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标签： Jamaica

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  • Howell’s second brace helps Mt Pleasant beat Portmore 4-1

    Howell’s second brace helps Mt Pleasant beat Portmore 4-1

    In a spectacular display of offensive prowess, Mount Pleasant FA delivered a resounding 4-1 defeat to Portmore United during Monday evening’s Jamaica Premier League clash at Drax Hall. The match was dominated by National Under-20 striker Jabari Howell, who secured his second consecutive brace with exceptional technical skill.

    The scoring opened in the 50th minute when Howell executed a magnificent 23-yard free kick that soared past Portmore United’s goalkeeper Daniel Russell. Merely three minutes later, Howell found the net again, bringing his remarkable goal tally to four across just two appearances.

    The offensive momentum continued with substitute Devonte Campbell, who entered the match in the 66th minute. Campbell contributed significantly by scoring the third goal in the 75th minute with a powerful low strike, then providing the assist for Raheem Edwards’ goal just two minutes later, completing Mount Pleasant’s four-goal spectacle.

    Portmore United managed a consolation goal during added time courtesy of former Reggae Boy Corey Burke, who made his return appearance after last representing the club in the 2019 season.

    This decisive victory propels Mount Pleasant FA into second position in the league standings, tied on 52 points with Racing United but holding a superior goal differential and two critical games in hand. Despite suffering their first-ever loss to Chapelton Maroons (3-1) on Sunday, Montego Bay United maintains the top position with 57 points.

    The evening’s earlier match saw Treasure Beach FC and Spanish Town Police FC conclude in a goalless draw. Other notable weekend results included Harbour View’s narrow 1-0 victory over Arnett Gardens, which lifted them from relegation territory, while Molynes United joined Spanish Town Police in the drop zone following their 1-0 defeat to Dunbeholden FC.

  • Barzini, Qraig Voicemail, Ding Dong collab in reggae-hip hop fusion

    Barzini, Qraig Voicemail, Ding Dong collab in reggae-hip hop fusion

    A vibrant new cross-cultural musical fusion has arrived with the release of ‘Shake,’ a high-energy dance track blending Jamaican dancehall rhythms with American hip-hop. The international collaboration, which debuted on March 20 across all digital music platforms, brings together distinctive talents from both genres: Barzini, a US-based rapper with deep Jamaican roots; Ding Dong, Jamaica’s celebrated ‘King of Dance Music’; and Qraig Voicemail, member of the iconic Jamaican group Voicemail renowned for their dance anthems.

    Produced under Barzini’s label Change the Stars Records, the track represents a deliberate effort to bridge musical cultures and audiences. The artists describe ‘Shake’ as an infectious, movement-driven celebration specifically crafted as a tribute to women worldwide—honoring their beauty, confidence, and indispensable role in dance culture.

    Barzini (born Jamal McDonnough), whose musical identity was shaped by his dual cultural heritage, conceptualized the project. Despite being born in Omaha, Nebraska, he spent his formative first decade in Kingston, Jamaica, maintaining strong connections through annual summer and Christmas visits after relocating to Philadelphia. This bicultural background allowed him to appreciate both Jamaican sounds (reggae and dancehall) and American hip-hop influences from artists like Lil Wayne, Juvenile, and Master P.

    The recording session itself became a dynamic dance experience, with Ding Dong and Qraig Voicemail reportedly dancing and jumping throughout the process. Ding Dong emphasized the track’s universal appeal, noting: ‘In hip hop they say twerk, in dancehall we say wine.’ Qraig Voicemail added that the song is designed ‘for every woman who loves to dance, and every man who loves to watch the energy of the dance floor come alive.’

    Barzini’s journey to this collaboration includes significant mentorship from Jamaican reggae legend Sugar Minott, who provided his first major break in the music industry. This foundation in authentic Jamaican music culture, combined with his hip-hop credentials—including early recognition on WorldStarHipHop and features in Hip Hop Weekly magazine—positioned him uniquely to orchestrate this cross-genre partnership that honors both musical traditions while creating something fresh for global audiences.

  • Kingston Freeport Terminal extends operating hours due to fire-related incident

    Kingston Freeport Terminal extends operating hours due to fire-related incident

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Kingston Freeport Terminal Limited (KFTL) has announced extended operational hours to compensate for temporary disruptions caused by a fire incident involving terminal equipment on Monday. The company confirmed that a straddle carrier operating within the port facility experienced a fire-related mechanical failure, though no personnel were injured in the event.

