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  • Business community pleased as cruise ships return to MoBay

    Business community pleased as cruise ships return to MoBay

    MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica — Jamaica’s economic revival following the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa has received a significant boost with the resumption of cruise tourism operations in St. James Parish. The Carnival Liberty made its inaugural post-hurricane docking at Montego Bay’s port Wednesday, delivering hundreds of visitors to the island’s premier tourism destination.

    The arrival marks a critical milestone in Jamaica’s recovery narrative, with tourism officials and business leaders hailing the development as transformative for local commerce. Jason Russell, President of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the strategic importance of tourism resumption for national economic stabilization.

    “This reactivation directly benefits commercial operators throughout the parish,” Russell stated to local media. “Our comprehensive recovery fundamentally depends on restoring tourist inflows and revitalizing foreign exchange circulation.”

    The Category Five hurricane had previously dealt a severe blow to Jamaica’s tourism infrastructure, making the return of maritime visitors particularly symbolic. Industry executives note that cruise tourism uniquely supports grassroots economic participants including transportation providers, artisan vendors, retail establishments, and recreational attractions.

    Joy Roberts, Executive Director of Jamaica Vacations—the Ministry of Tourism’s cruise travel division—explained the strategic prioritization of maritime tourism during reconstruction. “Recognizing hotel capacity limitations, we focused on ensuring cruise continuity since this sector directly sustains small-scale entrepreneurs and service providers,” Roberts elaborated.

    Montego Bay’s economic ecosystem remains profoundly interconnected with tourism, which accounts for over 50% of local employment and economic activity. Industry assessments indicate that cruise companies have maintained confidence in Jamaica’s operational standards despite hurricane-related challenges.

    Russell characterized the rapid resumption as potentially “record-breaking” in post-disaster tourism recovery. “A cruise ship’s arrival isn’t discretionary—it reflects rigorous assessment of port infrastructure and destination readiness. Their presence confirms our operational compliance,” he emphasized.

    Officials specifically acknowledged the Tourism Recovery Taskforce, chaired by John Byles, for expediting the return of visitor confidence. Additional cruise arrivals are scheduled throughout the coming weeks as Jamaica progresses toward full restoration of pre-hurricane maritime tourism schedules.

    Roberts concluded that the successful return demonstrates both Jamaica’s resilience and visitors’ enduring attraction to the destination, with early ship arrivals already generating substantial pedestrian activity in tourism districts.

  • Kintyre Holdings acquires Kulcha Rum

    Kintyre Holdings acquires Kulcha Rum

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – In a strategic move signaling significant expansion within the Caribbean spirits sector, Jamaican investment firm Kintyre Holdings (JA) has formally announced its acquisition of the complete Kulcha Rum enterprise. The transaction, finalized on Wednesday, encompasses all commercial operations, intellectual property rights, and the entire product portfolio associated with the distinctive rum brand.

    The acquisition was executed through the purchase of the business from existing owners Richard Lee, proprietor of Miracle Corporation, and Jamaican entrepreneur Peter Bovell. Kulcha Rum, which is presently contract-distilled at a facility on Pechon Street in downtown Kingston, enjoys national distribution through Miracle Corporation. As part of an aggressive growth strategy orchestrated by Kintyre Holdings, additional distribution partnerships are slated to be established to broaden the brand’s market reach.

    Under the new ownership structure, Kulcha Rum will be integrated into a newly formed Spirits Division within Kintyre Holdings. This division has been specifically created to spearhead the company’s ambitious foray into Jamaica’s lucrative rum and spirits industry. The brand’s existing product line, which features White Rum, Gold Rum, and an innovative cannabis-inspired variant, remains intact. Notably, the flavored offering utilizes herbal notes for its distinctive profile while maintaining full compliance with Jamaican regulatory standards for non-infused spirits.

    This acquisition coincides with a period of remarkable financial performance for Kintyre Holdings, which reported record-breaking results for the nine-month period ending September 30, 2025. The purchase represents a key component of the company’s ongoing mergers and acquisitions strategy, designed to diversify its investment holdings and capitalize on high-growth market segments. The involved parties have indicated that a forthcoming press conference will be scheduled to provide further details on the acquisition and its implications for the future of the Kulcha Rum brand.

