NEW YORK, United States — FIFA has officially revealed the match ball for the 2026 World Cup, named Trionda, which blends cutting-edge technology with symbolic design elements honoring the three co-host nations: the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Designed by Adidas, the long-standing provider of World Cup balls since 1970, the Trionda was unveiled at a special event in New York on Thursday. FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed pride in presenting the ball, which reflects the historic nature of the first World Cup to be jointly hosted by three countries and featuring 48 competing teams. The ball’s design incorporates red, blue, and green colors, alongside iconic symbols from each host nation: maple leaves for Canada, an eagle for Mexico, and stars for the United States. A triangular motif symbolizes the unity of the three countries. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Trionda boasts advanced technological features, including deep seams for optimal flight stability, embossed icons for enhanced grip in wet conditions, and a motion sensor chip that transmits real-time data to the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system. The unveiling marks a significant milestone in the lead-up to the North American World Cup, scheduled for June 11 to July 19, 2026. FIFA has also initiated its phased online ticket sales, with over 4.5 million fans from 216 countries and territories participating in the presale draw. The tournament’s official draw will take place in Washington, D.C., on December 5.
标签： Jamaica
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Trump ally threatens immigration sweep at Bad Bunny Super Bowl show
In a recent development, US authorities have hinted at the possibility of conducting immigration enforcement operations during next year’s Super Bowl, following the announcement that Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny will headline the halftime show. Corey Lewandowski, an advisor to Homeland Security chief Kristi Noem, emphasized that no location, including the Super Bowl, would be exempt from immigration enforcement. “We will find you. We will apprehend you. We will put you in a detention facility, and we will deport you,” Lewandowski stated during a podcast with conservative influencer Benny Johnson. This stance aligns with President Donald Trump’s renewed immigration crackdown, which aims to deport millions of undocumented individuals residing in the US. Bad Bunny, who recently skipped the US on his global tour due to fears of immigration targeting, has become a focal point of controversy. Lewandowski criticized the NFL for its ‘woke’ decision to feature Bad Bunny, accusing the artist of harboring anti-American sentiments. The selection of Bad Bunny, who predominantly performs in Spanish and supported Trump’s 2024 rival Kamala Harris, has further incited backlash from Trump’s loyal Make America Great Again movement. Historically, Super Bowl halftime shows have featured iconic performers like Michael Jackson and Madonna, but this year’s choice has sparked a heated political debate.
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Fast-Tracking digital inclusion critical to vision 2030 goals, says FLOW
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaica’s digital transformation must be expedited to align with the ambitious Vision 2030 objectives, emphasizing affordability, accessibility, and digital literacy, according to Stephen Price, Vice President and General Manager of Flow. Speaking at the Caribbean Telecommunications Union ICT Conference held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, Price underscored the urgency of fostering a digitally literate population to support the nation’s technological aspirations. ‘We have five years to act swiftly and decisively to achieve our goal of becoming a technology-enabled society,’ he stated. Flow, a subsidiary of Liberty Caribbean and a key sponsor of the event, has significantly expanded its digital infrastructure since the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly doubling its fibre optic coverage to 760,000 homes and extending mobile services to 98% of the population. Additionally, the company has deployed six new cell sites to enhance coverage in underserved areas such as Runaway Bay and Ocean Heights. Beyond infrastructure, Flow’s JUMP programme provides vulnerable families with devices, subsidized internet access, and digital literacy training to promote inclusivity. The call for digital inclusion was reinforced by other panellists, including Elona Cela, Senior Investment Officer at the International Finance Corporation, who emphasized the need to bridge the digital divide in rural areas. ‘Children in rural communities must have equal access to broadband to unlock their full potential,’ she asserted. Charlton McFarlane, CEO of the Universal Service Fund, highlighted the impact of Jamaica’s 400 community Wi-Fi hotspots, which serve nearly 200,000 users monthly, supporting education and micro-entrepreneurship. Senator Dana Morris-Dixon, Minister of Education, Skills, Youth, and Information, reiterated the government’s commitment to public-private collaboration, stating, ‘Connectivity is not a luxury but a lifeline to better healthcare, education, and civic participation.’ While acknowledging progress, Price identified systemic challenges, including infrastructure theft and vandalism, and called for stricter penalties and more competitive spectrum rates to accelerate Jamaica’s digital evolution.
