Sangster International Airport (SIA) in St James, Jamaica, has once again been crowned the Caribbean’s Leading Airport by the World Travel Awards (WTA) for the 17th consecutive year. The prestigious accolade was announced on October 4, 2025, during the WTA Caribbean & North America Gala Ceremony held at the Sandals Grande Saint Lucian Resort in St Lucia. This event is part of the WTA’s annual Grand Tour, which honors excellence in the global travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors. Shane Munroe, CEO of MBJ Airports Limited (MBJ), the operator of SIA, expressed profound gratitude for the recognition, dedicating the award to the MBJ team, the SIA community, and all stakeholders. He emphasized that the achievement reflects the dedication of over 7,500 team members and partners who strive to deliver exceptional experiences for travelers. SIA, Jamaica’s primary tourism gateway, handles over 70% of the island’s air traffic. The airport has been investing heavily in infrastructure, passenger experience enhancements, sustainability initiatives, and technological innovations. Recent projects include full biometric integration for departures and the upcoming pilot of a self-bag drop system. Munroe highlighted plans to expand check-in areas, parking facilities, the Immigration Hall, and the East Concourse to further improve efficiency and customer satisfaction. Sharon Hislop-Holt, Manager of Commercial Business Development and Marketing, underscored the collaborative efforts behind the airport’s success, thanking stakeholders and partners for their support. The WTA, established in 1993, is globally recognized as the pinnacle of industry excellence, with its regional winners advancing to the World Travel Awards Grand Final.
标签： Jamaica
牙买加
-
Future Fambo suffers ‘mild heart attack’
Renowned dancehall artist Future Fambo, born Warren Gladstone Williams, experienced a mild heart attack in New York on Sunday, prompting an urgent response from FDNY medical personnel. The incident occurred after the artist, who has been diagnosed with diabetes, consumed cornmeal porridge following a period of fasting due to extensive travel. Fambo shared a 28-second video on Instagram, showing himself on a sofa, clad in underpants, connected to medical equipment as paramedics worked to stabilize his condition. He described feeling cold sweats and blurred vision, which led his friend to call for emergency assistance. Fambo attributed the episode to a sudden drop in blood sugar exacerbated by the porridge. Despite the scare, he opted to recover at home rather than go to the hospital, reassuring fans that he is now “alright.” The artist revealed that he received concerned calls from fellow dancehall stars, including Sean Paul, Flexx, and Mavado. Reflecting on the incident, Fambo expressed his intention to embrace Christianity in January 2024, citing disillusionment with the music industry’s hypocrisy. He recently released a gospel-inspired single, “Amazing Song,” on World Blast Records, emphasizing his spiritual journey. Fambo also shared that he had prayed for half an hour before the heart attack, viewing it as a pivotal moment in his life.
-
G2K slams Mark Golding for approach to constitutional reform
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The youth affiliate of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), Generation 2000 (G2K), has launched a scathing critique of Opposition Leader and People’s National Party (PNP) President Mark Golding, accusing him of adopting an ‘arrogant, entitled, and immature’ approach to Jamaica’s constitutional reform process. In a strongly worded statement released on Sunday, G2K highlighted Golding’s refusal to engage with Constitutional Affairs Minister Delroy Chuck unless Prime Minister Andrew Holness is present. This stance, according to G2K, undermines national unity and obstructs Jamaica’s transition to a republic, a move that would sever ties with the United Kingdom’s monarchy. The group further criticized Golding for his alleged inconsistency, noting that while he initially supported bipartisan efforts on constitutional reform, he later reversed his position as the government’s plans gained traction. G2K also accused Golding of repeatedly disrespecting Prime Minister Holness and the Office of the Prime Minister, citing instances such as his refusal to stand during Holness’s arrival at the recent swearing-in ceremony at King’s House. The group labeled Golding’s insistence on direct talks with the prime minister as ‘ironic,’ given his reluctance to engage with Minister Chuck, who oversees the constitutional affairs portfolio. G2K urged Golding to abandon what it termed his ‘entitled, immature, and classist’ behavior and to adopt a more cooperative stance to expedite Jamaica’s transition to a republic.
