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标签： Jamaica

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  • Man City close to Guehi signing

    Man City close to Guehi signing

    Manchester City are approaching the completion of a significant defensive acquisition, with Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner confirming on Friday that negotiations for England international Marc Guehi have reached their “final stages.” The Premier League champions are prepared to pay approximately £20 million ($27 million) to secure the 25-year-old center-back’s services during the January transfer window.

    The move comes as Pep Guardiola’s squad faces a severe defensive crisis, with first-choice central defenders John Stones, Ruben Dias, and Josko Gvardiol all sidelined due to injuries. Nathan Ake has also been managing fitness concerns that limit his availability. This personnel shortage has prompted City to accelerate their pursuit of defensive reinforcements.

    Guehi, who captained Crystal Palace to their historic FA Cup victory against Manchester City last May, brings considerable experience despite his relatively young age. With 26 appearances for the English national team and demonstrated leadership qualities, the defender represents both an immediate solution and long-term investment for City. His potential transfer follows City’s recent £65 million acquisition of winger Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth.

    Several elite European clubs, including Liverpool and Bayern Munich, had expressed interest in Guehi but were reportedly planning approaches for the summer transfer window when his contract was set to expire. Manchester City’s proactive move in the January window has potentially preempted these competing interests.

    Glasner, who simultaneously announced his impending departure from Crystal Palace when his contract concludes at season’s end, praised Guehi’s professionalism and commitment throughout the transfer process. The manager emphasized that while the club would have preferred to retain their captain indefinitely, they respect his decision to advance his career elsewhere.

    Guardiola remained characteristically reserved about the potential signing during his pre-match press conference, offering no specific comments on the transfer while acknowledging his team’s defensive challenges. With City trailing Arsenal by six points in the Premier League title race and maintaining ambitions in three cup competitions, defensive reinforcements could prove crucial to their pursuit of multiple trophies.

  • St Vincent gov’t to boost surveillance and monitoring of La Soufriere volcano

    St Vincent gov’t to boost surveillance and monitoring of La Soufriere volcano

    The government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is implementing a major enhancement of its volcanic surveillance capabilities for La Soufrière, the island’s most active volcano. This comprehensive strategy involves the creation of new technical positions, the installation of eight additional monitoring stations across the mountain, and significant technological upgrades to existing infrastructure. The initiative follows the volcano’s devastating explosive eruption in April 2021, an event that commenced with increased activity in December 2020. That eruption blanketed the island in ash, necessitated the evacuation of more than 20,000 residents, and caused extensive disruption over a four-month period of heightened activity, which culminated in its last major explosive event around April 22, 2021.

    The cornerstone of this effort is the recently renovated and retrofitted Volcano Observatory, a project financed by a concessional loan from the World Bank totaling EC$4.6 million (approximately US$1.7 million). During the facility’s handover ceremony, Disaster Management Minister St. Clair Leacock outlined the government’s commitment. Key roles, including a geoscientist and a seismic technician, are slated to be filled this year. The revitalized observatory is designed to facilitate advanced volcanic research, support community-based early warning systems, and host international academic studies. Furthermore, the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) has been allocated an additional EC$1 million grant specifically for the procurement of seismic stations and state-of-the-art monitoring equipment.

    Minister Leacock highlighted the technical sophistication of the new systems and issued a public appeal against vandalism or theft of the critical equipment. He emphasized that the devices are essential for national safety, stating, ‘My Government will continue to ensure that the La Soufriere Monitoring Unit of NEMO continues to receive the support to ensure that La Soufriere volcano is constantly monitored.’ He also acknowledged and praised the foundational work in disaster preparedness and monitoring established by the previous administration, framing the new upgrades as a continuation of that vital legacy.

  • Bahamas opens globally recognised Category 5 hurricane shelter

    Bahamas opens globally recognised Category 5 hurricane shelter

    NASSAU, Bahamas – A state-of-the-art hurricane shelter engineered to withstand Category 5 storms has been officially activated on the island of Abaco, marking a significant advancement in climate resilience for the Caribbean region. This facility represents a trilateral collaboration between the governments of The Bahamas and India, alongside the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

    Designed to endure wind speeds exceeding 200 miles per hour, the shelter can accommodate up to 800 individuals during emergencies. Beyond its primary function as a disaster safe haven, the facility serves as a multi-purpose community center throughout the year. It features comprehensive solar power systems, advanced water harvesting capabilities, and disability-inclusive infrastructure, including accessible entry points and restroom facilities. The complex also contains an industrial kitchen, dedicated office space for emergency personnel, and outdoor areas for sporting activities.

    Financed through a $1 million grant from the India-UN Development Fund, the project was managed by UNDP with The Bahamas’ Disaster Risk Management Authority (DRA) serving as the national implementing partner. The Bahamian government contributed additional co-financing of $3.5 million for the initiative.

