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标签： Jamaica

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  • Waterhouse upset Mt Pleasant, leaders Montego Bay beat Chapelton in JPL

    Waterhouse upset Mt Pleasant, leaders Montego Bay beat Chapelton in JPL

    In a stunning Sunday showdown that reshaped the Jamaica Premier League landscape, Waterhouse FC delivered a monumental 1-0 upset against reigning Caribbean Cup champions Mount Pleasant FA at Drax Hall. The victory marked Waterhouse’s first consecutive wins this season while handing the St. Ann titans their second defeat of the campaign.

    The match’s decisive moment arrived in the 25th minute when Nerron Barrow unleashed an extraordinary looping left-footed strike from the right flank of Mount Pleasant’s 18-yard box. The ball arced magnificently into the top left corner of the net, securing Waterhouse’s first triumph over their opponents since the 2022-23 season.

    League leaders Montego Bay United fortified their position with a 2-0 victory against Chapelton Maroons at Jarrett Park, extending their advantage to seven points. Nashordo Gibbs initiated the scoring in the third minute, while Jourdain Fletcher sealed the win with his league-leading 12th goal in the 77th minute.

    In a dramatic reversal at Stadium East, Tivoli Gardens overcame defending champions Cavalier with a 2-1 comeback victory. Cavalier initially led due to an 82nd-minute own goal from goalkeeper Nathaniel Francis, but Nickalia Fuller responded immediately with a breathtaking 23-yard free kick that curled into the top corner. Substitute Dayne Ewen completed the turnaround with a close-range finish during stoppage time.

    Dunbeholden FC ended their four-game winless streak with an explosive 4-2 performance against Harbour View, who conceded four goals for the second consecutive match. Damion Binns scored twice for Dunbeholden, who established a commanding 3-0 halftime lead through additional goals from Odean Pennycooke and Fabion McCarthy.

    Other fixtures saw Racing United and Portmore United draw 1-1 in a clash between second-place contenders, while Treasure Beach and Arnett Gardens settled at 1-1. Molynes United missed a crucial opportunity to advance in the standings after being held 1-1 by bottom-placed Spanish Town Police FC.

  • Winter storm disrupts flights at NMIA

    Winter storm disrupts flights at NMIA

    A severe winter storm impacting the western and central United States has triggered significant flight disruptions at Jamaica’s Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) in Kingston. Airport operator PAC Kingston Airport Limited (PACKAL) has confirmed the cancellation of at least ten JetBlue flights scheduled between Sunday, January 25, and Tuesday, January 27, 2026.

    The affected flights include multiple routes between Kingston and major US hubs. Cancellations for January 25th involve flights 110, 1759, 1760, 1360, and 759 operating on the Kingston-New York (JFK) route and return services. On January 26th, cancellations extend to flights 110, 1375 (Fort Lauderdale-Kingston), 1359, and 1759. The disruption continues into January 27th with flight 1675 from Fort Lauderdale to Kingston.

    Travelers are strongly advised to verify their flight status directly with JetBlue before heading to the airport. The airline can be contacted through its official website (www.jetblue.com) or via customer service numbers 1-800-963-3014 and 1-866-963-3014 for rebooking options and schedule updates.

    NMIA authorities are providing real-time operational updates through their social media channels on Instagram, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter). The travel disruptions have extended beyond Kingston, with Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay also reporting several flight cancellations due to the same weather system.

  • Ghanaian minister, reconstruction team arrive in Jamaica

    Ghanaian minister, reconstruction team arrive in Jamaica

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—In a significant demonstration of South-South cooperation, Ghana has dispatched a specialized military engineering team to assist Jamaica with post-hurricane reconstruction efforts. The delegation, led by Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Ablakwa, arrived in Jamaica for a multi-day official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.

    Jamaican Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kamina Johnson Smith formally welcomed the Ghanaian contingent, highlighting the visit as a pivotal moment to enhance bilateral cooperation while incorporating contemporary elements into their deep historical connections. The diplomatic engagement represents a practical manifestation of international solidarity between two Commonwealth nations with shared historical experiences.

    Minister Johnson Smith emphasized the strategic importance of engaging with the reconstruction team, which is headed by Colonel Asia of the Ghana Army Engineer Reconstruction unit. The specialized military engineers bring technical expertise and operational experience to support Jamaica’s recovery from the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, which struck the Caribbean island last October.