  • MLSS reaffirms commitment to accessibility as Jamaica marks International Day for persons with disabilities

    MLSS reaffirms commitment to accessibility as Jamaica marks International Day for persons with disabilities

    Jamaica has launched a comprehensive national initiative to rebuild the country as a fully accessible society, marking the International Day for Persons with Disabilities with concrete policy actions and firm governmental commitments.

    At a national public forum hosted at The Summit in Kingston, Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr. declared accessibility a fundamental human right and critical component of national development strategy. “Today, we affirm that accessibility is a right, a national priority, and a core pillar of sustainable development,” Minister Charles stated emphatically. “Creating an accessible Jamaica is not the work of just one ministry; it is the work of a nation.”

    The minister emphasized that with approximately 15% of Jamaica’s population living with disabilities, their full inclusion represents both a moral imperative and an economic opportunity. The initiative aligns directly with Jamaica’s Vision 2030 national development plan, positioning accessibility as essential for harnessing the nation’s complete innovative capacity and talent pool.

    Dr. Christine Hendricks, Executive Director of the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities, moderated the forum and framed the discussion as a national call to action. “Universal Design must guide every decision we make as we reconstruct physical spaces, strengthen digital systems, and modernise public services,” Dr. Hendricks asserted. “Accessibility is not an accommodation—it is a fundamental requirement for national development.”

    The ministry unveiled a three-pillar strategy for national accessibility transformation:

    Digital Inclusion: Implementing WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standards across government platforms, conducting comprehensive digital accessibility audits, and expanding assistive technology training programs for visually and hearing impaired citizens.

    Physical Infrastructure Enhancement: Strengthening enforcement of the updated Jamaica Building Code (2023), retrofitting public facilities using standardized accessibility checklists, and modernizing public transportation systems to ensure universal access.

    Service Delivery Improvement: Increasing certified Jamaican Sign Language interpreters, promoting plain-language communication protocols, and implementing disability sensitization training for all frontline public-sector employees.

    The forum featured a panel of national stakeholders including representatives from the Architects Association of Jamaica, the Office of the Prime Minister, and the Jamaica Association for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities, demonstrating cross-sectoral commitment to the accessibility agenda.

  • Jamaican makes Forbes ‘30 under 30 Finance’ list

    Jamaican makes Forbes ‘30 under 30 Finance’ list

    Kristofer Madu, a 25-year-old private equity investor with dual Jamaican-Nigerian heritage, has earned prestigious recognition by being named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list in the Finance category. Currently affiliated with TPG Investments, Madu specializes in technology, media, and entertainment sector investments, demonstrating exceptional expertise in high-value financial transactions.

    Born in the United States to Dr. Dainia Baugh, a Jamaican mother, and Professor Ernest Madu, a Nigerian father, Madu spent his formative years in Jamaica after his family relocated to the Caribbean nation. His multicultural background has shaped his unique perspective in the finance world.

    Madu’s recent professional accomplishments include his instrumental role in TPG’s monumental US$7.6 billion acquisition of DirecTV from telecommunications giant AT&T. Prior to joining TPG, he honed his skills as an investment banker at Morgan Stanley’s Mergers & Acquisitions Group, where he contributed to landmark deals including the US$17 billion acquisition of Catalent by Ozempic and AbbVie’s US$10 billion purchase of Immunogen.

    Beyond his finance career, Madu maintains a parallel path as a musical artist, releasing original compositions and touring as a professional rapper. Demonstrating his commitment to social impact, he founded the non-profit organization “When We Grow Up,” which aims to provide underserved youth with early exposure and access to high-impact career paths in fields such as finance, technology, medicine, and law.

    Madu’s selection to the elite Forbes list was determined by alumni of previous 30 Under 30 cohorts, recognizing his exceptional achievements across both finance and social entrepreneurship.

