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标签： Jamaica

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  • #Champs2026: Stage set for epic Boys Class 1, 100m final

    #Champs2026: Stage set for epic Boys Class 1, 100m final

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaica’s future track stars delivered electrifying performances in Wednesday’s semi-finals at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletics Championships, setting the stage for what promises to be a historic series of 100-meter finals at the national stadium.

    The Boys’ Class 1 event emerged as the headline attraction, with qualifying times reaching unprecedented competitive levels. Riquelme Reid of Excelsior High established himself as the athlete to beat, posting the fastest qualifying time of 10.19 seconds despite facing a modest headwind of 1.1 meters per second. He narrowly edged out St. George’s College’s Tyreece Foreman, who clocked an impressive 10.21 seconds.

    Holland High’s Johan-Ramaldo Smythe, who finished sixth in last year’s championship, demonstrated remarkable improvement by winning his heat in 10.29 seconds. The competition intensified as Edwin Allen’s Kenrick Austin (10.27 seconds) barely outperformed William Knibb’s Sanjay Seymore (10.28 seconds) in one of the day’s most thrilling photo finishes.

    The qualification standard reached new heights with Malike Nugent of Excelsior High securing the final spot with 10.33 seconds – a time that would have earned him bronze medal honors in last year’s competition.

    In Class 2 action, Jamaica College’s Kai Kelly delivered a wind-assisted performance of 10.29 seconds (3.1m/s) to claim his semi-final, while Marquies Page of St. Jago triumphed in his heat with 10.55 seconds against more favorable conditions.

    The Class 3 category witnessed Wolmer’s Boys’ School establishing themselves as strong contenders for a potential gold-silver finish. Ajani Lumley (10.85 seconds) and Joshua McWilliams (11.00 seconds) both won their respective semi-finals in commanding fashion against negative wind conditions, suggesting they could dominate Thursday’s final proceedings.

    The championship continues to serve as Jamaica’s premier platform for emerging athletic talent, with these semi-final performances indicating that multiple records could fall during Thursday’s highly anticipated finals.

  • OFF AND RUNNING!

    OFF AND RUNNING!

    The National Stadium echoed with the thunder of sprinting prodigies during the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships qualifying rounds, setting the stage for an electrifying semi-final showdown. Holland High’s Shanoya Douglas, the current world U20 leader with a sensational 11.06-second personal best from the Carifta Trials, demonstrated tactical mastery by effortlessly winning her first-round heat in 11.85 seconds, deliberately decelerating before the finish line.

    Hydel High’s Shemonique Hazle emerged as the fastest qualifier with a wind-assisted 11.44-second sprint, narrowly outperforming Wolmer’s Girls’ Tiana Marshall (11.66). The competition revealed extraordinary depth across classifications, with Penwood High’s Shakeya Reid (11.67) and Edwin Allen’s Renecia Edwards (11.79) advancing convincingly.

    In Class 2 qualifying, Western Championships double champion Giana Murray of Mount Alvernia High clocked 11.69 seconds to lead the field, while Azaria Harris of Convent of Mercy Academy dominated Class 4 preliminaries with 11.67 seconds.

    The middle-distance events witnessed Holmwood Technical’s overwhelming dominance in 400m preliminaries. Annastacia Hall (54.56) and Malya McLennon (56.02) spearheaded their respective classifications, with Hall’s teammate Maddison Campbell (54.88) and Foga Road High’s Shameika McLean (54.78) also progressing.

    Defending 1500m champion Kevongaye Fowler of Edwin Allen High cruised through qualification in 5:07.92, positioning herself for title retention. However, teammates suffered a stunning setback when defending Class 3 champion Aneka Lowe failed to advance despite a 5:12.11 effort, finishing outside qualification spots. Alpha’s Danoya Scott topped these qualifiers with a blistering 4:55.55 heat victory, signaling intense competition for the upcoming finals.

  • US jury finds Meta, YouTube liable in social media addiction trial

    US jury finds Meta, YouTube liable in social media addiction trial

    In a groundbreaking legal decision with far-reaching implications for the technology sector, a California jury has delivered a decisive verdict against Meta and YouTube, holding both platforms accountable for their role in harming a young woman through addictive design features. The ruling, issued Wednesday in Los Angeles, orders the tech giants to pay $3 million in compensatory damages while opening the door to potentially massive punitive awards in the future.

    The jury unanimously found both companies negligent in their platform design and operation, determining that their business practices substantially contributed to the plaintiff’s psychological harm. Crucially, jurors concluded that Meta (parent company of Facebook and Instagram) and YouTube knew or should have known their services posed significant dangers to minors, yet failed to provide adequate warnings about these risks.

