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  • ‘One Battle After Another’ and ‘Sinners’ top BAFTA nominations

    ‘One Battle After Another’ and ‘Sinners’ top BAFTA nominations

    LONDON, United Kingdom — The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) unveiled its highly anticipated shortlist, revealing a commanding lead for two distinct cinematic works. The unconventional thriller ‘One Battle After Another’ and the musical horror period piece ‘Sinners’ emerged as the frontrunners, setting the stage for a dramatic awards season climax.

    ‘One Battle After Another,’ a film that navigates the turbulent landscape of radical violence, immigration enforcement, and white supremacist ideologies, secured an impressive 14 nominations. This total includes a coveted spot in the Best Film category, cementing its status as a critical favorite. The film’s gritty narrative and provocative themes have resonated strongly with the academy’s voting members.

    Trailing closely is ‘Sinners,’ a vampire tale interwoven with a haunting musical score, which garnered 13 BAFTA nominations and will also compete for the top prize of Best Film. This recognition comes on the heels of its historic achievement at the Academy Awards, where it shattered records by securing 16 Oscar nominations just days prior.

    The announcement positions the upcoming BAFTA ceremony, scheduled for next month, as a crucial indicator for the subsequent Oscars in mid-March. The strong showing for both films at the UK’s premier film awards suggests a highly competitive international awards landscape, with these two works poised for a potential sweep of major accolades.

  • PNP WM raises concerns over sexual harassment allegations raised by Julian Chang

    PNP WM raises concerns over sexual harassment allegations raised by Julian Chang

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—The People’s National Party Women’s Movement has broken its silence regarding serious sexual misconduct allegations within party ranks. President Patricia Duncan Sutherland addressed growing concerns after Savanna-la-Mar councillor Julian Chang publicly accused Westmoreland Central MP Dwayne Vaz of inappropriate behavior.

    The controversy emerged during a radio interview on January 26th when Councillor Chang first detailed the allegations. According to the claims, Vaz allegedly sent sexually explicit messages via WhatsApp platform. Following Chang’s refusal of these purported advances, the councillor reportedly faced exclusion from crucial constituency executive meetings—a move interpreted by some as retaliatory action.

    Duncan Sutherland emphasized the Women’s Movement’s firm stance against all forms of sexual harassment and abuse. In an official statement released Tuesday, she expressed confidence that the PNP would activate its Independent Complaints Committee pursuant to established party bylaws derived from its Sexual Harassment Policy. The process mandates thorough investigation, transparent examination, and appropriate disciplinary measures if warranted.

    The Women’s Movement leader reiterated their commitment to fostering environments where all citizens, particularly women, feel secure and empowered. She stressed the importance of addressing concerns through proper channels with fairness and appropriateness, noting that institutional change must begin within political organizations themselves.

    This development occurs amid heightened global attention to workplace misconduct and power dynamics within political structures. The case represents a significant test for Jamaica’s opposition party’s internal accountability mechanisms and its adherence to self-established governance protocols regarding gender-based violations.

  • Police, JPs get child justice refresher training

    Police, JPs get child justice refresher training

    Jamaica’s Office of the Children’s Advocate (OCA), in collaboration with UNICEF, has conducted a comprehensive two-day training initiative focused on enhancing child justice protocols within the nation’s law enforcement and judicial systems. The specialized seminar, held at Moon Palace hotel in Ocho Rios, St Ann, brought together 76 police officers and numerous justices of the peace from across the island to reinforce proper procedures for handling cases involving minors.

    Acting Commissioner of Police McArthur Sutherland, overseeing the Area Two police division, emphasized the critical timing of this refresher course for Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) members. He noted that while officers previously received training on children’s issues, daily policing priorities often shift focus toward severe crimes like murders and shootings. “This training will help to pull on some of the minor crimes against children and ensure we have some reductions there,” Sutherland explained, highlighting how the program would rebalance enforcement attention toward protecting vulnerable youth.

    Children’s Advocate Diahann Gordon Harrison articulated the seminar’s broader societal mission, stating, “No child was born a criminal or murderer—it is the environment that creates the monster.” She stressed the importance of early intervention to redirect children from criminal pathways, warning that without proper guidance, neglected youth could evolve into serious offenders. The training specifically addressed methods to reduce criminogenic behavior and attitudes among young people, aiming to prevent the development of senior criminals.

    Justices of the peace participating in the event expressed strong support for the initiative. Trudy-Ann Philp from Highgate, St Mary, described the seminar as “very beneficial” for enhancing her competency in legal procedures when serving at police stations. Omar Bourne from Kingston applauded the OCA’s efforts and advocated for ongoing educational opportunities to expand expertise among law enforcement and judicial officials.

