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  • Frazsiers Whip and Arnett Gardens seek fourth straight in JWPL

    Frazsiers Whip and Arnett Gardens seek fourth straight in JWPL

    The Jamaica Women’s Premier League (JWPL) is set for a thrilling Saturday of football, headlined by a doubleheader at the JWN Anthony Spaulding Complex. The spotlight falls on the league’s two dominant, undefeated forces: three-time defending champions Frazsiers Whip FC and the formidable Arnett Gardens. Both squads, boasting perfect records from their first three outings, aim to secure a fourth consecutive victory.

    Frazsiers Whip enters its match against Mile Gully FC as the clear favorite. Despite Mile Gully breaking their scoring drought with a recent win over Real MoBay AFC, they face a monumental challenge. They must penetrate a staunch Frazsiers defense that has conceded a mere one goal this season. Conversely, containing Frazsiers’ explosive offense, spearheaded by the dynamic duo of Christine Salmon and Shanel Spence—who have collectively netted seven of the team’s ten goals—poses an even greater task for Mile Gully.

    The second marquee matchup pits Arnett Gardens against Cavalier SC in a clash of last season’s semi-finalist and finalist. While current form favors the home team, Arnett Gardens, historical context adds intrigue; the two sides drew both of their encounters last season. Arnett arrives with the league’s most potent attack, having scored a remarkable 12 goals, largely thanks to standout Shikira Douglas. Cavalier, in a transitional phase after losing several key players, has struggled for consistency, securing only one win and scoring three goals in their three games.

    Elsewhere, Springers United seeks to rebound from a halted winning streak as they host Federal United at Irwin High in St. James. Under the guidance of Paul ‘Tegat’ Davis, the more organized St. James outfit aims to capitalize on Federal’s two-game losing skid and improve upon last season’s results against them (a draw and a loss).

    Additional Saturday fixtures feature Los Perfectos, another former semi-finalist, traveling to face winless Real MoBay AFC at Jarrett Park in a battle for positioning in Zone B. Meanwhile, Real Mona FC, fresh off a resounding 5-0 mid-week victory, journeys to Carder Park to challenge WiFi United in pursuit of back-to-back wins. The day’s action concludes with a bottom-of-the-table encounter at the UWI Bowl, where both UWI Women and Proven Girls will be desperately hunting for their first victory of the campaign.

    **Full Saturday Schedule:**
    * UWI Women vs Proven Girls – UWI Bowl
    * Arnett Gardens FC vs Cavalier SC – Anthony Spaulding Complex
    * WiFi United vs Real Mona FC – Carder Park
    * Real MoBay AFC vs Los Perfectos – Jarrett Park
    * Springers United FC vs Federal United – Irwin High
    * Frazsiers Whip FC vs Mile Gully FC – Anthony Spaulding Complex

  • Increased rainfall expected this weekend

    Increased rainfall expected this weekend

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Meteorological authorities in Jamaica have issued a comprehensive weather advisory warning residents of intensified rainfall patterns extending through the weekend. A persistent trough system hovering over the western Caribbean is projected to maintain its influence until early next week, creating unstable atmospheric conditions across the island nation.

    The national Meteorological Service forecasts predominantly overcast skies with intermittent showers and thunderstorms, some potentially reaching severe intensity. Meteorological models indicate these conditions will predominantly impact southern and northeastern parishes, with peak activity anticipated during afternoon hours. The distributed nature of the weather system means most regions could experience varying degrees of precipitation.

    Maritime safety alerts have been simultaneously activated, particularly for fishing communities and marine operators along the southern coastline. Officials emphasize that sea conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly during thunderstorm activity, posing navigational hazards for both inshore and offshore vessels. The meteorological agency has committed to continuous monitoring of the evolving weather system, promising timely public updates as conditions develop.

    This extended rainfall event comes as Jamaica remains within the Atlantic hurricane season, though current patterns do not indicate tropical cyclone formation. Residents in flood-prone areas have been advised to implement precautionary measures against potential flash flooding and related disruptions.

  • Athletes’ Village a big hit at Champs

    Athletes’ Village a big hit at Champs

    GRACE Foods has significantly elevated the participant experience at the 2026 ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletic Championships through its innovative Athletes’ Village initiative. As the prestigious sporting event concludes at Jamaica’s National Stadium, the GraceKennedy subsidiary has reinforced its decades-long dedication to nurturing youth athletic talent and fostering national pride.

    Operating under its ‘Good Move’ development agenda, the company established a comprehensive sanctuary for competitors from all participating schools. This dedicated facility provided essential services for physical recovery, nutritional support, and mental relaxation throughout the five-day championship period.

