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标签： Jamaica

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  • US court rules in favour of Antigua’s prime minister in super yacht case

    US court rules in favour of Antigua’s prime minister in super yacht case

    In a significant legal development, the United States Court of Appeals has delivered a decisive victory to Antiguan Prime Minister Gaston Browne and multiple Antiguan entities by rejecting a Russian citizen’s attempt to obtain confidential financial documents through US courts.

    The case originated from Yulia Guryeva-Motlokhov, daughter of sanctioned Russian billionaire Andrey Guryev, who sought to subpoena financial records related to her father’s seized superyacht, the 267-foot Alfa Nero. The vessel was confiscated by the Antigua and Barbuda government in 2022 following international sanctions against Russia after its invasion of Ukraine.

    Guryeva-Motlokhov had petitioned the Second Circuit Court of Appeals to overturn a Manhattan federal judge’s previous denial of her request for undisclosed financial documentation. She claimed these records were essential to challenge what she characterized as a ‘sham auction’ of the luxury vessel, which the Antiguan government had removed from sanctions lists in June 2023 specifically to facilitate its liquidation.

    The Russian heiress further alleged in court filings that her investigators had uncovered evidence of ‘wide-ranging corruption and illegal activity’ within the Browne administration that extended beyond the yacht’s seizure and sale. These claims were presented as justification for the broad subpoena request targeting multiple Antiguan officials and entities.

    The appellate court’s ruling affirmed the lower court’s decision, quashing the subpoenas that had been served on US financial institutions including the Clearing House and Federal Reserve. The court mandated that any documents already obtained by Guryeva-Motlokhov’s legal team must be destroyed, with evidence of destruction provided to the court.

    Among the specific targets of the document request were Prime Minister Browne’s wife and son, Antigua’s general accountant, port manager, and several business entities including West Indies Oil Company Ltd (a government-majority-owned petroleum distributor) and Fancy Bridge Ltd, a Hong Kong-based investment firm with shares in the oil company.

    According to state-owned ABS Television and Radio, legal representatives for Prime Minister Browne are now exploring options to recover legal costs incurred during the appellate process, adding financial consequence to the legal defeat for the Russian claimant.

  • Forget it, we’re not resigning!

    Forget it, we’re not resigning!

    In a significant escalation of tensions within the Caribbean Estate Citizens Association (CECA), the governing board has formally rejected demands for its collective resignation from 102 homeowners in St. Catherine’s upscale Bernard Lodge community. The confrontation follows a damning auditor’s report revealing $2.7 million in unaccounted association funds between 2023 and 2025.

    Led by Chairman Cecil Gordon, the nine-member board dismissed the March 16, 2026 petition as ‘without merit’ in a sharply worded response dated March 25. The board directed homeowners to previously circulated correspondence addressing management concerns and emphasized the imminent scheduling of a long-overdue Annual General Meeting (AGM).

    The financial discrepancies were uncovered by chartered accountants Greejen, who confirmed on March 12, 2026 that $2,707,563 remained unexplained during the three-year period when no financial statements were submitted to residents. The audit revealed serious gaps in financial transparency and governance compliance.

    Homeowners cited multiple legal violations including breaches of Section 153 of Jamaica’s Companies Act (2004), which mandates annual presentation of audited financial statements. The petition highlighted ‘flagrant breaches of fiduciary duty and governance obligations’ and demanded an Extraordinary General Meeting to address:

    – Unexplained inconsistencies in financial management
    – Disclosure issues regarding CECA funds
    – Property management implementation concerns
    – GCT registration requirements for maintenance fees

    The board countered that concerns were already being addressed through recent communications and argued that holding separate emergency meetings would constitute financial wastefulness. Gordon’s administration maintained that the requested resignations were ‘unfounded’ and improperly presented, while reaffirming their commitment to resolving matters through the upcoming AGM.

    The Caribbean Estate community, known for its security and landscaped grounds along Dunbeholden Road near Portmore, remains divided as both sides prepare for potentially contentious governance meetings.

  • Bermudian gov’t moving to ban single use plastic

    Bermudian gov’t moving to ban single use plastic

    HAMILTON, Bermuda — The Bermudian Government has introduced groundbreaking legislation designed to systematically reduce the island’s reliance on environmentally damaging single-use plastics. The Single-Use Plastics Act 2026, presented to legislators by Public Works and Environment Minister Jache Adams, establishes a comprehensive legal framework for a science-informed, consultation-driven transition.

    Minister Adams emphasized that the legislation represents a deliberate, measured approach rather than immediate blanket prohibitions. The act empowers authorities to regulate specific plastic items only after thorough stakeholder engagement and confirmation that viable alternatives exist for both ecological and economic sustainability.

