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  • SVL expanding remittance network

    SVL expanding remittance network

    Jamaican gaming conglomerate Supreme Ventures Limited (SVL) is aggressively expanding its footprint in the financial services sector through a rapid scaling of its remittance operations. Executive Chairman Gary Peart announced the company’s strategic plan to grow its network from the current 22 locations to approximately 80 by year-end, representing a significant diversification beyond its core gaming business.

    The expansion leverages SVL’s existing infrastructure of nearly 1,200 retail locations across Jamaica, many operated by third-party agents at community outlets and gas stations. According to Peart, this network provides a natural advantage for remittance services as these locations already handle substantial cash flows from gaming operations. The integration allows agents to disburse and circulate cash more efficiently, reducing operational costs for both operators and the company.

    SVL re-entered the remittance market through subsidiary Supreme Ventures Fintech Limited (SVFL), which received Bank of Jamaica approval as a primary agent in late 2023 with Ria Money Transfer as its international partner. This marks a return to the sector after SVL previously sold its Moneygram operations to Lasco Financial Services Limited in 2011 for $38 million.

    The expansion occurs amid a transformative period in Jamaica’s remittance landscape where traditional cash-based models face increasing competition from digital channels. Industry data reveals that while digital transactions surpassed cash transfers globally for the first time in 2025, physical locations remain strategically important despite a 10% reduction in outlets to 442 nationwide.

    Remittance inflows showed remarkable resilience following Hurricane Melissa, bouncing back to $334.9 million in December after a temporary slowdown. SVL’s expansion positions the company to capture market share during this period of industry transformation while creating synergies with its existing gaming operations.

  • Jamaican policeman in TCI arrested after ammo found in luggage

    Jamaican policeman in TCI arrested after ammo found in luggage

    A serving officer within the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF) has been taken into custody following the interception of multiple rounds of ammunition concealed within his personal luggage at the Howard Hamilton International Airport. The discovery was made on Saturday during standard security screening procedures.

    According to an official statement released by the RT&CIPF, airport security personnel identified the ammunition during an X-ray inspection, immediately prompting notification to police authorities. Subsequent to the airport find, investigators executed a search warrant at the officer’s private residence, where they uncovered additional ammunition rounds.

    The individual, identified as a Jamaican national and former member of the Jamaica Constabulary Force who recently transitioned to the RT&CIPF, now faces an active criminal investigation. Police authorities are working to determine the origins, intended purpose, and circumstances surrounding the possession of the ammunition.

    The RT&CIPF emphasized its institutional commitment to integrity in their official release, stating: “All officers are held to the highest standards of professionalism, accountability, and compliance within the law. Any breach, whether administrative or criminal, will be addressed in a fair, proportionate, and lawful manner.” The case highlights ongoing security challenges within Caribbean law enforcement agencies and the strict protocols governing firearm-related materials in the region.

  • Inspired by family, fuelled by science

    Inspired by family, fuelled by science

    Dr. Jhodi Webster’s scientific journey began with a personal tragedy—watching her stepfather’s memory gradually deteriorate following an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. This profoundly painful experience ignited a determination that would ultimately define her career path and research ambitions.

    Now a 28-year-old post-doctoral research fellow at Mayo Clinic in Arizona, the Jamaican scientist is conducting cutting-edge research on the very disease that affected her family. Her work focuses on understanding neurodegenerative mechanisms while building connections with patients and caregivers facing similar challenges.

    Webster’s academic journey began at St Andrew High School for Girls in Jamaica, where she initially aspired to become a medical doctor. Her stepfather’s early-onset dementia diagnosis, however, redirected her ambitions toward medical research. In 2016, she migrated to the United States on scholarship to pursue neuroscience studies at Agnes Scott College.

    Her research examines the intriguing overlap between Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases—two progressive neurodegenerative disorders with distinct symptoms but shared characteristics of cognitive decline and dementia. Webster’s doctoral work at the University of Alabama at Birmingham involved developing novel animal models that incorporate toxic proteins found in patients’ brains, enabling detailed study of neuroinflammatory responses.

    “We’ve demonstrated that when Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s pathology overlaps in brains, it triggers a distinct immune response not seen in cases with pure protein pathology,” Webster explained. This critical insight opens new therapeutic possibilities targeting both the toxic proteins and inflammatory responses in the brain.

    Her research has garnered significant recognition, with numerous presentation awards and scholarships from organizations including the Parkinson’s Association of Alabama. Beyond laboratory work, Webster has prioritized community engagement, connecting with caregivers and patients whose experiences mirror her family’s journey.