    Indian High Commissioner to The Bahamas, Shri Mayank Joshi, highlighted that the Abaco shelter has been recognized as a global best practice by the India-led Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI). He emphasized that the project embodies the philosophical principle of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ – the concept that the world is one family – and demonstrates India’s solidarity with Small Island Developing States (SIDS) facing climate vulnerabilities.

    Leon Lundy, Minister of State for Disaster Risk Management, described the facility as a “beacon of hope” that will function as both a community development space during ordinary times and a critical sanctuary during extreme weather events. The Bahamian government plans to expand this shelter model to other vulnerable islands in the archipelago.

    UNDP Resident Representative Dr. Kishan Khoday praised the South-South cooperation model between The Bahamas and India, noting its potential for replication across other Caribbean SIDS. With the 2025 hurricane season setting new records for storm intensity, Khoday stressed the urgent need for scaled-up investments in climate-resilient infrastructure throughout the region.

    The completion of the Abaco shelter concludes UNDP’s post-Hurricane Dorian recovery support to The Bahamas, while the organization’s Multi-Country Office in Jamaica continues to expand climate resilience initiatives across the Caribbean in response to increasingly frequent and severe climate disasters.

  • China, Canada reach ‘landmark’ deal on tariffs, visas

    China, Canada reach ‘landmark’ deal on tariffs, visas

    BEIJING — In a historic diplomatic breakthrough, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Chinese President Xi Jinping announced a comprehensive bilateral agreement on Friday, marking the first top-level meeting between the nations in eight years. The accord signals a definitive thaw in relations following years of retaliatory measures and trade disputes.

    The leaders unveiled what Prime Minister Carney characterized as a ‘landmark deal’ establishing a ‘new strategic partnership’ between Canada and China. This framework encompasses significant trade concessions and tourism facilitation measures designed to rebuild economic bridges between the two countries.

    Central to the agreement is China’s commitment to dramatically reduce tariffs on Canadian canola products, slashing rates from the current 84% to approximately 15% by March 1. This reversal is particularly significant as China was previously Canada’s largest market for canola seed before recent trade frictions.

    In a major tourism development, China will implement visa-free entry for Canadian visitors, while Canada will import 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles under preferential tariff rates of 6.1%. Prime Minister Carney noted this brings EV tariffs ‘back to levels that existed prior to recent trade frictions.’

    President Xi, welcoming his counterpart in the Great Hall of the People, emphasized that bilateral relations had reached a critical turning point during their October meeting on the sidelines of the APEC summit. ‘Our meeting last year opened a new chapter in turning China-Canada relations toward improvement,’ Xi stated, adding that stable bilateral development ‘serves the common interests of our two countries.’

    The diplomatic reconciliation follows a particularly strained period beginning in 2018, when Canada arrested Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou on a U.S. warrant, prompting China’s retaliatory detention of two Canadian citizens on espionage charges. Subsequent years saw both nations impose reciprocal tariffs on exports, with additional allegations of Chinese election interference in Canada.

    Prime Minister Carney’s outreach forms part of a broader strategy to diversify Canada’s economic partnerships amid turbulent relations with the United States. Former President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff policies on Canadian steel, aluminum, vehicles, and lumber have compelled Ottawa to seek alternative markets. While the U.S. remains Canada’s dominant trading partner—purchasing approximately 75% of Canadian exports in 2024—China currently accounts for less than 4% of Canadian exports, though Ottawa emphasizes it remains Canada’s second-largest market.

    During his Beijing visit, which included meetings with Premier Li Qiang and scheduled discussions with business leaders, Carney continues to advance his stated goal of doubling Canada’s non-U.S. exports by 2035.

  • Individuals urged to have contracts in place ahead of home construction

    Individuals urged to have contracts in place ahead of home construction

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Incorporated Masterbuilders Association of Jamaica (IMAJ) has issued a critical warning to citizens undertaking construction projects, emphasizing the non-negotiable necessity of formal written contracts to mitigate substantial financial and legal exposures. This advisory comes amid growing concerns about unregulated practices within Jamaica’s construction sector.

    Lenworth Kelly, former IMAJ president, articulated these concerns during a recent JIS Think Tank session, highlighting the alarming absence of regulatory legislation governing contractors. “The industry faces significant challenges due to the lack of formal oversight,” Kelly stated. “Many individuals operate as contractors based solely on self-proclamation, without verified credentials or regulatory compliance.”

    Kelly emphasized that a formal contract represents the fundamental first step upon completion of building plans and drawings. He characterized the undertaking of major construction without contractual protection as “ridiculous,” particularly given that home construction or expansion typically constitutes the largest financial investment in an individual’s lifetime.

