In a startling case of insider involvement in organized crime, a 24-year-old Jamaican woman, Savannah Harsha Phillips, is confronting 13 felony charges for her alleged role in a car theft ring targeting Hertz vehicles at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Phillips, who previously worked as a security guard at the airport’s car rental center, is accused of conspiring with three men to steal a dozen vehicles from Hertz.
标签： Jamaica
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Whitmore demands more from Mt Pleasant despite Carib Cup semi berth
Mount Pleasant Football Academy has emerged as a formidable contender in the Concacaf Caribbean Cup, securing a flawless group stage performance with a 2-0 victory over O&M of the Dominican Republic. Despite this achievement, Head Coach Theodore Whitmore remains focused on the challenges ahead as the team aims for its first championship title. The St Ann-based club finished Group A with a perfect record of 12 points, six clear of their closest rivals, thanks to goals from Gadail Irving and Ranaldo Biggs. This marks a significant turnaround for the 2023 Jamaica Premier League champions, who struggled in their debut 2024 tournament. Whitmore praised his team’s professionalism and defensive solidity, having not conceded a goal in their last four matches. However, he emphasized the need for continuous improvement and consistency as they prepare for the semi-finals, set to begin on October 21. Whitmore highlighted the importance of squad management, particularly with the team competing in both local and regional tournaments. Mount Pleasant joins defending champions Cavalier FC and Harbour View as the third Jamaican team to reach the Caribbean Cup semi-finals, underscoring their growing dominance in regional football.
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Angus Young promoted to executive VP of NCB corporate banking and investment
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a strategic move to bolster its leadership team, the National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited (NCBJ) has announced the promotion of Angus Young to the position of executive vice president, corporate and investment banking. Young, who will retain his role as CEO of NCB Capital Markets Limited, will now also oversee the bank’s corporate banking division. This consolidation aims to enhance client experiences and amplify the bank’s capacity to deliver scalable solutions.
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Cowan receives Mountain Masters award
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Tommy Cowan, a celebrated singer, songwriter, and producer, was bestowed with the Mountain Masters Award at the Kingdom Keepers Association’s Pinnacle Conference & Awards Ceremony. The accolade recognized his enduring contributions to the arts and entertainment industry over six decades. The event, held on September 20 at the Shortwood Teachers’ College Auditorium, featured notable speakers such as Pastor Christopher Morgan and Dr. Lance Wallnau.
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Slight increase in Caribbean tourism arrivals amidst softening demand from North America
The Caribbean tourism sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience in the first half of 2025, with tourist arrivals increasing by nearly 2% despite a decline in demand from North America. According to Paul Garnes, the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) database administrator, the region welcomed 18.5 million visitors during this period, marking a 1.9% year-on-year increase and a 6.1% rise compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. These figures were shared at the 2025 State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) in Barbados.
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Safe Passage takes International Marlin Tournament crown
The 64th Montego Bay Yacht Club International Marlin Tournament, held from September 25 to 27 along Jamaica’s picturesque north coast, concluded with a resounding victory for the vessel Safe Passage. The event, which drew 16 boats, 100 anglers, and 15 junior competitors, transformed the waters into a dynamic arena of skill, strategy, and endurance. Safe Passage, owned by Chris Berry and Mark Berry and captained by Paco Vela, emerged as the undisputed champion, showcasing unparalleled precision, teamwork, and resilience. The crew released 15 marlins and reported 29 hook-ups, solidifying their place in the tournament’s storied history. The 2025 edition proved to be a rigorous test of persistence and expertise, with Safe Passage earning 1,800 points through six marlin releases by anglers Chris Berry, Brian Pengelley, Bob Rawe, Mark Berry, and Kevin Mann. My Other Toy, led by owner and captain Radcliffe Gayle, secured second place with 613 points, while Sea Horse, owned by Raymond Rousseau and captained by Adam Epstein, claimed third with 600 points. The tournament also celebrated junior angler Harry Ince, who took home the top junior award. Notable catches included a 15.5 lb mahi mahi by Jesse Ince, a 23.1 lb wahoo by Paulette Thai Chen, and a 25.5 lb tuna by Jacques Carvallo. As the oldest active tournament in Jamaica and a premier big-game fishing event in the Caribbean, the 65th anniversary edition, scheduled for September 23 to 27, 2026, promises to further elevate its legacy.
