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  • Wall Street bonuses hit record high of nearly US$50 billion in 2025

    Wall Street bonuses hit record high of nearly US$50 billion in 2025

    NEW YORK — Wall Street’s bonus pool reached an unprecedented high in 2025, with total payouts climbing 9% year-over-year to a staggering $49.2 billion, according to the New York State Comptroller’s Office. The announcement made Thursday highlights the financial sector’s robust performance despite global economic uncertainties.

    Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli’s annual assessment revealed that the average individual bonus increased by 6% to $246,900. This substantial compensation growth occurred alongside a remarkable 30% surge in total industry profits, which soared to $65.1 billion.

    The extraordinary bonus season was fueled by exceptional performances across multiple banking divisions. Major financial institutions reported particularly strong results in asset and wealth management services, alongside significant gains in equity brokerage operations and private equity investments.

    The securities industry remains a crucial contributor to New York’s fiscal health. During the 2024-25 fiscal year, Wall Street activities generated 19.4% of New York State’s total tax revenue and accounted for 8.4% of New York City’s municipal tax collections.

    Compensation data from 2024—the most recent year with available figures—shows the average securities industry salary including bonuses reached $505,677. This represents the second-highest historical level and approximately quintuple the average private-sector wage within the nation’s financial capital.

  • MP Shaw sounds alarm over ambulance shortage at Princess Margaret Hospital

    MP Shaw sounds alarm over ambulance shortage at Princess Margaret Hospital

    ST THOMAS, Jamaica — A severe deficit in ambulance availability at Princess Margaret Hospital in Morant Bay is creating dire circumstances for patients, according to local Member of Parliament Rose Shaw. The St Thomas Eastern representative issued a stark warning on Thursday, highlighting that the absence of reliable medical transport services is exposing vulnerable residents to potentially fatal outcomes.

    Shaw revealed that despite raising this critical issue before Parliament’s Standing Finance Committee twenty days prior, no substantive action has been taken by Health Minister Christopher Tufton’s office. The parliamentary member emphasized that patients are encountering significant obstacles in securing transportation for essential medical tests and emergency treatments, creating dangerous gaps in healthcare accessibility.

    “The current state of affairs is completely unacceptable,” Shaw stated. “We are rapidly approaching a crisis threshold where preventable fatalities may occur if immediate intervention is not implemented. The citizens of St Thomas are entitled to far better healthcare provisions than they are currently receiving.”

    The MP’s statement included an urgent appeal to Minister Tufton, demanding emergency measures to reinstate fully functional ambulance services at the healthcare facility. Shaw emphasized that bureaucratic processes cannot substitute for tangible solutions, asserting that “ambulances cannot operate on good intentions alone.”

    With growing concern over the ministry’s delayed response, Shaw concluded that there remains “no justification for additional postponement” and insisted that “the Ministry of Health must take immediate, concrete action to resolve this life-threatening situation.”

  • Champs 100 years ago

    Champs 100 years ago

    The 116th edition of Jamaica’s premier high school athletics championship, known as Champs, continues its legacy as a global sporting phenomenon in 2026. The competition’s rich history traces back to 1910, but the 1926 edition stands as a particularly remarkable chapter in its storied existence.

    Amid global turbulence in 1926—including the UK General Strike, Emperor Hirohito’s ascension in Japan, and technological breakthroughs like John Logie Baird’s mechanical television demonstration—Jamaican school athletics witnessed its own historic moments. Munro College spectacularly reclaimed the championship title they first won in 1920, finishing with 28 points ahead of rivals Wolmer’s Boys’ (25.5 points) and Jamaica College (21 points).

    The competition saw extraordinary individual performances, particularly from Munro’s DA ‘Alty’ Junor, who dominated four events: the 100-yard dash (10.35 seconds), 220-yard sprint (24 seconds), long jump, and 120-yard hurdles. Historical accounts from the Champs 100 book describe Junor’s hurdles victory as so decisive that competitors were only reaching the tenth hurdle as he crossed the finish line.

    Technical innovations emerged during the games, with starter Dr. F L Aris abandoning traditional starting commands due to numerous false starts in the 100-yard final. His solution—simply positioning runners and firing the gun—proved effective.

    The 1926 championship also featured Beckford and Smith High School (now St Jago High) making their debut appearance, though they failed to register any points. Another notable achievement came from H W Myers, who set a new Class One high jump record of 5 feet 11 inches, simultaneously establishing a Jamaican national record.

    Junor further demonstrated his athletic versatility by placing second in the pole vault to a teammate, cementing his reputation as Munro’s most accomplished all-round sportsman, with additional excellence in football and cricket. The era’s communication limitations were highlighted by the coach’s triumphant telegram proclaiming ‘We shall probably win’—a prediction that proved decisively accurate.

  • #Champs2026: JC’s Edwards stays on course for repeat jumps double

    #Champs2026: JC’s Edwards stays on course for repeat jumps double

    Jamaica College’s track and field phenom Michael-Andre Edwards demonstrated exceptional form at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletics Championships, positioning himself for a remarkable double title defense. Fresh from securing the Class 1 long jump championship on Wednesday, Edwards delivered a spectacular performance in Thursday’s triple jump qualifiers at Kingston’s National Stadium.

