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  • Belize sugar cane harvest and milling season starts

    Belize sugar cane harvest and milling season starts

    BELMOPAN, Belize – The 2026 sugarcane harvest and milling season has officially commenced in Northern Belize, signaling the beginning of what industry leaders project to be a remarkably productive crop year characterized by strengthened collaboration, improved agricultural conditions, and promising output forecasts.

    Prime Minister John Briceño delivered an inspiring address during the season’s inauguration, praising the resilience of sugarcane farmers who persevered through significant challenges including disease outbreaks, labor shortages, climate change impacts, rising operational costs, and scheduling delays. “Rather than retreating in the face of adversity, you demonstrated remarkable entrepreneurship by continuing to plant, maintain, and prepare your fields,” Briceño stated. “Your dedication has sustained families and communities across the region, earning the nation’s gratitude.”

    The season opening ceremony gathered government representatives, members of the Belize Sugarcane Farmers Associations, and milling company executives. Officials reported substantially healthier cane fields, superior harvest quality, and enhanced operational preparedness throughout the industry compared to previous seasons.

    Comprehensive preparatory efforts by farmers, associations, millers, and technical partners have established the foundation for a timely, efficient, and productive harvesting and milling process. These measures include advanced field management protocols, intensified disease surveillance systems, and beneficial weather patterns that have collectively contributed to a more stable and promising agricultural outlook.

    Early performance indicators already demonstrate improved cane quality and a more streamlined initiation of milling operations, suggesting favorable economic outcomes for both agricultural producers and the broader Belizean economy.

    The 2026 crop exemplifies unprecedented coordination across the entire sugarcane value chain, encompassing harvesting, transportation, and milling activities. This integrated approach is expected to enhance operational efficiency and strengthen industry resilience throughout the season.

    As harvesting and milling operations commence, the sugarcane sector begins with renewed confidence, unified purpose, and widespread optimism for achieving a safe, productive, and successful harvest for all stakeholders involved.

    This development follows December’s interim agreement between the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association and American Sugar Refinery/Belize Sugar Industries Ltd, which facilitated the current season’s launch. Authorities anticipate the season will yield approximately 1.3 million tonnes of sugarcane for processing.

  • Big four clash in Alberga Cup semi-final showdown

    Big four clash in Alberga Cup semi-final showdown

    The semifinal bracket for the JISA/Canopy Insurance National Under-12 Alberga Cup is now complete, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the youth football competition. Defending champions Sts Peter and Paul Preparatory have successfully kept their hopes alive for a remarkable double title achievement this season.

    They are joined in the final four by a trio of formidable opponents: the consistently dominant Lannaman’s Prep, the ever-present Hillel Academy, and the impressive Emmanuel Christian Academy (ECA). These teams secured their spots after a dramatic and action-packed quarterfinal group stage concluded on Saturday.

    Emmanuel Christian Academy emerged as the most commanding team in the quarterfinals, achieving a flawless record. They swept all three of their Group B matches, amassing a perfect nine points to secure an automatic semifinal berth. The 2021 champions sealed their dominant run with a decisive 2-1 victory over Vaz Prep. The group’s other fixture saw Liberty Academy and Reach Academy play to a thrilling 3-3 draw, a result that eliminated both teams from contention for the best runner-up spot.

    In another group, Lannaman’s Prep solidified their control with a powerful 5-0 triumph over St Andrew Prep, finishing atop their group with seven points. The battle for advancement, however, centered on the clash between Sts Peter and Paul and Christel House. Both teams needed a significant win to bolster their chances for the non-automatic qualifying position. The defending champions rose to the occasion, delivering a stunning 5-0 victory. This result gave them six points and a superior goal difference of +6, the best among all second-place finishers, thereby extending their title defense into the semifinals.

    Meanwhile, 2023 finalists Hillel Academy secured top honors in Group C with a solid 2-0 win over St Hugh’s Prep. This outcome was complemented by Creative Kids’ 1-0 victory over Mona Prep, a loss that marks the end of Mona Prep’s long-standing streak of semifinal appearances.

    The semifinal matches are scheduled for Wednesday at Liberty Academy. In a highly anticipated rematch of the Henriques Cup final, Lannaman’s Prep will face Sts Peter and Paul at 11:00 am. Immediately following at 12:30 pm, Emmanuel Christian Academy will square off against their neighbors, Hillel Academy. The tournament will culminate on Saturday at the American International School of Kingston (AISK) with the third-place play-off at 10:00 am and the championship final at 11:30 am.

