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  • #Champs2026: Holland’s Douglas and Wolmer’s East stay on track for girls sprint double

    #Champs2026: Holland’s Douglas and Wolmer’s East stay on track for girls sprint double

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Stadium witnessed exceptional athletic prowess during Friday’s semi-final events at the prestigious ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletic Championships. Emerging stars Shanoya Douglas of Holland High and Natrece East from Wolmer’s Girls’ solidified their positions as frontrunners for sprint doubles in their respective categories.

    Shanoya Douglas, fresh from her spectacular 10.98-second victory in Wednesday’s Class 1 100m final, dominated her 200m semi-final heat with a commanding time of 24.00 seconds flat. The world U20 championship medalist now positions herself to potentially challenge the meet record of 22.53 seconds, established in 2022 by Hydel High’s Brianna Lyston.

    In Class 2 competition, Natrece East delivered the second-quickest performance at 23.81 seconds, though she was surpassed by Edwin Allen’s 400m silver medalist Sashana Johnson, who clocked an impressive 23.51 seconds. Other notable qualifiers included Shannia Campbell of St Jago (24.21) and Shayon Smith of St Mary High (24.06).

    The qualification rounds showcased depth across all classes. Class 3 saw Holmwood’s Rihanna Scott lead the field at 24.01 seconds, while Hydel’s Reneka Reid topped Class 4 qualifiers with 24.98 seconds. Notably absent was Excelsior’s Brianna Gray, the Class 4 100m champion, who unexpectedly did not start her semi-final race.

    The championships continue to demonstrate Jamaica’s extraordinary pipeline of track talent, with athletes from Edwin Allen, Hydel, and other traditional powerhouses advancing to what promises to be an exhilarating finals session.

  • Cops get training in mental health crisis management

    Cops get training in mental health crisis management

    MANDEVILLE, Jamaica — A significant advancement in mental health crisis intervention has been achieved in south-central Jamaica through a specialized training collaboration. Over 60 officers from the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) stationed across Manchester, Clarendon, and St Elizabeth parishes have completed certification in managing mental health emergencies.

    This innovative program, developed through partnership between the JCF and Southern Regional Health Authority (SRHA), equips law enforcement personnel with crucial de-escalation techniques and intervention strategies. Dr. Janique Baldwin-Miller, SRHA Regional Psychiatrist, explained the program’s dual focus on independent crisis management and coordinated response with mental health professionals.

    The training curriculum specifically addresses the legal framework provided by Jamaica’s Mental Health Act, which authorizes police intervention when individuals experience suicidal ideation, psychosis, or pose threats to themselves or others. Officers learn practical methods to safely transport individuals in crisis to appropriate care facilities while minimizing risk to all parties involved.

    At SRHA’s biannual stakeholder meeting in Mandeville, law enforcement leaders and healthcare professionals convened to address ongoing challenges in mental health response systems. Assistant Police Commissioner Christopher Phillips, head of JCF’s Area Three, emphasized the program’s expansion potential, stating: “We must enhance both officer training and public education initiatives. Our experience in St Catherine South demonstrated that community awareness significantly improves crisis outcomes.”

    The initiative represents part of Commissioner Dr. Kevin Blake’s broader strategy to strengthen community policing frameworks. Phillips confirmed the JCF’s commitment to “strengthening our systems and abilities to respond to the various needs of different communities,” highlighting mental health response as a critical component of modern policing practices.

  • Joseph Benaiah revisits Selassie’s visit with cover of classic

    Joseph Benaiah revisits Selassie’s visit with cover of classic

    As Jamaica prepares to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Emperor Haile Selassie I’s historic state visit, musician Joseph Benaiah has revitalized the classic tribute track ‘His Majesty is Coming.’ The original recording by The In Crowd, released in 1978, receives a contemporary reinterpretation through Benaiah’s self-produced cover released on March 16.

    Benaiah revealed to Observer Online that his inspiration for the project came from keyboardist Robbie Lyn, an original member of The In Crowd who performed on the initial recording. The artist assembled an impressive ensemble of Jamaican music veterans for the project, including drummer Kirk Bennett, bassist Donald ‘Danny Bassie’ Dennis, guitarist Mitchum ‘Khan’ Chin, and saxophonist Dean Fraser.

    ‘The arrangement, magnificent horn sections, and exceptional vocals immediately captivated me,’ Benaiah explained regarding the song’s enduring appeal. ‘This composition has maintained universal admiration within musical circles—I’ve yet to encounter a musician who doesn’t appreciate this masterpiece.’

    The original composition was crafted by Fil Callender, founder and guitarist of The In Crowd, and featured on the band’s 1978 album ‘Man From New Guinea’ under Island Records distribution.

