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标签： Jamaica

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  • Ex-cop’s appeal crushed

    Ex-cop’s appeal crushed

    The Jamaican Court of Appeal has upheld the conviction and sentencing of former police officer Craig Williams, definitively rejecting his attempt to overturn a 15-year prison term for the 2012 rape and abduction of a teenage girl. This ruling brings finality to a case that has drawn significant attention to abuses of power within law enforcement.

    In October 2021, Williams, then a member of the Protective Services Division, was convicted on three charges: illegal possession of a firearm, forcible abduction, and rape. The High Court Division of the Gun Court in Morant Bay delivered a sentence comprising 12 years for firearm possession, 5 years for abduction, and 15 years for rape, with a stipulation that he serve at least 10 years before parole eligibility. All sentences were ordered to run concurrently, and Williams was registered as a sex offender.

    Williams’ appeal centered on claims that the trial judge’s verdict was unreasonable given the evidence presented. His legal team argued that the judge’s summation contained significant deficiencies and failed to properly analyze conflicts in the victim’s testimony that allegedly undermined her credibility.

    The Appeal Court acknowledged shortcomings in the original trial judge’s written analysis, describing the summation as ‘deficient’ and leaving ‘much to be desired.’ However, the appellate judges found that despite these technical flaws, the trial judge had demonstrated clear understanding of the legal requirements for each offense and properly identified credibility as the central issue in the case.

    The appellate ruling emphasized that Williams’ silence during proceedings regarding key allegations proved particularly damaging to his case. When confronted with the victim’s detailed account of sexual assault and abduction—which she maintained consistently under cross-examination—Williams offered no substantive rebuttal to crucial elements of her testimony.

    The court found compelling evidence supporting the original verdict, including call-trace data confirming Williams contacted the victim after the assault, just as she had described. The judges determined that the victim’s testimony remained ‘clear, consistent, and detailed’ throughout the legal process, and she withstood cross-examination without material contradiction.

    The original case stemmed from events on December 29, 2012, when Williams encountered the 17-year-old victim walking along Yallahs main road after midnight. Identifying himself as a police officer, he offered to take her to the station but instead drove her to an isolated area where, according to the victim’s testimony, he threatened her with his firearm and forced her to submit to sexual intercourse.

    The victim described how Williams strategically intercepted another police vehicle during the incident, identifying her as his ‘catty’ (slang for female companion) while she remained trapped in the locked car unable to signal for help. Forensic evidence corroborated her account of subsequent phone contact from Williams.

    With this appeal rejected, Williams’ conviction stands as a definitive legal outcome, underscoring judicial accountability for law enforcement officials who commit sexual offenses while highlighting the judiciary’s capacity to critically examine its own processes while upholding valid convictions.

  • Eight skiers missing in California avalanche found dead

    Eight skiers missing in California avalanche found dead

    A catastrophic avalanche in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains has resulted in one of the deadliest winter sports disasters in recent memory, with eight confirmed fatalities and one skier still unaccounted for as rescue operations continue under perilous conditions.

    The tragedy unfolded Tuesday when an avalanche struck a backcountry skiing expedition near Castle Peak in the Tahoe region. The group, comprising eleven clients and four guides from Blackbird Mountain Guides, had been lodging at the Frog Lake huts since Sunday and were returning to base when the disaster occurred.

    Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon described the ongoing rescue efforts as severely hampered by ‘extreme weather conditions that make movement virtually impossible,’ with gale-force winds and heavy snowfall creating near-zero visibility. Initial rescue teams successfully located six survivors, two of whom required hospitalization, but subsequent searches have yielded no further survivors.

    Over forty first responders, including specialized ski rescue teams from Boreal Mountain Ski Resort and Tahoe Donner’s Alder Creek Adventure Center, have been deployed despite the dangerous conditions. The operation has gained statewide attention, with California Governor Gavin Newsom receiving briefings on the situation.

    The incident occurs amid historically severe winter conditions in the Sierra Nevada range. Sugar Bowl Resort reported 67 inches of accumulation in the past week alone, with 30 inches falling between Tuesday and Wednesday. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for additional snowfall potentially reaching eight feet at higher elevations, accompanied by wind gusts up to 55 mph.

