标签: Jamaica

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  • British adult film star to be deported from Bali after small fine

    British adult film star to be deported from Bali after small fine

    Indonesian immigration authorities in Bali have ordered the deportation of controversial British adult content creator Bonnie Blue (legal name Tia Billinger) following a police raid and subsequent legal proceedings. The 26-year-old will be expelled from the resort island early Saturday morning via Denpasar International Airport, according to official statements.

    The case unfolded when local police conducted a surprise inspection at a studio in Badung, a prominent tourist district near Denpasar, on December 4th. During the operation, authorities detained Billinger along with three male associates—two British nationals and one Australian—on initial suspicions of producing pornographic content. Despite these allegations, subsequent investigations revealed no concrete evidence of illicit material production.

    In a parallel legal development, Billinger and her associate Liam Andrew Jackson, 27, faced separate charges for traffic violations. Denpasar District Court Judge I Ketut Somanasa imposed nominal fines of 200,000 rupiah (approximately $12) for regulatory infractions, noting that the offenses were committed ‘jointly and continuously.’

    The raid resulted in the seizure of a distinctive dark blue pickup truck bearing ‘Bang Bus’ markings. According to British media reports, the vehicle had been operating without proper taxation since 2023 and had undergone unauthorized color modification from white to blue without official re-registration.

    Edward Pangkahila, legal representative for Billinger, confirmed his client’s full cooperation with Indonesian authorities. ‘I suggested to them to apologize to the people of Bali if this has caused any public unease,’ Pangkahila stated in comments to AFP.

    This incident occurs against the backdrop of Bali’s complex cultural landscape. While the island represents Indonesia’s Hindu-majority exception within the predominantly Muslim nation, the country maintains stringent anti-pornography laws that prescribe severe penalties including imprisonment up to 12 years and fines exceeding $360,000 for violations.

    The deportation follows a pattern of heightened scrutiny on foreign visitors’ conduct in Bali, where officials have repeatedly expressed concerns about inappropriate behavior from international tourists. Recent years have witnessed several high-profile expulsions, including Russian social media influencers who faced deportation for nude photography at sacred sites.

  • Herbert Morrison win six straight in ISSA Under-16 basketball

    Herbert Morrison win six straight in ISSA Under-16 basketball

    In a commanding display of athletic prowess, Herbert Morrison Technical High School extended its winning streak in the ISSA Rural Area Under-16 Zone B basketball competition. The team secured its sixth consecutive victory with a resounding 89-25 triumph over York Castle High in a return round match held at Buckfield Oval in St Ann on Thursday.

    The junior squad’s victory was spearheaded by a formidable offensive duo. Michael Johnson delivered an impressive 22-point performance, closely supported by Rafael Stephenson who contributed 20 points to their team’s total. Despite an initial challenge from their opponents, Herbert Morrison quickly established dominance and maintained control throughout the game. For York Castle, Marcodean Frater emerged as the leading scorer with 14 points.

    In parallel Under-19 division action, Herbert Morrison maintained their undefeated record with a decisive 65-10 victory against Ocho Rios High. However, York Castle demonstrated resilience by securing a win against Ocho Rios in the same age category, while also prevailing over Holland High with a convincing 73-37 scoreline.

    The basketball action continued with Ryan Jurdine leading Herbert Morrison’s Under-16 team to a remarkable shutout performance against Ocho Rios during the second half of their encounter. The team established an overwhelming 21-1 advantage in the opening quarter and expanded their lead to 33-10 by halftime before completely dominating the final two quarters with a 32-0 scoring run.

    In regional derby action, Ocho Rios claimed a 53-38 victory against York Castle in the St Ann matchup. Christian Andorn delivered a game-high 17 points for York Castle, while Matthew Smith led Ocho Rios with 16 points.

    Meanwhile, in Zone A Under-16 competition, Knox College secured a 30-23 victory against Old Harbour High with Javante Currie contributing 12 points to the winning effort.

  • Industrial Disputes Tribunal launches public webpage with searchable case awards

    Industrial Disputes Tribunal launches public webpage with searchable case awards

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant move toward digital transparency, Jamaica’s Industrial Disputes Tribunal (IDT) has inaugurated its official online portal as part of its 50th anniversary commemorations. The newly launched webpage provides unprecedented public access to the tribunal’s awards and legal resources, fundamentally transforming how citizens, legal professionals, and social partners engage with industrial relations jurisprudence.

    During an interactive demonstration to Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr, the IDT technical team revealed advanced features designed to enhance institutional transparency and public understanding of the tribunal’s operations. The digital platform represents a paradigm shift in making historical and contemporary industrial relations documents accessible to a broader audience.