  • Chinese businesswoman injured in St Andrew home invasion, security officer shot

    Chinese businesswoman injured in St Andrew home invasion, security officer shot

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – A violent home invasion targeting a Chinese businesswoman on Haining Road in St Andrew escalated into an armed confrontation on Wednesday morning, leaving both the victim and a responding security officer injured.

    According to police reports, the incident occurred at approximately 9:00 AM when three armed assailants forced entry into the woman’s residence shortly after she arrived home. The perpetrators confronted the businesswoman, striking her in the head with a firearm while demanding money.

    Hawkeye Security personnel responded to a distress signal activated from the premises. Upon arrival, the security team encountered intense gunfire from the suspects, triggering an exchange of shots. During the confrontation, one Hawkeye officer sustained a leg injury from a grazing bullet and was transported to a medical facility for treatment.

    The assailants fled the scene using multiple escape routes—two suspects on foot while the third commandeered the victim’s Toyota Hiace vehicle. The stolen vehicle was subsequently discovered abandoned after colliding with a utility pole along Oxford Road, where the final suspect made his escape on foot.

    Law enforcement authorities indicated that preliminary investigations suggest robbery as the primary motive behind the attack. The investigation remains ongoing to determine whether additional valuables were stolen beyond the vehicle.

    Both victims received medical attention for their injuries, with the businesswoman treated for head trauma resulting from the firearm assault. Police continue to pursue active leads in the case.

  • Defending champ KC and Mona High face Manning Cup elimination Wednesday

    Defending champ KC and Mona High face Manning Cup elimination Wednesday

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The ISSA Wata Manning Cup approaches its dramatic conclusion Wednesday as four critical matches will determine which two title contenders see their championship dreams extinguished in the second round’s final fixtures. The spotlight falls intensely on Group 2 and Group 4, where former champions face elimination scenarios in high-stakes encounters.

    In Group 2, defending champions Kingston College (KC) confront a precarious situation, sitting third with three points. Their survival depends on defeating group leaders Calabar High, who hold four points, in a 4:15 pm clash at Stadium East. Simultaneously, second-placed Hydel High (four points) faces already-eliminated Campion College at Waterhouse Stadium. Both Hydel and Calabar require merely a draw to secure quarterfinal berths, while KC’s fate hangs on victory or hoping for Campion to upset Hydel should they manage a draw against Calabar.

    The defending champions’ campaign nearly derailed initially with a loss to Hydel, but they resurrected hopes with a decisive 3-0 victory against Campion. However, overcoming a resurgent Calabar squad—reportedly among their strongest in recent years—presents a formidable challenge that could end KC’s title defense and ensure a new champion emerges, mirroring the recent DaCosta Cup upset where Garvey Maceo suffered elimination.

    Group 4 delivers equally compelling drama with a historic rivalry rekindled as Mona High (three points) confronts Jamaica College (JC) (four points) in a 2:00 pm knockout duel at Stadium East. JC needs only a draw to advance, while 2023 champions Mona must secure victory to keep their title defense alive. An alternative pathway exists for Mona: advancement should they draw with JC if simultaneously Eltham High (four points) loses to winless St Jago in the parallel fixture.

    This matchup carries intensified significance beyond tournament progression. Mona’s coach, Craig Butler—a former JC Manning Cup player—has openly criticized tournament organizers and officials, alleging preferential treatment toward JC over years. Tensions escalated recently when Butler received a red card following post-match protests against a referee he identified as a JC alumnus after Mona’s loss to Eltham, claiming biased officiating knowing JC would benefit.

    The rivalry intensified last year when Mona supporters stormed JC’s premises during championship celebrations, adding historical context to Wednesday’s potentially season-ending confrontation. Meanwhile, Eltham High stands poised to make history, needing only a draw against St Jago to secure their first quarterfinal appearance in decades, introducing additional narrative layers to the day’s decisive matchups.