    In an official statement, KFTL praised its onsite teams for their rapid and professional response, highlighting that established safety protocols were effectively implemented during the emergency. The company also noted that the onboard fire suppression system of the affected equipment performed as intended, successfully containing the blaze until the arrival of emergency services.

    The Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) received special recognition from KFTL for its prompt intervention and effective support in fully controlling the situation. While the terminal operations experienced temporary interruption, the management emphasized its commitment to maintaining service reliability for its clients through adjusted working schedules.

    An investigation into the root cause of the incident is currently underway. KFTL assured stakeholders that a thorough and professional inquiry will identify necessary preventive measures to avoid future occurrences.

  • Blow for Reggae Boyz as Demarai Gray ruled out with injury

    Blow for Reggae Boyz as Demarai Gray ruled out with injury

    Jamaica’s national football team has been dealt a significant blow just days before their crucial FIFA World Cup qualifying playoffs, with influential winger Demarai Gray forced to withdraw from the squad due to injury. The setback marks the third consecutive month the 29-year-old has missed international duty through physical setbacks.

    Gray, who has netted seven goals in 29 appearances for the Reggae Boyz, sustained the injury during Birmingham City’s narrow 1-0 defeat to Derby County in the English Championship on Saturday. His absence creates a substantial void in head coach Rudolph Speid’s offensive strategy for the upcoming critical matches.

    In response to this development, the Jamaican coaching staff has called up Tivoli Gardens forward Nickalia Fuller as Gray’s replacement. Fuller brings current domestic form to the squad, having scored five goals in the Jamaica Premier League this season.

    The injury concerns extend beyond Gray, with midfielder Kevon Lambert also ruled out of contention. While Fuller has been confirmed as Gray’s substitute, the replacement for Lambert remains undetermined at this time.

    The Reggae Boyz are scheduled to commence training camp on Monday before traveling to Guadalajara on Tuesday. Their first playoff challenge arrives Thursday against New Caledonia, with a potential subsequent match against DR Congo looming as they pursue qualification for global football’s premier tournament.

  • WATCH: Man killed in Porus police operation, cronies on the run

    WATCH: Man killed in Porus police operation, cronies on the run

    MANCHESTER, Jamaica — A police operation in the Spring Grove community of Porus culminated in a fatal shooting on Monday afternoon, leaving one alleged gunman dead and two accomplices at large. The incident unfolded at approximately 2:00 pm during a targeted law enforcement initiative in the area.

    According to official preliminary reports, officers were engaged in their operation when they encountered three individuals believed to be armed. The situation escalated into a direct confrontation, resulting in an exchange of gunfire. Following the altercation, one man was discovered with severe gunshot injuries. Emergency services transported him to a nearby medical facility, where he was subsequently pronounced dead.

    The two other men involved in the incident reportedly evaded capture, fleeing the scene before law enforcement could apprehend them. Authorities confirmed the recovery of one firearm from the location but have not yet been able to formally identify the deceased individual. An active investigation is underway to determine the full circumstances of the confrontation and to locate the fugitives.

    The Jamaica Constabulary Force has reiterated its commitment to maintaining public safety and continues to pursue all leads related to this case. Community members have been urged to come forward with any relevant information that could assist the ongoing investigation.

  • Two pilots dead, 41 injured in New York runway crash

    Two pilots dead, 41 injured in New York runway crash

    A fatal collision between an Air Canada Express aircraft and a fire truck on a runway at New York’s La Guardia Airport resulted in the deaths of both pilots and prompted a full-scale investigation into airport safety protocols Sunday night.

    The incident occurred at approximately 11:00 PM when Flight AC7157, operated by a CRJ aircraft arriving from Montreal, Canada, was completing its landing procedure. According to preliminary reports from ABC News, the aircraft was traveling at approximately 30 miles per hour when it collided ‘nose first’ with the emergency vehicle.

    Air traffic control recordings obtained by media outlets capture a controller acknowledging the emergency situation and instructing the flight crew to remain in position while emergency services mobilized to the scene.