    Legal experts immediately recognized the verdict’s significance for the more than one thousand similar cases pending against social media companies. The decision establishes critical precedent demonstrating that juries are prepared to hold technology firms responsible for the mental health consequences of their design choices.

    Meta received 70% responsibility ($2.1 million) while YouTube was assigned 30% ($900,000) of the compensatory award. Perhaps more significantly, jurors found both companies acted with ‘malice, oppression or fraud’ – a determination that paves the way for separate punitive damage proceedings that could substantially increase financial penalties.

    The case centered on plaintiff Kaley (identified in court documents as K.G.M.), who began using YouTube at age six and Instagram at nine, circumventing parental controls her mother had implemented. She testified that near-constant social media usage destroyed her self-worth, causing her to abandon hobbies, struggle with friendships, and constantly compare herself to others.

    Plaintiff attorney Mark Lanier successfully argued that features including infinite scrolling, autoplay videos, notifications, and like counters were deliberately engineered to foster compulsive usage among young users. The defense arguments – that Kaley’s mental health struggles stemmed from family dynamics rather than platform design – were unanimously rejected by jurors across all seven questions on the verdict forms.

    The California decision follows closely on another significant ruling against Meta in New Mexico, where a jury on Tuesday found the company liable for endangering children by making them vulnerable to predators. That case resulted in a $375 million award, though Meta has announced plans to appeal both verdicts.

    Industry analysts note that while the financial penalties represent minimal impact for corporations of this scale, the potential requirement to fundamentally redesign their platforms poses an existential threat to their business models. Two additional bellwether trials are scheduled for the same Los Angeles courthouse, with outcomes likely to determine whether social media companies continue fighting litigation or pursue broader settlements involving platform redesigns.

  • UN General Assembly vote to recognise transatlantic African slave trade as ‘the gravest crime against humanity’

    UN General Assembly vote to recognise transatlantic African slave trade as ‘the gravest crime against humanity’

    In a historic move with profound implications for global justice, the United Nations General Assembly has formally designated the transatlantic African slave trade as the most severe crime against humanity in recorded history. The resolution, adopted on Wednesday at UN headquarters, received overwhelming support with 123 nations voting in favor, while only three countries—the United States, Israel, and Argentina—opposed the measure. Fifty-two member states, including Britain and several European Union nations, chose to abstain from the vote.

    The resolution represents more than symbolic recognition, explicitly calling upon nations historically involved in the slave trade to engage in comprehensive restorative justice measures. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres characterized the transatlantic slave trade as a fundamental assault on human dignity that systematically destroyed families and communities while generating a pseudoscientific racist ideology to justify its atrocities.

    The presence of Ghanaian President John Mahama, a prominent advocate for slavery reparations within the African Union, underscored the resolution’s significance. President Mahama described the adoption as both a safeguard against historical amnesia and a critical step toward healing and reparative justice for centuries of systematic oppression.

    The resolution further highlighted the enduring legacy of slavery through contemporary manifestations of racial discrimination and neo-colonial structures that continue to affect societies worldwide. This declaration establishes an important framework for future discussions regarding accountability, reconciliation, and substantive reparations for one of history’s most devastating chapters in human rights violations.

  • Jongwe Hillel’s sole flag-bearer at Champs

    Jongwe Hillel’s sole flag-bearer at Champs

    In an unprecedented development for Jamaican scholastic sports, Hillel Academy has shattered its athletic tradition by qualifying its first competitor for the prestigious ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships. The institution, historically celebrated for academic distinction, now enters the competitive arena through 13-year-old sprint sensation Damian Jongwe.

    Jongwe embodies global citizenship—born in France, recently relocated from Bangkok, Thailand, with prior residency in Kenya and Zimbabwean heritage through his father. His arrival in Jamaica just last August marked the beginning of this remarkable athletic journey. Despite minimal prior knowledge of Jamaica’s premier track event, Jongwe recognized the nation’s formidable reputation in track and field culture, which influenced his family’s decision to settle there.

    Coach Devon Grant, who concurrently heads Papine High’s track program and previously guided Mavis Bank High, has achieved what he describes as a breakthrough after unsuccessful attempts with other athletes in prior seasons. “This represents a wonderful opportunity to establish Hillel’s presence at Champs,” Grant stated, emphasizing the significance of Jongwe’s qualification for the 2026 championships.

