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  • US embassy attacked in Baghdad, strikes hit Iran-backed fighters

    US embassy attacked in Baghdad, strikes hit Iran-backed fighters

    BAGHDAD, Iraq — Security sources confirmed a drone attack struck the US embassy compound in Baghdad on Saturday, marking a significant escalation in regional hostilities. The assault occurred shortly after precision strikes killed three members of Kataeb Hezbollah, a powerful Iran-backed militia designated as a terrorist organization by Washington.

    The diplomatic mission issued an urgent security alert following the incident, advising American citizens to evacuate immediately due to persistent threats from missiles, drones, and rockets in Iraqi airspace. The embassy specifically warned against approaching either the Baghdad facility or the consulate general in Erbil, noting continued attacks around both security zones.

    Black smoke billowed above the embassy complex following morning explosions, according to eyewitness accounts. This represents the second direct attack on the diplomatic facility since the outbreak of regional conflict triggered by US and Israeli operations against Iran on February 28.

    The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella organization for several Tehran-aligned armed groups, has claimed responsibility for daily assaults against US installations throughout the region. Meanwhile, Kataeb Hezbollah conducted funeral processions for three fighters killed in the earlier strikes, including commander Abou Ali al-Amiri. Unverified local reports suggest the group’s top leader, Ahmad al-Hamidawi, may have been wounded in what a pro-Iranian source described as a ‘targeted assassination attempt.’

    Residents of Baghdad’s Arasat neighborhood expressed surprise upon learning that a modest residence struck in the operations housed Kataeb Hezbollah members. No party has officially claimed responsibility for the counter-strikes against the Iran-backed faction.

  • McDonald tops John Powell chess tournament

    McDonald tops John Powell chess tournament

    The 2026 John Powell Open Chess Tournament, a premier event organized by the Jamaica Chess Federation, concluded on March 8th after two days of intense competition. The event, which honored the legacy of former JCF secretary and president John Powell—a recognized FIDE Arbiter—drew a field of 108 participants across its four competitive divisions.

    In the premier Open section, Candidate Master Jhustice-Dimonte McDonald emerged victorious, securing the championship title. The battle for the runner-up positions culminated in a three-way tie on points, resolved by tie-break calculations. FIDE Master Raheem Glaves claimed second place, with J-Loy Chin finishing third. Candidate Master Nathaniel Hope and Jayden Foreshaw completed the top five. Woman Candidate Master Kaia Gayle achieved the distinction of the section’s top female competitor.

    The U1800 section witnessed a tight finish, with Samuel Lin clinching first place via tie-break over Vaishnav Gali. Luke Wright secured the third podium position. The final standings saw Johnathan Brown in fourth and Ajay Tennant in fifth. Emilia-Rose Leake led the female finishers, followed by Rhea Gardener and Kayla Moses.

    Dominance was displayed in the U1500 Absolute section by Jordan Robinson, who took clear first. Kaie Chambers finished as runner-up. The subsequent rankings were determined by tie-breaks, awarding third to Raheem Gayle, fourth to Jevar Brooks, and fifth to Kamar Davidson.

    A separate U1500 Female section crowned Kelly Williamson as its champion. The final standings were decided by tie-break results, with Amaris Solomon securing second place, Zoe Elliott taking third, Dina Dudnikova finishing fourth, and Je Nasiya Mais rounding out the top five.

  • Bahamas PM signals general election ‘soon’ but date still unclear

    Bahamas PM signals general election ‘soon’ but date still unclear

    NASSAU, Bahamas—Prime Minister Philip Davis has officially indicated that The Bahamas will hold its next general election in the near future, though he stopped short of announcing a precise date. In remarks to journalists, Davis affirmed that citizens should prepare for upcoming elections, stating only that the vote would occur “soon” and advising the public to “stay tuned” for further developments.

    The announcement follows unexpected comments from Fred Mitchell, Chairman of the ruling Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), who suggested in a recently circulated voice note that the election could be called within weeks. This has spurred widespread conjecture that Bahamians may be going to the polls as early as this spring.

    As the nation anticipates the electoral timeline, the Davis administration intends to campaign on its four-year governance record and future policy proposals. The Prime Minister cited significant accomplishments during his term but recognized that not all citizens have yet experienced the tangible benefits of these initiatives.

    A key area of electoral focus will be Grand Bahama, where the PLP faces scrutiny over perceived economic stagnation and delayed recovery efforts. Despite government measures aimed at revitalizing the island’s economy, many locals report insufficient progress. Complicating matters is an ongoing legal dispute between the government and the Grand Bahama Port Authority regarding the Hawksbill Creek Agreement. A recent arbitration tribunal dismissed the state’s $357 million claim for administrative costs—a ruling both sides have interpreted favorably.