    “This Bill creates the foundation for a careful, well-managed transition that works for the entire country,” Adams stated. “We are not rushing ahead with bans without first hearing from businesses, environmental organizations, students, seniors, and all community members who interact with these products daily.”

    The government’s strategy identifies certain items like plastic straws as potential early candidates for restriction, but only after establishing clear timelines and ensuring public readiness. This phased methodology aims to provide adequate adjustment periods for businesses and consumers while allowing for educational campaigns and behavioral shifts.

    Adams highlighted the critical interconnection between environmental protection and economic vitality, noting that Bermuda’s marine ecosystem sustains its tourism industry, fishing sector, and public health. Scientific evidence confirms the pervasive presence of microplastics in local waters, beaches, marine life, and even human bodies.

    Environmental organizations including Keep Bermuda Beautiful and Beyond Plastics Bermuda have endorsed the initiative, having documented the accumulating plastic fragments on Bermudian beaches and emphasized the urgency of addressing plastic pollution. The legislation has been framed as a non-partisan opportunity for unified action, with the government now embarking on an exhaustive consultation process involving written submissions, stakeholder meetings, and assessment of practical alternatives to ensure accessible and affordable replacements.

  • Cubans ready for Russian oil but some say not enough

    Cubans ready for Russian oil but some say not enough

    HAVANA, Cuba — A Russian-flagged oil tanker, the Anatoly Kolodkin, docked in Cuba’s port of Matanzas on Tuesday, delivering 730,000 barrels of crude in the first such shipment to the island nation since January. The arrival comes as Cuba grapples with severe blackouts, fuel rationing, and crippling transportation shortages, exacerbating public frustration with the communist government.

    The shipment, permitted through a temporary exemption by the Trump administration, represents a complex geopolitical maneuver. While U.S. President Donald Trump stated he had “no problem” with Russia or other nations providing oil for humanitarian reasons, he simultaneously dismissed the gesture as insignificant, declaring, “Cuba’s finished.” The White House clarified that the decision was made on a case-by-case basis and did not signal a broader shift in sanctions policy.

    Cuban citizens expressed mixed reactions to the development. Many, like retiree Rosa Perez, welcomed the relief, stating, “We’ll welcome it with open arms. You have no idea how badly we need that oil.” Others were more skeptical. Raul Pomares, a gardener in Havana, called it “a drop in the bucket” and “a symbolic gesture that won’t have any real impact on the economy for ordinary Cubans.”

    Energy experts estimate the shipment will yield approximately 250,000 barrels of diesel upon refining, enough to meet national demand for just 12.5 days. Jorge Piñon, an energy sector specialist at the University of Texas at Austin, explained the government now faces a critical decision on allocating these limited resources between backup power generators and the transportation sector.

    The crisis intensified earlier this year after the U.S. captured Venezuela’s socialist leader Nicolás Maduro, depriving Cuba of its primary regional ally and oil supplier. The situation has triggered rare public protests over persistent shortages of food, medicine, and other essentials. As retiree Orlando Ocaña noted, the Russian aid is merely a “Band-Aid,” with the real solution lying in long-term infrastructure investment, such as building new thermoelectric power plants.

  • $8-billion agriculture shield

    $8-billion agriculture shield

    In a landmark decision during its 44th board meeting in Songdo, South Korea, the Green Climate Fund (GCF) has greenlit a transformative US$50 million initiative to bolster climate resilience among small-scale farmers in Jamaica’s most vulnerable agricultural regions. The ADAPT Jamaica project, co-financed through a strategic partnership between international and local entities, represents the nation’s first single-country climate investment from the GCF.

    The funding structure comprises a substantial US$35 million grant from the GCF, supplemented by US$15 million in counterpart funding from the Jamaican Government. This collaborative effort brings together the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF), the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, and the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ) as executing partners.

    The initiative will concentrate its efforts across six central parishes—Clarendon, Manchester, St Ann, St Catherine, St Elizabeth, and Trelawny—which collectively produce approximately 70% of Jamaica’s domestic food supply. These regions face escalating climate vulnerabilities including intensified hurricane patterns, prolonged droughts, and increasingly erratic rainfall, all of which have significantly compromised agricultural yields and threatened rural livelihoods.

    Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change Matthew Samuda emphasized the project’s critical timing, noting recent devastating climate events including Hurricane Beryl (2024) which caused over US$30 million in losses, and Hurricane Melissa (2025)—the first Category 5 storm to make direct landfall in Jamaica—resulting in billions of dollars in damage.