    The deployment marks a notable evolution in diplomatic relations, transitioning from symbolic gestures to concrete collaborative action. The Ghanaian team’s mission focuses on providing expert recovery and rebuilding support, particularly in infrastructure rehabilitation and disaster resilience construction techniques. This initiative represents a growing trend of direct technical assistance between developing nations, bypassing traditional aid channels and establishing more equitable partnerships based on mutual respect and shared developmental objectives.

  • Atletico down Mallorca to tighten grip on third

    Atletico down Mallorca to tighten grip on third

    In a dominant La Liga display, Atletico Madrid secured a decisive 3-0 victory against Mallorca at the Metropolitano stadium on Sunday. The comprehensive win solidifies their hold on third place in the standings, simultaneously narrowing the gap with front-runners Real Madrid to a mere seven points.

    The triumph gains additional significance following Real Madrid’s defeat of fourth-placed Villarreal the previous day. Under Diego Simeone’s strategic guidance, Atletico capitalized on this development, establishing a crucial three-point buffer over their closest Champions League qualification rivals.

    Norwegian striker Alexander Sorloth initiated the scoring in the 22nd minute, capitalizing on a saved attempt from Marcos Llorente to net his seventh league goal this season. This achievement places him alongside Julián Álvarez as the team’s joint-top scorer. The hosts’ advantage expanded fortuitously in the second half when David López inadvertently directed Llorente’s cross into his own net. Argentine midfielder Thiago Almada concluded the scoring late in the match, expertly converting from a corner kick situation.

    Atletico’s offensive dominance was evident from the opening whistle, forcing Mallorca goalkeeper Leo Román into making a remarkable triple save early against Sorloth, Giuliano Simeone, and Pablo Barrios. Midfielder Llorente emphasized post-match that the comfortable victory before home supporters represents “the path to follow” for the Madrid-based club.

    The result intensifies the title race as Barcelona prepared to face bottom-placed Real Oviedo later Sunday, with an opportunity to reclaim the league leadership.

  • Man charged with murder of young mother in southern France

    Man charged with murder of young mother in southern France

    A profound sense of grief has enveloped the French city of Nice following the brutal murder of a 23-year-old woman, identified only as Lizabete, who was fatally shot multiple times while her infant daughter sat unharmed in the vehicle. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday at a city intersection, has prompted swift legal action, with a primary suspect now facing murder charges.

    According to official statements from prosecutor Damien Martinelli, the alleged perpetrator—a 45-year-old Portuguese national—has been placed in pre-trial detention after being formally charged with murder on Sunday. Investigators believe the suspect was previously involved with Lizabete’s stepmother, adding a layer of domestic complexity to the tragedy.

    The attack unfolded when the assailant, riding a scooter, approached Lizabete’s car at point-blank range near a local high school and fired repeatedly into the vehicle. Despite the immediate response of emergency services, the young mother could not be revived. Miraculously, her seven-month-old daughter, Ayla, secured in a baby seat beside her, emerged physically unscathed.

    Notably, the suspect had recently been in police custody for aggravated assault against his former partner and was under a court order to avoid contact with her. He was rearrested Saturday afternoon on the outskirts of Grasse, approximately 40 kilometers from Nice.

    In response to the killing, the Nice municipal government held a public vigil on Friday to honor Lizabete’s memory. The city has also committed to granting her daughter ward-of-the-state status, ensuring support and care throughout her upbringing.

  • Few make the cut

    Few make the cut

    Jamaica’s premier law enforcement agencies are confronting a significant recruitment challenge as their exhaustive vetting procedures eliminate the vast majority of applicants seeking to join their ranks. The Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) and Financial Investigations Division (FID) have disclosed that their stringent integrity assessments, including polygraph examinations and comprehensive background checks, result in exceptionally high rejection rates.

    Colonel Desmond Edwards, Director General of MOCA, elaborated during a recent Jamaica Observer Monday Exchange that approximately 20% of candidates immediately fail polygraph testing. Among those who initially pass, many are subsequently disqualified during meticulous background investigations and additional screening phases, despite possessing adequate academic credentials.