-
Ethan Mbappe returns to haunt PSG as Lille force draw with Ligue 1 leaders
In a dramatic Ligue 1 showdown on Sunday, Ethan Mbappe, younger brother of Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe, emerged as the hero for Lille by scoring a late equalizer against his former club Paris Saint-Germain. The 1-1 draw at Stade Pierre-Mauroy allowed injury-plagued PSG to maintain a one-point lead at the top of the league, but the spotlight was firmly on the 18-year-old substitute. PSG had taken the lead through a stunning free-kick by Nuno Mendes in the second half, but Ethan Mbappe’s composed finish in the 85th minute ensured the spoils were shared. PSG coach Luis Enrique admitted fatigue played a role, saying, ‘We prioritized the players’ health after a tough week.’ Meanwhile, Lyon suffered a shocking 2-1 defeat at home to Toulouse, with new signing Emersonn scoring a brace, including a dramatic 96th-minute winner. The result saw Lyon drop to fourth in the table. Elsewhere, Monaco and Nice played out a thrilling 2-2 draw, while Strasbourg climbed to third with a dominant 5-0 victory over Angers.
-
Two Caribbean nationals among convicted child sex predators nabbed by ICE
In a significant enforcement operation, the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency has apprehended four undocumented immigrants, including two Caribbean nationals, in San Diego, California. The individuals, hailing from The Bahamas, Cuba, Mexico, and Vietnam, were arrested following convictions for severe crimes against children, such as sexual assault, molestation, and rape. Among those detained was Devin Richardson, a Bahamian national, who was convicted of sexually assaulting minors and failing to register as a sex offender in California. Another individual, Walter Ramirez from Cuba, was found guilty of rape, drug-induced sexual assault of a minor, and domestic violence. All four are currently in ICE custody, awaiting deportation proceedings to their respective countries. Patrick Divver, the field office director for ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) in San Diego, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, ‘These predators targeted the most vulnerable members of our community — children.’ He further highlighted the proximity of one offender to an in-home daycare and an elementary school, underscoring the immediate threat to public safety. Divver concluded, ‘By taking them into custody, ICE has removed a clear danger and sent a strong message that child predators who are illegal aliens have no place in our country.’
-
Twenty wounded in Sydney shooting
A 60-year-old man is now in police custody following a shocking mass shooting in Sydney’s Inner West suburb, which left 20 people injured. The incident occurred on Sunday evening when the suspect allegedly fired between 50 to 100 bullets indiscriminately at passing vehicles, including police cars, according to authorities. New South Wales Police Acting Superintendent Stephen Parry described the scene as chaotic, with the gunman’s actions posing a significant threat to public safety. After a two-hour standoff, police successfully apprehended the suspect in a unit above a local business. The man sustained injuries during his arrest and was subsequently hospitalized. Among the victims, one man is in serious condition after being shot, while 19 others suffered injuries from shrapnel or shattered glass. Witnesses described the scene as surreal, with one individual comparing it to a movie due to the loud gunshots, flashes, and smoke. Authorities have launched a full investigation into the incident. Mass shootings remain rare in Australia, a country that implemented strict gun control measures following the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, which claimed 35 lives.