    The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates the airport, confirmed the tragic deaths of the two pilots aboard the aircraft. Additionally, 41 individuals were transported to area hospitals for evaluation, including 39 passengers from the aircraft and two Port Authority emergency responders. Medical facilities have since discharged at least 32 of those injured.

    Investigators revealed that the fire truck had received explicit permission to cross the runway shortly before the collision occurred. The vehicle was responding to a separate emergency request from a United Airlines flight whose pilot had reported an odor-related issue aboard the aircraft.

    In response to the tragedy, airport authorities implemented a ground stop and temporarily closed La Guardia until 2:00 PM Monday to facilitate crash scene assessment and investigation activities. The Federal Aviation Administration has launched a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the runway incursion and collision.

  • Israel strikes south Beirut, says captured Hezbollah members

    Israel strikes south Beirut, says captured Hezbollah members

    BEIRUT — Israeli forces launched targeted airstrikes against Hezbollah’s stronghold in southern Beirut on Monday, marking the first assault on the capital’s suburbs in several days. Simultaneously, the Israeli military confirmed the capture of two Hezbollah operatives during ground operations in southern Lebanon.

    The escalation began with precision strikes hitting Hazmieh, an affluent predominantly Christian neighborhood near Beirut, where Israeli officials claimed to have targeted a high-value operative from the Iranian Revolutionary Guards’ Quds Force. Subsequent attacks focused on Beirut’s southern suburbs, a known Hezbollah bastion, with AFPTV broadcasts capturing plumes of smoke rising over the area.

    Israel’s military spokesperson issued advance warnings to residents of southern Beirut suburbs before conducting what they described as systematic strikes against Hezbollah’s military infrastructure. The conflict expansion into urban centers represents a significant intensification of cross-border hostilities.

    The current cycle of violence originated on March 2 when Hezbollah initiated rocket attacks against Israel, purportedly in retaliation for the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint Israeli-American operation. Since then, Israeli counterstrikes have resulted in at least 1,039 fatalities across Lebanon according to official sources.

    In a detailed operational account, the Israeli army stated its forces intercepted several armed members of Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force preparing to launch anti-tank missiles in southern Lebanon. “After identification, the terrorists surrendered and were apprehended for thorough interrogation in Israeli territory,” the military confirmed to AFP.

    Hezbollah responded with over 50 attacks targeting Israeli positions in northern Israel and southern Lebanon, particularly concentrating on the border coastal town of Naqura. The UN Peacekeeping Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported its Naqura headquarters sustained damage from projectile fire, attributing the attack to “non-state actors.”

    The Hazmieh strike resulted in at least one casualty according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry. Mayor Jean Asmar revealed the attack targeted an apartment housing displaced families, prompting municipal authorities to reconsider refugee accommodation policies. The strike occurred near diplomatic missions and government offices in one of Beirut’s most secure districts.

    Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, in coordination with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has ordered comprehensive destruction of all bridges across Lebanon’s Litani River allegedly used for “terrorist activities.” This strategic move follows earlier strikes on critical infrastructure connecting southern Lebanon with the Bekaa Valley.

    Hezbollah parliamentarian Hussein al-Haj Hassan previously alleged Israel holds 20 Lebanese prisoners, claiming half were captured post-ceasefire. The conflict continues to escalate with Israeli Arabic-language spokesperson Ella Waweya declaring “the battle against Hezbollah has only just begun.”

  • JDF makes $1.4 billion cocaine seizure offshore St Elizabeth

    JDF makes $1.4 billion cocaine seizure offshore St Elizabeth

    Jamaican defense forces have executed a major counter-narcotics operation resulting in one of the largest drug seizures in the nation’s history. The Maritime Air and Cyber Command interdicted a high-speed vessel approximately 10 nautical miles southeast of Treasure Beach, St Elizabeth, on Saturday.

    During routine coastal patrols, the First District Jamaica Defence Force Coast Guard detected a suspicious go-fast boat heading toward the Jamaican mainland. After intercepting the vessel, personnel conducted a boarding and search operation that revealed an enormous contraband shipment.

    The comprehensive search yielded 99 individually wrapped packages containing cocaine with a total weight of 2,544.404 kilograms—equivalent to over 2.5 metric tons. Authorities additionally confiscated eighteen fuel drums, three outboard engines, and various narcotics trafficking equipment. The illicit cargo possesses an estimated street value of approximately $1.4 billion.