    “Seeing someone you’ve known for years become a shell of themselves is devastating,” Webster shared. “That personal connection makes this research profoundly meaningful—it’s not just about finding a cure but about connecting with those directly affected.”

    At Mayo Clinic, Webster continues her pioneering work, investigating how neuroinflammation contributes to Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and ALS. Her research aims to develop targeted immunotherapies that could modify disease progression rather than merely addressing symptoms.

    While acknowledging that a complete cure remains ambitious, Webster remains committed to developing treatments that improve quality of life for neurodegenerative patients. “Patients can live 10-20 years with these diseases, but it’s often with low quality of life,” she noted. “Developing targeted therapies to prevent neuronal death and cognitive decline is my immediate mission.”

    Reflecting on her journey from Jamaica to elite medical research, Webster expresses both pride in her accomplishments and gratitude for the mentors who supported her path. Her work stands as a testament to how personal experience can drive scientific innovation and compassion in equal measure.

  • Man City win League Cup as O’Reilly sinks Arsenal after Kepa blunder

    Man City win League Cup as O’Reilly sinks Arsenal after Kepa blunder

    WEMBLEY STADIUM — Manchester City clinched their ninth League Cup title in a decisive 2-0 victory over Arsenal on Sunday, with a dramatic second-half performance fueled by a critical error from Arsenal’s goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.

    Nico O’Reilly emerged as the hero of the match, scoring both goals within a devastating four-minute span that shattered Arsenal’s resistance. The outcome, however, was heavily influenced by Kepa’s recurrence of high-profile mistakes in major finals—a pattern that continued when he fumbled a seemingly manageable cross from Rayan Cherki, allowing O’Reilly to nod home the opener on the hour mark.

    Just moments later, O’Reilly struck again, meeting a precision cross from Matheus Nunes to head past a beleaguered Kepa and secure the trophy for Pep Guardiola’s side.

    Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta’s selection of Kepa—on loan from Chelsea—over usual first-choice David Raya proved a costly gamble. Kepa’s history in the League Cup includes a notorious refusal to be substituted during the 2019 penalty shoot-out for Chelsea and a missed penalty in the 2022 final.

    While Arsenal’s ambitions for an unprecedented quadruple were dashed, their season remains very much alive. They still lead the Premier League and are active in both the FA Cup and UEFA Champions League.

    For Manchester City, the victory ended a minor silverware drought and offered a psychological boost following their recent Champions League exit against Real Madrid. Goalkeeper James Trafford—standing in for Gianluigi Donnarumma—delivered an exceptional performance, including a stunning triple-save early in the match to deny Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka.

    The win also marked Guardiola’s record fifth League Cup title as a manager. His emotional touchline celebrations underscored the significance of the result as City look to close the nine-point gap to Arsenal at the top of the Premier League.

  • Renewables can’t carry grid during hurricanes, JPS warns

    Renewables can’t carry grid during hurricanes, JPS warns

    Jamaica’s ambitious transition to renewable energy is confronting a harsh climatic reality, as extreme weather events reveal critical vulnerabilities in solar and wind infrastructure. The Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS), the nation’s sole grid operator, has issued a stark warning that renewable systems coupled with battery storage cannot maintain grid stability during hurricanes, forcing renewed dependence on traditional thermal generation during crises.

    The limitations became dramatically apparent during Hurricane Melissa’s Category 5 assault, when renewable sources failed completely—solar panels produced no power days before, during, and after the storm, while wind turbines were secured for safety. Acting JPS President and CEO Hugh Grant revealed that only 23% of customers maintained electricity post-hurricane, exclusively through fossil fuel resources. “When storms hit, the power system depends heavily on traditional, dispatchable generation,” Grant stated during a utilities regulation forum in Kingston.

    This reality creates significant tension within Jamaica’s energy policy, which targets 50% renewable penetration by 2030. While supporting renewables as part of Jamaica’s long-term strategy, Grant emphasized that battery technology remains insufficient for prolonged outages, with utility-scale storage currently limited to approximately eight hours duration—inadequate for multi-day hurricane recovery periods.

    In response to these challenges, JPS has implemented substantial grid-hardening measures including enhanced vegetation management, reinforced utility poles, reduced span distances for improved load-bearing capacity, and strategic circuit re-routing. The company is exploring underground infrastructure despite prohibitive costs—15 times higher than overhead systems—requiring targeted implementation and cross-sector cost sharing.