    The comprehensive program will implement multifaceted interventions including climate-resilient farming practices, enhanced water management systems, post-harvest infrastructure, and improved climate information services. Demonstration sites will feature hurricane-resistant protected agriculture infrastructure capable of withstanding Category 4-5 storms, solar-powered irrigation and storage systems, and agroforestry practices to combat soil erosion.

    With an expected reach exceeding 736,000 beneficiaries—including 334,421 women—the project aims to significantly reduce post-harvest food losses (currently estimated at 30-40% for many crops) while stabilizing farmer incomes through strengthened market linkages and financial access.

  • WATCH: Jamaica College and Edwin Allen celebrate Champs victories

    WATCH: Jamaica College and Edwin Allen celebrate Champs victories

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s scholastic athletics scene witnessed spectacular victories as Jamaica College and Edwin Allen High School emerged triumphant at the recently concluded ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletics Championships. The prestigious event, held on Saturday, showcased exceptional talent and competitive spirit among the nation’s youth athletes.

    Edwin Allen High School demonstrated extraordinary athletic prowess, accumulating an impressive 338.5 points to claim their eleventh championship title. The school has maintained a remarkable winning streak since initially securing the championship in 2012, establishing themselves as a dominant force in girls’ athletics.

    On the boys’ division, Jamaica College achieved an even more impressive milestone, securing their 23rd championship title with 345 points. This victory reinforces the institution’s longstanding legacy and continued excellence in track and field competitions.

    The celebrations extended beyond the championship venue as both institutions hosted special assemblies on Monday to honor their athletes. Jamaica College organized festivities within the Karl Hendrickson Auditorium, where the entire school community gathered to applaud their champions with enthusiastic support.

    Meanwhile, Edwin Allen High’s celebrations transformed their campus into a vibrant festival of joy and pride. The school community took a poignant moment to honor the memory of Taneisha ‘Tan Tan’ Gayle, a promising athlete who tragically passed away during training in September 2025. This tribute added a layer of profound significance to their victory, connecting present achievement with enduring legacy.

  • Sweden charges man for selling wife to 120 men

    Sweden charges man for selling wife to 120 men

    A landmark criminal case has sent shockwaves through Sweden as prosecutors bring unprecedented charges against a 62-year-old man for the systematic sexual exploitation of his vulnerable wife. The suspect, identified in local media as a former high-ranking member of the Hells Angels motorcycle group, faces multiple counts of aggravated pimping, rape, assault, and related offenses spanning more than three years of alleged abuse.

    According to the detailed indictment, the accused masterminded a sophisticated operation that commodified his spouse’s body for financial gain. The prosecution outlines how he created online advertisements, arranged client meetings, and maintained surveillance during sexual encounters while leveraging his wife’s drug addiction to maintain control. The suspect allegedly supplied her with narcotics while using violence and threats to enforce compliance.

    The case bears striking parallels to France’s notorious Pelicot affair, where Dominique Pelicot received a 20-year sentence in 2024 for similar crimes against his wife. Swedish authorities have identified approximately 120 individuals suspected of purchasing sexual services in connection with the case, with twenty-six already facing charges for buying sex—a criminal offense under Sweden’s unique prostitution laws that criminalizes the purchase but not the sale of sexual services.

    Prosecutor Ida Annerstedt clarified the complex dynamics of consent in the case, noting that while the victim had partially agreed to commercial sex work, her husband repeatedly violated established boundaries. “When he hasn’t respected them, when he has steamrolled her after she has said ‘no’, those are the situations when he is charged with attempted rape, or rape,” Annerstedt explained to AFP.

    The accused, who maintains his innocence, has been in custody since his arrest in October following his wife’s report to police in northern Sweden. The trial is scheduled to commence on April 13, with the victim’s lawyer Silvia Ingolfsdottir stating her client “now hopes to obtain justice” for the “serious and aggravated crimes” she endured.

    The case has provoked national outrage and prompted Sweden’s Minister for Gender Equality Nina Larsson to condemn the trafficking of women’s bodies, calling recent media reports “shocking and disgusting” in a public statement.

  • US Embassy pleased with support for mental health in Jamaican communities post-Hurricane Melissa through Project HOPE

    US Embassy pleased with support for mental health in Jamaican communities post-Hurricane Melissa through Project HOPE

    BARRETT TOWN, St James — The United States Embassy has publicly commended the critical mental health initiatives implemented by Project HOPE in Jamaica, specifically designed to aid recovery from Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact last October. During a recent site visit, Chargé d’Affaires Scott Renner emphasized the often-overlooked psychological dimension of disaster recovery, highlighting that true rehabilitation extends beyond physical reconstruction.