    The partnership between OCA and UNICEF represents a significant investment in Jamaica’s future social stability. Gordon Harrison concluded by emphasizing collective responsibility: “The OCA alone cannot do it—we see it as a participatory effort that all stakeholders in the justice sector must play a part in.” This training initiative marks a proactive approach to child justice reform, recognizing that proper handling of youth cases requires specialized knowledge and coordinated effort across multiple disciplines within the justice system.

  • Amber Group and Beharry Group launch IT joint venture to power Guyana’s digital future

    Amber Group and Beharry Group launch IT joint venture to power Guyana’s digital future

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a strategic move to accelerate digital transformation in the Caribbean region, Amber Group and Guyana’s Beharry Group have officially launched a joint venture named Beharry-Amber Technologies Inc. This newly established entity will specialize in delivering comprehensive IT and cybersecurity solutions, addressing critical technological gaps in Guyana’s rapidly evolving economy.

    The collaboration emerges as Guyana experiences unprecedented economic growth, creating an urgent need for robust digital infrastructure and enhanced cybersecurity measures. Both companies recognize that technological advancement is no longer a luxury but a fundamental requirement for sustainable development and economic resilience.

    Suresh Beharry, Chairman and CEO of Beharry Group, emphasized the transformative potential of this partnership during the announcement. “Guyana stands at a pivotal juncture in its development trajectory,” Beharry stated. “Our vision extends beyond mere commercial interests—we aim to build future-ready technological capabilities that will support the nation’s modernization efforts and long-term prosperity.”

    Dushyant Savadia, Founder and CEO of Amber Group, echoed this sentiment, describing the venture as a shared commitment to Guyana’s growth and technological sovereignty. “This partnership transcends conventional business arrangements,” Savadia noted. “By combining our technical expertise with Beharry Group’s deep understanding of the local landscape, we can create meaningful impact through strengthened digital infrastructure and improved cybersecurity readiness.”

    The joint venture will function as a comprehensive technology platform serving both government agencies and private sector organizations. It will provide end-to-end IT and cybersecurity services designed to meet growing domestic and regional demands, positioning Guyana as an emerging digital hub in the Caribbean region.

  • Ghanaian foreign minister visits Bob Marley Museum as he wraps up working visit to Jamaica

    Ghanaian foreign minister visits Bob Marley Museum as he wraps up working visit to Jamaica

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Ghana’s top diplomat Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa concluded his three-day official visit to Jamaica with a symbolic tour of the iconic Bob Marley Museum in St. Andrew on Monday, highlighting the cultural dimension of bilateral relations between the two nations.

    The Ghanaian Foreign Minister was accompanied during the cultural excursion by Jamaican State Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Senator Abka Fitz-Henley, alongside members of the Ghanaian delegation. The museum visit represented a deliberate emphasis on the cultural connections that underpin the diplomatic relationship between the African nation and the Caribbean island.

    Senator Fitz-Henley characterized the diplomatic interactions with Minister Ablakwa as profoundly insightful. In his social media commentary, Fitz-Henley noted the Ghanaian minister’s specific interest in experiencing Jamaica’s musical heritage, particularly through the Bob Marley Museum, recognizing Jamaica’s significant global cultural influence.

    The Jamaican minister elaborated on the historical foundations of the bilateral relationship, pointing to deep-rooted historical and cultural connections that have transformed into a contemporary partnership marked by substantial diplomatic cooperation and mutual international support. Fitz-Henley emphasized that Minister Ablakwa’s visit to Kingston has undoubtedly reinforced these existing bonds.

    Prior to the cultural engagement, Minister Ablakwa participated in high-level bilateral discussions led by Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Foreign Minister Senator Kamina Johnson-Smith. These talks focused on strengthening diplomatic and economic cooperation between the two nations.

    The Ghanaian delegation departed Jamaica from Norman Manley International Airport on Monday afternoon, concluding a visit that balanced formal diplomatic meetings with cultural appreciation, signaling a comprehensive approach to international relations.

  • Health sector not at crisis level, says Tufton

    Health sector not at crisis level, says Tufton

    MANDEVILLE, Jamaica — Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton has acknowledged severe overcrowding at Jamaican hospitals while explicitly avoiding the term ‘crisis’ to describe the situation. During a Friday tour of Mandeville Regional Hospital, which he characterized as a ‘rescue centre’ for western Jamaica, Tufton addressed the critical capacity issues facing the healthcare system.