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Careless online habits
As cybercrime evolves into a trillion-dollar global industry, Jamaica’s Cyber Incident Response Team (CIRT) has issued a stark warning about the perilous consequences of careless online behavior. Speaking at a post-Cabinet media briefing on Wednesday, marking the start of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Godphey Sterling, CIRT’s director, emphasized that while technology has advanced rapidly, many Jamaicans remain dangerously indifferent to online security. He highlighted common vulnerabilities such as weak passwords, oversharing on social media, and insecure data storage, which provide cybercriminals with easy access to sensitive information. Sterling urged the public to adopt a more vigilant approach, stating, ‘You carry your lives in your pockets. Lock your devices and treat data as your new currency.’ He also stressed the importance of securely collecting, storing, and disposing of data for businesses. Sterling revealed that many of the most severe breaches investigated by CIRT stemmed from basic errors, such as misconfigured security systems, rather than sophisticated attacks. With over three million daily internet connections in Jamaica—70% accessed via mobile devices—Sterling underscored the need for heightened caution in navigating the digital world. He also highlighted the risks posed by smart devices, which continuously collect and transmit data to build user profiles. Additionally, Sterling pointed to the influence of international conflicts on cybercrime, warning that smaller nations like Jamaica are increasingly vulnerable to spillover attacks. Despite these challenges, he identified the reluctance of victims to report incidents as the greatest barrier to strengthening Jamaica’s cybersecurity defenses. As CIRT marks its 10th anniversary, Sterling emphasized the importance of fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness across government, businesses, and individuals, aiming to develop a sustainable pipeline of local professionals to safeguard Jamaica’s digital space.
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Westmoreland residents urged to exercise caution following heavy rains
Following a period of intense rainfall and subsequent flooding in Westmoreland, Jamaica, local health authorities are urging residents to exercise extreme caution to avoid contracting leptospirosis. The Westmoreland Public Health Department’s Health Promotion Unit has issued a stern advisory, emphasizing the dangers of wading or traveling through floodwaters, which are considered high-risk environments for the transmission of this bacterial infection. Gerald Miller, the health promotion and education officer for Westmoreland, explained that the leptospira bacteria, which causes leptospirosis, can infiltrate the human body through cuts, abrasions, or broken skin. ‘Floodwaters may contain urine from animals like rats, which can carry the bacteria. Exposure to these waters significantly increases the risk of infection,’ Miller stated. He also highlighted the importance of adults modeling safe behaviors for children, particularly during times of heightened public health risk. Miller urged all family members, including parents and guardians, to educate children about the dangers of walking through puddles or floodwaters. Additionally, he stressed the microscopic and invisible nature of the leptospira bacteria, making it impossible to detect with the naked eye. Miller warned that careless exposure to floodwaters could lead to preventable health complications, further burdening local healthcare facilities. Residents who have been in contact with floodwaters and are experiencing symptoms such as headaches, muscle aches, or joint pain are strongly advised to seek immediate medical attention. Miller also emphasized the importance of informing healthcare providers about any exposure to floodwaters to ensure accurate diagnosis and timely treatment. ‘The message is clear: avoid wading through floodwaters, remain vigilant, especially with children, and seek medical care if symptoms arise after exposure,’ he concluded.
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US fighter jets flew close to Venezuela’s shores—defense minister
CARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuela has raised alarms over the presence of five US fighter jets reportedly flying near its coastline, escalating tensions between the two nations. The Venezuelan Defense Minister, Vladimir Padrino, disclosed the incident during a televised address, stating that the country’s air defense systems and tracking mechanisms at its largest airport had identified the aircraft. He described the maneuver as a deliberate provocation and a direct threat to Venezuela’s national security. This development comes amid a significant US military buildup in the Caribbean region, including the deployment of 10 F-35 aircraft to Puerto Rico, eight warships, and a nuclear submarine. US President Donald Trump has framed this operation as part of a broader effort to combat drug trafficking from the Caribbean to the United States. However, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has accused Trump of orchestrating a covert campaign to destabilize his government. Recent weeks have seen US forces targeting alleged drug traffickers, resulting in the destruction of three boats and the deaths of at least 14 individuals. The situation underscores the deepening geopolitical rift between Washington and Caracas.