    The young athlete will contest the Class 3 Boys’ sprint double, competing in both the 100m and 200m events. While Grant maintains realistic expectations for Jongwe’s inaugural championship appearance, he projects potential advancement to the 200m finals, acknowledging the 100m presents greater challenges. More importantly, Grant identifies this milestone as catalyzing broader athletic development at Hillel, noting two additional students have already joined training sessions.

    Jongwe approaches his historic participation with emotional complexity—describing himself as simultaneously nervous, excited, and prepared. “This experience pushes me to achieve my best,” he reflected. “I believe I belong alongside these competitors and anticipate this will be a foundational experience for future success.” His championship campaign commences Tuesday afternoon with the 100m heats, followed by Thursday morning’s 200m competition.

  • Salah to leave Liverpool at the end of the season

    Salah to leave Liverpool at the end of the season

    LIVERPOOL, England – Liverpool Football Club has officially confirmed that iconic forward Mohamed Salah will depart the club upon the conclusion of the 2025-26 Premier League season, marking the end of an extraordinary nine-year era at Anfield. The announcement, made through the club’s official channels on Tuesday, signals the departure of one of the most prolific scorers in the club’s storied history.

    The Egyptian international, who joined the Reds from AS Roma in 2017 for what was then a club-record transfer fee, has established himself as a modern Liverpool legend. During his tenure, the 33-year-old has made 435 appearances across all competitions while netting an astonishing 255 goals – a tally that places him among the club’s all-time greats.

    Club management emphasized that the decision was reached through mutual agreement between Salah and the organization. In an unusual display of transparency toward the fanbase, Salah specifically requested early disclosure of his departure plans out of profound respect for the supporters who have championed his career on Merseyside.

    Salah’s legacy includes helping secure Liverpool’s first Premier League title in 30 years during the 2019-20 campaign, along with Champions League glory in 2019. His individual accolades include multiple Golden Boot awards and PFA Player of the Year honors, cementing his status as one of the Premier League’s most dominant attacking forces of the modern era.

    The coming months will represent a final chapter for the Egyptian king at Anfield, with supporters anticipated to give him a fitting farewell following his immense contributions to the club’s recent renaissance.

  • Air traffic slow in February

    Air traffic slow in February

    Jamaica’s aviation sector continues to navigate post-hurricane challenges as both Sangster International Airport (SIA) and Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) reported significant passenger traffic declines in February. According to recent operational data released by concession operator Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP), the combined airports processed approximately 274,500 passengers during the period, representing a substantial 31.4% decrease compared to the 400,100 passengers recorded in February 2025.

    The statistical trend reveals a consistent pattern of reduced travel activity, with January 2026 recording 284,200 passengers and December 2025 seeing 262,600 passengers processed through these facilities. While SIA bore the brunt of the decline, NMIA experienced a more moderate 2.1% reduction, handling 119,400 passengers compared to 121,900 during the same period last year.

    The operational challenges extended beyond Jamaican borders, with GAP reporting reduced air traffic at 12 of its 14 managed airports across Mexico and Jamaica. Particularly affected were Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta International Airports, which faced substantial flight cancellations due to security concerns in Mexico’s Jalisco state. This regional disruption compounded the ongoing recovery efforts from Hurricane Melissa, creating a complex operational environment for aviation authorities and travelers alike.

  • Price eager to get started at George’s

    Price eager to get started at George’s

    In a significant homecoming appointment, Andrew Price has been named Technical Director of St George’s College, tasked with revitalizing the school’s football program. The former defensive stalwart, who anchored the team that secured the prestigious triple crown (Manning Cup, Walker Cup, and Olivier Shield) in 1983, expressed profound honor at returning to his alma mater after 42 years.

    Price’s appointment follows the December 2025 resignation of long-time coach Neville Bell and comes amid a prolonged trophy drought for the ‘Knights,’ who haven’t claimed the Manning Cup since 2012. The newly appointed director brings extensive coaching credentials from Boys’ Town, Humble Lion, Calabar High, UWI Women, Mico University College, and served as assistant coach for the Reggae Girlz during their historic 2019 World Cup qualification.

    In his first statements, Price emphasized creating a cultural transformation focused on developing student-athletes holistically. ‘I want to create a culture and paradigm shift where student athletes participate with pride,’ Price told journalists. ‘The main emphasis is on the students—they must work both on and off the field. I measure success through holistic player development.’

    His technical mandate includes overseeing all academy teams (U-14, U-16, and U-19) while implementing a unified football philosophy centered on attacking possession play with disciplined defense. Price stressed the importance of establishing consistent playing styles across all teams and maintaining academic priorities, noting that athletes are ‘students first.’

    Regarding staffing, Price expressed openness to collaborating with long-time assistant coach Marcel Gayle, who was previously considered a potential successor to Bell. ‘I am open, but it depends on if he wants to continue,’ Price stated.