    Nonetheless, Davis expressed confidence that Grand Bahama voters would support the PLP, citing the party’s assertive stance in the dispute as evidence of its serious approach to governance.

    On the opposition front, Michael Darville, MP for Tall Pines, confirmed his readiness to contest the election whenever it is called, signaling that political campaigns are already in a state of high alert.

  • Hennessy toasts new partnership with YardMas

    Hennessy toasts new partnership with YardMas

    Janga’s Sound Bar & Grill erupted with the vibrant pulse of Carnival on Wednesday evening as luxury cognac producer Hennessy formally unveiled its strategic alliance with YardMas Carnival, marking a significant prelude to Jamaica’s upcoming Carnival season. The exclusive gathering assembled notable figures from the entertainment industry, media representatives, and dedicated Carnival aficionados for a night dedicated to the dynamic music and exuberant energy emblematic of Jamaica’s unique festival celebrations.

    The centerpiece of the announcement was the debut of the Hennessy VS Carnival Limited Edition bottle. This special release showcases a brilliantly colorful design directly inspired by Carnival aesthetics, capturing the movement and intense vibrancy that characterizes the season. This launch strategically positions the esteemed spirits brand at the heart of one of Jamaica’s most culturally significant celebrations.

    Brand executives articulated that the collaboration with YardMas represents a natural convergence of two entities that champion bold self-expression, artistic innovation, and community engagement. Attendees enjoyed bespoke Hennessy cocktail creations while dancing to energetic soca rhythms curated by renowned DJ Troy Finzi.

    Atina Samad, Business Development Manager for Hennessy, explained the inspiration behind the release: “The Hennessy VS limited edition was inspired by passion and pride as well as cultural influence and the long-standing relationship between the brand and the Caribbean. Carnival is defined by colour, movements, artistry and our special limited edition bottle depicts that spirit.” She confirmed Hennessy will serve as the official partner for YardMas events throughout the season.

    Dania Beckford, Director of YardMas Carnival, emphasized the shared values between the brands: “The qualities Hennessy brings are the same features YardMas brings to the Carnival space. We are authentic Carnival people, fully owned by Jamaicans. We have the most vibes on the road, and that is what Hennessy brings to Carnival—it’s all about the love, the vibrancy, the activities.” Both brands anticipate a dominant presence during April’s Carnival festivities.

  • Dowman makes history as Arsenal strike late, Chelsea beaten

    Dowman makes history as Arsenal strike late, Chelsea beaten

    In a dramatic Saturday showdown at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Everton, significantly strengthening their position in the Premier League title race. The match, which remained deadlocked until the final moments, was ultimately decided by a combination of Everton’s defensive collapse and a historic contribution from 16-year-old sensation Max Dowman.

    The breakthrough came in the 89th minute when Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford misjudged Dowman’s cross, allowing Piero Hincapie to redirect the ball into the six-yard box for Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres to tap into an empty net. The eruption of celebration from both players and fans underscored the importance of Arsenal’s fourth consecutive league win.

    The drama continued into stoppage time when Dowman capitalized on a rapid counter-attack following an Everton corner, sprinting the length of the pitch to slot home Arsenal’s second goal while Pickford remained stranded upfield. This remarkable finish secured Dowman’s place in Premier League history as both the competition’s youngest-ever goalscorer and Arsenal’s youngest scorer.

    The victory propels Arsenal ten points clear of second-place Manchester City, who have two games in hand including Saturday’s late fixture against West Ham. Despite what manager Mikel Arteta acknowledged was a ‘disjointed performance,’ the Gunners demonstrated the resilience that has characterized their campaign as they pursue their first English title in 22 years.

    Meanwhile, Chelsea’s Champions League qualification hopes suffered a significant setback with a 1-0 home defeat to Newcastle. Anthony Gordon’s 18th-minute strike, assisted by Joe Willock following Tino Livramento’s penetrating pass, proved decisive at Stamford Bridge. The loss leaves Chelsea three points behind top-four rivals Aston Villa and Manchester United, having played an additional game.

    In other Saturday fixtures, Brighton climbed into the top half of the table with a 1-0 victory over Sunderland, courtesy of Yankuba Minteh’s second-half goal, while Burnley’s relegation concerns deepened after a 0-0 draw with Bournemouth at Turf Moor.

  • Caribbean exams enter digital era with CSEC

    Caribbean exams enter digital era with CSEC

    The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) has declared its inaugural fully electronic and hybrid administration of the January 2026 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations a resounding success and a transformative milestone for the region’s educational landscape. CXC Registrar and CEO Dr. Wayne Wesley characterized the digital rollout as a ‘landmark achievement’ that definitively proves electronic assessment is not merely viable but represents the inevitable future of academic evaluation in the Caribbean.

