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标签： Jamaica

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  • BRING BACK CHRIS!

    BRING BACK CHRIS!

    A significant leadership vacuum in Jamaican professional football has prompted influential club figures to advocate for the return of former chairman Christopher Williams to helm Professional Football Jamaica Limited (PFJL). The call comes following the recent departure of Livingstone Morrison, whose resignation became effective on February 28, 2026.

    Johann ‘Yoni’ Epstein, chairman of Montego Bay United, has emerged as the most vocal proponent for Williams’ reinstatement. Epstein, who has led his club for three years, characterized Williams as a ‘passionate, driven’ leader whose marketing expertise is desperately needed amid revenue declines in the Jamaica Premier League (JPL).

    The PFJL, responsible for marketing and promoting Jamaica’s premier club competition, has appointed Donovan White, president of Waterhouse FC, as interim chairman. However, this arrangement remains temporary due to memorandum requirements with the Jamaica Football Federation mandating an independent full-time chairman.

    Epstein emphasized the business imperative of football, stating, ‘We have to find ways to generate revenue. Chris has done it before and he can do it again.’ While acknowledging Morrison’s ‘phenomenal job’ in enhancing governance and financial structures during his brief tenure, Epstein stressed that the organization now requires the marketing passion that Williams previously demonstrated.

    The Montego Bay United chairman elaborated on Williams’ proven track record: ‘Chris Williams was the head when I came in, and until mid-last year, he did a great job leading the team, driving sales and marketing performance. The primary objective is to secure sponsorship, fund the league, provide dividends to club shareholders, and generate broadcast revenue.’

    This sentiment found resonance with Paul Christie, sporting director of Mount Pleasant FA, who endorsed Williams’ return as a ‘no-brainer.’ Christie praised Williams for elevating the league to new heights, noting his complete immersion and commitment to football development. ‘It was a sad day when Chris stepped away… where we are now is a testament to the work he did,’ Christie remarked.

    Epstein further connected league strength to national team success, asserting that a robust JPL would enhance Jamaica’s World Cup qualification prospects. He emphasized the need for ‘strong independent leadership’ to position Jamaican football as the region’s premier sporting product over the next five years.

  • Champagnie appeals for leniency in Silvera’s sentencing

    Champagnie appeals for leniency in Silvera’s sentencing

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The sentencing hearing for Jolyan Silvera, former Member of Parliament convicted in the shooting death of his wife Melissa Silvera, concluded Friday with impassioned arguments from both defense and prosecution. Defense attorney Peter Champagnie presented a comprehensive plea for judicial leniency before Chief Justice Bryan Sykes, who is expected to deliver sentencing imminently for manslaughter and firearm-related felony charges.

    Champagnie, a king’s counsel, articulated multiple mitigating factors during his submissions. He emphasized Silvera’s previously unblemished criminal record and his strong paternal relationship with his children. Two character witnesses testified during the proceedings, affirming that the former parliamentarian demonstrated no historical pattern of violent behavior.

    The defense counsel highlighted Silvera’s decision to plead guilty to manslaughter as demonstrating honorable conduct and acceptance of responsibility. Champagnie argued the shooting represented a tragic incident rather than premeditated violence, noting the emotional toll on Silvera since the incident.

    Contrasting the defense’s position, Prosecutor Dwayne Green challenged the narrative of prompt accountability. Green noted Silvera’s delayed admission of guilt and urged the court to apply limited sentencing discounts. The prosecution emphasized the seriousness of firearm-related homicide regardless of the defendant’s political status or character references.

    The legal proceedings have drawn significant public attention, combining elements of political prominence, domestic tragedy, and judicial accountability. Chief Justice Sykes now faces the complex task of balancing these competing considerations in determining an appropriate sentence that addresses both the legal severity of the offenses and the contextual factors presented by the defense.

  • Douglas, Reid crowned 100m Under-20 champions at Carifta Trials

    Douglas, Reid crowned 100m Under-20 champions at Carifta Trials

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – The opening day of Jamaica’s Carifta Games Trials witnessed extraordinary athletic performances at the National Stadium on Friday, with emerging sprint sensations Shanoya Douglas and Riquelme Reid establishing themselves as dominant forces in their respective 100m events.