    The appointment signals a strategic move by St George’s College to leverage Price’s deep institutional knowledge and professional experience to restore its football legacy while developing well-rounded citizens, with professional opportunities available for the most talented graduates.

  • Aid flotilla arrives in Cuba as US oil blockade bites

    Aid flotilla arrives in Cuba as US oil blockade bites

    HAVANA, Cuba — In a direct challenge to U.S. sanctions, the inaugural vessel of an international humanitarian flotilla successfully docked in Havana on Tuesday, delivering essential medical supplies, food provisions, and solar power equipment to an island nation grappling with a severe energy crisis. The ‘Maguro’ shrimp boat, symbolically rebranded ‘Granma 2.0’ in homage to the yacht used by Fidel Castro’s revolutionaries in 1956, completed its voyage from Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula after navigating formidable maritime conditions and technical difficulties, arriving three days behind schedule.

    The docking ceremony witnessed emotional scenes as activists assembled on the cabin roof holding a ‘Let Cuba Live’ banner, while supportive crowds on the pier echoed with chants of ‘Cuba yes! Blockade no!’ This maritime mission, dubbed the ‘Our America Convoy,’ represents one segment of a broader multinational relief effort that initially dispatched approximately 50 tonnes of humanitarian cargo via air transport from Europe, Latin America, and the United States last week.

    Organized under the banner of the Progressive International, a global left-wing coalition, the initiative has garnered official endorsement from the Cuban government. David Adler, the convoy’s coordinator and a U.S. citizen, articulated to AFP that the mission simultaneously addresses urgent humanitarian needs while highlighting what he characterized as ‘the human costs of Trump’s siege on Cuba.’ Adler further emphasized that the effort ‘demonstrated that international solidarity can triumph over forced isolation.’

    Cuba’s current energy predicament has reached critical proportions, with seven nationwide blackouts recorded since the beginning of 2024—two occurring within the past week. This electrical instability stems from a combination of antiquated thermoelectric infrastructure and acute petroleum shortages, exacerbated significantly by the Trump administration’s January imposition of a de facto oil blockade. The situation deteriorated further following the detention of Venezuelan socialist leader Nicolás Maduro—Cuba’s principal regional ally—by U.S. forces, accompanied by threats of tariffs against nations supplying oil to the island.

    Despite the humanitarian narrative advanced by organizers, the mission has encountered substantial criticism from Cuban exile communities and political opponents. Luis Zuniga, a former political prisoner now residing in Miami, dismissed the operation as ‘nothing more than a political sideshow,’ contending that Cuba’s electricity crisis predates recent sanctions and originates from systemic governmental failures.

    The flotilla’s participants include activists from Australia, Brazil, Ecuador, Italy, Mexico, and the United States, several possessing prior experience in maritime aid missions. Notably, Brazilian organizer Thiago Avila previously coordinated a similar flotilla attempt to Gaza that was intercepted by Israeli forces last year. Another Brazilian activist, Lisi Proenca, highlighted the strategic advantage of maritime transport for delivering substantial equipment like solar panels that are impractical to ship by air.

    As Cuba confronts soaring fuel prices, collapsed public transportation systems, and accumulating urban waste due to inoperative garbage trucks, the government consistently attributes these hardships to Washington’s long-standing trade embargo and recent fuel restrictions. With two additional aid vessels anticipated imminently, this humanitarian confrontation continues to unfold at the intersection of geopolitical tension and human necessity.

  • Cops probing man’s death in St Ann

    Cops probing man’s death in St Ann

    A violent altercation in the Draxhall area of St Ann turned fatal on Tuesday afternoon, prompting an active investigation by local law enforcement. The incident, which occurred in a commercial plaza vicinity shortly after 3:00 pm, originated from a physical dispute between two unidentified males.

    Preliminary reports from law enforcement sources indicate the conflict escalated when one individual allegedly struck the other in the head with a stone. The assaulted party temporarily retreated from the scene but returned armed with a machete, launching a brutal counterattack that resulted in severe chop wounds to his initial aggressor.

    Police units responding to emergency calls transported the critically injured victim to a medical facility, where he was subsequently pronounced dead. Crime scene investigators remained on location through the evening hours, meticulously documenting evidence and gathering forensic information. Authorities have not yet established the identity of the deceased individual, nor have they disclosed whether any arrests have been made in connection with the fatal incident.

    The investigation remains ongoing as police work to reconstruct the precise sequence of events and determine potential motives behind the initial altercation that culminated in lethal violence.