标签: Jamaica

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  • 2025 still a bumper year — I-Octane

    2025 still a bumper year — I-Octane

    Jamaican dancehall sensation I-Octane has declared 2025 an exceptionally prosperous year for his musical career, marked by unprecedented commercial achievements and significant philanthropic initiatives. In an exclusive dialogue with the Jamaica Observer, the artist born Byomie Muir revealed that his latest album ‘God & I’ has shattered personal records by claiming the #1 position on iTunes charts an astonishing 19 times since its April 25th release.

    The breakthrough album has demonstrated remarkable performance across streaming platforms, with standout tracks including ‘Opportunist’ featuring Shane-O and the currently promoted single ‘Walk With A Chip’. The entertainer attributes his sustained industry relevance to authentic artistry and concentrated focus, stating: ‘My presence is immediately felt when I enter any space because I maintain genuine artistic identity while appreciating fellow contributors to reggae and dancehall.’

    Beyond musical accomplishments, I-Octane is establishing formal humanitarian frameworks through an upcoming foundation dedicated to continuous global outreach. Having already provided hurricane relief support in his family’s native St. Elizabeth, the artist plans to systematize charitable efforts through documented, year-round philanthropy regardless of disaster circumstances.

    The artist will next perform at the Jamaica Strong Benefit Concert on December 12th at New York’s UBS Arena. Concluding with seasonal greetings, I-Octane extended gratitude to his international fanbase for their enduring support throughout his artistic journey.

  • Small plane crash-lands on top of car in Florida

    Small plane crash-lands on top of car in Florida

    A dramatic aviation incident unfolded on a Florida highway Monday evening when a single-engine aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing directly onto a passenger vehicle. The Beechcraft Baron 55, experiencing critical engine failure approximately at 5:40 PM local time, attempted to utilize a busy thoroughfare as an impromptu landing strip. During the desperate maneuver, the aircraft ultimately collided with an automobile traveling along the roadway. Emergency services promptly responded to the scene following reports of the mid-highway collision. While the vehicle’s operator sustained injuries requiring hospital transport, medical officials confirmed these were non-life-threatening. Remarkably, both the pilot and sole passenger aboard the aircraft emerged completely unscathed from the incident. Aviation authorities have initiated a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances leading to the mechanical failure and subsequent emergency landing procedure.

  • New Zealand lose Tickner as West Indies all out for 205

    New Zealand lose Tickner as West Indies all out for 205

    WELLINGTON, New Zealand – New Zealand emerged with a dominant position after the opening day of the second Test against the West Indies at Basin Reserve, though their commanding performance was overshadowed by a concerning injury to pace bowler Blair Tickner.

    The Black Caps concluded play at 24-0 without loss, capitalizing on their earlier success of dismissing the tourists for a modest total of 205 runs in 75 overs. Tickner was the standout performer with the ball, delivering a formidable spell of 4-32 from 16 overs before his day ended abruptly.

    The incident occurred during a fielding effort when Tickner suffered a heavy fall onto his left shoulder, requiring immediate medical attention. Team medical staff from both sides rushed to assist the bowler, who was eventually stretchered off the field and transported to a local hospital for further assessment. New Zealand Cricket later confirmed a left shoulder injury.

    Wicketkeeper Mitch Hay, making his Test debut in place of the injured Tom Blundell, described the scene as ‘pretty awful to witness’ and expressed the team’s collective concern for their teammate.

    Captain Tom Latham (7 not out) and Devon Conway (16 not out) navigated a challenging nine-over period with the new ball successfully to stumps. Hay indicated the home side’s intention to build a substantial first-innings lead on what he described as a pitch offering something for bowlers.

    The West Indies, after being sent in to bat following Latham’s successful toss, initially flourished with an opening partnership of 66 runs within the first hour. However, Tickner’s breakthrough triggered a collapse that saw the visitors lose six wickets for just 30 runs in the final session despite promising contributions from John Campbell (44) and Shai Hope (48).

    Debutant seamer Michael Rae provided valuable support with 3-67 in his maiden Test appearance, while Hope acknowledged his team’s failure to capitalize on their strong start, emphasizing the need for a better batting performance to compete in the match.

    Both teams fielded altered lineups due to injury concerns, with the series poised at 0-0 after the drawn first Test in Christchurch. The third and final Test is scheduled to begin December 18 in Mount Maunganui.

  • Jamaican former correctional officer mowed down by moped in New York

    Jamaican former correctional officer mowed down by moped in New York

    NEW YORK — A devastating traffic incident in Queens has cut short the homecoming plans of a retired correctional officer, highlighting ongoing concerns about road safety and unlicensed vehicle operation in New York City.