    Minister Charles Jr emphasized the strategic importance of this initiative, stating: “This digital transformation coincides with our golden anniversary celebrations, serving as both a milestone and a commitment to open justice. By democratizing access to our awards and processes, we empower workplaces to align their practices with legal standards and foster healthier industrial relations.”

    IDT Chairman Errol Miller noted the expanded public engagement potential, highlighting that “academics, legal practitioners, and workplace leaders can now seamlessly access decades of institutional wisdom. This repository will serve as an educational tool and reference point for understanding the evolution of Jamaica’s industrial relations landscape.”

    The comprehensive digital archive features a systematically organized collection of IDT awards, with contemporary decisions already available and historical materials being digitized progressively. The platform incorporates sophisticated search functionality allowing users to filter content by chronological period, participating entities, or subject matter, enabling detailed study of legal principles and outcomes.

    Notably, the portal includes an expanding compilation of landmark rulings that have reinterpreted or clarified tribunal awards, providing crucial legal context for understanding how the IDT’s mandate functions within Jamaica’s statutory framework. While the tribunal operates as an administrative body rather than a judicial court, its fundamental purpose remains the equitable resolution of disputes and the promotion of constructive labor-management dynamics.

    This consolidation of historical and contemporary rulings enables stakeholders to identify patterns, learn from precedents, and develop more predictable workplace practices. The initiative is expected to facilitate evidence-based dispute resolution and encourage more respectful industrial relations.

    The digital repository is accessible through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security’s official website at https://www.mlss.gov.jm/?community=industrial-disputes-tribunal-idt-case-files, with cases organized by quarterly periods within calendar years for streamlined navigation.

  • Ocho Rios advance to Ben Francis Cup quarter-finals

    Ocho Rios advance to Ben Francis Cup quarter-finals

    DRAX HALL, St Ann — In a tightly contested Friday match, Ocho Rios High School clinched a decisive 1-0 victory against Old Harbour High, securing their position as the second qualifier for the ISSA Ben Francis Cup quarter-finals. The critical goal was delivered by Kaneil Brown during the latter stages of the game, ensuring his team’s advancement to the next round scheduled for Tuesday, December 16.

    This achievement places Ocho Rios High alongside Manchester High, which dominated William Knibb Memorial with an overwhelming 5-0 triumph the previous day. Additionally, Mannings School and Garvey Maceo High have automatically progressed to the quarter-finals due to the withdrawal of their scheduled opponents, Maggotty High and Maldon High, respectively.

    The remaining four slots in the tournament will be determined following Saturday’s concluding matches in the daCosta Cup competition. Teams that do not advance to the daCosta Cup semi-finals—two from each group—will earn entry into the Ben Francis Cup bracket.

    Notably, McGrath High, who claimed the Ben Francis Cup title two years prior, is anticipated to join the contenders after experiencing defeats in their initial two quarter-final games against Cornwall College and Glenmuir High in Group B.

  • St Mary customers should have light for Christmas, says JPS

    St Mary customers should have light for Christmas, says JPS

    Jamaica Public Service Company Limited (JPS) has achieved a significant milestone in post-hurricane recovery efforts, with electricity restored to approximately 99% of customers in St Mary following Hurricane Melissa. Le-var Allen, JPS Parish Manager for Portland and St Mary, announced the progress during Thursday’s monthly meeting of the St Mary Municipal Corporation, expressing confidence that full restoration would be completed by Christmas.

    Addressing municipal officials, Allen emphasized the rapid pace of recovery, stating, ‘We are almost there in a short space of time, and we should be fully restored shortly.’ The announcement signals a remarkable turnaround for the parish that recently endured hurricane-related power disruptions.

    While praising JPS crews for their restoration efforts, Port Maria Mayor Fitzroy Wilson raised additional infrastructure concerns, specifically questioning whether the utility company planned to install new street lighting in critically underserved areas. Mayor Wilson highlighted the road leading to Port Maria Hospital and infirmary as particularly needing illumination upgrades for public safety.

    In response, Allen advised that municipal officials should formally submit such requests through proper channels, committing to conduct necessary assessments once received. The exchange underscores the ongoing dialogue between utility providers and local government regarding both emergency response and long-term infrastructure development in Jamaica’s parish communities.

  • Machado urges pressure so Maduro understands ‘he has to go’

    Machado urges pressure so Maduro understands ‘he has to go’

    Venezuelan opposition leader and newly crowned Nobel Peace Prize recipient Maria Corina Machado has issued a forceful appeal for intensified international pressure against the administration of President Nicolas Maduro. In a preview of her upcoming interview with CBS News’ ‘Face the Nation,’ Machado emphasized the necessity of compelling Maduro to relinquish power, asserting that his time has conclusively ended.