    Local authorities including Placer County Sheriff Wayne Woo have issued urgent pleas for the public to avoid mountain travel, emphasizing the ‘treacherous’ conditions. The Colorado Avalanche Information Center notes this incident contributes to a concerning pattern, with six avalanche-related fatalities recorded across the United States this season, including a previous incident at Castle Peak in January.

    Backcountry skiing, while popular among adventure enthusiasts, carries inherent risks that are dramatically amplified during severe weather events. As rescue operations continue, the winter sports community faces sobering reminders of nature’s unpredictable power and the critical importance of heeding weather advisories.

  • Radio Jamaica losses widen to $502m as advertising weakness exposes structural strain

    Radio Jamaica losses widen to $502m as advertising weakness exposes structural strain

    Jamaica’s premier media conglomerate, Radio Jamaica Limited (RJR), confronts a deepening financial crisis as its nine-month deficit ballooned to $502 million. This alarming figure, markedly wider than the $329 million loss recorded during the comparable period last year, signals intense strain on the advertising-dependent enterprise, compelling a comprehensive corporate overhaul.

    The company’s revenue stream suffered a severe contraction, plummeting by $489 million—a 12.1 percent annual decline—by December. The final quarter proved especially devastating, with revenues crashing 28.8 percent. While management had previously flagged a 10 percent revenue shortfall by mid-year, Hurricane Melissa’s disruptive impact in the December quarter exacerbated these weaknesses, causing advertisers to abruptly suspend expenditures. This accelerated a pre-existing downward trend, transforming what may have been cyclical softness into evident structural fragility.

    Despite implementing cost-cutting measures that slashed expenses by approximately $376 million, the sheer magnitude of falling revenues completely negated these savings. Operating leverage consequently turned adversarial. The quarter ending December alone generated a staggering after-tax loss of $242 million, dwarfing the $58.8 million deficit from the year before.

    A glimmer of operational discipline emerged as net cash utilized in operations decreased to $161.8 million from $250.7 million. However, this apparent stabilization was artificially propped up by $500 million in new borrowing. These loans bolstered period-end cash reserves to $270 million but simultaneously escalated long-term debt to approximately $856 million, effectively exchanging liquidity for heightened financial leverage amid persistent negative earnings.

    In response, RJR has pivoted from incremental austerity to radical structural transformation. The group is streamlining its corporate framework by consolidating 13 principal entities into three, centralizing governance, and merging support functions. Management is also advancing a joint printing initiative and evaluating property rationalization strategies to fundamentally simplify and reduce its cost structure. These decisive actions underscore a recognition that margin recovery cannot hinge solely on a rebound in advertising revenue.

    The restructuring agenda enjoys solid backing from dominant shareholders. The top ten investors collectively control 61.48% of the company, with directors Joseph M. Matalon and Peter Melhado each holding 15.59% and Douglas Orane maintaining a 14.19% stake.

    For the market, the pivotal inquiry now transcends RJR’s capacity for further cost reduction. It centers on whether the company can stabilize its revenue foundation in an evolving media landscape where advertising budgets are increasingly fragmented across digital and global platforms. Without achieving this stabilization, operational efficiencies may merely decelerate losses rather than engineer a genuine financial turnaround. These results indicate that RJR’s future resilience will equally depend on strategic balance-sheet management and its ability to maintain audience relevance.

  • Phoenix Awards to go national

    Phoenix Awards to go national

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—A groundbreaking national initiative is poised to transform Jamaica’s cultural landscape with the establishment of the Phoenix Awards. This first-of-its-kind ceremony, scheduled for March 30 at the Phillip Sherlock Creative Arts Centre, will honor professionals across the entire spectrum of creative industries through an unprecedented 48 award categories.

    Conceived by playwright David Tulloch, the awards represent a comprehensive celebration of Jamaica’s artistic community, recognizing not only performers but the complete ecosystem behind cultural productions. The extensive categories span traditional disciplines like acting, poetry, dance, and music while also acknowledging often-overlooked contributors including writers, producers, production teams, and even concessionaires who enhance the audience experience.

    Tulloch emphasized the organic evolution of what began as a local project into a national movement. ‘The transition to a national platform emerged through extensive dialogue with industry colleagues who expressed a powerful desire for unity within our cultural community,’ Tulloch explained. ‘I consistently heard professionals calling for an inclusive event that would properly recognize the full breadth and depth of our creative sector.’

