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  • Rough Treasure Football Showcase postponed due to impact of Hurricane Melissa

    Rough Treasure Football Showcase postponed due to impact of Hurricane Melissa

    The Rough Treasure Football Showcase, a premier scouting event scheduled for December 12-16 in St Elizabeth, Jamaica, has been officially postponed due to widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. The catastrophic storm, which struck the island on October 28, inflicted severe damage to critical infrastructure including roads, communication networks, and residential areas throughout the planned host venues of Treasure Beach and Munro College.

    Event organizer Sanjay Clacken, a FIFA-certified football agent, emphasized that participant safety and community welfare took precedence over the sporting event. “The safety and well-being of players, coaches, staff, supporters, and the wider community remains our paramount concern,” stated organizers in an official release. The decision reflects the ongoing recovery efforts across Jamaican communities affected by what authorities are calling a national disaster.

    Despite the postponement, organizers reaffirmed their commitment to creating professional pathways for Jamaican football talent. The event’s core mission remains unchanged: to provide visibility and signing opportunities for promising athletes through direct engagement with European coaches and scouts. The organizing team maintains active communication with international football directors to ensure continued focus on player development.

    In a heartfelt statement, organizers described this as “an emotional moment” for all involved, acknowledging the showcase was designed to generate excitement and opportunity for young athletes. The team has shifted focus toward relief initiatives, pledging support for recovery and rebuilding efforts in affected communities.

    The Rough Treasure Football Showcase is expected to return as a symbol of resilience, with organizers promising to announce rescheduled dates when conditions permit. The event aims to mark a new chapter for Jamaican football, embodying hope and determination in the face of adversity.

  • Christmas cheer

    Christmas cheer

    Jamaican Agriculture Minister Floyd Green has publicly guaranteed the availability of traditional holiday foods for the upcoming Christmas season, despite significant agricultural disruptions caused by Hurricane Melissa. The assurance came during a special post-hurricane media briefing at Jamaica House on Tuesday, where Green outlined a comprehensive recovery strategy combining targeted imports and substantial farmer support programs.

    The minister revealed his ministry has initiated contact with external suppliers to address specific shortages in vegetable lines and table eggs, emphasizing that importation would be carefully calibrated to avoid undermining local producers. ‘We will not do more than is needed. There will be space for your products,’ Green assured Jamaican farmers, explaining that the ministry employs detailed demand pattern analysis throughout the year to determine appropriate supply levels.

    The hurricane, which struck on October 28, exacerbated existing egg shortages by wiping out 458,000 layers—approximately 40% of Jamaica’s laying hen population. Green acknowledged the severity of the situation, noting that discussions are underway with the Ministry of Finance to ensure imported food items ‘land here at a reasonable price’ for consumers during the critical holiday period.

    Beyond immediate import solutions, the government has launched an ambitious agricultural recovery program. Phase two of hurricane recovery involves distributing over 7,000 seed packs valued at $50 million, with an additional $70 million allocation pending. Specialized support includes $50 million for fertilizer formulated specifically for yam farmers (who suffered 70% crop damage) and another $50 million for yam planting materials and stakes.

    Infrastructure repair forms another crucial component, with $800 million earmarked for restoring approximately 40 farm roads from the ministry’s $3 billion supplementary budget. The Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) is spearheading multiple initiatives, including a free land preparation program utilizing private tractor services and distribution of 100,000 broiler chicks expected to produce 160 kilograms of chicken meat.

    Green highlighted encouraging signs of recovery, noting that farmers have already begun replanting, reestablishing nurseries, and repairing greenhouses in the month since the hurricane caused approximately $60 billion in agricultural losses. The coordinated government effort aims to accelerate Jamaica’s agricultural restoration while ensuring holiday food security through strategic intervention.

  • Mom charged for death of pregnant daughter in Michigan

    Mom charged for death of pregnant daughter in Michigan

    MICHIGAN, United States — A Michigan couple stands accused of perpetrating a crime described by prosecutors as ‘evil personified,’ following the murder of the wife’s biological daughter and the surgical removal of the victim’s nearly full-term baby.

    Cortney Bartholomew, 40, and her husband Brad Bartholomew, 47, face multiple felony charges including murder and torture in connection with the death of 22-year-old Rebecca Park. The victim, who was adopted and raised by another family, had been missing for three weeks before her body was discovered in a wooded area.

    According to prosecuting attorney Johanna Carey, the horrific crime unfolded when Brad Bartholomew transported Rebecca to the couple’s residence before forcing her into another vehicle and taking her to a remote forest location. Court documents reveal that the defendants then stabbed the pregnant woman, forced her to lie on the ground, and performed a crude cesarean section to remove the infant. Both mother and child succumbed to their injuries.

