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  • Holder lauded by CWI for making World Cup Team of the Tournament

    Holder lauded by CWI for making World Cup Team of the Tournament

    ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Cricket West Indies (CWI) has extended formal congratulations to Barbadian all-rounder Jason Holder for his exceptional display at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, resulting in his selection for the prestigious Team of the Tournament. The 34-year-old veteran, previously part of the West Indies’ 2016 championship squad, emerged as the sole representative from the Caribbean team in this elite selection, recognized for his dual prowess with bat and ball.

    Holder’s campaign was characterized by remarkable consistency and impactful performances. He secured 10 wickets while amassing 141 runs at a stunning strike rate of 174.07, maintaining an average of 35.25. A pivotal moment came during the group stage against England, where his explosive 33 runs from just 17 deliveries propelled West Indies to a formidable total of 196/6, ultimately leading to a 30-run victory.

    The former West Indies captain further cemented his legacy by participating in a world-record eighth-wicket partnership of 89 runs with Romario Shepherd against South Africa during the Super Eights stage in Ahmedabad. His rescue effort of 49 from 31 balls came when the team had stumbled to 83/7. Holder additionally delivered a crucial late innings against eventual champions India, scoring 37 from 22 balls to help set a competitive target of 195/4.

    In response to the accolade, Holder expressed profound pride, noting, ‘This is a proud moment and achievement in what was really my first full T20 World Cup, as surprising as it may sound. I just felt like everything for me was in alignment. My game is in a good place, I kept things simple, lived in the moment and contributed whenever the team needed me.’

    Miles Bascombe, CWI’s Director of Cricket, lauded Holder’s professional conduct and significant influence throughout the competition. ‘Jason’s impact on the team and its performance during the tournament was undeniable. His selection is richly deserved and reflects the quality, experience and composure he continues to bring to West Indies cricket,’ Bascombe stated. He emphasized Holder’s unique capacity to sway games during critical moments, underscoring his leadership and value to the squad, while expressing pride in how these performances elevated the profile of West Indies cricket globally.

  • Four people narrowly escape serious injuries in Spanish Town Road accident

    Four people narrowly escape serious injuries in Spanish Town Road accident

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — A routine traffic stop for a pedestrian crossing escalated into a dangerous multi-vehicle collision on Spanish Town Road this Wednesday, resulting in four individuals narrowly avoiding catastrophic injuries. The incident occurred approximately at 1:00 p.m. when westbound traffic on a bridge came to a halt to allow a woman to safely cross the busy thoroughfare. During this momentary pause, a truck failed to stop in time, violently rear-ending a stationary Toyota minivan. The impact propelled the minivan into the rear of another vehicle ahead, creating a chain-reaction collision. Eyewitnesses reported the intended pedestrian sprinting to safety amidst the chaos, later standing in stunned silence as drivers assessed the substantial damage to their vehicles. A passenger within the minivan was observed clutching his head in apparent pain immediately following the crash, though all involved ultimately escaped without serious physical harm. The event underscores persistent road safety concerns on one of Kingston’s major arteries.

  • JDF coast guards receive four high-speed surface interceptor vessels

    JDF coast guards receive four high-speed surface interceptor vessels

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a strategic move to bolster national security, Jamaica has officially integrated the first four of 22 planned high-speed Surface Interceptor Vessels into its naval fleet. The formal handover and blessing ceremony took place on March 18 at the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) Coast Guard base in Port Royal, Kingston, marking a pivotal advancement in the nation’s maritime defense capabilities.

    These cutting-edge ‘Metal Shark 36 Fearless’ vessels, engineered and supplied by the prominent U.S.-based military shipbuilder Metal Shark, are designed to significantly enhance the operational reach and responsiveness of the JDF. This acquisition stems from a partnership agreement established in 2023, underscoring a long-term commitment to modernizing Jamaica’s naval assets.

    Ambassador Rocky Meade, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, emphasized the critical nature of this investment for an island nation. “The sea represents both opportunities and vulnerabilities,” he stated, highlighting the imperative to strengthen Jamaica’s capacity to monitor, protect, and defend its territorial waters against emerging threats. He noted that the vessels are a cornerstone of the government’s strategy to safeguard national sovereignty, economic resources, and the safety of its citizens.

    The new interceptors are equipped with advanced technology, including a Furuno navigation package with radar, a forward-looking infrared (FLIR) thermal imaging camera, and Ullman shock-mitigating seating. This suite of technology is tailored for the demanding Caribbean operational environment, enabling effective coastal patrols, interception of illicit activities, and support for search-and-rescue missions.