    Brand Manager Ingrid Medwinter emphasized the company’s enduring commitment: “Grace has consistently supported athlete development in Jamaica, with our nearly twenty-year sponsorship of Champs reflecting this ongoing dedication. This championship has served as the foundation for many Jamaican athletic legends, and we take pride in strengthening that legacy.”

    The village addressed a critical need for sustained athlete performance during the extended competition. With events spanning multiple days, the requirement for balanced recovery environments became essential for maintaining peak competitive condition. The facility enabled athletes to physically recuperate, mentally reset, and nutritionally refuel between events.

    Promotions and Events Coordinator Shannon Grant reported overwhelming positive response: “We’ve witnessed firsthand how both athletes and coaches have benefited from this dedicated space. It has provided crucial comfort and support during an exceptionally demanding week, adding genuine value to their championship experience.”

    The comprehensive facility featured multiple specialized zones including hydration stations, Grace Kitchen’s Café, a Mighty Malt nutrition booth, tea station, and gaming lounge areas. Athletes received protein-rich meals featuring Grace sardines, corned beef, and tuna to sustain energy levels and facilitate muscle recovery. Professional physiotherapists provided massage therapy and kinesiologic taping services throughout the event.

    Adding inspirational elements, Grace athlete ambassadors Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Hansle Parchment engaged directly with student athletes, offering encouragement and sharing expertise. Olympic champion Parchment highlighted the village’s significance during his Wednesday visit: “At multi-day competitions like Champs, recovery becomes equally important as performance. Having proper facilities for refueling, resting, and mental resetting creates crucial competitive advantages. Grace’s Athletes’ Village establishes this essential balance, providing the support athletes need to maintain focus and perform optimally.”

    The initiative represents Grace Foods’ holistic approach to athletic development, recognizing that championship success requires both on-track excellence and strategic between-event recovery support.

  • Two derbies headline JFF Championships this weekend

    Two derbies headline JFF Championships this weekend

    The Jamaica Football Championships resume this weekend with a compelling slate of return-round fixtures, highlighted by two intense parish derbies that promise to deliver thrilling football action across the island.

    In Zone A, league leaders Sakka Club BrownsTown (19 points from 8 matches) face a critical test against third-place Lime Hall Academy (14 points with a game in hand) at Drax Hall. The matchup carries added significance as BrownsTown seeks redemption for their opening-day defeat against their local rivals.

    Meanwhile, the Westmoreland derby at Llandilo Sports Complex features Roaring River and Reno FC separated by just one point in the standings. Following their 1-1 draw in the first round, Reno FC (16 points) and Roaring River (15 points, both from 8 games) will battle for crucial points in the tightly contested zone.

    Zone B leaders Humble Lion host Duncans United at Effortville, looking to improve upon their previous 1-1 stalemate. Simultaneously, a resurgent Falmouth United travels to face STETHS Elite FA, recalling their explosive 2-2 first-round encounter in Trelawny.

    The weekend schedule includes seven matches across various venues:

    Saturday Fixtures:
    – Tru-Juice vs Jamaica Defence Force at Dinthill
    – Sakka Club BrownsTown vs Lime Hall Academy at Drax Hall
    – Meadforest FC vs WiFi United at Bell Chung Oval
    – Grays Inn SC vs Baptist Alliance at Grays Inn
    – STETHS Elite FA vs Falmouth United at STETHS
    – Humble Lion FC vs Duncans United at Effortville
    – Petersfield FC vs St Bess United at Petersfield
    – Roaring River FC vs Reno FC at Llandilo

  • #Champs2026: Edwin Allen’s Fowler and Clarendon’ College’s Hall complete 800/1500m doubles

    #Champs2026: Edwin Allen’s Fowler and Clarendon’ College’s Hall complete 800/1500m doubles

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Stadium witnessed extraordinary displays of middle-distance prowess on Saturday as two Jamaican high school athletes achieved spectacular doubles on the concluding day of the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletics Championships.

    Edwin Allen High’s Kevongaye Fowler, improving dramatically from her third-place finish last year, captured the girls’ Class 2 800m title with a commanding performance. Clocking 2:09.96, Fowler dethroned defending champion Alikay Reynolds of Alphansus Davis High, who secured silver with 2:11.49. Dallia Fairweather of Hydel High completed the podium with a bronze medal time of 2:12.51.

    In the girls’ Class 3 division, Clarendon College’s Alexjordan Hall delivered a masterclass in tactical racing to claim gold. Her winning time of 2:14.92 established a significant margin over silver medalist Kamoya Graham of Sydney Pagon High (2:17.94), while Holmwood Technical’s Felicia Compass earned bronze with 2:18.47.