    The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office has not yet disclosed a potential motive for the brutal attack. The biological relationship between Cortney Bartholomew and the victim adds a complex dimension to the case, as Park had been adopted and raised separately from her biological mother.

    Both defendants have been denied bond following their arraignment via video conference from jail. The case has sent shockwaves through the local community and raised questions about the circumstances that could lead to such violence within a biological family relationship. Law enforcement continues to investigate whether additional factors, including possible mental health issues or previous conflicts, might have contributed to the tragic outcome.

  • Pratville Primary shares fun day joy with hurricane-ravaged Thornton Primary

    Pratville Primary shares fun day joy with hurricane-ravaged Thornton Primary

    In a heartwarming display of educational solidarity, Pratville Primary and Infant School from Manchester has launched a transformative partnership with hurricane-affected Thornton Primary School from St. Elizabeth. The initiative commenced with an exhilarating fun day that welcomed 60 students and 13 staff members from the partner institution.

    Principal Tameika Swaby-Johnson of Pratville Primary explained this pioneering School Partnership Initiative aims to support educational recovery in regions impacted by recent natural disasters. Thornton Primary, under Principal Maria Blair’s leadership, was strategically selected for the 2025-2026 academic partnership with guidance from the Ministry of Education and Youth, Region 5, particularly through Community Relations Education Officer Anieta Bailey.

    The inaugural event featured an array of engaging activities including amusement rides, interactive games, and festive entertainment, generously sponsored by longtime benefactor Newton Dennis who has supported the annual fun day for four consecutive years. Students received special treats and gifts throughout the celebration.

    Principal Blair expressed profound gratitude for the initiative, emphasizing how this partnership provides crucial hope and encouragement for her students still recovering from hurricane-related challenges. Her Grade six students particularly anticipate participating in the comprehensive academic exchange program scheduled to begin in January 2026.

    The partnership framework includes academic writing exchanges aligned with Jamaica’s National Standards Curriculum, virtual and in-person collaborative sessions, and joint devotional activities. This inter-parish collaboration represents a model of educational unity designed to foster empathy, resilience, and community-minded leadership among Jamaica’s youth while supporting national recovery efforts.

    Both institutions have committed to maintaining this purposeful alliance as an annually expanding program that benefits students, families, and communities across Jamaica, promoting both academic excellence and national solidarity through shared learning experiences.

  • Climate justice clash

    Climate justice clash

    A significant political divergence emerged in Jamaica’s House of Representatives on Tuesday as Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Opposition Leader Mark Golding presented contrasting visions for addressing climate-induced disasters. The debate centered on Jamaica’s recovery strategy following Hurricane Melissa, exposing fundamental differences in approaching climate injustice and economic sovereignty.

    Opposition Leader Golding launched a forceful critique against global climate inequality, characterizing Jamaica as an innocent victim suffering from ecological crises it didn’t create. He emphasized that wealthy, high-emission nations bear historical responsibility for climate disruptions that disproportionately affect small island developing states. Golding warned that Jamaica faces ‘a massive amount of additional debt’ to recover from disasters, creating an unfair burden that should be shouldered by major polluting nations.

    Prime Minister Holness acknowledged the validity of climate injustice arguments but articulated a philosophy of pragmatic self-reliance. While reaffirming his longstanding advocacy for climate justice on international platforms, including his role as co-chair of the Global Committee for Climate Financing, Holness insisted Jamaica cannot depend on external goodwill. He maintained that the nation must ‘stand on its own two feet’ while pursuing international compensation claims.

    The Prime Minister highlighted Jamaica’s transformed fiscal credibility, noting that the country now qualifies for concessional financing from international financial institutions—a scenario he described as ‘unthinkable two decades ago.’ Holness pointed to Jamaica’s dramatically improved debt-to-GDP ratio over the past decade as evidence of strengthened economic management that commands global confidence.

    Crucially, Holness emphasized that borrowing terms matter more than borrowing itself. He detailed how current recovery financing offers more structured, concessionary, and predictable terms than previous arrangements. The Prime Minister stressed that wise deployment of reconstruction funds could expand GDP and facilitate debt repayment, urging parliamentary discipline and long-term strategic thinking as recovery programs accelerate.

    Golding later clarified that he wasn’t advocating for handouts but highlighting the structural injustice that forces vulnerable nations into debt for survival. Both leaders agreed on the reality of climate inequality but diverged significantly on how Jamaica should navigate its consequences while maintaining economic stability and sovereignty.

  • Trinidadian footballer Shaka Hislop reveals he has prostate cancer

    Trinidadian footballer Shaka Hislop reveals he has prostate cancer

    Former Newcastle United and Trinidad and Tobago goalkeeper Shaka Hislop has publicly disclosed his ongoing battle with an aggressive form of prostate cancer. The football pundit shared his personal health journey in a heartfelt video posted to his Instagram account, detailing his diagnosis and treatment to raise awareness among men worldwide.