    The minister revealed that Mandeville Regional Hospital is operating at 78% above its 250-bed inpatient capacity and 50% above outpatient capacity, with approximately 350-360 inpatients currently receiving treatment. This surge has forced medical staff to treat patients in makeshift areas including hallways and temporary privacy corners, creating significant logistical challenges.

    Tufton attributed the overcrowding to multiple factors, primarily the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa which devastated infrastructure last October. Black River Hospital, normally equipped with 150 beds, currently operates with only 30-40 beds due to hurricane damage. The minister warned that overcrowding conditions are likely to persist until March when reconstruction of damaged hospitals is completed.

    In response to the crisis, Tufton announced immediate measures including construction of a new ward at Mandeville that will accommodate 30-40 additional patients. He also emphasized enhancing primary healthcare services through increased home visits, extended health center hours, and improved field vigilance to reduce hospital visits for non-emergency cases.

    The minister made a direct appeal to Jamaicans to utilize primary healthcare facilities instead of hospitals for non-urgent matters and to maintain medication regimens to prevent unnecessary hospitalizations. He praised healthcare workers for going ‘beyond the call of duty’ while acknowledging the tremendous stress on medical staff.

    Tufton’s hospital tour continued through the weekend with visits to Black River, Savanna-La-Mar, Noel Holmes, Cornwall Regional, and Falmouth hospitals to assess conditions firsthand and coordinate emergency response efforts across the region.

  • Gunmen kill 11 in attack at Mexican football match

    Gunmen kill 11 in attack at Mexican football match

    SALAMANCA, Mexico — A community football match in central Mexico descended into horrific violence Sunday when armed assailants stormed the pitch and opened fire on spectators, leaving 11 dead and 12 wounded in a region increasingly paralyzed by organized crime. The attack occurred in Salamanca, a modest industrial city of 160,000 in Guanajuato state, immediately following a local game.

    According to municipal authorities, ten victims died at the scene while another succumbed to injuries at a medical facility. Among the wounded were a woman and a child, highlighting the attack’s indiscriminate nature. Salamanca Mayor Cesar Prieto issued an urgent plea to federal authorities for intervention, stating his community faces a ‘grave moment’ and ‘serious social breakdown’ as criminal organizations challenge governmental authority.

    The football pitch shooting represents merely the latest episode in a brutal weekend for the region. Just one day prior, authorities discovered four bags containing human remains in Salamanca. Simultaneously, six individuals were killed in two neighboring communities. These incidents follow a bomb threat last week at a local refinery operated by state oil giant Pemex.

    Despite being a prosperous industrial zone and popular tourist destination, Guanajuato consistently ranks as Mexico’s deadliest state due to relentless turf wars between criminal syndicates. Official homicide statistics attribute much of the violence to conflicts between the Santa Rosa de Lima cartel, known for oil theft operations, and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of Mexico’s most powerful criminal organizations.

    This surge in violence creates a stark contrast to claims by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who recently asserted that homicides have dropped to their lowest level in a decade under her security strategy. Many security experts remain skeptical of these official figures.

    Mexico’s prolonged security crisis, predominantly linked to drug trafficking, has resulted in over 480,000 deaths since the government initiated its military crackdown on cartels in 2006. An additional 120,000 persons remain missing, with many presumably forced into cartel service or abducted. The discovery of mass graves and dismembered remains has become tragically routine across the nation.

  • Second Jamaican signs up for Enhanced Games

    Second Jamaican signs up for Enhanced Games

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaican track athlete Denae McFarlane has officially committed to participate in the inaugural Enhanced Games, marking the second Jamaican competitor to join the controversial sporting event scheduled for May 24 in Las Vegas. McFarlane’s participation was confirmed through the Games’ official Instagram announcement, which revealed five new athletes across track and field and swimming disciplines.

    The Enhanced Games, which openly permits athletes to use performance-enhancing substances, has generated significant controversy within the international sports community. McFarlane joins fellow Jamaican sprinter Shockoria Wallace, who became the nation’s first athlete to sign with the competition several weeks prior.

    Notable additions to the roster include Guyanese track athlete Jasmine Abrams and swimmers Antani Ivanov (Bulgaria), Miguel De Lara Ojeda (Mexico), and Emily Barclay (Great Britain). The event will be hosted at Resorts World Las Vegas, with organizers promising substantial financial incentives, including world record bonuses reaching $1 million.