    The reigning champion needed merely one attempt to surpass the automatic qualifying standard of 14.90 meters, achieving an impressive leap of 15.43 meters with minimal wind assistance (0.1m/s). Edwards’ commanding performance establishes him as the athlete to beat in the upcoming finals.

    Kingston College’s Amani Phillips also secured his finals berth with a single jump, recording exactly 15.00 meters with moderate wind support (1.6m/s). The qualification round saw several other standout performances: Rekelme Hunter (Kingston College) reached 15.41 meters (0.9m/s), Rajae Williams (Titchfield High) achieved a wind-aided 15.16 meters (3.2m/s), and Calabar High’s Kaleel Samuels cleared 14.98 meters despite facing a slight headwind (-0.5m/s).

    These athletes have all guaranteed their places in what promises to be an intensely competitive triple jump final, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to this prestigious national championship event.

  • MP Williams files lawsuit against Councillor Hamilton seeking damages, injunction

    MP Williams files lawsuit against Councillor Hamilton seeking damages, injunction

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant political development, Kingston Central Member of Parliament Donovan Williams has initiated formal legal proceedings against Rae Town Councillor Rosalie Hamilton, following through on his previous threat of litigation. The lawsuit, formally submitted on Thursday, centers on allegations of defamatory statements disseminated through social media platforms.

    The legal action emerges from a series of voice messages reportedly recorded and published by Hamilton within a WhatsApp group that included MP Williams among its participants. These audio recordings were subsequently leaked beyond the private forum, gaining traction across various digital platforms and triggering widespread public discussion.

    Court documentation acquired by media outlets characterizes Hamilton’s remarks as fundamentally baseless and factually inaccurate. The filing contends that these allegations have provoked unwarranted public scrutiny toward Williams, including demands for official investigations into his conduct.

    Williams, who serves simultaneously as a Member of Parliament, minister of state, and practicing attorney, maintains that the disseminated statements have severely compromised his professional standing. The lawsuit specifically cites damage to his political integrity, governmental credibility, and legal reputation.

    Noting the absence of any retraction or apology from Hamilton, alongside what Williams describes as personally motivated grievances, the litigation seeks multiple forms of judicial remedy. These include claims for aggravated, general, and exemplary damages, alongside injunctive relief to prevent further publication of the disputed statements. The MP’s affidavit additionally requests court intervention to restrain Hamilton from continuing to impair his public reputation, alongside seeking coverage of legal costs and other court-approved remedies.

    The confrontation presents a notable internal conflict within the ruling Jamaica Labour Party, highlighting how digital communication platforms increasingly influence political dynamics and reputation management in contemporary governance.

  • Sprint domination

    Sprint domination

    In a display of sheer athletic dominance, Wolmer’s Girls’ sprinter Natrece East delivered a career-defining performance at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships. Competing in the Class 2 Girls’ 100-meter final on Wednesday at Kingston’s National Stadium, East not only secured victory but did so in spectacular fashion, leaving her competitors trailing significantly behind her. Her record-shattering time of 11.21 seconds established a new personal best and underscored her emergence as a formidable talent in Jamaican track and field. The championship, widely regarded as the pinnacle of high school athletics in the region, witnessed one of its most impressive sprint performances in recent history as East powered through the finish line with a commanding lead. Her technical execution from the starting blocks through the acceleration phase demonstrated a level of prowess that signals significant potential for future international competitions. The victory adds another prestigious title to Wolmer’s Girls’ athletic legacy and positions East as a rising star to watch in the sport.

  • Chronic Law out of ICE custody after more than two months’ detention

    Chronic Law out of ICE custody after more than two months’ detention

    After ten weeks of intense speculation within the music industry, Jamaican dancehall sensation Chronic Law has been released from the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The artist, legally known as Ackeme Jermaine Campbell, had been detained at a Florida facility since his arrest on January 12th.

    The breakthrough in his case came following a court appearance in Georgia, after which the artist promptly confirmed his freedom to fans worldwide. In a move that electrified his following, Chronic Law live-streamed video from a vehicle, providing visual confirmation of his release while simultaneously generating a wave of supportive reactions across social media platforms. Additional photographic evidence quickly circulated online, further validating the end of his prolonged detention.

    This legal ordeal originated from an incident in November 2025, when law enforcement officials in Turner County, Georgia, apprehended the artist on multiple traffic violations. The arrest subsequently triggered deeper scrutiny from immigration authorities, leading to his extended confinement and sparking concern throughout the international dancehall community.

    Despite this significant personal and legal challenge, Chronic Law maintains his position as a streaming powerhouse. Official data from YouTube confirms his status as Jamaica’s most-streamed artist on the platform for consecutive years. His musical repertoire, characterized by raw narratives depicting urban struggle and resilience, continues to resonate with a global audience. Notable hits that have cemented his fame include tracks such as ‘Empty,’ ‘Bless Me,’ ‘Still A Bleed,’ ‘Walk With Faith,’ ‘Corrupt,’ ‘Hillside,’ ‘Plastic Smile,’ and the introspective ‘Count My Blessings.’