-
Pope praises ‘significant progress’ towards Gaza peace
In a significant address at the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV on Sunday lauded the ‘notable advancements’ in peace negotiations concerning the Gaza conflict. The pontiff reiterated his call for an immediate ceasefire in the war-torn Palestinian territory and the liberation of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. His statement aligns with a wave of diplomatic efforts following Hamas’s favorable reaction to a peace proposal by U.S. President Donald Trump aimed at ending the protracted Israel-Hamas hostilities. ‘In recent hours, we have witnessed substantial progress in peace talks, which I fervently hope will culminate in the desired outcomes swiftly,’ the Pope declared after concluding a mass. He urged all stakeholders to remain steadfast in pursuing a ‘just and enduring peace,’ emphasizing the necessity of a ceasefire and the release of hostages. Additionally, Pope Leo XIV expressed profound concern over the escalating global tide of antisemitism, citing the recent terrorist assault on a synagogue in Manchester, which resulted in two fatalities and three severe injuries, as a ‘heartrending manifestation’ of this hatred. The Pope also conveyed his deep sorrow for the ‘immense suffering’ endured by the Palestinian populace in Gaza, underscoring the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.
-
Man charged after allegedly pulling gun on pump attendant and security guard
A 53-year-old construction worker from Ocho Rios, Jamaica, has been formally charged with possession of a prohibited weapon and assault at common law following a tense altercation at a gas station in Discovery Bay, St Ann. Gary Ferguson, a resident of Great Pond, allegedly brandished a firearm during a dispute with a pump attendant on September 15. The incident occurred around 11:50 am when Ferguson parked his vehicle at the gas station and engaged in a heated argument with the attendant. Witnesses claim Ferguson pulled a gun from his pocket, pointed it at the attendant, and issued threats, prompting the attendant to flee to a nearby store for safety. There, she alerted the store supervisor and an on-duty security guard. Ferguson reportedly confronted the guard, accusing him of recording the incident. He allegedly drew his firearm again, pointed it at the guard’s face, and seized his phone while issuing further threats. After the confrontation, Ferguson fled the scene in his vehicle but was later intercepted by law enforcement. Police seized a 45mm pistol and took Ferguson into custody. On October 3, Ferguson was formally charged based on collected statements. A court date is currently being finalized.
-
French PM under pressure to put together cabinet
PARIS, France — France’s newly appointed Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu is grappling with mounting pressure to assemble a cohesive cabinet as he navigates the complexities of a deeply divided parliament. The political landscape in France has been in disarray since President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to call snap elections last summer, a move intended to consolidate his authority but which instead resulted in a fractured legislature split among three rival factions. Lecornu’s predecessors, Francois Bayrou and Michel Barnier, were ousted amid a contentious standoff over the nation’s austerity budget, further exacerbating the political crisis. In early September, Macron appointed the 39-year-old Lecornu as his seventh prime minister, opting for a trusted ally rather than seeking broader political consensus. Over the past three weeks, Lecornu has engaged in extensive consultations with centrist allies and opposition leaders from both the left and right, aiming to secure a non-aggression pact and push through the budget. However, no single party holds a majority, forcing Lecornu to rely on fragile alliances. Centre-right Republican lawmakers, whose support is crucial, have demanded concessions and threatened to withdraw their backing. Similarly, the Socialists, a pivotal swing group, have also pressed for compromises. Lecornu has announced several concessions, including a pledge not to force the austerity budget through parliament without a vote, but opposition members remain unsatisfied. Far-right leader Marine Le Pen has adopted a wait-and-see approach, while left-wing parties, including the Greens, are considering a no-confidence motion. Greens leader Marine Tondelier has called for unity among leftist forces to challenge Lecornu’s leadership. With the deadline for announcing the new cabinet looming, Lecornu faces an uphill battle to stabilize France’s political turmoil.
-
Missing 29-year-old woman found dead in suitcase in Savanna-la-Mar
In a grim discovery on Saturday, the body of a 29-year-old woman was found stuffed inside a suitcase in the Gully Banks community of Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland, Jamaica. The victim, identified as Kerrian Malcolm from Barracks Road, had been reported missing just two days prior. According to police reports, Malcolm was last seen at her residence around 11:00 pm on Wednesday evening, dressed in a brown sleeveless blouse and blue and white shorts. The circumstances surrounding her disappearance and subsequent death remain under investigation, as authorities work to uncover the details of this tragic incident. The discovery has sent shockwaves through the local community, raising concerns about safety and justice.