    Benaiah retains childhood memories of Selassie’s momentous April 21-25, 1966 visit, when thousands of Rastafarians gathered at Kingston’s Palisadoes Airport to welcome the Ethiopian monarch whom many considered divine. Emperor Haile Selassie I passed away in August 1975 at age 83, following his overthrow in a military coup the previous year.

  • Marathon Insurance CEO calls for mandatory insurance standards in Special Economic Zones

    Marathon Insurance CEO calls for mandatory insurance standards in Special Economic Zones

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – A leading insurance executive has issued a stark warning about Jamaica’s vulnerability to catastrophic financial losses from natural disasters, calling for urgent policy reforms to fortify the country’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs). Levar Smith, President and CEO of Marathon Insurance Brokers Limited, revealed that the nation’s substantial insurance protection gap leaves billions in potential disaster losses unsecured.

    Speaking at the Special Economic Zone Authority (SEZA) BAC Accelerator Series on Wednesday, Smith presented a detailed analysis of the economic impact of Hurricane Melissa. The catastrophic event caused an estimated US$12.2 billion in damages, representing a staggering 56.7% of Jamaica’s gross domestic product. However, only approximately US$4.16 billion of these losses were covered through a combination of sovereign risk instruments and private insurance arrangements.

    The protection coverage breakdown showed sovereign protection totaling US$662 million, incorporating payouts from the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF), a World Bank parametric catastrophe bond, and contingency funds. Private market insured losses reached approximately US$3.5 billion. Collectively, these covered only about 34% of total losses, creating a massive protection gap of nearly US$8 billion that remained unaddressed.

    Smith emphasized that insurance penetration varies dramatically across different sectors. While hotels maintained nearly complete coverage, most Jamaican homeowners had minimal to no insurance protection. Large commercial properties typically carry insurance but often at values below true replacement costs, and small to medium-sized enterprises show insurance uptake rates between just 5-20%. Among homeowners, only about 20% maintain insurance coverage, with most being significantly underinsured.

    The insurance expert highlighted that SEZs face particularly complex risk exposures that extend beyond physical damage to include operational disruptions. These specialized zones depend critically on uninterrupted operations, and disruptions to ports, airports, and logistics hubs can trigger immediate income losses alongside broader economic consequences including employment reduction, decreased consumer spending, and tourism industry contraction.

    Smith referenced a regional case study where a major Caribbean port sustained hurricane-related losses between US$12-20 million. Successful recovery within 18 months was achieved through comprehensive pre-loss planning that included updated property valuations, adequate business interruption coverage, and structured claims processes supported by international reinsurers.

    Proposing concrete solutions, Smith urged policymakers to implement reforms including mandatory minimum insurance standards tied to current property valuations, tax incentives linked to adequate insurance coverage, and creation of a specialized SEZ catastrophe pool to reduce premium expenses. He additionally advocated for expanded parametric insurance adoption, mandatory business continuity planning aligned with insurance programs, and annual professional valuations for high-value properties considering post-hurricane construction cost increases of 35-45%.

    Smith concluded that strengthening Jamaica’s insurance framework within SEZs is essential for maintaining investor confidence and safeguarding economic stability, noting that investors prioritize stability alongside tax incentives and that a well-governed insurance system could become one of the country’s most significant competitive advantages.

  • Jamaica 1 – 0 New Caledonia: Reggae Boyz progress to face DR Congo for World Cup ticket

    Jamaica 1 – 0 New Caledonia: Reggae Boyz progress to face DR Congo for World Cup ticket

    Jamaica’s national football team took a decisive step toward ending their 28-year World Cup absence with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over New Caledonia in their intercontinental playoff semifinal. The crucial match, played Thursday at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Mexico, saw an 18th-minute goal from striker Bailey Cadamarteri prove sufficient to secure the win.

    Under the guidance of interim head coach Rudolph Speid in his first competitive match, the Reggae Boyz fielded a significantly altered lineup featuring two debutants—Ephron Mason-Clark and Andre Brooks—among seven total changes from their previous squad. The tactical adjustments paid dividends as left back Ronaldo Webster, making his first official start for Jamaica, emerged as an early offensive threat.

    Webster’s powerful 20-yard free kick in the first half forced New Caledonia goalkeeper Rocky Nyikeine into a difficult save that resulted in a rebound opportunity. Cadamarteri capitalized on the chance with a clinical close-range finish that would ultimately decide the contest.

    Despite controlling much of the match, Jamaica faced late pressure as New Caledonia sought an equalizer. Goalkeeper Andre Blake preserved the clean sheet with a critical 87th-minute save against Gerard Waia’s firm strike from close range. Webster nearly doubled Jamaica’s advantage earlier in the second half with a one-on-one opportunity against Nyikeine, but his chipped effort was thwarted.