    The Class 1 event produced another standout performance as Immaculate Conception High’s Davine Dickenson transformed her fourth-place finish from the previous year into a golden triumph. Dickenson achieved a personal best of 2:10.21 to claim victory ahead of Hydel High’s Rihanna Morgan (2:11.30) and Edwin Allen’s Horecia Love (2:11.53).

    The championships solidified these young athletes’ status as emerging talents in Jamaican track and field, demonstrating the continued strength of the island’s developmental athletics program.

  • US offering millions plus possible relocation as reward for information on Haitian gangs

    US offering millions plus possible relocation as reward for information on Haitian gangs

    The United States Department of State has announced a substantial financial incentive program targeting the economic foundations of two Haitian criminal organizations designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations. Through its Rewards for Justice (RFJ) program, Washington is offering up to US$3 million for intelligence that leads to the disruption of financial mechanisms supporting Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif gangs, including potential relocation for informants.

    Viv Ansanm, established in September 2023 through the merger of Haiti’s two dominant gang factions (G-9 and G-Pép), has been identified as responsible for systematic violence against governmental institutions, including coordinated attacks on prisons, police stations, hospitals, and Port-au-Prince’s international airport. This campaign of organized terror directly contributed to the resignation of then-Prime Minister Ariel Henry in April 2024. The alliance stands accused of mass murder, collective rape of Haitian civilians, and violence against American citizens, financing operations through arms trafficking, forced recruitment of minors, and systematic extortion networks.

    Simultaneously, Gran Grif, characterized as the largest criminal enterprise in Haiti’s Artibonite department, operates under the leadership of former Haitian legislator Prophane Victor. Since its formation in 2016, the organization has evolved from a politically-motivated armed group into a sophisticated criminal network. Their activities include direct assaults on Haitian National Police and United Nations-authorized security forces, notably a February 2025 attack that resulted in the death of a Kenyan MSS mission officer. The gang engages in widespread human rights violations including child recruitment, mass abductions, sexual violence against women and children, and agricultural theft.

    The reward initiative specifically seeks information regarding the gangs’ revenue streams, including business operations, bank accounts, investment portfolios, and financial facilitators. Washington is additionally soliciting intelligence on donor contributions, significant financial transactions benefiting these groups, front companies operating on their behalf, and details concerning arms, ammunition, and drone transfers. This comprehensive approach targets the entire financial ecosystem sustaining terrorist activities in Haiti.

  • Rastas in Shashamane to pay tribute to Bunny Wailer, Flippins

    Rastas in Shashamane to pay tribute to Bunny Wailer, Flippins

    The Jamaican Rastafarian community in Shashamane, Ethiopia, will commemorate Rastafari Month with a special tribute event on April 10th at the Lily and Vernon Leach Lounge. This gathering serves dual purposes: honoring reggae icon Bunny Wailer, who passed in March 2021, and paying respects to Donald “Flippins” Leach, a foundational Jamaican figure in Ethiopia’s Rasta movement who died in 2012.

    The event will feature performances by Sydney Salmon, chairman of the Jamaican Rastafarian Development Community (JRDC), alongside artists including Orthodox Issachar, Teddy Dan, Iron Gad, Pat Joseph, and the Melody Sisters. Salmon, an East Kingston native who relocated to Ethiopia in 2001, has released several musical works including songs ‘Oh Lord,’ ‘Trees,’ and ‘Give To You,’ with his third album ‘Andromeda: Sign of The Times’ launched in November.

    In exclusive comments, Salmon revealed ambitious preparations for the 60th anniversary celebration of Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie I’s historic state visit to Jamaica. “I learned of his significance through Rastafarian elders while growing up,” Salmon reflected on the 1966 visit that occurred when he was two years old.

    The JRDC records indicate approximately 600 Jamaicans and their families currently residing in Ethiopia, many in Shashamane where Emperor Selassie I granted 500 acres of land in 1948 to members of the African Diaspora. This humanitarian gesture acknowledged international support during Ethiopia’s conflict with Mussolini’s fascist forces.

    Many Jamaican settlers belong to the Twelve Tribes of Israel organization, established by Vernon “Gad” Carrington in Kingston’s Trench Town in 1968. Salmon himself, a former banker who lived in New York for 15 years before moving to East Africa, represents this ongoing cultural exchange between Jamaica and Ethiopia that continues to thrive decades after Emperor Selassie’s death in 1975.

  • #Champs2026: KC’s Itubo breaks second Champs record, rewriting 19-year mark

    #Champs2026: KC’s Itubo breaks second Champs record, rewriting 19-year mark

    The ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletics Championships in Kingston witnessed an extraordinary display of youthful athletic prowess this Saturday, highlighted by multiple record-shattering performances in middle-distance events.