    Chief of Defence Staff, Vice Admiral Antonette Wemyss-Gorman, hailed the delivery as a “significant milestone” for the Coast Guard and the nation. She urged the personnel who will operate the vessels to uphold the JDF’s core values in their duties.

    Henry Irizarry, Senior Vice President of Metal Shark, confirmed that the vessels were specifically designed for speed, agility, and durability to meet the JDF’s mission requirements. The broader fleet expansion symbolizes not only Jamaica’s national resolve but also its dedication to regional security cooperation, aiming to ensure the Caribbean Sea remains a zone of safety, lawful activity, and sustainable opportunity.

  • Israel says it killed Iran national security chief Larijani

    Israel says it killed Iran national security chief Larijani

    JERUSALEM — Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared on Tuesday that Iran’s influential National Security Chief Ali Larijani and Basij paramilitary force commander Gholamreza Soleimani had been successfully eliminated in targeted operations. The announcement marks what would constitute the most significant assassination within Iranian leadership circles since the wave of U.S.-Israeli strikes initiated the conflict on February 28, which previously claimed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other high-ranking officials.

    In a televised address, Katz revealed he had received confirmation from Israel’s military chief regarding the operations. “Larijani and Soleimani have joined Khamenei, the architect of annihilation programs, along with all eliminated members of the axis of evil in the depths of hell,” Katz stated, employing stark rhetoric to characterize the outcomes.

    Concurrent with these developments, Israeli military officials confirmed targeting Akram al-Ajouri, a senior military commander of Palestinian Islamic Jihad and head of its al-Quds Brigades, in a separate strike within Iran. Al-Ajouri, operational in both the West Bank and Gaza, participated in Hamas’ October 7, 2023 assault on Israel. Israeli authorities described Larijani as Tehran’s de facto decision-maker, asserting he had been “calling the shots and moving the pieces around” both recently and historically.

    The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office disseminated an image of Benjamin Netanyahu on a telephone call with the caption: “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu orders the elimination of senior figures in the Iranian regime.” Earlier military communications detailed that Soleimani’s elimination occurred through “a precise strike in Tehran” based on IDF intelligence. The Basij force, operating under Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, was identified as having led repression operations during recent mass protests against the clerical establishment.

    According to Israeli military assessments, Soleimani was killed alongside other Basij commanders at a makeshift headquarters. Recent Israeli operations have focused on Basij checkpoints around Tehran aiming to disrupt governmental control mechanisms. Following Katz’s statement, AFP correspondents in Jerusalem reported distant explosions and activated sirens in northern Israel, signaling warnings of incoming Iranian missiles.

  • Liberty Business powers Mayberry Swim Classic with high-speed connectivity

    Liberty Business powers Mayberry Swim Classic with high-speed connectivity

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The upcoming Mayberry Swim Classic, a premier national swimming competition, has secured a significant technological partnership with Liberty Business, the B2B division of telecommunications provider Liberty Caribbean. The two-day event, scheduled for March 20–21 at the National Stadium pool, will feature enhanced digital infrastructure thanks to this new sponsorship.

    Liberty Business announced it will deploy high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity across the entire competition venue. This initiative is designed to ensure athletes, coaching staff, event officials, and spectators remain seamlessly connected throughout the tournament. The reliable internet access will facilitate the instant sharing of race results and highlights, improve coordination among organizational teams, and allow attendees to broadcast their experiences in real-time.

    Charles Manus, Senior Director of Liberty Business, emphasized that the collaboration underscores the company’s dedication to enriching sporting events through technological innovation. He stated, “The Mayberry Swim Classic serves as a crucial developmental platform for Jamaica’s emerging aquatic talent. We understand that robust connectivity is now fundamental to the modern sporting ecosystem. Our support helps ensure that everyone involved can fully engage with the event while celebrating the accomplishments of these young athletes.”

    Manus further highlighted that the quality of connectivity is backed by the performance of Flow Jamaica’s network, which was recently awarded the title of Jamaica’s fastest mobile network by internet analytics firm Ookla. In addition to providing Wi-Fi, Flow will have an on-site presence offering exclusive promotions on the latest smartphones and flexible payment plans, enabling patrons to upgrade their devices and mobile services.

  • Nigeria suicide bombings kill 23, wound more than 100

    Nigeria suicide bombings kill 23, wound more than 100

    MAIDUGURI, Nigeria — A series of coordinated explosions ripped through the northeastern Nigerian city of Maiduguri on Monday evening, killing at least 23 people and injuring over 100 others in one of the most severe attacks to hit the Borno state capital in recent years. The bombings targeted strategic locations including a bustling market, the entrance to the city’s largest teaching hospital, and a post office axis just as residents broke their daily Ramadan fast.