    The political figure, who recently executed a daring escape from Venezuela under circumstances resembling an espionage thriller, addressed questions regarding potential U.S. military involvement. While acknowledging no specific knowledge of American plans, Machado clarified that Maduro’s removal would not constitute conventional regime change. ‘We conducted an election where over 70 percent of the population mandated political transition,’ she explained. ‘Our requirement is support to implement that democratic decision.’

    Machado’s reference concerns the 2023 presidential election where Maduro secured a controversial third term amid widespread opposition claims of electoral manipulation. The government subsequently prohibited Machado from political participation, forcing her into hiding before her extraordinary extraction from Caracas.

    Codenamed ‘Golden Dynamite’ in homage to Alfred Nobel, the operation involved Machado disguising herself with a wig and navigating through ten military checkpoints undetected. Her journey from a northern Venezuelan beach involved a deliberately dilapidated fishing vessel that subsequently malfunctioned, causing significant delays. According to multiple media investigations, treacherous maritime conditions further complicated the escape, resulting in GPS equipment loss and two hours of directional uncertainty that created genuine mortal peril.

    Despite these harrowing circumstances, Machado successfully rendezvoused with U.S. Army veteran Bryan Stern on open waters before ultimately reaching Oslo via private jet from Curaçao. The opposition leader declined to elaborate on escape specifics during her interview but emphasized the Nobel Prize’s symbolic importance as recognition of Venezuela’s courageous resistance against what she termed ‘a criminal, narcoterrorist structure.’

    Machado concluded with a commitment to return the honor to the Venezuelan people promptly. The Trump administration’s continued pressure campaign against Maduro has included substantial naval deployments and airstrikes against alleged drug-trafficking operations, resulting in nearly 90 fatalities. The complete interview will air Sunday on CBS.

  • Portmore United take over JPL lead after MBU slip up

    Portmore United take over JPL lead after MBU slip up

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Thursday’s Jamaica Premier League fixtures delivered spectacular drama as Portmore United ascended to the league’s pinnacle following a hard-fought 2-1 triumph over Waterhouse FC at Drewsland Stadium. This crucial victory marks their fourth consecutive win and second since the season’s resumption after Hurricane Melissa’s disruption, propelling them to 24 points and overtaking previous leaders Montego Bay United.

    The match unfolded with explosive intensity as Tedj Bryan ignited the scoreboard with a 17th-minute opener for Portmore. Waterhouse FC responded swiftly with Colorado Murray equalizing just five minutes later. The decisive moment arrived in the 35th minute when defender Stephen Young secured the winning goal, cementing Portmore’s seventh seasonal victory.

    Meanwhile, the day witnessed stunning upsets and remarkable comebacks across the league. Defending champions Cavalier SC suffered a shocking 1-0 defeat to relegation-threatened Molynes United, who celebrated their inaugural seasonal win after eight consecutive losses against Cavalier. The upset intensified when Cavalier played the final 13 minutes with ten men following Denzel McKenzie’s dismissal.

    In a goal-laden spectacle, Montego Bay United squandered a two-goal advantage twice against Harbour View, ultimately settling for a 4-4 draw. Despite establishing early dominance through Jourdain Fletcher’s brace and Dwight Merrick’s contribution, Montego Bay conceded two late goals to Trayvone Reid, who inspired Harbour View’s spectacular comeback.

    Mount Pleasant FA delivered the day’s most commanding performance with a 5-0 demolition of Tivoli Gardens. Daniel Green and Warner Brown each scored doubles, while Rapha Intervil contributed a fourth goal, ending Tivoli Gardens’ three-game winning streak in devastating fashion.

  • Direct Relief recognised for contribution to Save Our Boys and Girls Foundation

    Direct Relief recognised for contribution to Save Our Boys and Girls Foundation

    American humanitarian organization Direct Relief has been formally recognized for its two decades of ongoing support to Jamaica, receiving an appreciation award from the Save Our Boys and Girls Foundation Limited (SOBAGF). The foundation is operated by Juliet Holness, Speaker of Jamaica’s House of Representatives and Member of Parliament for St Andrew East Rural.

    Genevieve Bitter, Vice President of Operations at Direct Relief, detailed the long-standing partnership. The collaboration formally began in 2019 when Holness and representatives from Jamaica’s National Health Fund (NHF) visited the charity’s California headquarters. A key outcome was a commitment to bolster the island’s medical cold chain infrastructure, resulting in the installation of twenty pharmacy refrigerators across public hospitals in every region.

