre John, Xaverri Williams, and Micah Moore.

    The two-man competition is scheduled to start on Monday with its initial two heats, concluding with the final two runs on Tuesday, where the medals will be awarded.

  • 97.5% customers restored, fewer than 17,000 still without power, says JPS boss

    97.5% customers restored, fewer than 17,000 still without power, says JPS boss

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s national power provider has entered the conclusive phase of its extensive recovery operation following October’s devastating Hurricane Melissa. Jamaica Public Service (JPS) CEO Hugh Grant confirmed that 97.5% of the utility’s customer base—representing over 673,000 households—has been successfully reconnected to the electrical grid. The announcement came during a national press briefing on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone in the country’s rebuilding efforts.

    Grant detailed the coordinated multinational response that enabled this rapid restoration, highlighting collaborations between local crews, international emergency teams, government agencies, and community leadership. The CEO emphasized that this achievement resulted from strategic infrastructure investments, technological enhancements, and meticulous disaster preparedness protocols rather than accidental success.

    Current data indicates fewer than 17,000 customers remain without electricity, primarily concentrated in the hardest-hit parishes of Westmoreland (9,341 customers) and St. Elizabeth (6,370 customers) where hurricane damage inflicted severe infrastructure destruction.

    The power company has established an ambitious timeline to reconnect approximately 7,000 additional customers by February’s conclusion, which would reduce the total without power below 10,000. Grant simultaneously acknowledged technical challenges, noting many properties require structural repairs before safe electrical reconnection can occur.

    Addressing affected residents directly, the CEO stated: “We see you, we hear you, we care about you. Work will not cease until every household is restored.” JPS has projected final reconnections will occur between March and April 2026, contingent upon individual property readiness assessments.

    Grant concluded with a firm commitment: “Success for us is every household once again being able to live, work and care for family with the dignity, comfort and opportunity that reliable electricity provides.”

  • Difficult choices in the upcoming budget

    Difficult choices in the upcoming budget

    Jamaica’s Finance Minister Fayval Williams has articulated a bold vision for economic management, advocating for increased private sector control over national assets where efficiency gains can benefit citizens. Speaking at the 2026 Jamaica Stock Exchange 21st Regional Investments and Capital Markets Conference, Minister Williams faced internal resistance to her position that government should relinquish control of assets when private enterprise can manage them more effectively.

    The minister pointed to successful privatization initiatives including TransJamaica Highway Limited and Wigton Windfarm Limited through initial public offerings, along with revenue securitization from Kingston and Montego Bay airports. These examples build upon Jamaica’s historical precedent of hotel privatizations in the 1980s that ultimately catalyzed the country’s tourism boom.

    Williams identified significant untapped potential within Jamaica’s capital markets, noting that approximately $60 billion could be mobilized from the existing $1.2 trillion in pension and life insurance assets through a modest 5 percent reallocation. This private equity could powerfully complement the $2.4 billion international financial institution support package designated for private sector investments.

    The finance minister outlined plans for developing public-private partnership pipelines potentially encompassing hospitals and schools, while emphasizing the importance of operationalizing a micro stock market initiative by the second quarter of 2026 to complement the existing Junior Market.

    These developments occur against the challenging backdrop of Hurricane Melissa’s aftermath, which has prompted the government to suspend its Fiscal Responsibility Framework for two years. The original debt target of 60 percent debt-to-GDP ratio by FY 2027/28 has been postponed to FY 2029/30, with current projections showing debt rising to 68.2 percent in FY 2025/26 before declining slightly to 67 percent by FY 2028/29.

    A critical challenge emerges in wage expenditure management, with salaries and wages now projected to consume 56 percent of tax revenues in FY 2025/26—a dramatic increase from 36.1 percent in 2021/2022. The Independent Fiscal Commission warns this trend risks crowding out other essential spending and complicates budget planning through protracted wage negotiations.

    Despite these challenges, Jamaica’s credit ratings have improved following the hurricane, reflecting international confidence in the country’s commitment to fiscal discipline. However, maintaining this discipline requires containing a wage bill that has more than doubled over four years while addressing potential revenue shortfalls. The National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority assumes critical importance given the high probability of further economic shocks in the coming years.