    Military authorities attributed the devastating assault to suspected Boko Haram militants, issuing warnings of heightened suicide attack threats during the final days of the holy month. The violence follows an earlier jihadist attack on a military post from Sunday into Monday and coincides with President Bola Tinubu’s preparation for a UK state visit where security cooperation is expected to feature prominently on the agenda.

    Eyewitness accounts describe scenes of chaos as panicked crowds fled the initial market explosion toward the post office area, where a second detonation subsequently struck those attempting to escape. “Many people ran toward the post office area because the market entrance and the post office are not far apart,” recounted survivor Mala Mohammed, 31. “Unfortunately, as they were running towards post office, the person who had the explosive device ran into the crowd while people were still trying to escape.”

    The attacks represent a devastating rupture to Maiduguri’s recent period of relative calm, which had seen the insurgency largely pushed to rural hinterlands. As the birthplace of Boko Haram’s initial 2009 uprising that evolved into a bloody campaign for territorial control, the city had transformed into a comparative oasis of stability despite ongoing violence in surrounding regions.

    Conflict analyst Confidence McHarry of Lagos-based SBM Intelligence noted that while security within Maiduguri had improved, “the city has always been vulnerable” with countryside attacks frequently occurring mere kilometers from urban centers. The military’s recent focus on Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) may have created operational opportunities for Boko Haram, demonstrating that the group “still has cells around Maiduguri and the attacks show they’re still a force to be reckoned with.”

    Police confirmed 23 fatalities and 108 injuries, though anti-jihadist militia sources suggested the death toll might reach 31. An AFP correspondent at a city hospital documented dozens of wounded receiving emergency treatment alongside bodies covered with sheets on pavement areas outside the facility.

    Borno state Governor Babagana Zulum condemned the “barbaric” attacks, suggesting the surge in violence connects to “intense military operations in the Sambisa forest,” a known jihadist stronghold. Security forces have now increased their presence and surveillance throughout Maiduguri, with authorities reporting that “normalcy has been fully restored in the affected areas.”

    The bombings mark the most significant attack since 2021 mortar fire killed 10 people, following a December mosque bombing that claimed at least seven lives. These urban assaults occur against a backdrop of persistent rural violence, prompting the United States to recently deploy 200 troops to provide technical and training support to Nigerian forces combating jihadist groups.

  • Budget Debate: Golding says Budget will not drive economic recovery

    Budget Debate: Golding says Budget will not drive economic recovery

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Opposition Leader Mark Golding has launched a scathing critique of the government’s proposed $1.4 trillion budget for the 2026/27 fiscal year, declaring it fundamentally inadequate for driving economic recovery. During his Budget Debate address at Gordon House, Golding emphasized that the financial plan introduces an additional $18 billion tax burden while the nation struggles with the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa and potential economic fallout from Middle East conflicts.

    Golding highlighted the concerning disparity between the massive economic damage and the government’s allocated response, noting that merely $30 billion—less than one percent of GDP—has been designated for capital expenditure toward hurricane recovery. This allocation comes despite the Planning Institute of Jamaica’s damage assessment of US$12.2 billion (approximately 56% of GDP) from Hurricane Melissa.

    The Opposition Leader further criticized the government’s own Fiscal Policy Paper, which projects negative real GDP growth of 0.5% for the upcoming fiscal year and a severe contraction of -4.5% for the current 2025/26 period. Golding characterized the tax measures as pro-cyclical, warning they would reduce disposable income, suppress consumer demand, and reinforce economic decline.

    While acknowledging the administration’s success in debt stabilization, Golding distinguished this achievement from economic optimization, noting that “debt stabilisation can coexist with economic stagnation.” He emphasized that unlike the COVID-19 pandemic downturn, Jamaica’s current economic contraction stems from tangible damage to the nation’s productive capacity, particularly in western regions.

    Golding urged aggressive investment in recovery during the suspended fiscal rules period, stating: “We have been hit very hard, and we need to fight even harder to get out of the slump. Early investment in recovery is needed to turn the negative cycle occasioned by Melissa’s destruction into positive economic growth.” He reminded legislators that the two-year suspension of fiscal rules has a finite timeline without legal provision for extension, creating a limited window for growth-oriented policies.