    Beyond contract formalization, the IMAJ recommends engaging qualified professionals—architects, engineers, or designers—to administer projects on the homeowner’s behalf. These professionals can conduct monthly milestone verifications and authorize payment disbursements, ensuring accountability and quality control throughout the construction process.

    Common issues reported to the IMAJ frequently involve homeowners who neglected basic due diligence. Kelly posed essential questions homeowners should address: “Have you verified the contractor’s background? What is their professional track record? Are they properly registered with the Company’s Office of Jamaica? How extensive is their business experience?”

    Notably, the association stresses that even minor projects require documented agreements. Kelly illustrated this point stating, “Even for constructing something as simple as a chicken coop, document the terms on paper—specify payment amounts, schedules, and timelines. Such documentation still constitutes a legally recognizable contract.”

    To support public awareness and protection, the IMAJ offers complimentary consulting services through its in-house expert, available to the public on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Homeowners can schedule in-person consultations, Zoom calls, or telephone advice at no cost, receiving professional guidance for various construction endeavors, from small home expansions to new builds.

  • PM backs call for a kinder Jamaica

    PM backs call for a kinder Jamaica

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — A powerful appeal for national unity and compassionate discourse has emerged from Jamaica’s highest leadership levels following the 46th annual National Leadership Prayer Breakfast. Prime Minister Andrew Holness has publicly endorsed Senior Pastor Reverend Peter Garth’s urgent message advocating for an end to destructive criticism and malicious character attacks within Jamaican society.

    During his keynote sermon at Boulevard Baptist Church in St. Andrew, Reverend Garth challenged Jamaicans to abandon vulgar criticisms and embrace mutual respect. “We are all in this together and we need all persons on deck if we are going to rebuild Jamaica,” Garth emphasized, framing national progress as dependent on collective goodwill rather than divisive rhetoric.

    Prime Minister Holness, in subsequent remarks to Observer Online, characterized the pastor’s message as both timely and transformative. “I am particularly heartened by the message today,” Holness stated. “There are those who will stand on the sideline and criticise unnecessarily, unreasonably and unjustly—that is not serving the interest of the nation.”

    The event, which adopted the theme “Caring for our Neighbour,” served as a platform for examining the social risks associated with helping others. Both leaders addressed the growing cynicism that discourages civic engagement, with Garth specifically referencing Hurricane Melissa’s devastation in October as a case where criticism overshadowed relief efforts.

    Holness highlighted the historical significance of the prayer breakfast, established in 1981 following Jamaica’s divisive 1980 general election, as a stabilizing force in national life. “It reaffirms that Jamaica is a Christian society,” he noted, “and gives us an opportunity to hear words directly transmitted to leaders to guide us.”

    Reverend Garth concluded with a call to action: “Let us continue our efforts to restore lives and rebuild homes. Let us respond to the needs of our brothers and sisters in Jamaica. Let us care for our neighbors.” This dual endorsement from religious and governmental leadership signals a coordinated effort to address Jamaica’s social discourse challenges.

  • Kranium’s Nobody Has to Know is now gold in the United Kingdom

    Kranium’s Nobody Has to Know is now gold in the United Kingdom

    Jamaican dancehall sensation Kranium has secured another major international milestone as his breakthrough single ‘Nobody Has to Know’ has been officially certified Gold in the United Kingdom. The British Phonographic Institute (BPI) formally awarded this prestigious certification on January 16, recognizing the track’s exceptional performance in exceeding 400,000 combined unit sales and streams.

    Originally released in 2013, the Havendale-produced track gradually built international momentum, previously achieving Platinum status in Canada (2021) and Gold certification in the United States (2019). The song’s remarkable journey included climbing Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart in 2015, where it peaked at position #44.

    In exclusive interviews, Kranium (born Kemar Donaldson) revealed his unwavering confidence in the track’s potential from its inception. “I was 100 percent sure that it would’ve been a hit,” the artist stated, emphasizing his mission to represent dancehall music on global platforms. The St James-born artist approaches his craft with purposeful intention, noting: “I do music for a cause. I’m representing dancehall music overseas.”

    The success story carries a family legacy—Kranium is the nephew of renowned 1980s singjay Screwdriver, who achieved fame with the hit ‘Sharon.’ This latest certification reinforces the enduring appeal of properly executed dancehall music and demonstrates the genre’s capacity for cross-border success when supported by both artists and audiences.

  • A&E staff protest conditions at Cornwall Regional Hospital

    A&E staff protest conditions at Cornwall Regional Hospital

    Healthcare professionals at Cornwall Regional Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Department in St. James, Jamaica, have initiated organized demonstrations to protest what they describe as intolerable working conditions and inadequate patient care facilities.