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8 marlin released on first day of Mayberry marlin tournament
The ninth edition of the Mayberry Superstars of Port Antonio International Marlin Tournament commenced on Thursday at the Errol Flynn Marina in Port Antonio, Jamaica. The opening day saw the release of eight Marlin, setting a promising tone for the competition. Leading the pack is Nuh Reely, which successfully released three Marlin, followed by Brac Rebel, Pipe Dream, Wreckless, Daddy’s Dream, and Keepin’ it Jiggy, each releasing one Marlin. The tournament, which will run through Saturday, will culminate in an awards ceremony to honor the top performers. Defending champion Safe Passage is expected to face stiff competition as participants vie for the prestigious title. The event continues to highlight Port Antonio as a premier destination for sport fishing enthusiasts.
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WATCH: Manchester High students, staff comb Wesley Road for missing schoolboy
MANCHESTER, Jamaica — A collective effort involving over 100 students and staff from Manchester High School has been mobilized to locate their missing schoolmate, Jayden Smith. The search, which commenced on Thursday morning, is concentrated around Wesley Road in Mandeville, following reports of a child resembling Jayden being sighted in the area on Wednesday evening. Eyewitnesses claim the child fled when approached by locals.
Observer Online reported from the scene, noting the presence of police officers and Manchester High students meticulously scouring the vicinity. Principal Jasford Gabriel provided an update, expressing cautious optimism: ‘We believe we are nearing a breakthrough. With numerous eyes on the ground, we are hopeful of finding him soon.’
Gabriel also conveyed the emotional toll on the school community, stating, ‘The entire school is deeply unsettled. When one member of our community is in distress, we all feel the impact.’ The search continues as authorities and volunteers remain steadfast in their efforts to locate Jayden.
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Two dead, three wounded in UK synagogue attack
A violent attack outside a synagogue in Manchester, United Kingdom, on Thursday left two people dead and three critically injured, as the Jewish community observed Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. The assailant, who reportedly used both a car and a knife in the assault, was shot and killed by police officers responding to the scene. The incident, which occurred in the Crumpsall neighborhood, prompted the activation of a national terrorism-response protocol and was declared a “major incident” by Greater Manchester Police. Authorities reported that the suspect had suspicious items on his person, necessitating the presence of a bomb disposal unit. Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the attack as “horrific” and announced heightened security measures for synagogues across the UK. King Charles III and Queen Camilla expressed their shock and sadness, emphasizing the significance of the day for the Jewish community. The attack comes just days before the second anniversary of Hamas’s October 7, 2023, raids on Israel, which have heightened tensions globally. Manchester, home to one of the UK’s largest Jewish communities, has a history of tragic terror attacks, including the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing. The Community Security Trust, a Jewish charity, is collaborating with police to support the affected community. Local officials urged the public to avoid speculation on social media and emphasized the strong inter-community relations in the area.
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JLP denounces ‘hypocritical’ PNP stance on interdiction of medical doctor
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Marlon Morgan of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has criticized the People’s National Party (PNP) for what he describes as ‘selective championing of causes’ following the PNP’s condemnation of the suspension of Dr. Aujae Dixon. Dr. Dixon, who participated in the September 3 general elections, was suspended by the Southern Regional Health Authority (SRHA) for violating Public Service Staff Order 4.2.6(1), which bars public officers from engaging in partisan political activities. PNP Spokesperson on Justice, Zulieka Jess, labeled the suspension as an infringement on Dixon’s constitutional rights to freedom of expression and association, calling it an act that undermines civic participation. Morgan, however, dismissed Jess’s remarks as hypocritical, citing past instances where the PNP allegedly sought sanctions against JLP members under similar circumstances. He recalled the PNP’s actions in 2020 against Rhoda Crawford and in 2018 against Robert Morgan, both of whom faced public calls for resignation or sanctions for their political aspirations. Morgan also referenced the recent case of Councillor Dean Jones, whose status was revoked after the PNP argued he was a public sector worker at the time of his election. Morgan accused the PNP of applying ‘convenient principles’ and ‘barefaced hypocrisy’ to score political points, emphasizing that the PNP did not raise constitutional concerns when similar rules were applied to JLP members. He noted that the Ministry of Health had issued a public advisory a year before the 2025 general election, reminding public servants of the staff order requirements. Morgan urged the PNP to engage with the Constitutional Reform Committee to address the issue of public sector workers’ political participation, suggesting a dialogue to determine which categories of workers should be allowed to engage in political activities, similar to teachers.