    Shanoya Douglas, the 16-year-old World Under-20 200m bronze medalist, delivered a breathtaking performance that shattered expectations. The Holland High athlete demolished her previous personal best of 11.28 seconds with an astonishing 11.06-second finish (+1.5 m/s wind assistance), leaving competitors trailing significantly behind. Wolmer’s Natrece East secured second position with 11.53 seconds, while Edwin Allen’s Renecia Edwards claimed third in 11.58 seconds. Adora Campbell of St Jago finished fourth at 11.70 seconds.

    The race witnessed disappointment for University of North Carolina’s Jada Lloyd, who was disqualified following a false start despite entering the final with the third-fastest qualifying time of 11.98 seconds.

    Douglas’s spectacular time not only surpassed Sabrina Dockery’s previous record of 11.08 seconds set last year but also positioned the young athlete on the precipice of breaking the elusive 11-second barrier just weeks before the prestigious Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships.

    In the male division, Excelsior’s Riquelme Reid demonstrated equally impressive form during his breakout season, clocking a blistering 10.16 seconds to claim victory. Reid maintained his composure under pressure from William Knibb’s Sanjay Seymour and Kingston College’s Nyron Wade, who achieved personal bests of 10.20 and 10.22 seconds respectively. Calabar’s Khamani Gordon (10.40 seconds) and St George’s College’s Tyreece Foreman (10.41 seconds) completed the top five finishers.

    Remarkably, the top three finishing times in the men’s event would have surpassed last year’s championship-winning time of 10.28 seconds recorded by Wolmer’s Boys’ Gary Card, who competed while experiencing significant cramping.

    Jamaica College’s Kai Kelly continued his remarkable athletic progression by dominating the Under-17 category with a 10.44-second finish. The young sprinter, who broke the Class Three 100m record last season with 10.60 seconds, now appears virtually unbeatable in his first year of Class Two competition. Calabar athletes Joshua Ricketts (10.49 seconds) and Javane Clayton (10.51 seconds) secured second and third positions respectively.

    In the Under-17 girls’ division, Ferncourt High’s Rihanna clocked 11.68 seconds for victory, narrowly defeating Convent of Mercy Alpha’s Azarie Harris (11.69 seconds). Edwin Allen’s Danelia Clarke finished third with 11.86 seconds.

    The three-day qualification event for the Carifta Games continues through Saturday, showcasing Jamaica’s next generation of track and field excellence.

  • 6 events, 4 days

    6 events, 4 days

    Jamaica’s entertainment landscape is poised for an unprecedented cultural explosion as Vacae Weekend prepares to transform Ocho Rios into a dynamic celebration hub from April 3-6, 2026. This meticulously curated four-day festival, backed by title sponsor Campari, promises to deliver an immersive experience blending music, fashion, and Caribbean culture through six distinct events that cater to sophisticated revelers seeking exceptional entertainment.

    The brainchild of event curators Twenty14, Vacae Weekend represents a strategic evolution from its 2019 inception into what organizers describe as a ‘major cultural movement.’ Andrew Ellis, CEO of Twenty14, emphasizes that the festival transcends conventional party parameters by creating spaces where global audiences converge to celebrate Jamaican creativity, cultural expression, and authentic connections through shared experiences.

    Campari Group’s marketing manager Pavell Smith revealed the festival’s ambitious programming, highlighting performances by dancehall sensations Armanii and Malie Donn alongside international rap superstar Fabolous. This fusion of local and international talent underscores the event’s commitment to delivering world-class entertainment while showcasing Jamaica’s vibrant musical heritage.

    The festival circuit encompasses six carefully designed experiences: The Estate’s polished atmosphere, Sandz’s beachside energy, Risqué’s late-night allure, The Lawn’s stylish relaxation, Pic-Nic’s daytime festivities, and the crowd-favorite Tropical Saturday. Each venue offers unique vibes while maintaining the festival’s core commitment to quality entertainment and responsible indulgence.