    Hislop revealed that the cancer was detected approximately 18 months ago during his routine annual physical examination. ‘I consistently insisted on a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test as part of my check-up,’ Hislop explained. ‘This particular time, my PSA levels were elevated, prompting further investigation through MRI and biopsy procedures which confirmed the presence of an aggressive prostate cancer.’

    The former West Ham player underwent a radical prostatectomy—a surgical procedure for partial or complete removal of the prostate gland—on December 6, 2024. However, Hislop’s medical journey continued when follow-up tests six months post-surgery showed rising PSA levels again. Subsequent scans confirmed the cancer had metastasized to his pelvic bone, requiring immediate medication and an intensive seven-and-a-half week radiation therapy regimen which he recently completed.

    Making a special appeal to Caribbean men who statistically face the highest mortality rates from prostate cancer globally, Hislop emphasized: ‘My community, my people, please go get tested. Understand your PSA numbers and track their historical changes. Prostate cancer becomes survivable when detected early, and various treatment options exist. Testing genuinely saves lives—it certainly saved mine.’

    Hislop’s courageous disclosure follows medical research from institutions like Johns Hopkins Medicine which indicates early detection significantly improves prostate cancer outcomes. His advocacy highlights the critical importance of regular health screenings, particularly for high-risk demographic groups.

  • Overseas haven for dogs

    Overseas haven for dogs

    In a remarkable humanitarian effort following the devastation of Hurricane Melissa, Jamaican authorities successfully rescued more than 50 distressed dogs from severely affected communities in the island’s southwestern parishes. Many of these animals have now been adopted into loving homes overseas.

    Agriculture Minister Floyd Green, speaking at a special post-hurricane media briefing at Jamaica House on Wednesday, emphasized that while the primary focus remained on saving human lives and delivering essential aid to devastated communities, the government maintained significant concern for animal welfare during the catastrophic event.

    Minister Green detailed how personnel from the Veterinary Services Unit collaborated with the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) in specialized rescue operations targeting stranded pets, particularly dogs isolated by flooding. The teams conducted aerial reconnaissance missions to identify locations where animals were trapped and required emergency assistance.

    “The ministry facilitated the export of 58 dogs rescued through these coordinated missions,” Green announced. “Some have found new homes in the United States, while others have been relocated to Canada.”

    The Veterinary Services Division has demonstrated exceptional commitment in the aftermath of the Category 5 storm that struck Jamaica on October 28. The ministry has established free veterinary clinics across multiple parishes, including St. Elizabeth, St. James, and Westmoreland, with additional services planned for Clark’s Town in Trelawny. These clinics provide critical support including medical treatment, medication, wound care, vaccinations, and nutritional assistance for both farm animals and pets.

    While no official estimate exists for pet fatalities during Hurricane Melissa, the human toll continues to mount. The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) has confirmed 45 storm-related fatalities with 18 individuals still missing.

    The agricultural sector suffered catastrophic losses, with Minister Green reporting to Parliament on November 11 that farmers lost 5,600 pigs, 3,560 small ruminants (goats and sheep), and 2,850 cattle. The poultry industry was particularly devastated, losing 458,000 laying hens (representing over 40% of the national layer population) and 780,000 broiler chickens.

    The preliminary damage assessment for the agricultural sector initially estimated losses at $30 billion, but according to World Bank rapid assessment data, this figure has now doubled to approximately $60 billion, highlighting the unprecedented scale of destruction wrought by Hurricane Melissa.

  • ‘God is so good to me’

    ‘God is so good to me’

    In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic passage through St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, the profound human toll extends far beyond physical destruction. For Janet Chambers, a resident of Middle Quarters, the Category 5 storm in October didn’t merely demolish her home but unleashed an overwhelming tide of desperation and powerlessness.

    Absent during the hurricane’s fury, Chambers received the devastating news through a frantic call from her sister warning about her home’s precarious state. Returning to her property, she confronted unimaginable devastation: her kitchen vanished, veranda destroyed, and entire roof structure stripped away, leaving nothing but vulnerability to the elements.

    Facing this catastrophe without immediate resources or familial support—being husbandless and childless—Chambers turned to divine intervention in her deepest despair. ‘Lord, you see God, mi no have nobody but you,’ she pleaded, confronting the impossibility of financing repairs with her limited means.

    Her salvation emerged through the Middle Quarters New Testament Church of God, where Reverend Leslie Pinnock transformed sympathy into substantive action. Witnessing Chambers washing outdoors in pouring rain because her interior was equally exposed, Pinnock and congregants immediately covered her home with tarpaulin before mobilizing a comprehensive repair initiative.