    The hurricane exposed not only physical infrastructure limitations but also critical financing gaps. Government intervention through a $150 million loan covered less than half the $350 million estimated reconstruction costs, highlighting inadequate disaster funding mechanisms. Energy Minister Daryl Vaz clarified the government’s role is not to bail out utilities but to establish financial frameworks enabling rapid restoration while protecting consumers and the economy.

    Jamaica Stock Exchange CEO Livingstone Morrison suggested utilities might need more aggressive capital market engagement to fund resilience projects. Meanwhile, policymakers face the complex challenge of balancing renewable expansion with maintaining reliable power through increasingly severe weather events, ensuring energy transition doesn’t compromise grid stability during critical periods.

  • World Indoors: Jamaica’s men win bronze in 4x400m relay

    World Indoors: Jamaica’s men win bronze in 4x400m relay

    TORUŃ, Poland — Jamaica’s national men’s 4x400m relay team clinched a bronze medal with a spectacular comeback performance on the concluding day of the World Athletics Indoor Championships. The dramatic final, held Sunday at Kujawsko-Pomorska Arena, saw the Jamaican quartet complete their race in 3:05.99 seconds, securing their position on the podium behind record-breaking Team USA and silver medalists Belgium.

    The victory marks Jamaica’s fourth medal acquisition during the championship weekend, complementing two silver medals and an additional bronze previously won. The relay team’s success came despite an initially sluggish start, with exceptional performances from 800m specialists Tyrice Taylor and Kimar Farquharson ultimately determining the outcome. Their extraordinary efforts on the third and fourth legs respectively propelled Jamaica into medal contention, enabling a final-lap overtake of the Netherlands team.

    Team composition saw strategic adjustments as Delano Kennedy replaced Demar Francis, who had anchored the squad during preliminary rounds. Reheem Hayles initiated the race with the first leg before passing to Kennedy. Meanwhile, Team USA achieved a championship record-breaking time of 3:01.52 seconds despite barely qualifying for the final, claiming their 12th title in this event. Belgium captured silver with a time of 3:03.29 seconds, rounding out an intensely competitive final.

  • THE BLUFF DESIGNER: Credit to Ja/Canadian Antoinette Messam

    THE BLUFF DESIGNER: Credit to Ja/Canadian Antoinette Messam

    In the highly anticipated action-adventure film ‘The Bluff,’ Jamaican-Canadian costume designer Antoinette Messam emerges as the creative force behind the production’s distinctive visual identity. Directed by Frank E Flowers and produced by AGBO’s Russo brothers, the Amazon MGM Studios feature stars Priyanka Chopra Jonas as Ercell ‘Bloody Mary’ Bodden—a former pirate forced to confront her violent past when her notorious captain (Karl Urban) threatens her newfound family life in the Cayman Islands.

    Messam’s costume design philosophy centered on tactical functionality, blending period authenticity with practical movement requirements. Her creative collaboration with director Flowers began in June 2023, with both sharing Caribbean heritage—Flowers from the Cayman Islands and Messam from Jamaica—which informed their shared visual language. The design approach deliberately contrasted the organic textures and muted colors of the islanders’ homespun fabrics against the durable, globally-sourced materials of the pirates’ attire, featuring denim and leather to convey toughness.

    The designer’s most celebrated creation—a custom cuirass (armor) worn by Chopra Jonas’s character—became such an artistic statement that the lead actress wore it to the film’s world premiere. Created by Australian artisans over three months, the piece exemplified Messam’s commitment to craftsmanship and narrative-driven design. Her team of approximately 40 skilled craftspeople executed her vision, with leather specialists Meg Ashforth and Lolly Ruby Redpath bringing the armor to life and art finishers adding weathered detailing.

    Set against the dramatic backdrop of Cayman Brac’s Skull Cave, ‘The Bluff’ represents a convergence of action cinema and high fashion, with Messam’s costumes receiving acclaim from cast, crew, and global audiences alike. The film premiered on Amazon Prime Video on February 25, 2026, marking another milestone in Messam’s ascending career following her previous work on ‘The Harder They Fall’ and ‘Lift.’

  • St Mary family left homeless following fire

    St Mary family left homeless following fire

    A catastrophic fire has reduced a family home to ashes in Frontier, St. Mary, Jamaica, marking a tragic incident that occurred this past Sunday. The semi-concrete and board structure, which contained three bedrooms, was completely obliterated, leaving its occupants devoid of all possessions.

    Angella Thompson, a local craft vendor and the head of the household, expressed that the most profound pain stems not from the destruction of material assets but from the irreversible loss of sentimental items. Gazing upon the charred remnants of her residence, Thompson lamented the annihilation of priceless family photographs and historical records, including images of her uncle from his youth, which she described as irreplaceable.