    The examinations, which ran from January 5 to 29, 2026, involved 10,481 candidates from 17 territories submitting 17,695 subject entries. While the vast majority of tests were conducted electronically, CXC maintained its commitment to equity by permitting 708 subject entries (approximately 4% of the total) across 29 centers to utilize the traditional paper-based method. This accommodation was extended both to support the new digital modality for high-volume subjects and to provide humanitarian consideration to Jamaican schools devastated by Hurricane Melissa the previous October.

    Dr. Wesley reported overwhelmingly positive feedback from students, whom he described as ‘digital natives’ for whom operating in the digital domain is second nature. He emphasized that the council’s mission is to design learning assessments that align with how modern students process knowledge and develop competencies. While acknowledging operational challenges did occur, Wesley assured that none compromised the integrity of the examinations, and all technical issues were addressed swiftly through collaboration with national ministries of education, IT administrators, and technicians.

    CXC’s Director of Operations, Dr. Nicole Manning, provided robust data supporting the hybrid model’s efficacy. The implementation featured real-time incident logging that enabled same-day resolutions and a comprehensive audit trail ensuring no candidate was penalized for delays outside their control. Most significantly, the hybrid delivery produced academic outcomes fully comparable to traditional paper-based exams. Manning revealed that nine of the thirteen subjects administered saw performance increases, with dramatic improvements in social studies (rising to 62% from 51%) and English A (70.7% from 61.25%). Substantial gains were also noted in the sciences, with physics achieving nearly a 50% increase in passes.

    In a notable development, the January sitting recorded zero examination irregularities—a stark contrast to the 80 instances reported during the previous May-June paper-based examinations. This suggests the electronic format may inherently reduce opportunities for collusion and malpractice.

    The council continues to express concern over candidate absenteeism, urging registered students to attempt their exams regardless of preparedness. As CXC leverages its successful January experience, the organization is now poised to implement and refine its hybrid e-assessment model for the upcoming May-June examination period with increased confidence.

  • KSAMC reviewing carnival 2026 routes and event applications

    KSAMC reviewing carnival 2026 routes and event applications

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—Municipal authorities in Jamaica’s capital are implementing comprehensive safety and environmental protocols for the upcoming 2026 Carnival season. The Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) is currently evaluating proposed parade routes through the Corporate Area following the March 6 application deadline for carnival events.

    Mayor Andrew Swaby revealed during Tuesday’s monthly council meeting that the municipal corporation is coordinating with multiple government agencies to ensure the carnival’s successful execution. The review process involves collaborative assessments with enforcement units, road and works departments, disaster management teams, and compliance officials to establish optimal parade routes that prioritize public safety and minimal disruption.

    Municipal officials have maintained ongoing consultations with carnival organizers, band representatives, and watch party promoters to guarantee all activities adhere to established safety standards and regulatory requirements. A particular emphasis has been placed on waste management strategies, with the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) actively participating in the planning phase.

    Mayor Swaby outlined stringent approval conditions: “All event applications will undergo NSWMA review to ensure satisfactory waste collection and disposal arrangements. Approval will only be granted when environmental requirements are met alongside other regulatory standards.”

    The municipal government aims to prevent the post-carnival environmental damage experienced in previous years, where public and private infrastructure suffered defacement and extensive litter accumulation throughout urban areas. Swaby issued a collective appeal to event promoters, participants, and attendees: “I urge all stakeholders to contribute to maintaining urban cleanliness during carnival celebrations. The KSAMC emphasizes the importance of responsible conduct from all participants.”

  • ‘We luckier than plenty’

    ‘We luckier than plenty’

    In an extraordinary display of community solidarity, Zewei Zheng, proprietor of San San Haberdashery in St Ann’s Bay, has redirected his entire $1 million winnings from NCB’s Business Boost initiative toward humanitarian relief for families affected by Hurricane Melissa. The October storm caused significant damage across sections of Jamaica, leaving many households in dire need of essential supplies.

    Zheng, who secured second place in the promotional contest, demonstrated remarkable altruism by channeling the full prize amount into purchasing vital food items for distribution among storm-ravaged communities. When questioned about his motivation, the merchant responded in heartfelt Jamaican patois: ‘Time hard for everybody. Nuff hungry people around. We luckier than plenty. We help dem.’

    This act of generosity aligns with Zheng’s established reputation as a community-focused business leader. Having resided in St Ann’s Bay for over a decade, he maintains a consistent pattern of supporting local educational institutions including Marcus Garvey Technical High School and Priory Primary School, particularly during seasonal celebrations and academic cycles.