  • One Drop beat drives Garfield Cowan’s Roots Rock Reggae Riddim

    One Drop beat drives Garfield Cowan’s Roots Rock Reggae Riddim

    In an era where roots reggae had largely faded from mainstream prominence, producer Garfield Cowan found inspiration in the genre’s foundational One Drop rhythm. His Florida-based Natures Way Entertainment, in collaboration with Sweet Waters Spawn Music, has now released “Roots Rock Reggae Riddim,” a nine-track compilation that consciously resurrects this iconic 1970s beat.

    The album features established reggae artists including Zamunda/Fantan Mojah, Anthony B, Ginjah, and Iba Mahr, each contributing tracks that blend traditional sounds with contemporary consciousness. The project originated with the recording of Zamunda and Fantan Mojah’s title track, whose positive energy ultimately inspired a full-scale compilation.

    Cowan explained the selective curation process: “We sought artists recognized for their authentic consciousness, vocal prowess, and cultural respect. The vision centered on voices that could genuinely embody the One Drop tradition with conviction rather than mere stylistic imitation.”

    Notable tracks include Anthony B’s “Like A Mirror,” Ginjah’s “Lover Not A Fighter,” and Iba Mahr’s “Heavy Load.” Founded in 2010, Natures Way Entertainment emerged from Cowan’s admiration for 1990s smooth reggae pioneers like Beres Hammond and Garnet Silk.

    While the label previously achieved commercial success with the Sweet Personality Riddim (featuring hits by Wayne Wonder and Jah Cure), Cowan emphasizes that replication isn’t his objective. “Sweet Personality was an organic classic. With Roots Rock Reggae, our focus remains on purposeful, quality music rather than recreating past achievements,” he stated.

  • Coaches rue cancellation of Champions Cup schoolboy competition

    Coaches rue cancellation of Champions Cup schoolboy competition

    The Inter-secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) has officially terminated the senior high school football season by canceling the highly anticipated Champions Cup tournament. This decisive action has drawn expressions of profound disappointment from prominent coaches across Jamaica’s scholastic athletic community.

    The Champions Cup, a prestigious knockout competition featuring elite teams from both the urban-area Manning Cup and rural-zone daCosta Cup, was originally scheduled to commence this Tuesday. The event’s cancellation follows a series of prior disruptions to the academic athletic calendar, primarily caused by Hurricane Melissa’s passage in late October, which necessitated the rescheduling of both senior and junior tournaments.

    Raymond Watson, head coach of Manning Cup finalists Jamaica College (JC), conveyed his profound dissatisfaction with the decision. He revealed that his entire squad and coaching staff were eagerly anticipating the competition, viewing it as a final opportunity to secure silverware this season after falling short in their championship bid against Excelsior High.

    Echoing these sentiments, Hector Wright of Ben Francis Cup finalists Cornwall College described his disappointment in his inaugural season as head coach. Wright emphasized his particular regret that his players would be denied the valuable experience of competing at the elite level, though he maintained philosophical perspective about the situation.

    Prior to the official cancellation, there had been active discussions about potentially expanding the Champions Cup format to include finalists from both the Walker Cup and Ben Francis Cup competitions, alongside the top four teams from the Manning and daCosta tournaments. This proposed expansion aimed to create a more inclusive and comprehensive championship event.

    ISSA issued a concise press release on Sunday justifying its decision to terminate the season, citing significant logistical complications in organizing the tournament at this particular time of year. The association confirmed the decision was made in consultation with its stakeholders while expressing optimism for the successful staging of next season’s competitions. Glenmuir High remains the back-to-back reigning champion of the now-canceled tournament.

  • IMF approves US$45m disbursement to Jamaica under natural disaster window

    IMF approves US$45m disbursement to Jamaica under natural disaster window

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a decisive move to support disaster recovery efforts, the International Monetary Fund has authorized a substantial financial injection of US$415 million for Jamaica. The funding was formally ratified by the IMF Executive Board on January 16 through its Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI), specifically utilizing the facility’s large natural disaster window.

    This emergency disbursement aims to address severe balance of payments pressures triggered by Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic impact on the Caribbean nation. The destructive storm caused extensive damage across Jamaica, creating immediate fiscal challenges and dramatically reducing tourism revenue—a critical economic sector for the island nation.

    The IMF communiqué highlighted that Jamaica’s sustained implementation of economic reforms over previous years has established crucial financial buffers that are now facilitating disaster response and reconstruction initiatives. Despite these preparedness measures, the scale of devastation has overwhelmed domestic resources, necessitating international support.

    IMF Deputy Managing Director Bo Li emphasized the unprecedented nature of the destruction, noting that even with Jamaica’s sophisticated multi-layered disaster risk financing strategy and consistent macroeconomic policies, available recovery resources remain inadequate. The emergency funding will prioritize relief for vulnerable populations and accelerate reconstruction of damaged infrastructure.