    Medical staff, including physicians and nursing personnel, assembled outside the healthcare facility holding prominently displayed placards that highlighted systemic deficiencies within the institution. The protest represents an escalating frustration among healthcare workers who have reached their threshold for enduring substandard operational environments.

    Among the most alarming revelations emerging from the demonstration was the staggering ratio of medical equipment to patients, with protesters chanting about approximately fifty patients being dependent on a single blood pressure monitoring device. This critical shortage of essential medical equipment underscores the severe resource constraints affecting both staff effectiveness and patient safety.

    The protesting healthcare workers have issued an urgent appeal to relevant governmental authorities and administrative bodies, demanding immediate intervention to address the deteriorating conditions. Their grievances encompass multiple facets of hospital operations, ranging from inadequate medical equipment to broader systemic issues compromising both staff welfare and patient treatment standards.

    This organized action by medical professionals signals a potentially critical juncture for Jamaica’s healthcare infrastructure, particularly within the public hospital system where resource allocation challenges have persisted. The protest at Cornwall Regional Hospital highlights the ongoing struggle between healthcare workforce expectations and institutional capabilities in delivering quality medical services.

  • Spanish singer Julio Iglesias says abuse allegations ‘absolutely false’

    Spanish singer Julio Iglesias says abuse allegations ‘absolutely false’

    MADRID, Spain—Global music icon Julio Iglesias has publicly refuted serious allegations of misconduct brought forward by two former employees. The 82-year-old recording artist, recognized as one of Latin music’s most accomplished performers, took to Instagram to address the claims that have captivated Spanish media.

    In a formal statement, Iglesias asserted: “I categorically deny having abused, coerced, or disrespected any woman. These accusations are not only completely untrue but have caused me profound distress.” The singer, whose career has spanned decades with over 300 million records sold worldwide, expressed his dismay at the allegations.

    The complaints originated from a domestic worker and physiotherapist who alleged they experienced various forms of abuse while employed at Iglesias’s residences in the Dominican Republic and Bahamas during 2021. Their accounts, compiled by advocacy organizations Women’s Link Worldwide and Amnesty International, were formally presented to Spanish prosecutors on January 5.

    The submitted documentation outlines alleged behaviors that could potentially constitute “human trafficking for forced labor” and “crimes against sexual freedom” under Spanish law. Specific claims include allegations of sexual harassment, communication monitoring through phone checks, movement restrictions, and demanding work schedules extending to 16-hour days without time off.

    Iglesias responded emotionally to the allegations, stating: “It is with deep sorrow that I address these accusations from individuals previously in my employ. While I’ve never encountered such malice before, I retain sufficient resolve to reveal the complete truth and protect my reputation against these grave charges.” He additionally acknowledged receiving numerous supportive messages during this period.

    The allegations against the renowned crooner have generated significant political and social reactions throughout Spain. Left-leaning government representatives have expressed support for the complainants and called for thorough investigation. Meanwhile, Alberto Nunez Feijoo, leader of the conservative Popular Party and personal acquaintance of Iglesias, described himself as “exceptionally surprised” while cautioning against premature speculation.

    Adding perspective to the character assessment, Iglesias’s former manager Fernan Martinez acknowledged the artist’s affectionate nature and comfort with physical contact but emphasized he never witnessed aggressive behavior from the music legend.

  • Five schools seek back-to-back double in rural junior football

    Five schools seek back-to-back double in rural junior football

    Four Jamaican secondary institutions are poised to continue their flawless performance streaks as the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) Rural Area junior football championships progress this week. Cornwall College, Browns Town High, Bellefield High, and Manchester High have each secured decisive victories in both Under-14 and Under-16 divisions during the tournament’s opening matches, establishing early dominance in the competition.

    The tournament, traditionally held during the Christmas academic term, underwent rescheduling due to disruptions caused by Hurricane Melissa’s passage in late October. This meteorological event forced organizers to rearrange the sporting calendar, demonstrating the resilience of Jamaica’s interscholastic athletic programs despite climatic challenges.

    Cornwall College emerges as particularly formidable after delivering spectacular 8-0 triumphs in both age categories against Maldon High on Tuesday. The team now prepares to confront St James High in both divisional matches at Jarrett Park, where St James High seeks redemption after recording draws against Herbert Morrison Technical in their previous encounters.

    Meanwhile, Browns Town High, fresh from victories over Aboukir High, will challenge Ferncourt High in upcoming fixtures. Simultaneously, Bellefield High is set to compete against Alphansus Davis High, while Manchester High faces DeCarteret College in what promises to be compelling displays of youthful football talent across multiple venues.

    The rescheduled tournament highlights both the competitive spirit of Jamaica’s rural area schools and the administrative flexibility required to maintain sporting traditions amid natural disruptions, offering student-athletes continued opportunities for athletic excellence and sportsmanship development.