标签: Jamaica

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  • #EyeOnMelissa: Mt Pleasant’s Caribbean Cup return leg semis pushed back

    #EyeOnMelissa: Mt Pleasant’s Caribbean Cup return leg semis pushed back

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – The highly anticipated return leg semi-final match between Jamaica’s Mt Pleasant FA and Trinidad and Tobago’s Defence Force FC has been postponed due to the impending threat of Tropical Storm Melissa. Concacaf announced the decision on Friday, citing adverse weather conditions expected to impact Jamaica. The match, originally slated for Wednesday, October 29, in Kingston, has been rescheduled to Wednesday, November 5, with a 6:00 PM kickoff.

  • Trainer Jason DaCosta unearths promising talent in foreigner Dothraki

    Trainer Jason DaCosta unearths promising talent in foreigner Dothraki

    Renowned trainer Jason DaCosta is brimming with cautious optimism following the remarkable debut of his four-year-old American-bred bay colt, Dothraki. The colt, specifically imported for the prestigious Mouttet Mile in December, clinched a commanding victory in the Vassel “Jolly Man” Najair Memorial Cup on Sunday, October 19, 2025. Competing in the Overnight Allowance category, Dothraki outpaced the field by a length and a quarter over 5 ½ furlongs (1,100m), clocking an impressive time of 1:05.4 (23.2 x 47.1 x 59.3).

    DaCosta, a three-time champion trainer, lauded Dothraki as ‘something special,’ though he noted the colt is only halfway to peak condition. ‘He looks like something special. He’s about 50 per cent prepared, so this is a significant achievement,’ DaCosta remarked. ‘I was nervous he might tire, but his class carried him through.’

    With this stellar performance, DaCosta is already setting his sights on the Port Royal Sprint as Dothraki’s next challenge, followed by the coveted US$300,000 Mouttet Mile. ‘He can only get better from here. As he gets fitter, anything is possible,’ DaCosta added.

    From the starting gates, Dothraki swiftly took the lead, maintaining a steady rhythm and outpacing competitors Incredible Jo (Raddesh Roman) and A Gift From Ben (Ramon Nepare) into the half-mile turn (800m). Jockey Robert Halledeen expertly guided Dothraki through the final stretch, securing a decisive victory. Digital One (Dane Dawkins) and Teflon Don (Shaheem Gordon) finished second and third, respectively.

    Bred by Into Mischief out of the Empire Maker mare Vanquished, Dothraki is owned by Carlton Watson. Groom Garth Pennant led the colt around the Parade Ring ahead of the race, setting the stage for a triumphant debut. (Photo: Naphatli Junior)

  • #EyeOnMelissa: Flow pauses disconnections as Jamaica braces for Melissa

    #EyeOnMelissa: Flow pauses disconnections as Jamaica braces for Melissa

    In anticipation of Tropical Storm Melissa, telecommunications provider Flow Jamaica has unveiled a series of measures to ensure its customers remain connected and supported during the impending weather event. The company has announced a temporary halt on service disconnections and is offering additional mobile data to prepaid customers as part of its storm-readiness initiative.

    Danielle Savory, Senior Communications Manager at Flow, emphasized the critical role of connectivity during emergencies. ‘In times like these, connectivity becomes more than convenience — it’s a lifeline,’ she stated. ‘We recognize the importance of staying connected to loved ones, accessing emergency updates, and staying informed. That’s why we’re prioritizing our customers’ needs by keeping them connected and supported throughout this period.’

    To further assist customers, Flow is doubling the core mobile data for all prepaid users who activate a seven-day or longer unlimited talk, text, and social plan. This initiative aims to ensure uninterrupted access to vital information during the storm. Additionally, the company has decided to close all its retail stores on Friday to safeguard the safety of both staff and customers. Customers are encouraged to manage their accounts and purchase credit online via topupflow.com or the Topup Flow app.

    Flow has also advised its customers to take precautionary measures, such as charging their devices, topping up in advance, and keeping a list of emergency contacts readily available. The company’s local crisis management team has activated its emergency response protocols to maintain network resilience and service continuity. These measures include site inspections, refueling of generators and storage units, and deploying standby crews across key locations. Notably, approximately 60% of Flow’s cell sites are equipped with backup power systems to sustain connectivity during potential outages.

    For emergency reports or service inquiries, customers can contact Flow at 1-800-804-2994 (residential) or 1-800-744-0222 (business). To report theft or vandalism of Flow’s network assets, individuals are urged to contact the nearest police station or the company’s emergency operations center at 876-929-9834 / 876-929-9837 / 876-920-7935.

  • #EyeOnMelissa: Dedicated Whatsapp line for persons with disabilities

    #EyeOnMelissa: Dedicated Whatsapp line for persons with disabilities

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – In a proactive move to safeguard vulnerable populations, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security has introduced a dedicated WhatsApp line, 876-447-0444, specifically for persons with disabilities to communicate their needs as Tropical Storm Melissa approaches. The announcement was made by Portfolio Minister Pearnel Charles Jr during a special press briefing held at the Office of the Prime Minister on Friday.

  • Supermarkets, utilities, and fuel firms go into storm mode ahead of Melissa

    Supermarkets, utilities, and fuel firms go into storm mode ahead of Melissa

    Jamaica is on high alert as Tropical Storm Melissa threatens to unleash days of heavy rainfall, flooding, and potential landslides. The storm, which could intensify into a Category 1 hurricane, is expected to linger over the island from Saturday through midweek, according to Evan Thompson, principal director of the Meteorological Service of Jamaica. The slow-moving system has prompted essential service providers to activate contingency plans to ensure minimal disruption to supplies and infrastructure while safeguarding employees and customers.

