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  • Michael B Jordan wins best actor Oscar for ‘Sinners’

    Michael B Jordan wins best actor Oscar for ‘Sinners’

    HOLLYWOOD — The 96th Academy Awards ceremony commenced Sunday evening amidst heightened glamour and pointed humor, with Michael B. Jordan securing the Oscar for Best Actor for his dual role as twins grappling with primordial evil in the vampire epic “Sinners.”

    Jordan triumphed over a formidable lineup of nominees that included Timothee Chalamet (“Marty Supreme”), Leonardo DiCaprio (“One Battle After Another”), Wagner Moura (“The Secret Agent”), and Ethan Hawke (“Blue Moon”). The win solidifies Jordan’s transition from blockbuster fame to critical acclaim.

    The evening’s proceedings, held at the Dolby Theatre, were set against the backdrop of the intensely competitive best picture race, largely seen as a showdown between “One Battle After Another” and Jordan’s “Sinners.” The months-long awards season, characterized by multi-million dollar campaigns, reached its grand finale.

    Host Conan O’Brien opened the ceremony with a monologue that deftly addressed recent industry controversies. Rather than shying away from sensitive topics, O’Brien humorously referenced the heightened security, quipping, “I’m told there’s concerns about attacks from both the opera and ballet communities.” The joke was a direct nod to a recent stir caused by nominee Timothee Chalamet, who had dismissively remarked that “no one cares about” those art forms. O’Brien ad-libbed, “They’re just mad you left out jazz,” eliciting laughter from the audience.

    The night’s first award went to veteran actress Amy Madigan, who won Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of a demented witch in the horror film “Weapons.” Fresh from her recent Screen Actors Guild Award win, Madigan expressed her deep connection to the character. Backstage, she told reporters, “I loved this script, and as soon as I read it, I knew this woman.” She shared a humorous pre-ceremony anecdote: “I was in the shower last night, and I thought, ‘Well, this must be a special day, because I’m shaving my legs.’”

    The ceremony proceeded as a celebration of cinematic achievement, marking a highlight of the Hollywood calendar where artistic merit, industry politics, and cultural moments converged on global television.

  • Two brothers arrested in France over ‘deadly and antisemitic’ plot

    Two brothers arrested in France over ‘deadly and antisemitic’ plot

    French counterterrorism authorities have apprehended two brothers in connection with a foiled terrorist scheme described as both lethal and antisemitic in nature. The suspects, identified as Elyasse H, 22, and Moad H, 20, were taken into custody near a prison facility in Longuenesse, a town in northern France, following an extensive investigation.

    According to the National Anti-Terror Prosecutor’s Office (PNAT), the individuals—holding Italian and Moroccan citizenship—were intercepted while traveling in a vehicle containing alarming evidence. Law enforcement officials discovered an arsenal that included a semi-automatic firearm, hydrochloric acid, aluminum foil, and an Islamic State group flag prominently displayed on the driver’s headrest.

    During interrogation, both brothers reportedly confessed to actively planning a terrorist attack on French soil, expressing their aspiration for martyrdom in the process. Investigators determined the pair had undergone significant radicalization over approximately two years, consuming substantial jihadist propaganda that influenced their deadly intentions.

    The investigation revealed the brothers had abandoned plans to travel to conflict zones in Syria or Palestine, instead opting to target locations within France. Evidence included a recently recorded video by Moad H. pledging allegiance to the Islamic State extremist organization. Additionally, encrypted messaging communications indicated active attempts to procure handguns and assault rifles, suggesting their plot was nearing execution phase.

    The siblings, who arrived in France with their family in 2017, maintained connections with other radicalized individuals, including some already under investigation or convicted for terrorism-related offenses. French prosecutors have formally requested terrorism charges and pre-trial detention for both suspects as the judicial process continues.

  • PHOTOS: A night of style and sparkle as Lucien Harrison celebrates 33 years

    PHOTOS: A night of style and sparkle as Lucien Harrison celebrates 33 years

    Jamaica’s fashion scene witnessed a spectacular convergence of style and celebration last week as renowned designer Lucien Harrison marked his birthday with an exclusive soirée. The event, attended by intimate friends and fashion industry elites, transformed into an immersive experience blending haute couture with luxurious hospitality.

    Harrison made a characteristically dramatic entrance that immediately established the evening’s sophisticated ambiance. Guests were treated to an evening of refined culinary offerings and premium champagne, culminating in a bespoke fashion presentation specially orchestrated for the occasion. The designer’s signature aesthetic permeated every aspect of the celebration, from the curated guest list to the meticulously planned proceedings.