  • #Champs2026: STETHS’ Richards takes gold in girls Class 4 long jump

    #Champs2026: STETHS’ Richards takes gold in girls Class 4 long jump

    In a dramatic conclusion to the Class 4 girls’ long jump event, Anastacia Richards of St Elizabeth Technical High School clinched the gold medal at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships on Thursday. The victory was sealed in the final round with a decisive leap of 5.46 meters into a slight headwind of -0.1m/s, narrowly edging out her closest competitor.

    Richards, who had initially led the competition with a jump of 5.32m into a stronger headwind (-1.7m/s), demonstrated remarkable composure under pressure. Her winning jump fell a mere centimeter short of her personal best of 5.47m, achieved just five weeks prior at the COCAA Western Championships.

    The silver medal was awarded to Sukhuri-Shay Smith from Immaculate Conception High, who posted her best effort of 5.29m (-0.7m/s) in the final round. The bronze medal position was determined by countback after Gabriella Fletcher of St Andrew High and Edwin Allen High’s Leantrae Williams both recorded identical distances of 5.10m. Fletcher ultimately claimed third place based on superior subsequent jumps, leaving Williams in fourth position.

    The annual championships, organized by the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) and sponsored by GraceKennedy Limited, represent the pinnacle of junior athletic competition in Jamaica, showcasing emerging talent in track and field events.

  • From coastlines to crops…

    From coastlines to crops…

    Jamaica’s groundbreaking climate adaptation initiative, the Government of Jamaica/Adaptation Fund Programme, concluded with celebratory ceremonies marking its transformative achievements. Launched in November 2012 with $10 million financing through the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), the comprehensive program successfully enhanced climate resilience across multiple sectors through three strategically designed components.

    The multifaceted approach targeted coastal protection in northeastern Jamaica, improved water and land management in vulnerable farming communities, and strengthened institutional capacity at national and local levels. Implementation involved collaboration with key agencies including the National Environment and Planning Agency, National Works Agency, Disaster Preparedness Office, Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), Forestry Department, and Social Development Commission.

    Professor Dale Webber, Jamaica’s Special Envoy for Climate Change, declared the initiative a pioneering model for small island developing states (SIDS) during his keynote address. He emphasized that while scientifically grounded, the program’s success derived from tangible, visible outcomes that delivered immediate community benefits. “What has been achieved here is not just theoretical—it was practical, visible, and continues to be impactful,” Webber stated while representing portfolio minister Matthew Samuda.

    The program’s documented accomplishments include coastline stabilization protecting critical infrastructure and community assets, support for fisheries and coastal livelihoods adapting to changing marine ecosystems, and advanced reforestation improving land management practices. Capacity-building initiatives trained shelter managers and deployed a Climate Risk Atlas enabling evidence-based planning at local levels, with particular attention to gender-inclusive resilience strategies.

    Notable success stories emerged from participating communities. The Forestry Department’s private forestry program coordinator Shawnette Russell-Clennon reported significant reforestation progress with over 20,000 fruit and lumber trees planted, particularly aiding recovery from Hurricane Melissa’s devastation in October 2025. Fishermen from St Mary received climate-resilient equipment and training, including boat upgrades and emergency ramps for extreme weather conditions.

    Agricultural communities experienced substantial improvements through RADA’s technical advice and farmer peer schools. Jasmine Hyde, RADA’s zonal director for St Ann and St Mary, reported enhanced productivity, improved irrigation systems, and better land management minimizing landslides. Professor Webber concluded by calling for accelerated international climate finance processing, noting Jamaica has demonstrated institutional capacity and implementation expertise but requires expanded funding to scale successful interventions.

  • #Champs2026: Riquelme Reid’s sprint double dream ends with injury

    #Champs2026: Riquelme Reid’s sprint double dream ends with injury

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – A highly anticipated sprint double at the prestigious ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletic Championships was abruptly halted on Thursday following an injury to rising star Riquelme Reid of Excelsior High. The athlete, who had electrified the National Stadium just a day prior by claiming the Class 1 100m title in a stunning personal best of 10.12 seconds, was forced to withdraw from the 200m event after pulling up during the first-round heats. His sudden exit reshapes the entire competitive landscape for the final day of the five-day championships, set for Saturday. Reid had entered the competition as a formidable contender, boasting a wind-legal season’s best of 20.95 seconds in the 200m, a time that positioned him as the primary challenger to defending champion Sanjay Seymore of William Knibb. Seymore successfully navigated his heat, posting 21.03 seconds into a headwind of -1.5m/s to secure his place in the semi-finals. The path to the podium is now wide open, with several other athletes advancing strongly. Among them are St. George’s College’s Tyreese Foreman, the 100m silver medallist (21.18s), and Edwin Allen High’s Romario Finnigan, the 100m bronze medallist (21.31s). They were joined by Junior Gallimore (Hydel High), Omary Robinson (Jamaica College), Johan-Ramaldo Smythe (Holland High), and Oshane Jervis (Green Island), all progressing to the next round.