    Government officials have endorsed Vacae Weekend as a significant economic driver. Minister of Entertainment and Culture Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange emphasized that such events demonstrate the industry’s substantial contribution to national prosperity, stating: ‘When our creatives thrive, Jamaica thrives. This transformation of Ocho Rios into a living stage where sound systems meet shorelines represents more than entertainment—it’s a growing platform with intentional economic impact.’

    With early buzz building across the entertainment industry, Vacae Weekend 2026 is positioning itself as the must-attend cultural event of the Easter season, combining premium production values, strategic partnerships, and Jamaica’s undeniable creative energy.

  • Campion’s Class of ’90 donates $700,000 to school’s mental wellness initiatives

    Campion’s Class of ’90 donates $700,000 to school’s mental wellness initiatives

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant commitment to student welfare, Campion College’s Class of 1990 has contributed $700,000 to establish comprehensive mental health programs at their alma mater. The ceremonial check presentation occurred on campus, symbolizing the cohort’s dedicated advocacy for emotional resilience within the educational community.

    School Principal Dr. Lavare Henry and esteemed former principal Radley Reid accepted the donation, praising the alumni’s enduring commitment to nurturing holistic student development. Both emphasized that the contribution continues a legacy of graduate philanthropy while recognizing that academic achievement must be supported by emotional stability and psychological well-being.

    The allocated funds will specifically enhance programs teaching stress management techniques, anxiety reduction strategies, and mindfulness practices. Additional initiatives will focus on developing emotional intelligence and empathy among students, creating a more supportive educational environment.

    Guidance counselor Dominque Rose endorsed these efforts, noting their alignment with Campion’s educational philosophy of developing complete individuals—mind, body, and spirit. This approach aims to produce not only academically accomplished graduates but also compassionate, well-rounded community members.

    This donation follows the school’s strategic shift toward more balanced education, which has already seen success in sports and extracurricular achievements. The mental wellness initiative reinforces Campion’s updated definition of excellence: combining academic rigor with vibrant student life and emotional health.

    The contribution originated from the “Back to School” reunion event in August 2025, where over 200 alumni gathered in the same courtyard they frequented as students. The event featured music provided by graduate DJs and included a campus tour led by Acting Vice Principal Kathryn Stewart, who demonstrated how the mental health programs would directly benefit students.

    During assemblies presenting the initiative to students, organizing committee member Rita Coore-Widener delivered an inspirational address encouraging mutual support and destigmatizing mental health concerns. Alumni representatives shared that their motivation stemmed from reflecting on their own educational pressures and their current perspectives as parents and professionals, recognizing the critical importance of emotional well-being alongside academic performance.

  • Trump convenes Latin American leaders to curb crime, immigration

    Trump convenes Latin American leaders to curb crime, immigration

    MIAMI, United States – President Donald Trump is convening a significant gathering of right-wing leaders from Latin America and the Caribbean this Saturday. Dubbed the ‘Shield of the Americas’ summit, the meeting at Trump’s Doral, Florida golf club will focus on pressing regional challenges, including the escalating threat of organized crime and the ongoing issue of illegal immigration.

    The assembly represents a strategic maneuver by Washington to reinforce U.S. influence and counter the expanding footprint of foreign powers, notably China, in the Western Hemisphere. This event is a practical application of Trump’s ‘Donroe Doctrine,’ which advocates for an expanded U.S. authority in the region.

    Attendees include a roster of prominent conservative figures, such as Argentina’s libertarian President Javier Milei, Ecuador’s Daniel Noboa, and El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele, whose stringent security policies have become a regional benchmark. The summit also includes leaders from Bolivia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Guyana, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay, Trinidad and Tobago, and Chile’s president-elect, Jose Antonio Kast.

    A central concern uniting these leaders is the alarming surge in power of drug cartels, which has destabilized nations previously considered secure, like Ecuador and Chile. This deteriorating security landscape has, in part, propelled right-wing candidates to electoral victories, creating a more receptive environment for U.S. collaboration. Recent joint military operations between the U.S. and Ecuador, targeting ‘narcoterrorists,’ underscore this renewed partnership.