    Observer Online’s acclaimed photographer Llewellyn Wynter captured exclusive visuals from the glamorous gathering, providing a rare glimpse into the intersection of Jamaican fashion excellence and personal milestone celebrations. The event underscored Harrison’s significant standing within fashion circles while demonstrating his flair for creating memorable experiences that transcend conventional birthday observances.

  • UPDATE: Second victim succumbs in Manchester bar attack

    UPDATE: Second victim succumbs in Manchester bar attack

    MANCHESTER, Jamaica—A second victim has died following a targeted shooting at a local bar in Land Settlement near Royal Flat on Saturday afternoon, marking the latest episode of violence in a community already traumatized by recent tragedies.

    Damien Edwards, 21, known locally as “Damie” from Melrose Gardens, succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds while receiving medical treatment. His death follows that of Yakieni Shaw, 30, a farmer from Comfort district also known as “Yankee,” who was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.

    According to police reports, the incident occurred approximately at 3:50 pm when both men were at a neighborhood bar. Witnesses described a vehicle approaching the establishment, from which an armed assailant emerged and opened fire on the victims without warning. The gunman delivered multiple shots before fleeing the scene in the waiting vehicle.

    The Land Settlement area remains under intense police scrutiny following the February 8 tragedy that claimed the life of four-year-old Saniyah O’Brien, who was killed alongside her father in a separate shooting incident. While investigators have not established a definitive motive for Saturday’s double homicide, multiple investigative theories are being actively pursued.

    Detectives from the Manchester Police Division are conducting forensic analysis and reviewing surveillance footage from the area. Community members have expressed growing concern over the escalating violence, with local leaders calling for increased police presence and community intervention programs.

  • Italy-US airbase in Kuwait hit by drone, no injuries

    Italy-US airbase in Kuwait hit by drone, no injuries

    ROME, Italy—A military base in Kuwait hosting international coalition forces, including Italian and American troops, was targeted by a drone assault on Sunday, according to an official statement from Italy’s defense authorities. The attack resulted in the destruction of an Italian remotely piloted aircraft but caused no casualties among personnel.

    General Luciano Portolano, Chief of the Defence General Staff, confirmed through the military’s official X account that the Ali Al Salem airbase had been struck. The drone attack specifically damaged a shelter containing operational assets of the Italian Task Force Air (TFA), completely destroying the unmanned aerial vehicle stationed there.

    The Italian Armed Forces emphasized that all personnel remained unharmed during the incident. In response to escalating regional tensions, the military had already implemented precautionary measures by reducing staff numbers at the base in recent days. Those remaining were described as essential personnel maintaining critical mission operations.

    This incident follows a similar attack last week against an Italian military installation in Iraqi Kurdistan, which also involved drone hostilities. Although no injuries occurred in that previous incident, Rome responded by temporarily withdrawing nearly 300 personnel who had been training local security forces in Erbil as part of an international coalition effort.

    The destroyed aircraft represented a significant operational asset for Italian forces in the region, having been maintained at the Kuwaiti base to ensure continuity of surveillance and security operations. Military officials indicated that the evolving security situation in the Middle East has prompted increased vigilance and adaptive deployment strategies among coalition partners.

  • From grief to giving

    From grief to giving

    Transforming personal tragedy into a catalyst for community aid, a Jamaican-American couple has established a charitable foundation to support regions devastated by Hurricane Melissa. Tameka and Donovan Case, alongside Tameka’s cousin Crystal Jones, officially launched the Golden Heartz Foundation in January 2026 as a direct response to the catastrophic damage witnessed in Jamaica’s Westmoreland parish.

    The initiative originated during a December 2025 visit to Jamaica for the funeral of Tameka’s father, who had passed away two months earlier. While initial impressions suggested normalcy in urban centers, their perspective shifted dramatically upon viewing a television report about Little Star Achiever Basic School in Savanna-la-Mar. The Category 5 hurricane had severely compromised the educational facility, forcing both students and teachers to operate in dangerously substandard conditions.

    Moved by the coverage, the Cases contacted the school’s principal to determine how best to provide assistance. This outreach evolved into a formalized humanitarian effort, culminating in last week’s delivery of 79 care packages containing essential school supplies alongside a substantial monetary donation to the institution.

    Tameka Case, serving as foundation president, revealed the deeply personal motivations behind the endeavor: ‘This foundation represents something that’s been in my heart for as long as I’ve known myself. My father was deeply committed to charity work through his Seventh-day Adventist church, and my late friend Audley Clark—who originally hailed from Westmoreland—had always aspired to establish such an initiative.’