    Notably, the IMF endorsed Jamaica’s temporary suspension of fiscal rules to address the emergency while acknowledging the government’s commitment to reinstating fiscal responsibility and debt reduction protocols once the immediate crisis subsides. The Bank of Jamaica’s continued focus on maintaining inflation targets was also recognized as essential for economic stability during recovery.

    The funding arrangement emphasizes strong coordination with international partners and adherence to procurement best practices to ensure efficient rebuilding efforts across affected regions.

  • Fewer inmate, detainee deaths last year

    Fewer inmate, detainee deaths last year

    Jamaica’s Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) has documented a significant reduction in custodial fatalities during 2025, with 22 deaths recorded across prisons and police detention facilities. This represents a notable decrease from the 32 deaths documented in the previous year.

    Historical data spanning 2021-2025 reveals 116 total custodial deaths, with prisons accounting for 74 cases and police lock-ups responsible for 42 fatalities. The Tower Street Adult Correctional Center reported the highest incidence with 44 deaths, followed by St. Catherine Adult Correctional Center (17) and Tamarind Farm facility (11).

    Deputy Commissioner Yanique Taylor Wellington attributed most deaths to natural causes while acknowledging ongoing examinations into alleged medical negligence. Although suicides and homicides contributed to the mortality figures, Wellington emphasized that insufficient evidence exists to conclude systematic mishandling caused the fatalities.

    The commissioner highlighted persistent institutional challenges, particularly regarding overcrowding in police detention facilities. She noted correctional officers frequently lack adequate training and resources to properly care for detainees with chronic medical conditions, potentially delaying critical treatment and affecting health outcomes.

    While no criminal charges were filed relating to 2025 custodial deaths, INDECOM continues investigating allegations of medical attention failures. The commission operates under statutory mandate requiring automatic investigation of all custody-related deaths and injuries pursuant to Section 11 of the INDECOM Act.

    Wellington reinforced urgent calls for addressing systemic issues in the new year, stating: “Lock-ups cannot provide requisite medical attention, particularly when overcrowded. Continuing to detain medically vulnerable individuals in such conditions contradicts national progress aspirations.”

  • Valentino, Italy’s fashion king, dies at 93

    Valentino, Italy’s fashion king, dies at 93

    ROME — The fashion world mourns the passing of Italian design maestro Valentino Garavani, who died Monday at 93 in his Roman residence surrounded by close companions. His foundation confirmed the news through social media channels, announcing funeral arrangements scheduled for Friday in the Italian capital with public viewings preceding the service.

    Known mononymously as Valentino, the visionary designer spent nearly five decades defining luxury aesthetics for generations of style icons. His signature ‘Valentino red’ creations became sartorial symbols for international aristocracy and Hollywood royalty alike—from Jacqueline Kennedy and Princess Diana to Elizabeth Taylor and contemporary stars like Julia Roberts.

    Born May 11, 1932, in Voghera, Lombardy, Valentino developed an early obsession with refined aesthetics. “I have had this illness since childhood,” he told Elle Italia in 2007. “I only like beautiful things.” His journey began at 17 when he departed for Paris to study fashion, immersing himself in the transformative post-war elegance of Christian Dior’s revolutionary designs.

    After apprenticeships with Jean Dessès and Guy Laroche, Valentino established his eponymous maison in 1960’s Rome—a city then thriving as ‘Hollywood on the Tiber.’ His 1962 Florence debut collection introduced the world to his now-iconic crimson hue, but his 1964 encounter with Jacqueline Kennedy proved transformative. The future First Lady’s choice of his ivory lace gown for her marriage to Aristotle Onassis catapulted Italian design onto the global stage.

    Business partner and former lover Giancarlo Giammetti played a pivotal role in scaling the brand internationally, recalling in the 2008 documentary ‘Valentino: The Last Emperor’ that managing the designer’s genius “required a lot of patience.” Their collaboration built a fashion empire spanning Roman palazzos, Swiss chalets, and a 50-meter yacht—all reflecting Valentino’s philosophy of uncompromising glamour.

    The designer’s retirement in January 2008 after his final Paris show marked the end of an era celebrated for sensual, figure-enhancing designs. “I love a woman who eats food, who has a body,” he told The New Yorker in 2005, rejecting extreme thinness in favor of voluptuous femininity. His legacy continues through the Valentino Garavani Virtual Museum—the fashion industry’s first digital museum launched in 2011—ensuring future generations can experience his pursuit of beauty through immersive technology.

  • US Treasury chief says retaliatory EU tariffs over Greenland ‘unwise’

    US Treasury chief says retaliatory EU tariffs over Greenland ‘unwise’

    DAVOS, Switzerland – At the World Economic Forum on Monday, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent issued a stern warning to European nations considering retaliatory measures against President Trump’s proposed tariffs targeting Greenland’s sovereignty. Bessent characterized potential countermeasures as “highly unwise” during his press briefing at the Swiss resort.