    The screening protocol represents one of the most rigorous in Jamaican law enforcement. All MOCA personnel undergo ‘positive vetting’—a multilayered process involving initial polygraph tests, thorough background assessments, and annual polygraph re-evaluations for every agency member. The organization maintains a specialized polygraph unit with 16 certified examiners who provide integrity assurance services for MOCA personnel and other government entities including the Jamaica Constabulary Force.

    Edwards emphasized the necessity of these measures given MOCA’s sensitive mandate investigating organized crime, financial offenses, and corruption. “We suffer significantly with our capacity to onboard people quickly because sometimes they don’t make it through the process,” he acknowledged, noting that the agency typically must evaluate six to seven applicants before identifying one suitable candidate who meets both academic and integrity standards.

    The FID reports parallel challenges. Chief Technical Director Dennis Chung revealed that background investigations frequently uncover disqualifying factors such as previous involvement in financial irregularities or scam-related activities. Chung indicated that despite strong applicant interest, only approximately 20% ultimately satisfy the comprehensive requirements for financial investigation roles.

    Garth Williams, FID Brand Communications Specialist, clarified that the high attrition rate reflects the specialized nature of financial crime investigation rather than applicant quality or motivation. The agencies maintain that their exacting standards, while slowing recruitment, are indispensable for maintaining investigative credibility and public trust as financial crimes grow increasingly sophisticated and technology-dependent.

  • Nearly 700 students placed in ‘host schools’ after Melissa – Morris Dixon

    Nearly 700 students placed in ‘host schools’ after Melissa – Morris Dixon

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – In response to the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, Jamaican educational authorities have successfully relocated approximately 680 students from severely affected regions to functional host institutions. The Category 5 hurricane, which made direct landfall last October, caused substantial damage to educational infrastructure across multiple northwestern parishes including Westmoreland, St James, St Elizabeth, Hanover, and Trelwany, with additional damage reported in Manchester and St Ann.

    Education Minister Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon confirmed the implementation of the ministry’s host school policy, designed to ensure educational continuity for displaced students. The strategic relocation effort has placed affected students into reputable high schools within the Corporate Area, with prominent institutions such as Alpha Academy, Wolmer’s Schools, Campion College, and Kingston College participating in the program.

    The minister’s statements came during a Senate session on Friday, specifically addressing inquiries from Opposition Senator Lambert Brown regarding educational continuity measures. Minister Morris Dixon notably acknowledged Opposition MP Damion Crawford’s constructive suggestions regarding host school placements, stating: ‘I applaud MP Crawford for aligning with the ministry’s direction on host schools – this initiative has proven tremendously beneficial for our children’s educational stability.’

    The host school policy, activated immediately following the hurricane, represents a coordinated effort between government agencies and educational institutions to mitigate disruption to students’ academic progress while damaged facilities undergo reconstruction and repairs.

  • ‘NOT YOUR ENEMY’

    ‘NOT YOUR ENEMY’

    The Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) has undergone a profound institutional metamorphosis, shedding its previous reputation as a controversial enforcement body to emerge as a caring partner in athletic integrity. This remarkable turnaround follows years of public distrust stemming from high-profile operational failures, including testing irregularities in cases involving cricketer Andre Russell and quarter-miler Riker Hylton, plus the 2022 Carifta Games incident where Jamaica’s Under-20 women’s 4x100m relay team was denied a world record due to JADCO’s testing negligence.

    The transformation began with leadership changes starting in March 2018 when June Spence Jarrett assumed the executive director role following an internal review. The evolution continued with attorney Debby-Ann Brown Salmon becoming chairperson in March 2024. Together, they implemented a dual strategy addressing both procedural deficiencies and perceptual problems.

    Under the new philosophy, JADCO has expanded its mission beyond mere regulatory compliance with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code. Executive Director Spence Jarrett emphasizes a human-centered approach: “We must care for the people we have under our supervision. Yes, we must test them, but how we do it is important. We must have a human and personal approach to the athletes.”

    Central to this new identity is the concept of “protecting Brand Jamaica” through shared responsibility and national pride. The organization now operates an open-door policy that encourages proactive athlete engagement rather than fear-based compliance. This shift is evidenced by athletes voluntarily emailing JADCO for supplement guidance and increased cooperation with early morning testing protocols.