    The partnership has since expanded in scope and formality. Direct Relief now maintains a formal agreement with Jamaica’s Ministry of Health. Holness has remained a central figure, notably serving as a keynote speaker at the 2023 Caribbean Resiliency Summit in Puerto Rico, an event supported by the organization.

    A significant focus of Direct Relief’s work has been enhancing energy resilience in hurricane-prone areas. The charity has funded solar power installations for dozens of health centers across the Caribbean, including in Puerto Rico, Barbados, The Bahamas, and Jamaica. This infrastructure proved critical during Hurricane Melissa, where solar-powered facilities maintained electricity amid widespread blackouts, enabling a faster emergency medical response.

    In Jamaica, specific projects undertaken with SOBAGF include community initiatives in Ursa, the solar electrification of the Mavis Bank Health Centre, and the construction of a playground at the Kintyre community center. Furthermore, Direct Relief is currently supporting the NHF with a solar installation for a national pharmaceutical warehouse, a vital hub for the country’s medication procurement, storage, and distribution network.

    Bitter affirmed that Direct Relief’s commitment to Jamaica is enduring. Citing the persistent threats posed by climate change, she stated the organization’s intent to remain for years to come. This ongoing mission was recently demonstrated by the shipment of over $1 million worth of critical medical supplies—including antibiotics, insulin, vaccines, and protective equipment—to the Ministry of Health and Wellness following Hurricane Melissa.

  • WATCH: Manchester police honour longtime school wardens with surprise gift baskets

    WATCH: Manchester police honour longtime school wardens with surprise gift baskets

    In a heartwarming display of community appreciation, officers from the Manchester Community, Safety and Security Branch made surprise visits to two primary schools in Jamaica’s parish on Wednesday to recognize dedicated school wardens for their longstanding service. The initiative, led by personnel from Spalding Police Station including Corporal Oreal Plummer and Corporal George Morgan along with Constables Suewayne Burnett and Kerron Campbell, resulted in emotional presentations of gift baskets to two exceptional wardens. At Mizpah Primary School, Dazlin Fisher received honors for an impressive 21 years of dedicated service protecting students, with Corporal Plummer making the presentation. The team subsequently visited Spalding Primary School where Janet Lewis was recognized for her 13 years of commitment to child safety, with Constable Campbell presenting her gift. Police representatives reported both wardens were visibly moved and expressed profound gratitude for the unexpected recognition of their contributions to student safety and well-being. This gesture forms part of broader community policing efforts to strengthen relationships between law enforcement and educational institutions while acknowledging often overlooked frontline workers who play crucial roles in maintaining safe learning environments.

  • Putin reaffirms support for Venezuela’s Maduro over US tensions

    Putin reaffirms support for Venezuela’s Maduro over US tensions

    MOSCOW—In a significant display of geopolitical alignment, Russian President Vladimir Putin has reinforced his nation’s strategic partnership with Venezuela during a high-level telephone discussion with President Nicolás Maduro. The Kremlin confirmed Thursday’s diplomatic exchange emphasized Moscow’s unwavering support for Caracas amid mounting international pressures.

    The conversation follows a dramatic escalation in regional tensions after United States military forces executed a high-seas interception of a Venezuelan-flagged oil tanker. US special operations personnel conducted a helicopter-borne boarding operation, seizing the vessel in what Washington characterizes as anti-narcotics enforcement.

    This latest incident represents merely one facet of the complex confrontation between the Maduro administration and Western powers. The Venezuelan leader has consistently rejected allegations from US authorities that his government participates in narcotics trafficking, countering that these accusations serve as pretext for intervention motivated by Venezuela’s substantial petroleum reserves.

    Russia and Venezuela have cultivated increasingly robust bilateral relations throughout recent years, cemented by Maduro’s official visit to Moscow earlier this year. During that summit, the two nations ratified a comprehensive partnership agreement and the Venezuelan president participated in Russia’s annual military parade, signaling deepening defense cooperation.

    According to official Kremlin readouts, President Putin explicitly expressed solidarity with the Venezuelan populace and endorsed Maduro’s sovereign policies against external pressure. The Russian leadership’s statement emphasized support for Venezuela’s right to protect national interests and maintain political autonomy.

    The geopolitical standoff has intensified with the Trump administration deploying naval assets within operational range of Venezuelan territory. Maritime surveillance data indicates at least 22 vessel engagements in the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean regions, resulting in numerous casualties according to regional reports.