    The church’s Mission Rise 3.0 project identified three most vulnerable households, including Chambers’ and sixty-nine-year-old pensioner Wilbert Peart’s residence. Peart, surviving on a mere $14,000 monthly pension, described the assistance as fundamentally ‘needed, not wanted’ after the hurricane cracked his walls, destroyed belongings, and compromised his roof.

    During a recent weekend, congregants from Escarpment Road, Middle Quarters and surrounding districts volunteered to reconstruct Chambers’ home. As she witnessed this collective effort, Chambers expressed transcendent gratitude: ‘If God never show up for me, I don’t know how I would manage… In everything, God stand by me and don’t leave me.’

    While these repairs mark significant progress, both survivors acknowledge the long recovery ahead. Peart emphasized that despite profound gratitude, ongoing support remains essential for those living on the brink of poverty. The church’s intervention illustrates how faith communities provide not just spiritual comfort but tangible solutions when natural disasters exacerbate existing vulnerabilities.

  • Dre Skull banks on Cholita

    Dre Skull banks on Cholita

    Grammy-nominated producer Dre Skull, founder of Mixpak Records, is channeling his expertise into developing Cholita, a promising Jamaican-Peruvian vocalist poised for international stardom. Their collaborative single “Without You,” featuring dancehall sensation Skillibeng, has garnered immediate radio traction across Kingston, London, Nairobi, Zurich, and Mexico City.

    Skull discovered Cholita through social media after encountering her vocal performance online. Despite having written only one song previously, her innate musicality convinced the producer to initiate collaboration. “She’s a born star who consistently rises to the occasion,” Skull told the Jamaica Observer, emphasizing her rapid artistic development despite being relatively new to professional music.

    The Brooklyn-based producer brings substantial credibility to the partnership, having produced Popcaan’s Billboard-charting albums “Where We Come From” and “Forever,” Vybz Kartel’s “Kingston Story,” and earning Grammy recognition for work with Burna Boy. His catalog includes collaborations with PartyNextDoor and Wizkid.

    Cholita’s musical foundation runs deep, with her father working as a sound engineer and producer, and multiple relatives on her Peruvian mother’s side being professional musicians. “Music wasn’t something I had to search for; it always surrounded me,” she explained, noting that songwriting ultimately compelled her professional pursuit.

    Her debut single “Next Time” already achieved international reach, receiving airplay on major stations from Zip FM in Kingston to BBC Radio1 in London and Hot 97 in New York, plus placement in H&M’s global retail playlist. As of early December, both “Without You” and “Next Time” ranked prominently on Jamaica’s YouTube Trending chart.

    Regarding their creative process, Cholita praised Skull’s flexible approach: “He teaches there are no strict rules—only what feels right in the moment.” The artist describes “Without You” as capturing that rare, overwhelming sensation of profound love where “everything flows effortlessly.”

    Skull remains optimistic about their ongoing collaboration: “Cholita is building an amazing artistic world. The response to her first releases has been incredible, with much more amazing music to come.”

  • Flippa Moggela and Chronic Law release collaboration

    Flippa Moggela and Chronic Law release collaboration

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – In a significant musical partnership, Jamaican dancehall artist Flippa Moggela (professionally known as Flippa Mafia) has joined forces with acclaimed lyricist Chronic Law to deliver a powerful new single titled ‘Like This.’ The track is rapidly gaining traction across both domestic and international airwaves, establishing itself as a potential anthem within the genre.

    The collaboration finds both artists adopting a contemplative stance, using their verses to articulate the personal challenges posed by envy and negativity from others. Flippa Moggela emphasized the song’s universal appeal, noting that its theme resonates with a broad audience facing similar interpersonal struggles. ‘My music is always rooted in authenticity, which is why my fanbase remains so dedicated. This song addresses the universal challenge of overcoming envious individuals and the pitfalls they create,’ he stated, also praising Chronic Law’s significant contribution to the project.

    Produced under the collaborative banner of Flip Money Records and VX Records, the single is featured on the ‘Mix Feelings’ riddim, a rhythm that also hosts works from other prominent artists like Jahmiel, Nhance, and Tishaine.

    Explaining his decision to release his own juggling—a classic dancehall practice of featuring multiple artists on a shared rhythm—Flippa Moggela cited a deep-seated commitment to cultural preservation and artistic entrepreneurship. ‘Growing up, I listened to jugglings; they are an integral part of our dancehall heritage. I am dedicated to upholding the rich legacy established by my predecessors, which includes providing a platform for other talented artists. From a business perspective, producing your own music is also a strategic move,’ he explained.

    The alliance between the two artists was facilitated by none other than dancehall superstar Popcaan. Flippa Moggela revealed that Popcaan initiated the connection, which was originally intended for a live performance at his Evolution concert. Although scheduling conflicts prevented that appearance, the introduced link between the artists flourished, resulting in a seamless and impactful studio collaboration that Flippa described as perfectly synergistic.