  • Three Jamaicans to be conferred with UTech honorary degrees

    Three Jamaicans to be conferred with UTech honorary degrees

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The University of Technology (UTech) has announced plans to award honorary degrees to three distinguished individuals during its 2025 graduation ceremonies. American actress Sheryl Lee Ralph, National Works Agency CEO Everton Hunter, and gospel artiste Dr. Carlene Davis-Cowan will be recognized for their exceptional contributions to culture, infrastructure, and humanitarian efforts.

  • Jamaica Food and Drink festival wins third Caribbean title

    Jamaica Food and Drink festival wins third Caribbean title

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Jamaica Food and Drink Festival (JFDF) has once again been honored as the “Caribbean’s Best Culinary Festival” at the prestigious World Culinary Awards, marking its third consecutive win after triumphs in 2021 and 2022. This accolade solidifies Kingston’s reputation as a hub for regional gastronomy and underscores the festival’s remarkable evolution over its 11-year history. What began as a local celebration has blossomed into a regional phenomenon, attracting renowned international chefs, global media outlets like Forbes, and food enthusiasts eager to savor authentic Jamaican flavors.

    Festival Director Alicia Bouges expressed immense pride in the achievement, stating, ‘This win means everything to us. Three-time winners…that’s not luck. That’s legacy. It’s proof that when Jamaica shows up, we set the standard. JFDF has become the blueprint for how a culinary festival in this region should look, feel, and taste. We’ve built something the world is watching; something that honors our culture, celebrates our people, and inspires others across the Caribbean. Kingston is no longer just hosting a festival; we are leading a movement. And this award is a reminder that the flavor of the Caribbean begins right here in Jamaica.’

    The 2025 edition of the festival is set to take place from November 13 to 16, promising an array of culinary delights with events such as Kuyah, Decade 2.0, Meet Street & The Market, and the grand Brunch finale. For further details, visit www.jamaicafoodanddrink.com or follow @jfdfja on Instagram.

  • #EyeOnMelissa: Tropical storm warning and hurricane watch remain as Melissa stands still

    #EyeOnMelissa: Tropical storm warning and hurricane watch remain as Melissa stands still

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Tropical Storm Melissa, currently stationary over the Caribbean Sea, continues to pose a significant threat to Jamaica, with tropical storm warnings and hurricane watches remaining in effect. The Meteorological Service of Jamaica (Met Service) reported that as of 4:00 am, the storm’s center was positioned at latitude 16.0 degrees north and longitude 75.5 degrees west, approximately 445 kilometers southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and 224 kilometers south-southeast of Morant Point, Jamaica. A slow northeastward drift is anticipated later Friday, with a westward shift expected by Saturday, bringing the storm dangerously close to Jamaica by early next week. Maximum sustained winds are currently near 75 km/h (45 mph), with higher gusts, and further intensification is forecast, potentially elevating Melissa to hurricane status by Saturday and a major hurricane (category three or higher) by Sunday. Tropical storm-force winds extend up to 220 kilometers (140 miles) east of the center. The Met Service warns of significant rainfall, with eastern parishes expected to receive 200-350 millimeters (8-14 inches) through the weekend, leading to widespread flooding and landslides. This heavy rainfall is predicted to spread westward across the country next week. Jamaicans are advised to prepare for strong, gusty winds initially affecting eastern parishes later today and continuing island-wide into the weekend. Hurricane-force winds may occur as early as Saturday. Marine conditions are also expected to deteriorate rapidly on Friday, prompting small craft operators and fishers to remain in safe harbor until conditions improve.

  • Empress Idama performs in Jamaica for first time in 20 years, promotes new songs

    Empress Idama performs in Jamaica for first time in 20 years, promotes new songs

    In a triumphant return to her homeland, Empress Idama, the New York-based roots singer, performed in Jamaica for the first time in over two decades. Her September appearances in St Elizabeth and Kingston marked a significant moment in her career, as she reconnected with her cultural roots and shared her latest musical offerings. The artiste is currently promoting her newest tracks, ‘Spirit’ and ‘Captive,’ produced by Ricardo Simpson and Sidney Mills, respectively. These songs reflect the social consciousness she cultivated during her childhood in Kingston, a legacy inspired by her grandfather, a devoted follower of Marcus Garvey, Jamaica’s first National Hero and a Pan-African icon. Empress Idama performed at renowned events such as the Kingston Night Market and Rub A Dub Tuesdayz, captivating audiences with her powerful messages. Her last performance in Jamaica was in 2005 at a show headlined by Everton Blender and Sizzla at the University of the West Indies. With a career spanning 20 years, Empress Idama has remained a consistent figure in New York City’s live music scene, often opening for legendary acts like Sugar Minott, Junior Reid, Eek A Mouse, and Everton Blender. Through her music, she aims to raise awareness, inspire others, and advocate for the voiceless, using her art as a force for positive change.

  • #EyeOnMelissa: Area 4 cops on alert during Tropical Storm Melissa

    #EyeOnMelissa: Area 4 cops on alert during Tropical Storm Melissa

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — As Tropical Storm Melissa approaches, threatening to escalate into a major hurricane, the Area 4 police team has pledged its full support to safeguard residents and critical infrastructure. Assistant Commissioner Michael Phipps, head of Area 4, emphasized the importance of proactive measures to ensure public safety and protect vulnerable areas during and after the storm.