  • Iran ‘negotiating’ with FIFA over moving World Cup games to Mexico

    Iran ‘negotiating’ with FIFA over moving World Cup games to Mexico

    MEXICO CITY — Iran’s national football team faces unprecedented geopolitical complications ahead of the World Cup tournament as diplomatic channels intensify efforts to relocate their matches from United States venues to Mexican stadiums. The Iranian Football Federation has formally entered negotiations with FIFA following security concerns raised by former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the team’s safety during the tournament.

    The controversy emerged when Trump publicly questioned security guarantees for the Iranian delegation, stating the team should reconsider traveling to the U.S. “for their own life and safety” despite previous assurances from FIFA President Gianni Infantino about their welcome status. This declaration triggered immediate diplomatic responses from Iranian officials.

    Mehdi Taj, President of Iran’s Football Federation, explicitly stated through the Iranian Embassy in Mexico: “When Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to America.” The federation is now pursuing official channels to transfer Iran’s scheduled matches against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt from Los Angeles and Seattle to Mexican venues.

    Ambassador Abolfazl Pasandideh further elaborated on logistical complications, citing the “U.S. government’s lack of cooperation regarding visa issuance and the provision of logistical support” for the Iranian delegation. The diplomatic mission has formally suggested to FIFA that Mexico host Iran’s matches instead.

    The situation developed against the backdrop of recent military confrontations between Iran and the U.S.-Israel alliance, which had already cast doubt on Iran’s participation in the tournament hosted across North America. FIFA has not yet issued an official response to the relocation request or the escalating diplomatic situation surrounding the tournament’s scheduling.

  • Cuba political system not up for talks with US, envoy says

    Cuba political system not up for talks with US, envoy says

    WASHINGTON — Cuban diplomatic officials have expressed willingness to engage in comprehensive discussions with the United States while simultaneously making clear that their political system remains non-negotiable. The declaration comes amid escalating tensions and complex economic challenges facing the Caribbean nation.

    Tanieris Dieguez, Cuba’s deputy chief of mission in Washington, emphasized in an exclusive interview that while both nations have substantial matters to discuss, neither should demand governmental changes from the other. “Nothing related with our political system, nothing with our political model—our constitutional model—is part of negotiations, and never will it be,” Dieguez stated unequivocally.

    The diplomatic overture occurs against the backdrop of significant economic strain in Cuba, including a recent nationwide blackout and severe energy shortages following U.S. sanctions on Venezuelan oil shipments to the island. These developments have exacerbated existing challenges in Cuba’s socialist economy.

    In a potentially significant economic policy shift, Havana announced this week that it would permit overseas Cubans to invest in and own businesses on the island—a notable departure from decades of strict economic controls. However, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a prominent Cuban-American critic of the government, dismissed these reforms as insufficient.

    The Cuban envoy identified the longstanding U.S. trade embargo as the primary obstacle to normalized economic relations, noting that international investors remain wary of American sanctions. “We are open to receive any American interests, businessmen or whatever,” Dieguez affirmed. “The main obstacle to that is the big conglomerate of rules that is the blockade today.”

    The humanitarian impact of recent sanctions has been severe, with Dieguez reporting that over 3,000 children have missed vaccinations due to temperature-sensitive medical supply disruptions—a particularly damaging development for a nation that has historically prioritized universal healthcare. The envoy characterized these measures as “collective punishment” affecting the most vulnerable Cuban citizens.

  • Man feared dead after vehicle plunges into Rio Cobre

    Man feared dead after vehicle plunges into Rio Cobre

    ST CATHERINE, Jamaica — A motorist is now presumed deceased following a catastrophic vehicular incident along the Flat Bridge roadway on Monday night. According to official reports from the Bog Walk police, the tragedy unfolded when a Toyota Hiace motor truck was compelled to execute an evasive maneuver to avoid an oncoming vehicle, resulting in the truck careening off the road and into the treacherous waters of the Rio Cobre.

    Preliminary investigation details provided by the Corporate Communications Unit indicate the driver was traveling from Bog Walk toward Spanish Town. Upon reaching a specific section of the route, another vehicle abruptly swung into its path. In an effort to prevent a direct collision, the driver of the Hiace swerved sharply to the right. This critical action, however, caused the vehicle to lose control, overturn, and subsequently plunge into the river below.

    Emergency and recovery operations were immediately launched at the scene. Despite extensive search efforts, the body of the driver has not been recovered, leading authorities to presume fatal consequences. The investigation into the exact circumstances surrounding the other involved vehicle remains ongoing as police continue to gather evidence and witness accounts. Further updates are anticipated as the situation develops.