    The foundation’s initial operations were funded through personal resources, though additional family members and friends subsequently contributed to expand their humanitarian capacity. During their assessment visit, the team discovered that despite preliminary damage assessments and promises of assistance, many residents remained in desperate circumstances five months post-hurricane.

    Donovan Case emphasized their philosophical approach: ‘We recognized we couldn’t solve everything, but believed we could chip off a small piece. It’s better late than never—people forget that long after the initial crisis, communities still need substantial support.’

    The foundation leadership plans to return to Jamaica in the coming months to host a back-to-school event and is developing additional aid strategies. They passionately encourage other diaspora Jamaicans to contribute regardless of perceived scale, noting that even modest assistance generates significant impact in struggling communities.

    Tameka concluded with an earnest appeal: ‘Give what you have without hesitation. The smallest contribution can transform someone’s circumstances, and the gratitude we received was overwhelming. Proper planning eliminates concerns about safety—the need here is genuine and urgent.’

  • Pope criticises those who invoke God to wage war

    Pope criticises those who invoke God to wage war

    VATICAN CITY — In a powerful address delivered during his pastoral visit to a Roman suburb on Sunday, Pope Leo XIV issued a renewed and impassioned plea for peace in the Middle East, delivering a stark condemnation of those who exploit religious doctrine to justify armed conflict. The Pontiff characterized warfare as an “absurd” solution to resolving human differences and explicitly stated that “God cannot be enlisted by darkness.

    The 70-year-old leader of the Catholic Church expressed profound sorrow for the immense suffering endured by countless individuals caught in the crossfire of violent hostilities. He extended his spiritual solidarity to all families who have lost loved ones, particularly highlighting the tragic consequences of attacks on civilian infrastructures, including schools, hospitals, and residential neighborhoods.

    Earlier that day, during his traditional weekly Angelus prayer at St. Peter’s Square, the Pope had already set a somber tone, praying for the victims of what he described as “atrocious violence of war” and fervently advocating for the immediate resumption of diplomatic dialogue as the only viable path forward.

    With specific concern, Pope Leo highlighted the rapidly deteriorating situation in Lebanon, voicing the anxieties of Middle Eastern Christian communities and all people of goodwill. He directly appealed to those in positions of power and influence over the conflict, demanding an unequivocal and immediate cessation of hostilities. “Cease fire! Let paths of dialogue be reopened!” he implored, asserting that violence is incapable of delivering the justice, stability, and peace that populations desperately seek and deserve.

  • Producer Mario C bats for new reggae band Mesh Marina

    Producer Mario C bats for new reggae band Mesh Marina

    Renowned Jamaican music producer Mario C, celebrated for crafting iconic hits with dancehall royalty including Vybz Kartel, Beenie Man, and Anthony B, has dramatically reemerged from retirement to champion a groundbreaking musical project. The producer behind massive tracks like ‘Tease Har,’ ‘Breast Specialist,’ and ‘Back It Up’ is now channeling his expertise into Mesh Marina, a dynamic new reggae band poised to revitalize the genre.

    Fronted by 20-year-old vocalist Shennell from Waterhouse, the seven-piece ensemble represents a deliberate fusion of authentic Jamaican roots with contemporary global sounds. The band’s lineup features Curley and Pierre on keyboards, Jeremy on bass, Xavier on guitar, Shawn on drums, and Kierra providing harmonies.

    Mario C revealed his unexpected return to music production stemmed from a concerning observation at social events in early 2025. ‘After attending several functions and noting that not one reggae song was played during prime time—when the party reached its peak—I decided this cultural disregard could not continue,’ the producer explained. ‘As a Jamaican citizen, I respect reggae equally to dancehall and felt compelled to use my experience to play a role in its revival.’

    Mesh Marina’s sound is characterized as modern commercial reggae that strategically blends classic rhythms with pop sensibilities, hip-hop flows, and Afrobeats influences. Formed in May 2025, the band has rapidly gained traction with their debut single ‘Joke Dem a Joke,’ which amassed over three million organic views within its first month of release. Their digital presence has grown exponentially, surpassing 100,000 Instagram followers and generating hundreds of thousands of views across TikTok and YouTube platforms.

    The band has already received significant support from Jamaica’s premier radio station IRIE FM and earned coverage across multiple music media outlets. With a female-led configuration that remains rare in reggae, Mesh Marina also represents an important shift in the genre’s visual and cultural representation.