    However, the coalition’s effectiveness is questioned by experts. Irene Mia, a Latin America specialist at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, notes the ‘negative agenda’ focused solely on U.S. security threats like migration and crime. The conspicuous absence of major regional powers Mexico and Brazil—both under leftist leadership—poses a significant hurdle to comprehensively addressing narco-trafficking, given their critical roles in the drug trade supply chain. Mia concludes that the support for Trump’s policies remains ‘quite fragile,’ dependent on a ‘very fine balance’ of public approval in historically skeptical nations.

  • Cuba says working to restore power after big blackout

    Cuba says working to restore power after big blackout

    HAVANA, Cuba — Cuban energy officials announced significant advancements on Thursday in efforts to restore electricity across the nation following a widespread blackout that plunged approximately two-thirds of the country into darkness. The national grid, which experienced a catastrophic failure on Wednesday, has now been successfully reconnected nationwide, according to an official statement from the Ministry of Energy.

    The ministry confirmed that reconnection of the national electrical system was achieved at 5:01 AM local time Thursday, with power generation units being progressively brought back online to facilitate the gradual return of electricity to households and businesses. On-the-ground observations in Havana confirmed that several districts within the capital had already regained electrical service by Thursday morning.

    This incident highlights the profound challenges facing Cuba’s aging power infrastructure, which has deteriorated to a state of chronic dysfunction. Many regions across the island regularly endure daily power interruptions lasting up to 20 hours, exacerbated by severe fuel shortages that cripple power generation capabilities.

    The current energy crisis unfolds during a period of heightened geopolitical tension for the Caribbean nation of 9.6 million people. The situation has deteriorated significantly since January 3, when the United States moved to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, who had been supplying approximately half of Cuba’s fuel requirements.

    Following Maduro’s political crisis, Washington initially imposed stringent oil embargo measures against Cuba before subsequently moderating these restrictions. This policy shift came amid concerns raised by neighboring Caribbean nations warning that extreme sanctions could precipitate total economic collapse and inflict disproportionate suffering on civilian populations. Despite these modifications, the Trump administration maintained substantial blockade measures, leaving oil shipments from Caracas to Havana in a state of prolonged uncertainty.

  • Simple Advisory Limited helps Woodcats raise $750m and list on the Junior Stock Exchange

    Simple Advisory Limited helps Woodcats raise $750m and list on the Junior Stock Exchange

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Following its instrumental role in the fully-subscribed initial public offering (IPO) and offer for sale for Woodcats International, business advisory firm Simple Advisory Limited (SAL) is strategically enhancing its capabilities to facilitate capital access for Jamaican enterprises. The company announced its expansion plans Tuesday, revealing increased engagement from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) seeking financial guidance for growth initiatives, capital investments, acquisitions, and debt reorganization.

    SAL served as special consultant for Woodcats International’s recent public market debut, overseeing a capital raising process that attracted more than 9,000 investors and reached complete subscription within the designated timeframe. As independent advisors, SAL implemented an objective and efficient framework that ensured regulatory compliance while maximizing investor participation.

    Woodcats General Manager Peter Douglas commended SAL’s performance, stating: “Our collaboration with SAL created a seamless fundraising experience. Their expertise granted us the operational freedom to maintain business continuity throughout this critical capital raising phase.”

    The advisory firm provided comprehensive strategic direction across multiple domains including business valuation, prospectus development, public relations campaigns, and precise transaction timing. SAL additionally facilitated coordination among essential stakeholders—legal counsel, marketing agencies, and brokerage firms—to achieve optimal offering outcomes.

    This successful transaction positions SAL as an emerging leader in Jamaica’s financial advisory landscape, particularly for companies navigating complex capital market transactions. The firm’s expanding client portfolio reflects growing demand for professional advisory services among Jamaican businesses pursuing structured growth and market expansion strategies.