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JFDF celebrates 11 years of experiences
The Jamaica Food and Drink Festival (JFDF) is set to return for its 11th edition, promising four days of unparalleled culinary experiences, vibrant entertainment, and a celebration of Jamaican culture. Scheduled for November 13-16, 2025, the festival will once again transform the gardens of the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel into a hub of gastronomic delight and cultural immersion. The official launch event, held on Friday night, offered a tantalizing preview of what attendees can expect, featuring music by DJ Franco and an array of delectable treats. Visa, the festival’s platinum partner, continues to support this iconic event, which has grown exponentially over the past decade. Co-Festival Director Nicole Pandohie expressed immense pride in the festival’s evolution, noting its transformation from a local experiment to an internationally recognized culinary showcase. ‘When we started 11 years ago, we wanted to test the waters with food and drink in Jamaica. The response was overwhelming, and now we have international chefs and media eager to participate,’ Pandohie shared. The launch event, despite being interrupted by rain, was a testament to the festival’s enduring appeal. Guests mingled in the gardens, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere and indulging in the culinary offerings. Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Floyd Green praised the JFDF for bridging the gap between local farmers and the culinary industry, highlighting the festival’s role in spotlighting the backbone of Jamaica’s food sector. ‘This festival connects people to the hardworking farmers and fishers who make it all possible,’ Green remarked. The 2025 edition will feature a diverse lineup of events, including Kuyah, a celebration of reimagined Jamaican cuisine; Decade 2.0, featuring the popular Pork Palooza; Meet Street and the Market, showcasing fresh produce and local vendors; and the Boozy Brunch, a fitting conclusion to the festivities. With its unique blend of food, culture, and entertainment, the JFDF continues to solidify its place as a must-attend event on the global culinary calendar.
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Forex: $161.34 to one US dollar
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The US dollar demonstrated a slight upward trend in its exchange rate against the Jamaican dollar on Thursday, October 2, closing at $161.34, a modest increase of 4 cents, as reported by the Bank of Jamaica’s daily trading summary. This incremental rise reflects ongoing fluctuations in the foreign exchange market. Concurrently, the Canadian dollar also experienced a notable uptick, ending the day at $117.23 compared to its previous close of $116.03. Similarly, the British pound edged higher, concluding the trading session at $217.17, up from $216.87. These movements underscore the dynamic nature of global currency markets and their impact on regional economies.
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White House rejects Pope Leo comments on ‘inhuman’ migrant policy
The White House has firmly defended President Donald Trump’s stringent migration policies following sharp criticism from Pope Leo XIV, who condemned the treatment of migrants in the United States as ‘inhumane.’ Speaking to reporters at his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo on Tuesday, the Pope, the first U.S.-born head of the Catholic Church, questioned the moral consistency of those who oppose abortion but support harsh immigration measures or the death penalty. ‘Someone who says “I’m against abortion, but I’m in agreement with the inhuman treatment of immigrants,” I don’t know if that’s pro-life,’ he stated. Pope Leo, born in Chicago and elected in May after the passing of Pope Francis, has been vocal about social justice issues since his days as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, often criticizing Trump and Vice President JD Vance on migration policies. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, a Catholic herself, rebutted the Pope’s remarks during a Wednesday briefing, asserting that the current administration treats immigrants humanely while enforcing the law. She accused the previous administration under President Joe Biden of allowing ‘significant, inhumane treatment of illegal immigrants’ amid record border crossings. The exchange highlights the ongoing tension between the Trump administration’s immigration stance and the Catholic Church’s advocacy for migrant rights.
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Jamaicans urged to celebrate older people
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Pearnel Charles Jr, Jamaica’s Minister of Labour and Social Security, has called on citizens to recognize and celebrate the profound contributions of the nation’s senior citizens. In his address marking the United Nations International Day of Older Persons on October 1, Charles Jr emphasized that older individuals are not merely passive members of society but active agents of change. He stressed the importance of amplifying their voices in policy-making, combating age discrimination, and fostering inclusive communities. This year’s theme, ‘Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action: Our Aspirations, Our Well-being and Our Rights,’ underscores the critical role seniors play in shaping societal progress. The observance coincides with Senior Citizens Month in September, themed ‘Respect, Protect, Empower, Connect,’ which highlights the dignity, rights, and aspirations of older persons while promoting intergenerational unity. Charles Jr articulated that respecting seniors affirms their aspirations, protecting their well-being safeguards their dignity, empowering them ensures their influence in policy, and connecting generations builds inclusive societies. Globally, the population aged 60 and above has surged from 541 million in 1995 to 1.2 billion in 2025, with projections reaching 2.1 billion by 2050. In Jamaica, it is estimated that by 2030, 15% of the population will be over 60, with life expectancy increasing to 73 years, up from 65 in 1995. This demographic shift necessitates enhanced healthcare, robust support systems, and opportunities for meaningful engagement. The minister reaffirmed the government’s dedication to advancing the National Policy for Senior Citizens, bolstering healthcare collaborations, expanding digital literacy, and creating systems to ensure every senior is respected, protected, empowered, and connected.