PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago — Rico Henry, the newly recruited defender for Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz, is still awaiting clearance from the England Football Association (EFA) to finalize his switch of international allegiance. The 28-year-old Brentford FC player was included in Jamaica’s provisional 26-man squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifier against Trinidad and Tobago (T&T), scheduled for Thursday at 7:00 pm Jamaica time. However, his debut is now uncertain as the approval process is unlikely to be completed in time. Head coach Steve McClaren confirmed that Henry traveled to Jamaica earlier this week to finalize his documents with the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency before joining the team for their trip to Trinidad. McClaren expressed optimism, stating, ‘Everything has gone smoothly on our end,’ during a press briefing on Saturday. Henry’s inclusion was anticipated to strengthen Jamaica’s defensive lineup, alongside fellow Brentford player Ethan Pinnock. While his participation in the T&T match remains doubtful, a timely approval from the EFA could see him make his debut when Jamaica hosts Curaçao in the final qualifier in Kingston on Tuesday.
标签： Jamaica
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Epstein alleged Trump ‘knew about the girls’: Democrats
WASHINGTON, United States — Democrats unveiled a series of emails on Wednesday that allegedly indicate former President Donald Trump was aware of Jeffrey Epstein’s sexual abuse activities. The emails, released by the House Oversight Committee, suggest Epstein claimed Trump “knew about the girls” involved in his sex-trafficking operations. Trump has consistently denied any knowledge of or involvement in Epstein’s crimes, which led to the financier’s 2019 suicide in federal prison while awaiting trial. The emails, addressed to Epstein’s associate Ghislaine Maxwell and author Michael Wolff, have reignited controversy over Trump’s ties to Epstein, despite no criminal accusations against the former president. In one 2019 email, Epstein reportedly wrote that Trump had asked Maxwell to stop her activities, implying his awareness. Another 2011 email to Maxwell referenced an unnamed victim who spent time with Trump at Epstein’s residence. Democrats are pushing for the full release of Epstein’s case files, arguing the emails raise serious questions about Trump’s knowledge of Epstein’s crimes. The Justice Department has previously stated that Epstein’s so-called “client list” does not exist, dismissing conspiracy theories that have fueled divisions within Trump’s MAGA base. Epstein’s 2008 plea deal, arranged by a prosecutor who later joined Trump’s cabinet, has also been criticized for its leniency. The ongoing scrutiny of Trump’s relationship with Epstein continues to cast a shadow over his administration.
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Tuberculosis killed 1.23 million last year– WHO
GENEVA, Switzerland – Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be the world’s deadliest infectious disease, claiming approximately 1.23 million lives in 2023, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). While recent data shows a 3% decline in TB-related deaths and a 2% drop in cases, the WHO cautioned that these gains are precarious and could be reversed without sustained efforts.
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Winnie Harlow joins Hurricane Melissa relief efforts in Jamaica
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Winnie Harlow, the internationally acclaimed model and entrepreneur of Jamaican heritage, has taken decisive action to aid communities devastated by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica. Partnering with DJ Diplo, the non-profit organization CORE, and the local grassroots group BREDS in Treasure Beach, Harlow spearheaded efforts to deliver critical supplies to those most affected by the storm.
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Antigua and China sign agreement for solar powered street lights
In a significant move toward sustainable development, Antigua and Barbuda has inked a landmark agreement with China to enhance its renewable energy infrastructure. The deal, signed during the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Belém, Brazil, includes the provision of 1,500 solar-powered street lights and 200 residential photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage system (ESS) units. Ambassador Diann Black-Layne, Director of the Department of Environment, represented Antigua and Barbuda in signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment. This initiative marks a pivotal step in the Caribbean nation’s renewable energy transition, aligning with its broader goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving energy efficiency, and bolstering climate resilience. The solar street lights are expected to enhance public safety and visibility in communities while reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering electricity costs for local authorities. Meanwhile, the residential PV and ESS systems will empower households to generate and store clean energy, fostering energy independence and ensuring stability during power outages caused by extreme weather events. Ambassador Black-Layne emphasized that this partnership highlights the importance of international collaboration in tackling the global climate crisis and reflects China’s ongoing commitment to supporting small island developing states (SIDS) in achieving their sustainable development and energy transition objectives.
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DJ Russ Buss gives his life to the Lord
Russell Gordon, widely recognized in the entertainment industry as DJ Russ Buss and formerly associated with the Coppershot Sound, has recently embraced born-again Christianity. The 27-year-old artist announced this significant personal milestone in a heartfelt Instagram post on Monday. In his message, Russ Buss reflected on his spiritual journey, acknowledging the struggles he faced with his faith. He emphasized that perfection is not a prerequisite for embracing God’s call, stating, ‘God doesn’t call us to be perfect…he says come as we are.’ The post concluded with gratitude to God and Jesus for their guidance, quoting a biblical verse that encourages seeking the Kingdom of God above all else. The announcement garnered an outpouring of support from prominent figures in the entertainment world, including Silent Addy, Fyahman, ZJ Ice, and Miss Universe Jamaica 2023 Jordanne Lauren Levy, who all expressed their congratulations and well-wishes. Russ Buss, who finished as the runner-up in the 2017 SunCity High School competition, has a diverse background in music and education. He is currently pursuing a degree in Integrated Marketing Communications with a minor in Entertainment and Cultural Enterprise Management at CARIMAC, showcasing his multifaceted talents and ambitions.