    The development process became a collaborative effort, with Tulloch bringing diverse stakeholders together to create a platform that balances comprehensive representation with public re-engagement in cultural activities. This community-driven approach distinguishes the Phoenix Awards from traditional recognition programs by breaking down silos between artistic disciplines and emphasizing their interconnected roles in storytelling and cultural preservation.

    The addition of unconventional categories—such as best concessionaires—reflects the awards’ innovative philosophy that cultural experiences extend beyond the stage or screen to encompass all elements that contribute to audience enjoyment and participation.

  • United completes first phase of Jamaica offshore survey; advances de-risking of seven-billion-barrel prospect

    United completes first phase of Jamaica offshore survey; advances de-risking of seven-billion-barrel prospect

    United Oil & Gas has achieved a pivotal technical milestone in its Jamaican offshore exploration campaign, announcing the successful completion of Stage 1 of its Surface Geochemical Exploration Programme on the Walton-Morant Licence. This initial phase, which involved an extensive multi-beam echosounder seabed survey, has yielded high-quality bathymetric data across 1,189 kilometers of prioritized offshore territory. The comprehensive seabed mapping operation provides critical intelligence for guiding subsequent exploration activities. The dataset will now inform optimal positioning for Stage 2 heat-flow measurements and Stage 3 targeted piston core sampling, which entails extracting seabed sediment samples for detailed laboratory analysis. Chief Executive Brian Larkin characterized the completion as establishing “a robust foundation” for forthcoming offshore operations, emphasizing that the quality of acquired data enables scientifically informed selection for subsequent technical phases. The survey vessel R/V Gyre has already returned to Kingston for equipment reconfiguration before resuming its offshore mission. This geochemical program represents a systematic approach to gathering independent, basin-scale evidence of active hydrocarbon systems within the block. The company has previously referenced an estimated resource potential exceeding seven billion barrels within the licence area. While not altering headline resource estimates, successful program completion could materially enhance the project’s geological probability of success from approximately 20% to 33%, substantially de-risking the exploration asset. The acquired data will directly support ongoing technical evaluations and farm-out discussions. The campaign has garnered public endorsement from Daryl Vaz, Jamaica’s Minister of Science, Energy, and Transport, who visited the survey vessel earlier this month. United reported smooth regulatory coordination and stakeholder engagement throughout the complex mobilization process, which required months of permitting and logistical preparation. The company will provide further updates upon concluding offshore operations.

  • A1 Pelico creates buzz With ‘Mil A Day’ single

    A1 Pelico creates buzz With ‘Mil A Day’ single

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—Jamaican dancehall performer A1 Pelico has commenced the new year with remarkable momentum, positioning himself for substantial career advancement. The artist’s latest single, ‘Mil A Day,’ has generated seismic waves across airwaves and digital platforms, signaling his ascending trajectory in the music industry.

    Despite widespread social media speculation regarding the song’s inspiration, A1 Pelico clarified that the track isn’t targeted at any specific individual. “I’m not directing words at anyone in particular—I’m simply expressing what I witness and hear in the streets,” the artist explained. The single’s infectious rhythm and relatable lyrics have propelled it to viral status, dominating radio rotations and internet playlists simultaneously.

    Born Junior Shaw in the Riverton City community, the artist revealed his origins in inner-city Kingston, where he experienced financial hardships and physical challenges common among urban youth. Music became his therapeutic outlet and escape mechanism during difficult times. He described how immersing himself in the works of influential artists helped shape his aspirations and creative vision.

    “Growing up in the garrison environment shapes your perspective differently. You develop heightened awareness and appreciate simplicity more profoundly than average youth,” A1 Pelico reflected. “Music was my stress relief during formative years, which explains why composition comes naturally to me now. I always aspired to achieve the lifestyle portrayed in the songs of my predecessors. While I haven’t fully realized that dream yet, I’m undoubtedly progressing toward it.”

    The artist’s current momentum extends beyond local recognition, with international radio stations and social media influencers amplifying his reach through their platforms. This global exposure coincides with A1 Pelico’s intensive studio sessions, where he’s developing multiple new singles to capitalize on his burgeoning popularity.