    Julius Itubo of Kingston College emerged as the standout performer, achieving his second championship record by demolishing a longstanding benchmark in the Class 3 800m. The phenomenal athlete clocked an impressive 1:57.52, decisively breaking Waqar daCosta’s 19-year-old record of 1:58.06 established in 2007. This remarkable achievement followed Itubo’s earlier record-breaking performance in the Class 3 1500m event during the same championships.

    The podium placement saw Jamaica College athletes securing both secondary positions, with Ajovi Williams capturing silver in 1:58.54 and Rickardo Lee earning bronze with 1:59.43.

    In the competitive Class 1 division, Edwin Allen’s Joel Morgan demonstrated significant improvement by converting last year’s silver medal into gold. Morgan delivered a personal best performance of 1:49.93, successfully holding off challenger Kiile Reid from STETHS who finished closely behind at 1:50.90. Malike Anderson, also representing Edwin Allen, completed the top three with 1:51.31.

    Adding to the day’s surprises, Denbigh High’s Markland Williams authored a compelling comeback narrative in the Class 2 800m. After failing to advance beyond the semi-finals in the previous championship, Williams claimed gold with a commanding time of 1:52.58. He outperformed Jamaica College’s Cavel Nooks (1:54.21) and Titchfield High’s Ratieo Walters (1:55.45) to secure the top podium position.

  • St Elizabeth health services returning to normal after Hurricane Melissa

    St Elizabeth health services returning to normal after Hurricane Melissa

    ST JAMES, Jamaica — Healthcare infrastructure in St Elizabeth parish is approaching full operational normalization following extensive damage from Hurricane Melissa, with nearly all medical services having transitioned back to permanent facilities after months of temporary tent-based operations.

    Dr. Carol Hamilton, medical expert at the St Elizabeth Health Department, provided a comprehensive recovery update during the March 12 monthly meeting of the St Elizabeth Municipal Corporation in Santa Cruz. She reported substantial progress in rebuilding the parish’s primary healthcare network, which suffered significant damage when ten health centers and departmental sections were impacted during the Category-Five hurricane.

    The Black River Health Centre remains the sole facility continuing temporary tent operations while restoration work progresses. Renovations at the New Market Health Centre have reached completion, with final cleaning and electrical installations underway before full public reopening. Three facilities—Ginger Hill, Springfield, and Prospect Health Centres—continue providing healthcare services despite operating without electrical power.

    Public health authorities have implemented aggressive mosquito control measures addressing post-hurricane disease risks. The parish’s Aedes index—a critical metric for mosquito-borne disease risk including dengue—showed encouraging improvement at 10.97% in February. This represents a significant decline from November’s 12.7% and December’s 15.4% readings recorded immediately following the hurricane.

    Dr. Hamilton praised environmental teams conducting twice-daily fogging operations to maintain mosquito population control. Health officials are targeting a reduction below the pre-hurricane benchmark of 6% for the Aedes index.

    With influenza season continuing through March, health authorities recommend precautionary measures including available vaccinations at all health centers. Vulnerable populations, particularly elderly residents and individuals with chronic health conditions, are advised to continue mask-wearing in crowded environments.

  • Sweet heist? KitKat robbery could cause Easter shortages, says Nestle

    Sweet heist? KitKat robbery could cause Easter shortages, says Nestle

    GENEVA, Switzerland – In a significant blow to seasonal confectionery supplies, a massive shipment of Nestlé’s iconic KitKat chocolate bars has been stolen while in transit across Europe. The Swiss food conglomerate confirmed the theft of approximately 12 tonnes of chocolate, comprising 413,793 individual units from its new product range.

    The sophisticated heist occurred last week during transportation between manufacturing and distribution facilities. The truck, which originated in central Italy with Poland as its final destination, vanished completely along its planned route through multiple European markets. Both the vehicle and its valuable cargo remain missing despite ongoing investigations.

    Nestlé’s KitKat division issued a statement expressing concern over potential retail shortages, particularly with Easter approaching—a period of peak chocolate consumption. The company humorously referenced its famous ‘Have a break’ slogan, noting that thieves had taken the message ‘too literally’ by making off with their enormous chocolate bounty.

    Authorities across multiple jurisdictions are collaborating with Nestlé’s supply chain partners to locate the stolen merchandise. The company has implemented tracking measures using unique batch codes printed on each chocolate bar, enabling identification if the products surface in unauthorized sales channels. Consumers and retailers are encouraged to scan suspicious batches, with protocols in place to report findings directly to KitKat’s security team.

    This incident highlights growing concerns about cargo security within Europe’s food distribution networks and may prompt increased security measures for high-value consumable goods during seasonal transportation peaks.