    Trevor Lloyd Samuels, 68, a former Department of Correctional Services officer and father of five, was fatally struck by a moped while crossing at the intersection of 168th Street and 93rd Avenue in Jamaica, Queens on December 5. The Springfield Gardens resident was engaged in final shopping preparations for what would have been his first visit to Jamaica in three years.

    According to police reports, the collision involved Yunior Buleje Rodriguez, 26, of Richmond Hill, who was operating the two-wheeled vehicle without proper licensing. Authorities apprehended Rodriguez at the scene and charged him with aggravated, unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.

    The Daily News revealed that Samuels had planned to depart for Jamaica on December 9, carrying gifts for family members and friends affected by Hurricane Melissa. The trip also included intentions to attend a colleague’s funeral service.

    Kievette Samuels, the eldest of his children, described her father as possessing extraordinary recall abilities, capable of vividly recounting events from half a century past. The retired correctional officer had previously served in the medical section of Kingston’s General Penitentiary.

    Samuels’ personal story reflects transnational family connections—four of his children remain in Jamaica, while his nonagenarian mother resides in Florida. He is survived by five grandchildren in addition to his immediate family.

    While expressing acknowledgment that the arrest cannot reverse her loss, Kievette Samuels noted her satisfaction that investigative measures had been implemented following the tragic incident.

  • WEST INDIES PETROLEUM TERMINAL FILES FOR $5.59-B JSE LISTING

    WEST INDIES PETROLEUM TERMINAL FILES FOR $5.59-B JSE LISTING

    In a significant move within Jamaica’s energy sector, West Indies Petroleum Terminal Limited (WIP Terminal) has initiated proceedings to list on the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE). The company plans to introduce 11.18 billion existing shares at J$0.50 per share, establishing an approximate market capitalization of J$5.59 billion (US$36.1 million). This listing strategy, structured as an introduction rather than a capital-raising exercise, aims to enhance corporate visibility and create liquidity for existing shareholders.

    The decision to go public follows a major corporate reorganization in May 2025 wherein WIP Energy Limited acquired a controlling 79.84 percent stake from ultimate parent West Indies Petroleum Limited. This restructuring was explicitly designed to maximize shareholder returns and facilitate capital markets accessibility. The current ownership structure shows WIP Energy Limited holding 79.84 percent and World Energy Solutions Limited maintaining 19.96 percent of shares.

    Despite positioning itself as infrastructure critical to Jamaica’s energy security, WIP Terminal faces substantial financial headwinds. For the fiscal year ending December 2024, the company reported an 8.3 percent revenue increase to US$8.21 million, yet net profits plummeted by 51.9 percent to US$1.04 million. This profit compression stemmed from two primary factors: finance costs that more than tripled to US$1.08 million following corporate bond issuances, and a US$1.04 million impairment provision against a promissory note from World Energy Solutions Limited.

    The company’s liquidity position presents immediate concerns. Cash reserves dwindled to just US$11,213 by year-end 2024, down dramatically from US$128,041 the previous year. This minimal cash buffer contrasts sharply with current liabilities of US$5.95 million, including US$4.35 million owed to related parent companies. Financial disclosures indicate that US$5.01 million of total liabilities fall due within the next three months, creating a significant liquidity challenge.

    While the company maintains compliance with debt covenants—showing a conservative debt-to-equity ratio of 0.22 times and debt-to-EBITDA ratio of 1.19 times against a 4.5 times limit—these metrics rely on earnings and asset valuations rather than addressing the immediate cash shortfall. The 2024 financial statements include a restatement from 2023 following a trust deed amendment that corrected a ‘manifest error’ in debt covenant calculations, potentially raising investor scrutiny regarding the sustainability of covenant compliance.

    WIP Terminal’s investment thesis centers on its physical infrastructure assets, primarily the 740,000-barrel South Terminal at Port Esquivel operating within a Special Economic Zone that provides a favorable 12.5 percent corporate tax rate. The company claims its ultimate parent controls approximately 60 percent of Jamaica’s domestic bunker fuel market, though this assertion remains unverified independently. Management is pursuing diversification strategies, having recently secured storage agreements with third-party entities including Musket Corp, TotalEnergies, and Sunoco LP, reducing reliance on parent company revenue from 93 percent to more balanced proportions.

    VM Wealth Management Limited serves as listing sponsor and broker, while PricewaterhouseCoopers East Caribbean provided an unqualified audit opinion on the 2024 financial statements. The board includes independent directors Kurt Boothe, Amanda Levien, and Karl Townsend, who chair key committees overseeing audit and compensation matters.