    The calamity struck while Thompson and her daughter were absent from the premises, having traveled to Pagee to purchase fish. They were abruptly notified of the emergency via telephone. Miraculously, Thompson’s 86-year-old mother, who was present inside the home during the incident, emerged physically unscathed, a fact for which the family expresses immense gratitude amidst their misfortune.

    Preliminary assessments indicate financial losses amounting to millions of Jamaican dollars, encompassing recently acquired furniture and electrical appliances. The swift response from the Port Maria fire brigade contained the blaze, although the precise origin and cause remain undetermined. Official investigations are currently underway to establish the factors that led to this destructive event.

  • Paralegal files lawsuit over alleged rights breaches

    Paralegal files lawsuit over alleged rights breaches

    In a significant legal development, Jamaican paralegal Ruth Kelly-Spencer has initiated a comprehensive lawsuit against seven parties including the Police Commissioner and the Government, alleging multiple violations of her constitutional rights. The Supreme Court claim, filed in February, seeks substantial damages for false imprisonment, malicious prosecution, and systemic breaches of her fundamental freedoms.

    The case originates from a complex legal saga dating back to 2012, when Kelly-Spencer, alongside attorney Sean Kinghorn and farmer Linton Campbell, faced allegations of conspiring to fabricate a will for an elderly returning resident in 2008. While forgery charges were subsequently dropped by prosecutors, the conspiracy to defraud allegations continue to proceed through the judicial system.

    Defendants named in the civil action include a grand-niece of the deceased client, a minister of religion, three police officers (including a detective from the disbanded Counter Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigation Branch), the police commissioner, and the attorney general. The religious figure and family member previously served as complainants in the ongoing criminal matter.

    Central to Kelly-Spencer’s allegations is her claim of being unlawfully detained for twelve hours at C-TOC headquarters in July 2012, during which she was formally charged before eventually being released on bail. Her lawsuit contends that investigating officers ‘weaponized the justice system’ to achieve an unjust outcome, thereby depriving her of constitutional protections against arbitrary detention and entitlement to fair legal proceedings.

    The paralegal maintains that the malicious prosecution was instigated by the grand-niece and religious leader who allegedly provided misleading information to investigators. She further asserts that authorities persisted with flawed handwriting analysis evidence even after initial expert testimony was disqualified, subsequently engaging overseas specialists to support their case.

    Kelly-Spencer reports suffering substantial personal and professional damages, including diagnosed depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Medical documentation indicates impaired work functionality and consideration of abandoning her legal career entirely. Financial claims exceed $4 million Jamaican dollars for combined legal and medical expenses, plus additional transportation costs and comprehensive compensation for lost earnings and future damages.

    The criminal trial regarding conspiracy charges continues separately, with proceedings scheduled to resume in May. The case had previously been suspended in 2020 due to pandemic-related court closures under Chief Justice Bryan Sykes’ emergency orders, before recommencing when restrictions were lifted.

    Defendants retain the right to file responses within 42 days of formal service of the claim documents.

  • Hot Frass returns to spotlight with buzzing ‘Bad Party’

    Hot Frass returns to spotlight with buzzing ‘Bad Party’

    Jamaican dancehall sensation Hot Frass has made a powerful return to the music scene with his latest single “Bad Party,” currently dominating airwaves and generating substantial buzz in nightlife venues. The emerging artist, born Romaine Lindsay in St. Thomas, has seen the track rapidly gain momentum both domestically and internationally, positioning it as a potential crossover hit.

    The artist, previously recognized for popular tracks including “Polo” and “Birthday Boy,” attributes his current success to strategic industry partnerships and dedicated fan support. “The response to ‘Bad Party’ has been phenomenal—it’s playing everywhere from clubs to street parties, and people are genuinely connecting with the energy,” Hot Frass commented regarding his latest musical offering.

    A significant development in the artist’s career involves his recent management agreement with international label Raw Yard Records, which produced the single and is orchestrating his professional advancement. This collaboration provides the structural foundation necessary for sustainable career growth in the competitive music industry.

    Hot Frass’s musical journey began in his formative years, immersed in a sound system culture operated by his father. This environment allowed him to hone his skills naturally before transitioning to live performances and eventually establishing his artistic identity. The artist emphasizes the importance of collaborative effort, noting: “Teamwork makes the dream work. Raw Yard Records has implemented the right strategies, placing my career on a structured trajectory for success.”

    Currently, the artist is actively promoting both the single and its accompanying visual production, leveraging the institutional support from his label to expand his reach within the global music market.