    The logistical execution of Zheng’s donation involved collaboration with the St Ann Municipal Corporation, facilitated through bilingual staff members who assisted with translation and coordination. The NCB Business Boost program itself offered total prizes of $3.5 million to merchants who conducted qualifying transactions exceeding $120,000 using NCB Visa Business Credit Cards.

    Danielle Cameron-Duncan, Acting Senior Vice-President for Payments and Channels at NCB, praised Zheng’s decision as emblematic of the profound community commitment exhibited by Jamaican entrepreneurs. ‘Mr. Zheng’s gesture serves as a powerful testament to how business owners transcend commercial success to become pillars of community support during times of crisis,’ she remarked.

    Cameron-Duncan further emphasized the broader socioeconomic impact of such actions, noting that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) constitute vital components of national resilience and local economic development. The initiative, while designed to reward card usage among commercial clients, ultimately revealed the deeply embedded philanthropic spirit within Jamaica’s business community.

  • JPS Foundation partners with NEPA and Forestry Department to clean up Parottee wetlands

    JPS Foundation partners with NEPA and Forestry Department to clean up Parottee wetlands

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In commemoration of World Wetlands Day observed February 2, a coalition of environmental and corporate entities joined forces to execute a comprehensive restoration initiative at Parottee wetlands in St. Elizabeth. The Jamaica Public Service (JPS) Foundation spearheaded the collaborative effort alongside the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) and the Forestry Department.

    The cleanup operation mobilized volunteers from the JPS Volunteers On Location To Serve (VOLTS) network and community supporters to address environmental damage sustained during Hurricane Melissa. Participants systematically removed accumulated debris and implemented measures to facilitate ecological recovery in vulnerable sections of the coastal ecosystem.

    Sophia Lewis, Head of the JPS Foundation, emphasized the strategic importance of wetland conservation for Caribbean nations confronting climate change. “These ecosystems serve as vital natural barriers against flooding, storm surges, and coastal degradation,” Lewis stated. “With the increasing intensity and frequency of extreme weather events, rehabilitating these natural defenses becomes paramount for enhancing climate resilience and safeguarding vulnerable communities.”

    The initiative represents a component of the JPS Foundation’s broader environmental stewardship program, which prioritizes partnerships that advance sustainable development and climate adaptation strategies throughout Jamaica. The project demonstrates how corporate-social partnerships can contribute meaningfully to environmental conservation and disaster recovery efforts.

  • Cumberland High’s Dushawn Daley ready to conquer Champs

    Cumberland High’s Dushawn Daley ready to conquer Champs

    Amidst the intense anticipation for the 2026 ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships, a singular narrative of resilience emerges from Cumberland High School. Dushawn Daley stands as the institution’s sole qualifier, carrying not just his athletic ambitions but the collective hopes of his community to the national stage in Kingston from March 24-28.

    Daley’s journey to ‘Champs’ embodies a triumph over profound personal and physical challenges. Having endured the loss of both his mother and brother, the athlete has transformed his grief into competitive fuel. “I use those traumas and setbacks as motivation,” Daley revealed to the Jamaica Observer. “Most people would have just stopped but for me, I am a fighter.”

    His path nearly derailed completely when a hamstring injury compromised his performance at the Central Championships. Through dedicated rehabilitation under coach Mr. Dawson at Racers Club, Daley has returned to peak condition. “I am in good nick at the moment,” he confirmed. “Right now I am mentally ready for Champs.”

    The young multi-event athlete will test his skills in the 100m, 200m, and surprisingly, the javelin throw—a relatively new discipline for him. Under the tutelage of coach Morris Edwards, training has progressed exceptionally well despite the logistical challenges of commuting from Kingston to Portmore while managing his academic responsibilities.

    Beyond the track, Daley demonstrates equal dedication to his studies. Currently undertaking four subjects in Grade 11, he aims to expand his curriculum to five, targeting academic scholarships to pursue interests in mechanical engineering or massage therapy. His previous achievement of a grade three in agricultural science demonstrates his scholarly capabilities.

    The emotional backbone of Daley’s campaign comes from his support network. His partially blind stepfather, Kinsley Elliott, provides unwavering encouragement. “From the beginning I knew that he would be here,” Elliott shared, recalling how Daley’s natural speed manifested even in childhood. “I have a lot of confidence in him to do good at Champs. I told him to believe in God and everything will work out.”

    This championship represents more than athletic competition for Daley—it symbolizes redemption, academic opportunity, and the fulfillment of a promise made to himself and those who believed in him against all odds.