    The victory sets up a final playoff showdown against DR Congo next Tuesday, with the winner earning a place in Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan at this summer’s FIFA World Cup. Jamaica now stands one victory away from returning to football’s global stage after nearly three decades, having missed automatic qualification despite a strong campaign that saw them finish behind Curaçao in Concacaf World Cup Qualifiers Group B.

  • G7 ministers urge end to attacks against civilians in Mideast war

    G7 ministers urge end to attacks against civilians in Mideast war

    Foreign ministers from the Group of Seven nations issued a unified declaration on Friday, demanding an immediate halt to attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure in Middle East conflict zones. The joint statement, released following diplomatic talks in Cernaay-la-Ville, France, emphasized that targeting non-combatants and diplomatic facilities remains unjustifiable under any armed conflict circumstances.

    The ministerial gathering of the world’s leading industrialized nations additionally addressed critical maritime security concerns, urging Iran to promptly restore unimpeded navigation through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. This waterway serves as a crucial global energy corridor, and its effective closure has triggered significant disruptions to energy markets and commercial supply chains worldwide.

    The unexpectedly cohesive statement emerged amid speculation about transatlantic divisions regarding U.S.-Israeli military operations against Iranian interests. Although U.S. President Donald Trump had previously threatened strikes against Iranian energy infrastructure, he has subsequently moderated his stance to allow additional diplomatic engagement opportunities.

    Ministers dedicated substantial discussion to addressing broader economic repercussions stemming from regional instability, particularly focusing on vulnerabilities within global energy, fertilizer, and commercial supply systems that directly impact citizens across G7 nations.

  • #Champs2026: William Knibb’s Seymore on course to repeat Class 1 200m gold

    #Champs2026: William Knibb’s Seymore on course to repeat Class 1 200m gold

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – The stage is set for a spectacular showdown in the sprint events as Jamaica’s top high school athletes prepare for the 200m finals at the prestigious ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletic Championship this Saturday.

    In the Boys’ Class 1 category, defending champion Sanjay Seymore from William Knibb Memorial High School positioned himself as the clear favorite after dominating the qualifying rounds with an impressive time of 20.85 seconds. The talented sprinter faces formidable competition from Jamaica College’s Makaelan Woods, who clocked 20.97 seconds, and Camperdown High’s Deequan Maragh, who finished close behind with 21.03 seconds. Additional contenders include Omary Robinson of Jamaica College (21.11 seconds) and St. Mary High’s Tenny Daley (21.14 seconds).

    The Class 2 event promises equal excitement with Kingston College’s Jason Pitter seeking to upgrade his bronze medal from last year. Fresh from his astonishing 400m victory on Thursday where he clocked 45.76 seconds, speculation mounts whether Pitter can challenge the meet record of 20.80 seconds established by Christopher Taylor of Calabar High in 2016. Pitter qualified second with 21.33 seconds, trailing only his teammate Emmile Higgins who led qualifying with 21.12 seconds. Other finalists include Mario Ross of Wolmer’s Boys’ School (21.46 seconds) and Rajaun Romelly of St. Jago High (21.71 seconds).

    In Class 3 action, Kemanic Edwards of Kingston College and Wolmer’s Joshua McWilliams, the 100m silver medalist, both recorded identical times of 22.32 seconds in their semi-final heats. They will be joined by 100m champion Ajani Lumley of Wolmer’s (22.75 seconds) and Jamaica College’s Deandre Parker (22.79 seconds) in what promises to be a highly competitive final.

  • Montego Bay celebrates its own

    Montego Bay celebrates its own

    The Montego Bay Racing Association (MRA) celebrated the achievements of its 2025 season with a formal prize-giving ceremony on Saturday, February 28, hosted at the Toyota Jamaica showroom. The event served a dual purpose: to honor competitors and to unveil an ambitious expansion strategy for the 2026 racing season.

    According to MRA representative Mark-Anthony March, the gathering was designed as a formal appreciation event for drivers, providing an environment for them to socialize with friends, family, and fans while receiving quality trophies. The association also distributed tokens of appreciation to sponsors and partners who supported the racing events throughout the season.

    The ceremony achieved significant success with strong attendance from competitors, their families, and corporate partners. A particularly memorable moment occurred when regular competitor Alan Chen received a trophy in front of his children for the first time in his racing career.

    Looking toward 2026, the MRA announced groundbreaking developments for the organization. The association revealed plans to establish its first-ever championship series that will crown an overall champion competitor based on cumulative performance across multiple events.

    The expanded 2026 calendar will feature six events, including a strategic move beyond sprint racing into rally sport. The championship will incorporate both sprint events and two rally competitions, with drivers earning bonus points for participating in multiple disciplines. The sprint events will maintain their mixed surface format of tarmac and dirt courses, while the rally component will include a one-day event in Frome, Westmoreland, and a two-day international rally to conclude the racing season.