    Renner articulated that comprehensive rebuilding involves restoring individual mental well-being as a prerequisite for family and community recovery. His assessment followed direct observations at a Project HOPE Mobile Medical Unit in Barrett Town, where integrated health services are being delivered to affected populations. The diplomat revealed his particular focus on mental health evaluations during interactions with residents, noting that psychological trauma frequently remains concealed beneath surface normalcy.

    The program’s specialized attention toward children affected by the hurricane received particular praise. Renner observed that young survivors often experience compounded stress due to familial economic instability and developmental understanding limitations regarding natural disasters. This intervention forms part of a substantial $2 million partnership funded by U.S. taxpayers, embedded within a broader $22 million relief package allocated for Jamaican recovery efforts.

    Operational since November 6, the initiative has deployed 82 mobile medical units nationwide delivering multifaceted support including sanitation kit distribution, medical care, prescription services, and psychological counseling. Kemesha Swaby, Emergency Response Coordinator for Project HOPE Jamaica, explained the organization’s holistic methodology: “As a global health organization, we perceive health comprehensively—mental wellbeing is inseparable from physical health. Our integrated approach combines mental health specialists with mobile medical units to address overall wellness.”

    Local residents expressed profound appreciation for the program. Sattahue Grange from Barrett Town reported acquiring practical coping mechanisms for mental health challenges, while Avea Campbell of Spot Valley acknowledged the support received after losing her home and possessions. The Project HOPE initiative is scheduled to continue operations for an additional month, expanding its reach to more communities requiring post-disaster assistance.

  • WATCH: Warm welcome for Shanoya Douglas at Holland High after Champs victory

    WATCH: Warm welcome for Shanoya Douglas at Holland High after Champs victory

    HOLLAND HIGH SCHOOL, Trelawny — The campus of Holland High School erupted in celebration on Monday as the local community gave a hero’s welcome to track sensation Shanoya Douglas. The junior athlete returned to academic life following a historic performance at the 2026 ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletics Championships that has positioned her among Jamaica’s most promising sprint talents.

    Douglas achieved a spectacular double triumph at the national championships, first dominating the girls’ Class 1 100m event with a world-leading time of 10.98 seconds despite a modest 0.7m/s tailwind. This remarkable performance not only secured her the gold medal but also established her as the fourth-fastest Jamaican junior sprinter in history.

    The rising star further cemented her status during Saturday’s competition by shattering the national Under-20 200m record. Against a challenging headwind of -1.6m/s, Douglas blazed across the finish line in 22.36 seconds to claim her second championship gold medal, demonstrating exceptional technical proficiency under adverse conditions.

    The homecoming celebration saw teachers, classmates, family members, and friends creating an electric atmosphere of pride and support. The emotional reception highlighted how Douglas’s accomplishments have resonated beyond the track, inspiring her entire educational community and reinforcing Jamaica’s enduring legacy as a powerhouse of sprinting excellence.

  • Holland High School’s athletic programme receives financial boost from Glastonbury

    Holland High School’s athletic programme receives financial boost from Glastonbury

    TRALAWNY, Jamaica — In a significant boost for youth sports development, local meat distribution company Glastonbury has announced substantial financial backing for the athletic program at Holland High School. The commitment was formally declared by Hugh Gentles, who serves simultaneously as Trelawny’s custos and the Chief Executive Officer of Glastonbury, during a special ceremony held on Monday.

    The sponsorship announcement coincided with a celebratory event honoring Shanoya Douglas, the school’s track sensation who recently achieved national acclaim by securing dual gold medals in the Class One Girls’ 100 and 200 meter events at the prestigious ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championship held at the National Stadium.

    Glastonbury, which operates as a major supplier of meats, seafood, agricultural products, and frozen goods to commercial enterprises across Jamaica, has chosen to channel corporate support toward educational athletics. While the exact financial amount remains confidential, the investment signifies a robust commitment to nurturing athletic talent at the community level.

    Gentles articulated an ambitious vision for the program’s future, projecting that subsequent championships would feature multiple medalists from Holland High. “Next year when I return after Champs, it won’t be just one athlete that will be up here, it will be at least five,” he confidently stated during his address.

    The executive extended heartfelt commendations to the coaching staff and academic faculty for their instrumental role in developing student athletes. He specifically highlighted their “dedication and training” as critical factors in cultivating the talent evident within the student body, noting that Douglas’s accomplishments directly reflected their “care and commitment.”

    Beyond celebrating competitive achievements, Gentles emphasized the profound symbolic value of athletic pursuit. He praised the courage and drive demonstrated by students who push beyond conventional boundaries, noting their capacity to inspire peers toward greater aspirations. The ceremony concluded with an exhortation to maintain the palpable spirit of unity and mutual support observed within the school community, encouraging students to continually celebrate collective achievements.