    The competition’s radical approach to doping has drawn vehement opposition from major sporting bodies including World Athletics and World Aquatics. These organizations have implemented bylaws prohibiting athletes who participate in unsanctioned events that permit banned substances from competing in their officially recognized competitions. The Enhanced Games positions itself as an elite sports competition and performance products company, challenging conventional anti-doping protocols that govern traditional athletic competitions.

  • Controversy looms over Diaspora elections

    Controversy looms over Diaspora elections

    NEW YORK, United States — Significant controversy has emerged surrounding the upcoming 2026 elections for the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council (GJDC) and its youth counterpart (GJDYC), scheduled to commence on January 28, 2026. Prominent diaspora leader Patrick Beckford, former head of the Jamaica Diaspora Advisory Board for the North-East United States and founding member of the original advisory body, has called for a complete boycott of the electoral process.

    Beckford advocates for establishing an entirely independent diaspora-controlled organization that operates autonomously without government ministerial connections or oversight. He contends that the current GJDC structure has deviated from its original purpose, transforming into what he describes as a ‘ministerial extension’ rather than remaining accountable to the diaspora community itself.

    The election process, running through February 20 with results announced four days later, faces additional scrutiny due to historically low participation rates. The 2023 elections saw merely 3,000 voters casting ballots across the global Jamaican diaspora community.

    Beckford has found support from other influential diaspora figures, including Dr. Rupert Francis, who echoed concerns about Jamaican government involvement in diaspora affairs. Both critics have particularly questioned candidate eligibility requirements that prohibit those with criminal convictions or bankruptcy declarations from seeking representation.

    According to Jamaica’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, forty-four candidates across the United States and Canada will contest the elections. Notable changes include outgoing southern region representative Peter Gracey not seeking re-election, while Michelle Tulloch-Neil aims for a second term representing the North-East region.

    Following the elections, successful representatives will begin planning for the 11th GJDC Biennial Conference scheduled for June 14-18, 2026, at the Montego Bay Convention Centre. The 2023 conference attracted over 1,000 participants, with organizers anticipating increased attendance this year for discussions on trade, investment, and diaspora engagement matters involving both government and private sector participants.

  • SAINT Int’l models star in new Casablanca and Level Shoes campaigns

    SAINT Int’l models star in new Casablanca and Level Shoes campaigns

    Jamaican modeling agency SAINT International continues to demonstrate its global influence as two of its signed models, representing Jamaican and Nigerian heritage respectively, have secured prominent positions in international fashion campaigns. The achievements highlight the agency’s enduring impact on the fashion industry a quarter-century after its establishment.

    Nigerian model Aworo Mayowa, discovered through Instagram and signed in 2018, features prominently in Casablanca’s newly released Beach and Resort 2026 collection. The Paris-based luxury brand, celebrated by Town and Country Magazine as the preferred label for the Gen Z elite and endorsed by celebrities including tennis star Coco Gauff and supermodel Bella Hadid, showcases Mayowa in an array of sophisticated resort wear. The collection includes monogram sleeve silk shirts, elegant dresses, workwear jackets, and swimwear, drawing inspiration from Los Angeles where Casablanca recently inaugurated its first American retail location on Santa Monica Boulevard.

    Mayowa, who holds an English literature degree from Lagos State University, expressed enthusiasm about representing the innovative brand. Currently represented by Why Not Models in Milan and Wilhelmina in London, she praised Casablanca’s fresh vision and trend-setting womenswear pieces. Her international career launched with Balenciaga’s Fall/Winter 2019 show and has since included runway presentations for Alberta Ferretti, Roksanda, and Emilia Wickstead, alongside editorial work for Margaret Howell and ME + EM.

    Simultaneously, Jamaican model Romaine Dixon, originally from Sligoville, St. Catherine, has embarked on a new campaign with Dubai-based luxury footwear retailer Level Shoes. Now residing in New York and represented by Society Management, Dixon participated in a Manhattan-based photoshoot that combined studio sessions at the WSA Building with exterior shots along Water Street near the harbor. Level Shoes has gained recognition for its curated selection spanning accessible, luxury, and emerging brands including Brunello Cucinelli, Chloe, Dolce and Gabbana, and New Balance, with recent expansion beyond the Middle East through a new Florida logistics center.

    SAINT International CEO Deiwght Peters emphasized the significance of these bookings, noting they validate the agency’s lasting appeal and the professional dedication of its models. Both Mayowa and Dixon, scouted and signed in 2018, have developed substantial portfolios working with prestigious fashion houses including Dior, Fendi, and Hermes. Peters highlighted their focus and hard work as foundational to their continued success in the competitive global fashion market.