    In regulatory updates, the MRA announced the elimination of the JC1 class from future competitions. March characterized the upcoming season as “a properly action-packed year for the MRA,” signaling an exciting new chapter for Jamaican motorsports.

  • Jamaican-owned GroceryList says it turned a profit last year with US$2.7m in revenues

    Jamaican-owned GroceryList says it turned a profit last year with US$2.7m in revenues

    South Florida-based digital platform GroceryList, founded by Jamaican entrepreneurs, has announced a significant financial milestone, surpassing $2.7 million in revenue last year while achieving profitability. The innovative platform has transformed how overseas immigrants support families back home by enabling direct purchase of essential goods from trusted local Jamaican merchants with same-day delivery.

    Operating from Pompano Beach, the company has developed what appears superficially as a grocery delivery application but functions as a comprehensive logistics and payments infrastructure specifically designed for markets characterized by fragmented retail systems, addressing challenges, inventory visibility issues, and last-mile coordination complexities.

    Jermain Morgan, COO and Co-Founder, explained the company’s unique approach: ‘Our primary objective wasn’t merely creating another delivery application. We constructed the fundamental framework that converts diaspora support into tangible household goods within hours. While cross-border care remains predictable, the necessary infrastructure to efficiently facilitate it was previously nonexistent.’

    The platform currently connects diaspora communities across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom with over 1,200 local merchants throughout Jamaica. The service has expanded significantly beyond its initial grocery focus to include hardware supplies, farm store products, pharmaceutical items, cooking gas, bill payment services, wholesale goods, restaurant meals, and pet supplies.

    GroceryList addresses a critical gap in Caribbean remittance economies, where billions flow annually into the region but traditionally convert inefficiently into essential goods through offline channels. The platform revolutionizes this process by enabling families abroad to select specific items their loved ones require rather than sending cash and hoping for appropriate utilization, with real-time delivery confirmation providing peace of mind.

    CEO and Co-Founder Rory Richards emphasized the transformative nature of their service: ‘Diaspora families seek immediate problem-solving capabilities rather than simply transferring funds. When parents require groceries, gas, medication, or hardware supplies urgently, our platform ensures same-day fulfillment—a fundamentally different value proposition compared to traditional wire transfers.’

    The company’s success stems from addressing challenges that typically hinder large e-commerce players in island markets, including inconsistent addressing systems, informal retail networks, and logistical gaps. GroceryList developed proprietary solutions including merchant onboarding protocols, wallet payment flows, shopper networks, and last-mile coordination systems.

    This sophisticated infrastructure has attracted business-to-business adoption, with hotels, supermarkets, and wholesalers now utilizing GroceryList’s network for sourcing produce and goods. Notable regional partners include PriceSmart, ProgressiveGrocers, and Lillian LTD, alongside hundreds of independent merchants.

    Having achieved profitability, GroceryList is now expanding into additional Caribbean markets while deepening its role as a comprehensive diaspora commerce platform that consolidates groceries, pharmacy products, hardware, bill payments, gas, wholesale items, restaurants, and pet supplies into a single, efficient ecosystem.

  • #Champs2026: Fireworks expected in girls’ sprint hurdles finals

    #Champs2026: Fireworks expected in girls’ sprint hurdles finals

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – The stage is set for an electrifying conclusion to the girls’ sprint hurdles at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletic Championships following a spectacular semifinal round on Friday. The national stadium witnessed an extraordinary display of young athletic prowess as multiple meet records were shattered, signaling intensely competitive finals on Saturday’s closing day.

    In a stunning performance, Wolmer’s Tiana Marshall, the defending Class 2 champion, blazed through the 100m hurdles in 12.98 seconds, eclipsing the previous championship record of 13.00 seconds established by Hydel’s Oneka Wilson in 2022. Marshall will be joined in the final by St Jago’s Bryana Davidson (13.71), Penwood High’s Shakeya Reid (13.74), and Holmwood’s Regina Bailey (13.76).

    The Class 3 80m hurdles produced even more dramatic results with three athletes surpassing the existing meet record. While Edwin Allen’s Tashana Godfrey clocked an impressive 10.75 seconds, her effort was assisted by an illegal tailwind of 2.6m/s. The new official record now belongs to Alpha Academy’s Azaria Harris, who posted a wind-legal 10.80 seconds, with Edwin Allen’s Danelia Clarke also breaking the previous standard at 10.82 seconds.

    Additional standout performances included Hydel’s Keneisha Robinson matching the Class 4 70m hurdles record with 10.38 seconds, while Wolmer’s Akeelah Bell led the Class 2 qualifiers with a time of 13.15 seconds, positioning herself as a strong contender for the championship title.