    The treasury official articulated the administration’s position that Greenland represents a “strategic asset” critical to American hemispheric security interests. “We are not prepared to outsource our security to any other nation,” Bessent stated emphatically, drawing historical parallels to previous US territorial acquisitions.

    Addressing questions about Trump’s controversial communication with Norway’s prime minister – which appeared to connect the Greenland initiative to the Nobel Peace Prize – Bessent dismissed such connections as “complete canards.” He maintained that the administration’s motivations were purely strategic rather than personal.

    The controversy stems from Trump’s weekend announcement imposing 10% tariffs on eight European nations – including Britain, Germany, France and Scandinavian countries – effective February 1. These measures would remain until Denmark agrees to transfer control of its autonomous territory.

    European leaders have denounced the strategy as economic “blackmail,” with Germany’s Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil confirming that continental countermeasures are in development. Bessent remained uncompromising, urging observers to “take President Trump at his word” regarding the administration’s determination.

    The treasury secretary emphasized Greenland’s geopolitical significance, particularly its substantial rare earth mineral deposits essential for advanced technologies. He expressed concerns about Chinese influence, noting Beijing’s existing mining operations on the island and potential future leverage over Danish policies.

  • ‘World-class recovery’

    ‘World-class recovery’

    In a significant endorsement of Jamaica’s post-disaster recovery, the United States has upgraded its travel advisory for the island nation from Level 3 to Level 2. The decision, announced by the U.S. State Department on Saturday, comes nearly three months after Hurricane Melissa—a catastrophic Category 5 storm—caused extensive damage across western parishes in October 2025, with estimated economic losses ranging between US$6 billion and US$8 billion.

    Jamaican Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett hailed the reclassification as a powerful vote of confidence in the nation’s resilience and its pioneering ‘destination assurance’ framework. ‘Jamaica is the only country globally developing a comprehensive white paper on destination assurance, which will soon evolve into formal strategy and policy,’ Bartlett stated on Sunday. This innovative approach coordinates security, health, sanitation, and public works agencies to ensure a safe, secure, and seamless experience for both visitors and residents.

    Prime Minister Andrew Holness welcomed the advisory improvement, emphasizing its importance for tourism recovery and investor confidence. The upgrade follows Holness’s telephone discussion with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, where both leaders acknowledged Jamaica’s ‘world-class recovery’ efforts despite facing one of the most severe weather events in its history.

    Secretary Rubio commended Jamaican authorities for their effective management of relief operations and the rapid restoration of critical services. Their conversation also covered broader regional cooperation, with discussions focusing on infrastructure reconstruction, crime reduction strategies, and collaborative security initiatives. Jamaica’s participation in the Gang Suppression Force in Haiti was particularly noted as evidence of its role as a reliable regional partner.

    Minister Bartlett emphasized that the improved advisory level would help revitalize tourism segments that had previously avoided Jamaica due to negative travel designations. With major airports reopened and commercial flights resumed, Jamaica now anticipates a resurgence in visitor numbers and continued investment in its tourism infrastructure, bolstered by what Bartlett characterized as ‘international elevated positions’ in market competitiveness.

  • Bowen leaving NCB, Martin appointed interim CEO

    Bowen leaving NCB, Martin appointed interim CEO

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited (NCBJ) has initiated a carefully orchestrated leadership transition with CEO Bruce Bowen set to depart in February 2026 following the successful completion of the institution’s turnaround strategy. The board confirmed this planned succession aligns with the bank’s governance framework and strategic evolution from stabilization to sustainable growth.

    Effective January 19, 2026, Chief Operating Officer Sheree Martin will assume the role of interim CEO, bringing her extensive 15-year financial services expertise and proven track record in organizational transformation. Martin’s tenure as COO has seen her oversee critical operational and technology functions while driving execution discipline and operational resilience throughout the organization.

    Bowen, who took leadership in 2023 specifically to steer the bank through its turnaround phase, will officially depart on February 28, 2026, to pursue other professional interests. The board emphasized that the restructuring objectives have been largely achieved, setting the stage for the next growth chapter.

    Robert Almeida, NCBFG’s Group Chief Executive Officer and NCBJ Board Chairman, affirmed the strategic continuity stating: ‘Our fundamental strategy, priorities, and commitments to stakeholders remain unchanged. We continue to focus on disciplined execution, consistent value creation, and shared accountability as we build upon the progress of the past two years.’

    The leadership transition reflects the institution’s commitment to stability during its progression from stabilization to sustainable expansion, with Martin’s appointment ensuring continuity in strategic direction and operational excellence.