  • JN TARGETS 80 PER CENT LOSS CUT AS NEGATIVE OUTLOOK RAISES STAKES

    JN TARGETS 80 PER CENT LOSS CUT AS NEGATIVE OUTLOOK RAISES STAKES

    Jamaica National Group has unveiled an ambitious recovery strategy targeting an 80% reduction in consolidated losses by March 2026, signaling its most significant financial improvement since a prolonged restructuring period. This bold initiative comes as the group’s losses have already narrowed substantially from approximately $4 billion at their peak to $2.5 billion in FY2025, with current performance indicators showing further improvement.

    The financial resurgence is primarily driven by JN Bank, the group’s flagship subsidiary, which reported unaudited pre-tax profits of $1.2 billion for the nine months ending December 2025—more than double the $582 million recorded for the entire previous fiscal year. This performance, if maintained, could fundamentally transform the group’s consolidated financial position.

    However, the recovery faces external scrutiny. Credit rating agency CariCRIS recently maintained JN’s ratings but shifted its outlook from stable to negative, expressing concerns over persistent losses. CEO Earl Jarrett acknowledged this development at the annual general meeting, indicating that the next review cycle will critically assess whether the stabilization measures prove sustainable.

    The group’s current position follows two years of strategic contraction, including asset sales and balance sheet restructuring. JN liquidated investments in JN General Insurance and JN Fund Managers while reducing its stake in JN Bank UK, thereby concentrating capital on core operations: banking, remittance services, life insurance, and digital platforms.

    Customer deposits, which declined during the most challenging phase, have begun recovering. JN Bank reported 5% deposit growth in 2025, with its net loan book expanding by 2%. Momentum accelerated in the current financial year, with the net loan book growing 7% to $165.10 billion and deposits increasing 5% to $220.37 billion over a six-month period.

    The restructuring extends beyond financial metrics to operational transformation. JN Bank will permanently close its Sovereign on the Boulevard and Half-Way Tree Transport Centre branches by March 31, 2026, consolidating accounts into its central Half-Way-Tree branch. This move reflects sustained migration toward digital channels, including ONE JN Passport onboarding, JN Bank LIVE online banking, JAMDEX-enabled JN Pay Wallet, and upgraded Smart ATMs.

    Over the past five years, JN has invested more than $3 billion in technology infrastructure. Project Rubicon, the group’s data-driven loan adjudication platform, has reduced unsecured loan approval times by approximately half and is being extended to mortgage processing.

    Despite progress, material risks persist. Asset quality pressures continue across the financial sector, hurricane-related disruptions have affected operations, and reliance on expensive repo funding continues to pressure margins. The mutual ownership model further heightens stakes by directly linking earnings stability to member confidence.

    After 151 years of operation, Jamaica National’s current pivot from expansionary diversification toward disciplined focus, capital preservation, and digital scaling represents one of its most consequential strategic resets. While an 80% loss reduction would mark a decisive inflection point, the negative outlook from CariCRIS emphasizes that sustained profitability—not merely narrower losses—will be required to confirm a genuine turnaround.

  • Jamaica boosts coastal disaster assessment skills through TNC workshop

    Jamaica boosts coastal disaster assessment skills through TNC workshop

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—In a significant capacity-building initiative, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) convened over 60 government officials and environmental specialists for a comprehensive science workshop on February 9-10. The event, held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, focused on leveraging geospatial data for detecting changes in vulnerable coastal ecosystems.

    The intensive two-day program addressed the critical need for advanced monitoring tools as Caribbean nations face increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. Participants engaged with cutting-edge remote sensing methodologies using PlanetScope and Sentinel-2 satellite imagery to evaluate hurricane impacts on marine and coastal environments.

    Under the guidance of Dr. Steve Schill, TNC’s Caribbean Lead Scientist, and other technical experts, the workshop blended theoretical foundations with practical applications. Day one established core remote sensing principles, including assessment requirements and software options ranging from proprietary to open-source platforms. Attendees gained proficiency in field data collection techniques and learned to access satellite imagery from both public and private sources.

    The training featured demonstrations of cloud-based analytical tools, notably Google Earth Engine, showcasing how integration of satellite data with field observations enables rapid, precise change detection. “Remote sensing allows hurricane impact assessment within days, while drones can map damage once weather conditions stabilize,” Dr. Schill explained.