  • Kingston College and Mona crash out of Manning Cup

    Kingston College and Mona crash out of Manning Cup

    In a dramatic evening of high school football, the last two Manning Cup champions suffered shocking eliminations during Wednesday’s quarterfinal matches at Stadium East. Both Kingston College (KC), the 2024 titleholders, and 2023 champions Mona High saw their campaigns end after playing to identical 2-2 draws against Calabar High and Jamaica College respectively.

    The evening’s opening match witnessed Mona High facing a formidable Jamaica College (JC) side that established early dominance. Keshaun-Lee Chin opened the scoring in the 19th minute after connecting with Jabari Howell’s precision pass, marking his 11th season goal. Jamone Lyle doubled JC’s advantage just before halftime with a clinical finish from inside the penalty area.

    Mona mounted a spectacular second-half resurgence with Sean Leighton, the competition’s leading scorer, reducing the deficit in the 52nd minute. Savi-K Morton completed the comeback just four minutes later with an emphatic equalizer. Despite intense pressure seeking a decisive third goal, Mona ultimately fell short of advancement.

    In the simultaneous fixture, KC seized an early advantage through Shareef Ricketts’ 7th-minute strike, his 18th goal of the season coming from a Deshawn Byfield assist. Calabar responded with a rapid brace from Franchesco Reid within a three-minute span. Byfield himself leveled the score before halftime with his 19th seasonal goal, but neither side could find a winner in the second period.

    The results finalized Group 4 standings with Eltham High claiming top position with seven points after defeating St Jago 3-2. Jamaica College secured second place with five points, while Mona finished third on four points, and St Jago remained at the bottom.

    JC coach Raymond Watson acknowledged his team’s fluctuating performance: ‘The first half we were brilliant… we totally went to sleep in the second half.’ Mona’s head coach Donovan Duckie attributed his team’s slow start to psychological factors: ‘It was more mental for us. We had to win, they wanted a draw.’

    Calabar’s resilience earned them their first quarterfinal berth in many years, emerging as group winners to join Zone B alongside Eltham, STATHS and Vauxhall High. The competing Zone A comprises Hydel, Excelsior, JC and Charlie Smith.

  • JN Group hails legacy of Dorothy Pine-McLarty

    JN Group hails legacy of Dorothy Pine-McLarty

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica National Group and the wider Jamaican community are mourning the passing of distinguished attorney-at-law and corporate director Dorothy Pine-McLarty, who died on Sunday. Remembered affectionately as “Mikki,” she leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of professional excellence and nation-building spanning more than five decades.

    Elizabeth Ann Jones, Chairman of The Jamaica National Group, memorialized Pine-McLarty as “a quiet force and leader of high standards” whose contributions were fundamental to the organization’s strength. Her association with JN began in September 1998 when she was first appointed to the board of directors of the Jamaica National Building Society.

    Following the institution’s corporate conversion in 2017, Pine-McLarty extended her governance expertise across multiple JN Group entities, including JN Financial Group Limited and JN Money Services Limited. She additionally chaired the board of trustees for the JN Individual Retirement Scheme, demonstrating versatile leadership across financial services.

    Earl Jarrett, CEO and Deputy Chairman of JN Group, recalled working closely with Pine-McLarty in various capacities, noting her meticulous attention to accuracy and immense contributions to JN’s development. “She was a stickler for accuracy, and we were the beneficiaries of this through her immeasurable contribution to the growth and development of Jamaica National,” Jarrett stated.

    Beyond her corporate impact, Pine-McLarty was celebrated for her passionate advocacy and community development work. A devout Methodist and active alumna of St Andrew High School for Girls, she served as chancellor’s nominee to the University of Technology council and championed initiatives advancing women’s leadership and empowerment.

    Her pioneering spirit was evident throughout her career. In 2007, she became the first woman appointed commissioner of the Electoral Commission of Jamaica, later ascending to become its first female chair in 2013. As managing partner of Myers Fletcher & Gordon’s London office, she fostered stronger connections between the United Kingdom and Jamaica, enhancing diaspora relations.

    Pine-McLarty’s exceptional service received national recognition in 2007 when she was inducted into the Order of Jamaica, the nation’s fourth-highest honor. In 2019, the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean conferred upon her an honorary Doctor of Business Administration.