    This listing represents the culmination of nearly a decade of strategic development since West Indies Petroleum group entered the storage business in 2016 through the acquisition of what was then a 600,000-barrel ethanol facility from Jamaica Broilers Group. The group’s leadership characterized this acquisition as a pivotal transformation ‘from a bunkering specialist into a full-service energy company.’ The public listing now tests whether this strategic vision can generate sustainable value for public shareholders amid evolving energy markets and the company’s current financial challenges.

  • Man fined $2,000 for possession of offensive weapon

    Man fined $2,000 for possession of offensive weapon

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — A Kingston courtroom became the stage for a legal debate over the distinction between occupational tools and prohibited weapons this Tuesday. Oneil Thompson, a local tradesman, entered a guilty plea with explanation before Chief Parish Judge Chester Brooks in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court. The charge stemmed from his possession of a ratchet knife, which authorities classified as an offensive weapon.

    Thompson presented his defense by asserting the implement was essential for his profession, describing it unequivocally as “a working knife” integral to his trade. The judicial proceedings took an intriguing turn when Judge Brooks questioned the defendant about initially telling police officers he carried the blade for self-defense during his arrest.

    In a nuanced rebuttal, Thompson revealed that law enforcement personnel themselves had conceded the tool’s inadequacy for personal protection. This admission formed the cornerstone of his argument that the instrument should be recognized as vocational equipment rather than a weapon.

    The court ultimately rendered its verdict, imposing a financial penalty of $2,000 Jamaican dollars with an alternative sentence of 15 days imprisonment should the fine remain unpaid. The case highlights ongoing legal interpretations surrounding tool possession and public safety regulations in urban environments.

  • ‘Jamaica a source for employer-ready labour’ Charles Jr tells US agriculture bosses

    ‘Jamaica a source for employer-ready labour’ Charles Jr tells US agriculture bosses

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—In a strategic diplomatic move, Jamaica’s Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr has formally presented the nation as a reliable source of qualified labor for American agricultural employers grappling with severe workforce shortages and increasing regulatory complexities. The minister’s declaration came during his leadership of a high-level delegation at the National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE) Annual Labour Forum on December 5, 2025.

    Addressing U.S. agricultural stakeholders, Minister Charles Jr emphasized Jamaica’s preparedness to deliver employer-ready workers who can seamlessly integrate into American farming operations without introducing operational risks. “Agricultural employers operate in an environment where uncertainty is not an option,” stated Charles Jr. “Jamaica recognizes the current challenges and has proactively developed a workforce solution that enhances operational stability rather than compounding existing difficulties.”

    The minister positioned overseas employment as a crucial economic stabilization mechanism for Jamaican communities devastated by Hurricane Melissa, particularly in the western regions where many H-2A program participants reside. Charles Jr articulated how international labor opportunities provide affected households with dignified pathways to financial recovery while simultaneously addressing America’s agricultural labor deficit.

    “Every Jamaican worker employed overseas represents a household advancing economically, a community strengthening its foundations, and a nation progressing in its development goals,” the minister affirmed during his address.

    The forum provided Jamaica with a strategic platform to expand its employer network, reinforce established partnerships, and ensure regulatory alignment with evolving U.S. requirements. Minister Charles Jr concluded with a firm commitment: “Our workforce is prepared, our administrative systems are optimized, and our dedication to this mutually beneficial partnership has reached unprecedented levels. In our post-Melissa reconstruction phase, employment-based empowerment remains among the most potent tools for national recovery.”

  • GUIDING HAND

    GUIDING HAND

    Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have announced a groundbreaking transition for West Indian cricket star Andre Russell, who will assume the newly created role of ‘power coach’ following his retirement from the Indian Premier League. The Jamaican all-rounder, after 12 remarkable seasons in the world’s premier T20 franchise league, has chosen to conclude his playing career while remaining with the franchise in a strategic coaching capacity.

    Russell’s decision marks his second retirement announcement this year, having previously stepped away from international cricket with the West Indies in July. The 37-year-old athlete, who spent 11 seasons with KKR and contributed significantly to their championship victories in 2014 and 2024, could have entered next week’s IPL draft after not being retained by the franchise. However, following extensive discussions with KKR ownership, Russell embraced this innovative career shift ahead of the 2026 season.

