KINGSTON, Jamaica — Danece Jacas, a resident of St. Mary, has emerged as the first-place winner in the Miss Jamaica World Talent fast track event, held at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre. Organized by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), the competition featured all 20 finalists vying for an automatic spot in the top ten. Jacas captivated the judges with her performance of Teddy Swims’ 2023 hit ‘Lose Control,’ securing her place in the finals.
标签： Jamaica
牙买加
-
SQUAD GOALS
Jamaica’s national senior men’s football team, the Reggae Boyz, are on the brink of securing a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following a series of impressive performances in the Concacaf World Cup Qualifiers. Head Coach Steve McClaren expressed his confidence in the squad, which he believes has finally come together as a cohesive unit. The team currently leads Group B after a commanding 4-0 victory over Bermuda and a favorable 1-1 draw between Curacao and Trinidad and Tobago. This puts Jamaica in a strong position with nine points, ahead of Curacao with eight, Trinidad with five, and Bermuda at the bottom with zero points. McClaren highlighted the impact of key players such as Bobby Reid, Shamar Nicholson, and Dujuan Richards, who all contributed to the win against Bermuda. The return of midfielders Isaac Hayden and Kasey Palmer, who missed the previous game due to suspension, was also pivotal. McClaren praised their performances, particularly Palmer’s work rate and Hayden’s stability in the midfield. Since taking charge in July 2024, McClaren has made several adjustments to the squad, with 11 new players compared to the team from a year ago. He emphasized the importance of trust and competition within the squad, which has seen significant improvement over the past year. With two crucial matches remaining—against Trinidad on November 13 and Curacao on November 18—McClaren remains cautious but optimistic. He stressed the need for players to stay fit and healthy, as the team aims to secure their place in the World Cup. The overseas contingent of the Reggae Boyz and technical staff departed Jamaica on Wednesday and are expected to return to Kingston on November 10, ready for the final push towards qualification.
-
Investigation launched into cash stolen from Beryllium truck
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Beryllium, a prominent local security firm, has initiated an internal investigation and is collaborating closely with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) following a significant cash theft from one of its armored vehicles last Saturday. The incident has prompted heightened scrutiny and swift action from the company. In a statement released on Thursday, Beryllium expressed confidence in the ongoing advanced investigative efforts, anticipating positive outcomes that will lead to the recovery of the stolen assets and the apprehension of the perpetrators. The company reassured its clients that the safety and integrity of its operations remain its utmost priority. Beryllium emphasized that every possible measure is being taken to resolve the matter quickly and effectively, ensuring minimal disruption to its services and maintaining trust with its customers.
-
NEPA urges caution at beaches this Heroes’ weekend
KINGSTON, Jamaica — As Jamaicans prepare to flock to the beaches during the National Heroes’ weekend, the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) has issued a strong call for vigilance and adherence to safety guidelines to prevent accidents and ensure a safe holiday experience. The agency’s warning comes in response to recent drowning incidents at the nation’s beaches, highlighting the need for heightened caution. Anthony McKenzie, Director of Environmental Conservation and Management at NEPA, emphasized the importance of using licensed beaches under the Natural Resources Conservation Authority (NRCA) and encouraged the public to consult NEPA’s beaches web page for detailed information. To promote safety, NEPA has shared essential beach safety reminders, including monitoring weather conditions, swimming only in lifeguarded areas, staying hydrated, observing warning signs, supervising children, and avoiding solo swimming. Additionally, NEPA urged beachgoers to adopt environmentally friendly practices, such as proper garbage disposal, to protect marine life and maintain the pristine condition of Jamaica’s coastline.
-
Health ministry continues to improve vector-control programme
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Ministry of Health and Wellness has significantly bolstered its vector-control initiatives in response to a surge in mosquito populations and the heightened risk of vector-borne diseases. Portfolio Minister Christopher Tufton provided a detailed update to the House of Representatives on October 15, outlining the government’s comprehensive strategy to combat the issue.
-
JMMB real estate arm turns profit
JMMB Real Estate Holdings Limited, the property development subsidiary of the JMMB Group, is forging ahead with two significant commercial projects in Kingston, marking a strategic expansion into the non-financial sector. The developments, located on Harbour Street in downtown Kingston and Haughton Avenue in New Kingston, are currently in the tender phase, with contractors being selected. While the company has not disclosed the exact costs, it confirmed that construction is slated to begin in the fourth quarter of the 2025/26 financial year. The Harbour Street project is expected to take 18 to 20 months, while the Haughton Avenue development will require 22 to 24 months to complete. Both projects received statutory approvals earlier this year and are part of JMMB’s broader strategy to monetize its $4-billion land bank through high-value commercial real estate. The Harbour Street development will renovate 35,000 square feet of office space, while the Haughton Avenue project will feature a 10-storey building with parking and 45,000 square feet of modern offices. The latter currently houses JMMB’s head office, JMMB Bank (Jamaica) Limited, and JMMB Investments. JMMB has set a profit hurdle rate of 15% for each project, reflecting its focus on market-based returns rather than passive asset appreciation. The company plans to finance the projects independently, seeking partnerships and funding on favorable terms. Upon completion, the properties will either be sold floor-by-floor or leased on medium-term agreements, aligning with JMMB’s long-term investment strategy. This approach has already proven successful at the company’s first completed project at 102 Hope Road and 1 Liguanea Avenue, which began generating rental income last financial year. JMMB Real Estate reported a net profit of $332 million for the 2024/25 financial year, contributing $760 million in income to the group through rental earnings, property sales, and revaluation gains. Group CEO Keith Duncan highlighted the subsidiary’s self-sufficiency, emphasizing its role as a growth engine for the JMMB Group. With design work underway for additional projects in Mandeville and Montego Bay, JMMB Real Estate is poised to play a pivotal role in the group’s diversification strategy.