    Three individuals aboard the vessel were taken into custody and subsequently transferred to the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division (FNID) for questioning and potential charges.

    The Jamaica Defence Force characterized the operation as demonstrating their resolute dedication to safeguarding national sovereignty and combating transnational organized crime networks. The successful interception highlights intensified collaboration between Jamaican security agencies and international partners to secure maritime territories, reinforce border integrity, and disrupt criminal enterprises that jeopardize regional security and economic stability.

    This seizure represents a significant blow to narcotics trafficking operations in the Caribbean region and underscores the growing capabilities of Jamaica’s naval and cyber command units in addressing sophisticated criminal activities at sea.

  • Oil slides, stocks rebound on Trump’s Iran remarks

    Oil slides, stocks rebound on Trump’s Iran remarks

    Financial markets experienced dramatic whiplash on Monday following a sudden policy reversal from the U.S. administration regarding Iran. President Donald Trump announced an abrupt halt to planned strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure, claiming “very good” discussions with Tehran despite Iranian officials immediately denying any such talks occurred.

    The announcement triggered a massive sell-off in oil markets, with Brent crude futures plummeting over 14% initially before paring losses to close down 10.9% at $99.94 per barrel. West Texas Intermediate followed suit, dropping 10.3% to settle at $88.13.

    Equity markets responded with a sharp rebound after early losses. European and U.S. indices reversed course following Trump’s announcement, which came after Asian markets had already closed with significant declines. The Dow Jones, S&P 500, and Nasdaq Composite all gained more than 1%, while London’s FTSE 100 ended slightly lower due to slumping energy and defense stocks.

    Market analysts expressed frustration with the volatility. “It’s incredibly difficult to trade these markets when Trump is swinging between massive escalation and declaring peace/victory,” noted Neil Wilson, Saxo UK investor strategist. CFRA Research’s Sam Stovall observed that investors were making decisions “based on suppositions rather than facts” in this environment of extreme uncertainty.

    The dramatic price movements occurred against a backdrop of escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf. Iran had previously warned it would completely close the Strait of Hormuz—through which 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas flows—if the U.S. acted on its threats to destroy Iranian energy infrastructure.

    Analysts warned that despite the price drop, oil remains well above pre-conflict levels below $70 per barrel, potentially triggering inflationary pressures that could force central banks to raise interest rates and slow global economic growth.

    The International Energy Agency had earlier warned of the worst global energy crisis in decades, highlighting the fragile state of energy markets amid the geopolitical tensions.

  • German to head new UN office in Haiti

    German to head new UN office in Haiti

    In a significant move to bolster its engagement in Haiti, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed Dr. Daniela Kroslak of Germany as the inaugural head of the newly created United Nations Support Office in Haiti (UNSOH). The announcement was made on Monday, marking a strategic step in the international body’s ongoing efforts to stabilize the Caribbean nation.

    Dr. Kroslak is a seasoned diplomat with a formidable quarter-century of expertise in political affairs, peacekeeping operations, and mission leadership. Her academic credentials include a doctorate in international politics and a bachelor’s degree in international history and politics, providing a strong theoretical foundation for her extensive practical experience.

    Her professional history with the UN is both deep and diverse. She previously held the critical role of Chief of Staff within the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MINUJUSTH), giving her invaluable on-the-ground insight into the country’s complex challenges. Her field experience extends across some of the world’s most demanding operational theaters, including Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Rwanda. Beyond her UN service, she has also contributed her expertise to the International Crisis Group in Kenya.

    Most recently, Dr. Kroslak demonstrated her strategic acumen as the Lead Facilitator for the 2025 Review of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL). Preceding this, in 2024, she led the Independent Strategic and Civilian Staffing Review of the United Nations Office to the African Union (UNOAU). Her career also includes a pivotal role as the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Deputy Head of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), a position she held until the mission’s mandate concluded in December 2023.

    The UN highlighted that Dr. Kroslak possesses a distinguished record in strategic and organizational leadership, high-level coordination, mediation, and human rights advocacy. Her extensive service in fragile transition contexts makes her uniquely qualified to lead the UNSOH, an office tasked with coordinating international support and fostering stability in Haiti during a critical juncture.