    Currently working on their debut album scheduled for April release, Mesh Marina aims to achieve recognition among Kingston’s great reggae bands while helping to define the future trajectory of modern global reggae music.

  • Boys Club can cut into lead in St James Sandals Major League

    Boys Club can cut into lead in St James Sandals Major League

    The St James Football Association/Sandals International Resorts Major League enters a pivotal weekend with several crucial Zone B matchups scheduled across multiple venues. All eyes will be on UDC Field Saturday afternoon where Montego Bay Boys Club seeks to narrow the gap against league frontrunners when they face struggling Cambridge United in a 3:30pm kickoff.

    Fresh from breaking a two-game losing streak with a commanding 4-1 victory over Lilliput Rovers, Montego Bay Boys Club currently sits on six points in the standings. A win would bring them within striking distance of zone leaders Heights FC, who maintain a four-point advantage heading into their Sunday fixture against MoBay City FC at Jarrett Park.

    The historical significance adds intrigue to Saturday’s encounter, as Montego Bay Boys Club dominated St James football through the early 1970s. They face a Cambridge United squad that has managed only one victory in three appearances while conceding seven goals, leaving them anchored at the bottom of the table. The offensive duo of Junior Morgan and Matthew Thorpe, responsible for four of the team’s seven goals this season, will be crucial to Montego Bay’s attacking strategy.

    Sunday’s double-header at Jarrett Park features Bogue FC versus Lilliput Rovers at 1:30pm, followed by the highly anticipated clash between MoBay City FC and Heights FC at 3:30pm. Heights FC has demonstrated remarkable form with three wins and one draw, boasting an impressive goal difference of 10-1. Striker Javar Maxwell has been instrumental in their success, contributing six goals to their campaign.

    The weekend action concludes Monday with Faulkland FC attempting to extend their perfect record with a fifth consecutive win against MBU Youths at Jarrett Park, while Reggae Youths host Real MoBay AFC at UDC Field.

    Complete Weekend Schedule:

    Saturday:
    Granville United vs Wadada FC | Sam Sharpe Teachers College | 3:30pm
    Montego Bay Boys Club vs Cambridge United | UDC Field | 3:30pm

    Sunday:
    Bogue FC vs Lilliput Rovers | Jarrett Park | 1:30pm
    MoBay City FC vs Heights FC | Jarrett Park | 3:30pm

    Monday:
    Reggae Youths vs Real MoBay AFC | UDC Field | 3:30pm
    Faulkland FC vs MBU Youths | Jarrett Park | 3:30pm

  • New PAHO report highlights progress in front-of-package food labelling in Caribbean

    New PAHO report highlights progress in front-of-package food labelling in Caribbean

    A landmark report from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reveals significant advancements in the implementation of front-of-package warning labels (FOPL) on food products across the Americas, positioning the region as a global pioneer in public health policy. The comprehensive study, titled ‘Best Practices for Front-of-Package Food Labeling in the Region of the Americas,’ evaluates existing regulatory frameworks in eight nations against scientific evidence and PAHO’s established recommendations for optimal effectiveness.

    According to the findings, the Americas maintain a leadership role in adopting nutritional warning systems that empower consumers to make healthier purchasing decisions by easily identifying products with excessive sugars, sodium, or saturated fats. This regulatory progress not only addresses the critical public health challenge of diet-related noncommunicable diseases but also serves as an inspiration for policy innovation worldwide.

    Fabio da Silva Gomes, PAHO’s regional advisor on nutrition and physical activity, emphasized that while these labels are crucial tools for consumer awareness, further expansion and refinement are necessary. ‘Much remains to be done for more countries to adopt these policies and for existing systems to be aligned with evidence-based best practices,’ Gomes noted.

    The report specifically highlights Argentina, Colombia, and Mexico as having implemented regulations most closely aligned with PAHO’s criteria, with Argentina’s legislation meeting 10 out of 11 evaluated parameters. These recent adopters have benefited from incorporating lessons learned from earlier implementations in countries like Chile, which first introduced warning labels in 2016.

    PAHO identifies octagonal warning labels as the most effective design for capturing consumer attention and facilitating product identification. The organization’s nutrient profile model serves as a key tool for determining which products should carry warnings, ensuring comprehensive coverage of ultra-processed foods.

    Beyond consumer choice, these labeling systems enable complementary public health measures including advertising restrictions, school food regulations, and fiscal policies targeting unhealthy products. With over 30 countries currently considering or discussing new FOPL regulations, the report indicates growing global momentum toward creating healthier food environments through evidence-based policy making.