    Beyond competitive arenas, JADCO has launched extensive community outreach initiatives including health fairs, free dental check-ups for junior athletes, annual road shows distributing school supplies, and disaster relief efforts like their adoption of Siloah New Testament Church after Hurricane Melissa. These efforts demonstrate a nurturing dimension rarely associated with anti-doping agencies.

    Ian Forbes, First Vice-President of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association, confirms the dramatic perceptual shift: “Back then, JADCO was perceived as the police—a nuisance harassing athletes. That perception has totally changed.” He notes the organization now embodies a broader vision of sporting integrity encompassing education, culture, and leadership.

    The commission’s challenge remains maintaining consistency in its reformed approach, but through persistent relationship-building, communicative transparency, and balancing regulation with humanity, JADCO continues reshaping its identity one interaction at a time.

  • Leon Bailey features as Aston Villa beat Newcastle to stay in title hunt

    Leon Bailey features as Aston Villa beat Newcastle to stay in title hunt

    The English Premier League witnessed a significant shift in its competitive landscape this Sunday, headlined by Aston Villa’s commanding 2-0 away victory over Newcastle United. This crucial win narrows the gap between Villa and the league summit to a mere four points, dramatically reigniting their campaign following a surprising home defeat to Everton the previous weekend.

    The match at St. James’ Park, a venue where Villa had not triumphed since 2005, was decided by two decisive moments. Argentine midfielder Emi Buendia broke the deadlock with a spectacular long-range strike in the 19th minute, setting Unai Emery’s squad on a path to victory. The win was sealed in the closing moments by English striker Ollie Watkins, who expertly headed home a cross from Lucas Digne.

    Newcastle, hampered by the absence of injured captain Bruno Guimaraes, struggled to find creative solutions, suffering a damaging blow to their Champions League qualification hopes. The match also featured the season debut of Villa winger Leon Bailey, who entered as a substitute and nearly scored shortly after his introduction.

    In simultaneous action, Chelsea secured a vital 3-1 victory against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, propelling them into the coveted top four positions. The Blues’ dominance was showcased through Brazilian talents Estevao and Joao Pedro, who contributed significantly to the scoreline before Enzo Fernandez converted a penalty to secure three points. Palace’s dismal situation worsened with Adam Wharton’s dismissal, extending their winless streak to eleven matches and raising serious concerns about their Premier League status.

    Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest significantly boosted their survival prospects with a impressive 2-0 win against Brentford, moving five points clear of the relegation zone with goals from Igor Jesus and Taiwo Awoniyi.

    As the title race intensifies, league leaders Arsenal maintain control with an opportunity to extend their advantage to seven points when they host Manchester United in the weekend’s final fixture.

  • Hustlers’ haven

    Hustlers’ haven

    The renowned Bath Fountain mineral spring in St Thomas, Jamaica, faces a growing crisis as aggressive informal tour operators systematically target visitors with pressurized services and questionable pricing practices. An investigative team from the Jamaica Observer documented firsthand how these touts operate kilometers from the attraction, pursuing tourists in vehicles and on motorcycles to offer guiding services, massages, and mineral treatments.

    Multiple unregistered operators congregate at the spring entrance, aggressively marketing services including sulphur clay applications priced at J$1,000, with massage rates varying dramatically between J$3,500-7,000 for locals and US$70-100 for international visitors. The situation has escalated to concerning levels, with one reported incident involving a tourist being charged J$72,000 for services rendered to four individuals.

    Bath Fountain Hotel management confirmed awareness of these practices, noting operators frequently block hotel gates, misinform patrons about facility closures, and provide inaccurate pricing information. The hotel administration revealed ongoing consultations with the Ministry of Tourism regarding the economic impact on legitimate operations and potential reputational damage to Jamaica’s tourism sector.

    The informal guides defend their practices as traditional family heritage operations, claiming proper training through community programs. However, the unregulated nature of these services creates significant consumer protection issues, with reported incidents including confrontations that nearly turned violent when frustrated visitors felt exploited.

    Despite repeated appeals to government authorities, police, and parish councils over several years, the problem persists with fluctuating operator numbers that peak during weekends and holiday periods. The hotel management acknowledges the economic importance of the spring to local communities but emphasizes its inability to absorb unregulated operators while awaiting official policy recommendations from ongoing governmental studies.