    Day two progressed to hands-on image processing using industry-standard software including ArcGIS Pro and QGIS. Non-governmental organization representatives additionally trained with Kobo Toolbox and Google Earth Pro, analyzing sample datasets to evaluate ecological changes in mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and sandy shorelines. These practical sessions were specifically designed to enhance skills applicable to both immediate post-disaster evaluations and sustained coastal monitoring efforts.

    Donna Blake, TNC Jamaica’s Program Director, emphasized the critical importance of reliable environmental data: “Timely information is essential for transforming post-disaster assessments into informed policy and investment decisions. Building technical capacity ensures our restoration efforts remain evidence-based and aligned with national resilience objectives.”

    This capacity-building initiative ultimately strengthens Jamaica’s ability to monitor and report on climate commitments related to coastal ecosystems while significantly improving the efficiency and accuracy of environmental assessments following major disturbances.

  • Holness mourns passing of US civil rights activist Jesse Jackson

    Holness mourns passing of US civil rights activist Jesse Jackson

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has publicly expressed profound sorrow following the passing of renowned American civil rights pioneer Reverend Jesse Jackson, who died Tuesday morning. In an official statement released the same day, Holness memorialized Jackson as an extraordinarily influential figure whose advocacy reshaped social justice movements across two centuries.

    The Prime Minister emphasized that Jackson’s lifelong dedication to advancing economic parity, racial equality, and social justice created transformative impacts extending far beyond U.S. borders. His empowerment initiatives for Black communities, minority groups, and working-class citizens generated worldwide resonance that will endure for generations, Holness noted.

    Holness characterized Jackson as an inspirational communicator whose powerful oratory captured the attention of global power structures. “Humanity owes Reverend Jackson a debt of gratitude,” the statement continued, highlighting his unique capacity to influence policymakers and consciousness leaders internationally.

    The Jamaican leader placed Jackson within an exceptional group of civil rights pioneers including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., applauding their selfless commitment to humanitarian principles despite significant personal risks. Holness specifically noted their shared prioritization of universal justice over self-interest.

    Describing Jackson’s death as a historic moment, Holness credited the activist with restoring virtues of kindness, justice, and equality during periods when these principles faced erosion. The Prime Minister concluded by extending official condolences to Jackson’s family, friends, and supporters worldwide during their time of grief.

  • Parnassus Agro-Park farmers get $30m worth of agricultural tools and supplies

    Parnassus Agro-Park farmers get $30m worth of agricultural tools and supplies

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – In a significant move to strengthen national food security, the Jamaican government has distributed agricultural resources worth approximately $30 million to thirty-three farmers operating at the Parnassus Agro-Park. This initiative forms part of the first phase of the Southern Plains Agricultural Development Project (SPAD) Matching Grant Scheme, designed to equip local agriculturists with essential tools for enhanced productivity and enterprise sustainability.

    The provision includes comprehensive one-acre irrigation systems, extensive fencing materials, diverse seeds and seedlings, specialized crop inputs for both one-acre and half-acre plots, along with practical small tools like mist blowers and sprayers. This strategic support aims to directly increase crop yields, fortify farmers’ economic livelihoods, and substantially contribute to reducing Jamaica’s reliance on food imports.

    Managed by the Agro-Investment Corporation (AIC), an agency under the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, the project receives funding from the United Kingdom Caribbean Infrastructure Fund (UKCIF) and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), totaling a $100-million investment. While initially benefiting farmers in Clarendon and St. Catherine—specifically in areas like Amity Hall and Bridge Pen—the scheme specifically prioritizes support for small to medium-scale operations, including those run by youth and women.

    During the official handover ceremony at the Clarendon agro-park on February 11, Minister Floyd Green emphasized the government’s commitment. “This matching grant represents a $30 million investment in our agricultural entrepreneurs. We are investing in the farmers so they can invest in their enterprises, ensuring we get the food needed for a food-secure Jamaica,” he stated. Minister Green further highlighted that the support extends beyond financial input, incorporating crucial training programs to build long-term capacity.

    The Parnassus Agro-Park itself is a hub of diverse agricultural production, with farmers actively cultivating hot pepper, sweet pepper, pumpkin, sweet potato, watermelon, callaloo, sweet corn, cucumber, okra, onion, and pak choi. Through this injection of resources and the overarching work of the AIC, the project underscores a dedicated national effort to modernize agricultural practices, mobilize sector finance, and promote sustainable socio-economic development across rural communities.