-
Case dropped after credit union worker repays $2.6m, but…
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant legal development, former credit union employee Dianne Thompson was discharged from a multimillion-dollar larceny case on Tuesday by Parish Court Judge Paula Blake Powell. Thompson had been accused of embezzling $2.6 million from 25 customers of the credit union where she was previously employed. She faced 22 charges, including simple larceny and unauthorized access to computer data, to which she pleaded not guilty. The case was dismissed after it was confirmed that Thompson had repaid $2.7 million to the credit union, exceeding the initial amount she was accused of stealing. However, further investigations revealed additional missing funds, bringing the total to over $6 million. Thompson had been instructed to repay the full amount by her case management date in October, but the remaining balance will now be addressed in a separate legal proceeding. The case highlights ongoing issues of financial misconduct and the complexities of restitution in such matters.
-
BANKS PUSH BACK AGAINST REGULATORY ONSLAUGHT
Jamaican financial institutions are pressing regulators to synchronize the implementation of new capital and liquidity regulations, citing the rapid pace of reforms as a significant compliance burden that could erode profitability. Keith Duncan, CEO of JMMB Group Ltd, one of Jamaica’s largest financial entities, emphasized this concern during the company’s 12th annual general meeting (AGM) on Friday. Duncan highlighted that over 100 policy reforms have been introduced in the past decade, creating substantial operational challenges for the sector. While these measures aim to enhance financial stability, their accelerated rollout has strained resources, particularly for smaller institutions. The Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) is currently advancing a series of reforms, including Basel III capital standards, a ‘twin peaks’ regulatory model, and new liquidity requirements for financial holding companies (FHCs). These changes, though beneficial in the long term, are driving up costs and limiting capital deployment flexibility. Duncan urged regulators to adopt a collaborative approach, ensuring reforms are sequenced to minimize the burden on the industry. The BOJ is also developing a special resolution regime (SRR) to address failing financial institutions, though its funding mechanism remains contentious. Additionally, the Financial Services Commission (FSC) has introduced reforms to exposure limits for collective investment schemes and dividend declarations by securities dealers. While these measures aim to strengthen the financial system, they may lead to higher compliance costs, potentially passed on to consumers. The JMMB Group CEO called for a balanced regulatory framework to safeguard profitability and shareholder returns.
-
Kim Kardashian’s new faux pubic hair underwear sold out
Kim Kardashian’s latest venture into provocative fashion has sparked both controversy and commercial success. Within 24 hours of its release, her Skims faux hair micro string thong, dubbed ‘The Ultimate Bush,’ sold out completely. The 44-year-old reality star unveiled the daring product line on Tuesday, promoting it as Skims’ “most daring panty yet.” The launch was accompanied by a video on Instagram, captioned, “Just dropped: The Ultimate Bush. With our daring new faux hair panty, your carpet can be whatever colour you want it to be.” Despite the immediate backlash from social media users, who questioned the necessity and practicality of the product, it quickly became unavailable. Priced at US$34.97, the thong now has a waitlist as of Wednesday. Critics took to platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to express their disbelief, with one user humorously asking, “Do we wash this in the washer or use shampoo and conditioner lmao?” Another commented, “Girlies how is this sold out?! We can grow out our bush for free.” The product’s rapid sell-out highlights the polarizing yet impactful nature of Kardashian’s brand.
-
Chaka Demus returns with festive new single
Few figures in reggae and dancehall music command as much recognition as Chaka Demus. For over three decades, his distinctive voice and style have shaped an era of Jamaican music that has resonated globally. Now, the legendary artist is embarking on a new chapter, infusing the holiday season with the warmth of reggae through his latest release, *Christmas Time*. This track masterfully combines the festive joy of the holidays with the unmistakable rhythm of Jamaican beats, creating a folksy yet contemporary anthem ideal for family gatherings, community festivities, and global holiday playlists. Born John Taylor, Chaka Demus emerged from Kingston’s vibrant sound system culture, quickly establishing himself as a deejay with a commanding stage presence and a knack for infectious rhythms. His early work with Roots Majestic and King Jammy’s sets laid the foundation for a career that would see him transition from selector to artiste. Hits like *Everybody Loves Chaka*, *Young Gal Business*, and *Gal Wine* solidified his status in Jamaican music, with the latter remaining a fan favorite at live performances. His breakout single, *Original Kuff*, became a defining track of the digital dancehall era, earning him widespread acclaim both locally and internationally. Collaborating with top producers such as Bobby Digital and Winston Riley, Chaka Demus secured his place as one of Jamaica’s most versatile musicians by the 1990s. His partnership with singer Pliers marked a historic milestone, as the duo Chaka Demus & Pliers became household names with hits like *Murder She Wrote*, *Tease Me*, and their chart-topping rendition of *Twist and Shout*. They made history as the first Jamaican act to achieve five consecutive UK Top 20 singles, paving the way for dancehall and reggae to flourish in mainstream pop markets. Their music, celebrated for its feel-good vibes and Caribbean soul, continues to dominate global playlists, with *Murder She Wrote* remaining one of the most sampled and revered reggae tracks worldwide. Beyond his success with Pliers, Chaka Demus has continued to innovate and perform, cementing his legacy as a cultural ambassador for Jamaican music. Earlier this year, he released the single *Mi Love You*, showcasing his enduring creativity and reaffirming his artistic prowess. *Christmas Time* is now available worldwide on major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and Audiomack. With his unmistakable voice, timeless charisma, and global influence, Chaka Demus once again demonstrates that great artistry transcends time.