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Forensic officer clueless who touched Donna-Lee’s toothbrush before it got to lab
During the murder trial of constable Noel Maitland on Wednesday, a senior forensic officer faced challenges under cross-examination regarding the chain of custody for a toothbrush allegedly belonging to Donna-Lee Donaldson, the missing social media influencer and entrepreneur. Donaldson, who vanished on July 12, 2022, is presumed dead, and Maitland, her policeman boyfriend, is being tried for her murder and for preventing the lawful burial of her body. The trial is taking place in the Home Circuit Court in Kingston. Prosecutors are relying heavily on circumstantial evidence, including bloodstains found on three items in Maitland’s Chelsea Manor apartment in St Andrew, the last known location where Donaldson was seen. On Tuesday, the forensic officer confirmed that the blood found in the apartment matched Donaldson’s DNA, which was compared using samples from her parents and a toothbrush allegedly belonging to her. However, during cross-examination, Maitland’s attorney, Chadwick Berry, questioned the forensic officer about the handling of the toothbrush before it reached the Institute of Forensic Science and Legal Medicine for testing. The officer admitted she was unaware of who handled the toothbrush or when it was touched before delivery to the lab. The officer also discussed the complexities of DNA transfer, noting that factors such as surface type, contact duration, and individual skin cell shedding rates influence whether DNA transfer occurs. She emphasized caution when addressing hypothetical scenarios, such as DNA transfer via doorknobs, stating that without specific testing and analysis, she could not definitively confirm such events.
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‘COLLECTIVE ACTION’
The Wray & Nephew Jamaica Premier League (JPL) is set to resume on December 7 after a hiatus caused by Hurricane Melissa, which devastated parts of the island in late October. However, Professional Football Jamaica Limited (PFJL) CEO Owen Hill has highlighted significant financial and logistical challenges that must be addressed to ensure a smooth restart. The league, which has completed nine match weeks, was paused due to the hurricane’s widespread destruction, including loss of lives and severe damage to infrastructure. Following discussions with stakeholders, including the 14 clubs, the PFJL executive, and the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), a consensus was reached to delay the restart until December. While some Kingston-based clubs advocated for an earlier resumption, severely affected teams like Treasure Beach FC and Montego Bay United (MBU) requested additional time to recover. Hill emphasized the need for collective responsibility, stating that the December 7 restart date balances the needs of all parties. The decision has resulted in nearly 50 postponed matches, with teams now likely to play twice weekly to meet the league’s schedule. Venue challenges also persist, as MBU and Treasure Beach’s home grounds remain unplayable due to hurricane damage. Hill suggested a hub model, centralizing games at available venues, while calling for financial support from sponsors and corporate Jamaica to address the league’s immediate needs. He also urged fans to attend matches or subscribe to broadcasts, as gate receipts and subscriptions are crucial for clubs’ financial viability. As the league prepares to restart, MBU leads the standings with 22 points, followed by Portmore United with 18. Treasure Beach FC sits in 10th place, while defending champions Cavalier and unbeaten Mount Pleasant Football Academy are fourth and eighth, respectively.
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Dominican Republic says power mostly restored after massive blackout
The Dominican Republic has successfully restored electricity to nearly the entire national grid following a widespread blackout that plunged much of the country into darkness and sparked protests in several cities. The power outage, caused by a failure in transmission lines on Tuesday, affected key areas including the capital Santo Domingo and the popular tourist destination Punta Cana. Energy Minister Joel Santos Echavarria confirmed in a statement that all power generation plants are now operational, with the electrical transmission system functioning at full capacity and meeting 96% of national demand. The blackout led to severe traffic disruptions and the suspension of metro services in Santo Domingo, forcing passengers to evacuate. Protests erupted in Santiago and San Pedro de Macorís, with residents burning tires in frustration over the prolonged lack of electricity. Local media reported several arrests during the unrest. The Energy Ministry has launched an investigation into the cause of the outage, with the minister cautioning against premature conclusions of sabotage. Frequent power cuts remain a persistent issue in the Dominican Republic, often attributed to inadequate maintenance, system breakdowns, and illegal connections.
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Sandy Bay main road cleared — NWA
In a significant development for local commuters, the Sandy Bay main road in Hanover, Jamaica, has been reopened for vehicular traffic, as confirmed by the National Works Agency (NWA). The road had been rendered impassable earlier this week due to severe wind and rain, which caused extensive damage by depositing silt and debris across the thoroughfare. The NWA has been actively engaged in clearing operations, successfully removing the obstructions that had blocked access. However, the agency has indicated that efforts are still ongoing to address a heavily silted main drain in the area, which remains a priority to prevent future disruptions. This restoration of access is a crucial step in ensuring the smooth movement of people and goods in the region, particularly in the aftermath of adverse weather conditions.