    KKR CEO Venky Mysore, who has managed franchise transitions for 15 years, revealed that Russell’s new position represents a strategic evolution rather than a conventional retirement. ‘Very rarely do players feel like they are done,’ Mysore told ESPNcricinfo. ‘He’s probably right that he still has cricket left in him, but he also realized by the time 2026 IPL comes around, he’ll be 38. He’s a natural athlete, but body and age do catch up.’

    Russell’s legacy with KKR remains extraordinary – as one of only two players in IPL history to achieve the double of 2,000 runs and 100 wickets, he accumulated nearly 2,600 runs and over 120 wickets while earning MVP honors in 2015 and 2019. His new coaching role will leverage his exceptional skills in finishing games, power hitting, and athletic fielding – attributes that inspired the ‘power coach’ terminology that Mysore specifically developed for this position.

    The transition represents a growing trend among West Indian cricketers, with Russell joining contemporaries Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo who have similarly moved into coaching roles within the IPL following their playing retirements. Despite concluding his IPL playing career, Russell maintains his contract with Knight Riders ownership across other global leagues, including the Caribbean Premier League with Trinbago.

  • ‘Teacher’ and ‘student’ clash in Manning Cup quarterfinal

    ‘Teacher’ and ‘student’ clash in Manning Cup quarterfinal

    In a dramatic reversal of the classic mentor-student narrative, veteran coach Eugene Williams secured a hard-fought victory against his former protégé Alex Thomas as Charlie Smith High rallied to defeat Hydel High 2-1 in their Zone A quarterfinal clash on Saturday. The encounter represented more than just a schoolboy football match—it was a collision of shared histories, football philosophies, and personal connections spanning decades. Both coaches emerged from the same footballing crucible at Arnett Gardens, where Williams initially coached Thomas before both became defensive stalwarts and eventually head coaches for the club. Their paths diverged to different school programs—Williams leading his alma mater Charlie Smith, which he once captained to the 1986 final, while Thomas took charge at Hydel High after gaining coaching experience in Guyana. For over ninety minutes, the two tacticians stood on opposing sidelines, shouting instructions and attempting to outmaneuver each other in a strategic duel that ultimately saw experience prevail over emerging talent. Williams dismissed the suggestion that Thomas might have possessed insider knowledge of his tactics due to their close relationship, emphasizing instead the universal truth of sports preparation. Thomas, a Wolmer’s Boys standout in the late 1990s, acknowledged the quality of the contest while conceding that his team lacked the mental fortitude typically associated with inner-city players. Both coaches continue their pursuit of a first Manning Cup title, with Charlie Smith seeking to end a thirty-year drought since their 1995 triumph while Hydel aims to build on their runner-up finish from 2023.

  • Last ‘Good morning’

    Last ‘Good morning’

    The community of Bonitto Heights in Mandeville, Manchester, was plunged into profound grief on Tuesday morning following the tragic death of nine-year-old Amoya Moore, a Villa Road Primary School student struck by a garbage truck while walking to school.

    The incident occurred approximately at 7:00 AM near the child’s residence, moments after she had exchanged morning greetings with the sanitation crew. According to an eyewitness who was washing his car nearby, the tragedy unfolded as the truck descended from Bonitto Heights. The man described hearing a piercing scream before witnessing one of the truck’s sidemen running in distress. Upon rushing to the scene, he discovered Amoya fatally injured on the ground.

    Manchester law enforcement authorities promptly impounded the vehicle for technical examination at the Mandeville depot while initiating a comprehensive investigation through both the Manchester Traffic Department and Area Three Accident Investigation and Reconstruction Unit. The driver remained in police custody for questioning throughout Tuesday afternoon as officers gathered official statements.

    Villa Road Primary School Principal Brent James characterized Amoya as an exceptionally bright, respectful, and disciplined student who held special significance to him personally. “She literally fights to come and hug me each day,” James recounted, visibly emotional. “A child that had such great prospects, and for her life to just be taken away just like that is tragic.”

    The school immediately implemented crisis response protocols, with grief counselors and psychosocial support teams from the Ministry of Education’s Region Five office joining principals from three area schools to assist students and staff processing the devastating news.

    Neighbors remembered Amoya as a remarkably polite child who consistently greeted community members during her daily walks. Dean Williamson, a resident and father of two daughters, expressed the collective devastation: “It is a tragic situation and very devastating to the community. All of us are parents.”

    Senior government officials including Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie, Education State Minister Rhoda Moy Crawford, and the National Solid Waste Management Authority issued separate statements extending official condolences to the family and school community. Crawford, who represents Manchester Central and attended Villa Road Primary herself, announced plans to visit both the school and grieving family, simultaneously urging enhanced road safety awareness among all users.