  • Johnson Smith says no concerns over strength of Jamaica-US relationship

    Johnson Smith says no concerns over strength of Jamaica-US relationship

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson Smith has reaffirmed confidence in the nation’s strategic partnership with the United States despite criticism from a US Congressman regarding Prime Minister Andrew Holness’s supportive stance on Cuba. The diplomatic reassurances came during Tuesday’s post-Cabinet media briefing at Jamaica House, where Johnson Smith characterized the Prime Minister’s recent comments on Cuba as “balanced, visionary, and realistic.”

    The minister referenced her recent cordial meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio as evidence of continued strong bilateral relations, suggesting that individual congressional opinions don’t reflect official US government positioning. This response followed criticism from Cuban-born Congressman Carlos Giménez, who warned Jamaica would face “consequences” for what he termed as covering up for Cuba’s “moribund dictatorship.”

    The controversy stems from Prime Minister Holness’s February 24 address to Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders in Basseterre, where he urged regional nations to address Cuba’s humanitarian crisis “with clarity and courage.” His speech highlighted the complex geopolitical circumstances surrounding US-Cuba relations while acknowledging Jamaica’s fundamental commitment to democratic principles and open markets.

    Holness emphasized that Cuba’s ongoing economic struggles—exacerbated by extended power cuts and shortages of fuel, medicine, and food—could have regional implications affecting migration patterns, security concerns, and economic stability throughout the Caribbean basin. The Prime Minister noted Cuba’s historical role in supporting Caribbean neighbors through medical and educational assistance while maintaining that Jamaica’s position remains grounded in democratic values and political accountability.

    The current crisis in Cuba has intensified following the Trump administration’s oil blockade, which severed the island nation’s primary petroleum supplies from Venezuela. Cuba has operated under a US trade embargo since 1962, creating prolonged economic challenges that have recently reached critical levels.

  • UTech mentor and mentee of the year become co-authors of ‘The Ripple Effect: 5 Keys to Making a Difference that Lasts’

    UTech mentor and mentee of the year become co-authors of ‘The Ripple Effect: 5 Keys to Making a Difference that Lasts’

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — An inspirational mentorship relationship born from the University of Technology’s Alumni Mentorship Programme has transcended conventional boundaries, resulting in an extraordinary literary collaboration. Sandrina Davis, honored as Mentor of the Year 2025, and her protégé Jinel Gordon, named Mentee of the Year 2025, have jointly authored “The Ripple Effect: 5 Keys to Making a Difference that Lasts,” scheduled for public release on Sunday, March 15.

    Their partnership, initially structured through institutional pairing, has flourished into a profound shared expedition exploring leadership dynamics, purposeful living, and sustainable community impact. Their collaborative journey provides tangible evidence of the transformative potential inherent in deliberate mentorship relationships.

    The forthcoming publication delineates five actionable principles for creating enduring positive influence: selecting empathy above sympathy, enabling empowerment without causing embarrassment, practicing attentive listening prior to action, cultivating authentic connections through genuine care, and adopting mentorship as a catalyst for legacy expansion.

    Davis contributes insights drawn from her extensive leadership tenure and community service throughout Jamaica, covering the initial four principles. Gordon completes the conceptual framework by articulating the fifth key regarding mentorship’s multiplicative legacy effect, thereby symbolically closing the narrative circle.

    “This manuscript transcends theoretical discourse,” Davis emphasized. “It constitutes empirical demonstration of outcomes achievable when individuals place faith in one another’s potential.”

    Gordon characterized her participation as fundamentally transformative, noting: “Mentorship profoundly influenced not merely my professional objectives but my core self-conception. Collaborative authorship embodies the synergistic possibilities when dedicated guidance converges with unwavering commitment.”

    The official book launch will serve as a ceremonial recognition of mentorship’s value, leadership development, and the cumulative power of consistent, purposeful engagement.
    “The Ripple Effect” extends an impassioned appeal to Jamaican citizens, academic communities, corporate professionals, family figures, and organizational leaders to acknowledge that genuine influence originates not from formal positions but from deliberate intentionality.