    Chairman Jones concluded, “Her years of service to the people of Jamaica and those within her immediate reach, and of course her service to the building of The Jamaica National Group, are efforts that have laid foundations for success and the growth of many. She is dearly missed, but her legacy lives on.”

  • Jimmy Cliff among the ‘very last’ of major figures who made reggae global – Steffens

    Jimmy Cliff among the ‘very last’ of major figures who made reggae global – Steffens

    The profound cultural impact of reggae legend Jimmy Cliff, who passed away in November at age 81, is powerfully illustrated through the transformative experience of American veteran Roger Steffens. A new tribute series, ‘Jimmy Cliff: Stories Of A Bongo Man,’ highlights this remarkable connection in its third installment.

    In the summer of 1973, Steffens—a Vietnam War veteran—entered a Los Angeles cinema and encountered Cliff’s groundbreaking film ‘The Harder They Come.’ The raw depiction of Jamaican urban life and Cliff’s compelling portrayal of the character Ivan proved immediately overwhelming. Steffens, then residing in Berkeley, had serendipitously encountered a Rolling Stone article by Michael Thomas that introduced reggae and Rastafarian culture to American audiences just days before. He subsequently purchased The Wailers’ seminal ‘Catch A Fire’ album before attending the screening.

    Steffens recalled the immersive theater experience in a 2017 interview: ‘During the chalice scene, everyone in the hall lit up and the screen became obscured by the giant cloud of spliff smoke.’ The immediate purchase of the film’s soundtrack at Tower Records marked what he described as a permanent life transformation.

    Their paths converged physically three years later when Steffens first visited Jamaica during a declared State of Emergency. Despite an initial pickpocket attempt in Kingston, a stranger’s intervention led to an extraordinary invitation to Cliff’s home. There, Steffens and his wife spent an afternoon with reggae royalty including Joe Higgs, Ernest Ranglin, and Chinna Smith.

    This encounter blossomed into a professional relationship, with Steffens conducting multiple interviews with Cliff for radio and television, plus emceeing his performances at events like Reggae On The River. Originally a rock music enthusiast from Brooklyn, Steffens evolved into one of reggae’s foremost archivists, amassing an extensive collection of memorabilia at his Los Angeles residence. His expertise expanded to include authored books and recorded interviews with iconic figures like Bob Marley, whom he met during the artist’s 1979 California tour.

    Steffens remembers Cliff as ‘one of the very last major figures who introduced reggae to the world,’ characterizing him as ‘always a gentleman, a deep thinker, a writer of anthems, a fine actor, and a constant seeker of enlightenment.’ The indelible impression Cliff made—both through cinematic artistry and personal interaction—cements his legacy as one of Jah Music’s most influential exponents.

  • Bird Flu outbreak at Cayman farm

    Bird Flu outbreak at Cayman farm

    Health authorities in the Cayman Islands have confirmed a significant outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza at a commercial farm in Grand Cayman, triggering immediate containment protocols and nationwide alerts for animal owners. The discovery emerged following the unexplained death of multiple turkeys on November 28th, with subsequent laboratory analysis confirming the presence of the highly pathogenic bird flu strain.

    Government agencies have launched a comprehensive emergency response, confirming infection across 69 birds of various species including chickens, turkeys, quails, domesticated ducks, and wild whistling ducks and geese. In accordance with international health protocols, all infected birds have been systematically culled to prevent further viral spread.

    Local response teams have initiated extensive depopulation operations within the affected zone, targeting both domesticated animals and wild bird populations to establish containment buffers. The Cayman Islands government has issued urgent advisories to all animal owners, emphasizing heightened vigilance and immediate reporting of any unusual symptoms in pets or livestock.

    While no additional outbreaks have been identified beyond the initial infection site, and no human transmission cases have been documented, health officials maintain elevated surveillance levels. The incident marks the territory’s first confirmed avian influenza outbreak this season, prompting coordination with international health organizations to monitor potential spread patterns.