KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prime Minister Andrew Holness has heralded the construction of the St Catherine North Divisional Headquarters for the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) in Spanish Town as a transformative project for the historic town. The $2.3 billion facility, funded through the Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) Programme, is poised to serve as a catalyst for social, economic, and educational advancements over the next decade. Holness emphasized that this investment is a ‘security guarantee’ that will attract further development and de-risk future projects in the area, marking the beginning of a new era for Spanish Town. The Prime Minister made these remarks during a site visit on Wednesday, accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Horace Chang and Minister Olivia Grange. The state-of-the-art headquarters, set to be completed by April 2027, will house 300 law enforcement personnel and feature modern amenities, including a jogging trail, sports courts, and advanced infrastructure like a sewer-treatment plant and stormwater drainage. Beyond enhancing operational efficiency, the facility aims to foster stronger community engagement and improve relations between the JCF and local residents. Minister Grange highlighted the project’s potential to boost the local economy, with businesses already showing increased interest in the area. Glendon Lodge, a local food vendor, noted the growing inquiries about land availability, signaling a positive shift in public confidence and economic activity. The project is expected to bring jobs, attract commercial developments, and create a safer, more vibrant community.
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Police kill two in operations linked to Commodore mass shooting
In a series of intense incidents in St Catherine, Jamaica, two men were fatally shot on Thursday during alleged confrontations with law enforcement officers investigating Sunday’s quintuple murder in the Commodore district. The police reported that two illegal firearms were recovered during these encounters.
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WATCH: One person feared dead in Gallery Apartments fire in New Kingston
A devastating fire erupted at the Gallery Apartments on Oxford Road in New Kingston, Jamaica, in the early hours of Thursday morning, October 9, 2025. The blaze, which occurred after 3 a.m., has reportedly claimed the life of one individual, believed to be a male resident. The cause of the fire remains unknown as investigations continue. Emergency responders, including firefighters and police, swiftly arrived at the scene to manage the situation and assess the damage. The apartment complex, situated opposite Emancipation Park, was engulfed in flames, drawing a crowd of concerned onlookers. A vehicle from Tranquility Funeral Home was also spotted at the location, indicating the gravity of the incident. Observer Online has pledged to provide updates as more information emerges. The community is left in shock as authorities work to determine the cause and prevent future tragedies.
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2026 trial likely for Leoda Bradshaw, co-accused
Leoda Bradshaw and her three co-accused, who have been in custody for over two years, are set to learn their trial date by January 26, 2026. The group is implicated in the murders of 10-month-old Sarayah Paulwell and her mother, Toshyna Patterson. Bradshaw, a former U.S. Navy culinary specialist, faces multiple charges including conspiracy to murder, kidnapping, and capital murder. Her co-accused, Roland Balfour, David Smith, and Bjorn Black, are also facing serious charges related to the case. The indictment has been completed by the prosecution and served to the defense team. Supreme Court Judge Justice Vinnette Graham-Allen has tentatively set a trial date from September 28 to November 23, 2026, which will be finalized in January. The case has drawn significant attention due to its shocking nature and the involvement of a prominent parliamentarian’s family. Prosecutors allege that Bradshaw traveled to Jamaica with the intent to kill Patterson and her child after learning of the child’s existence. The victims were reported missing on September 9, 2023, and their bodies were later found in Warieka Hills, St. Andrew. Two other men, Richard Brown and Roshane Miller, have already been convicted in connection with the murders and are serving prison sentences.
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US grants Trinidad permit to explore Venezuela gas field
In a significant development, the United States has authorized Trinidad and Tobago to proceed with the exploration of the Dragon gas field, located in Venezuelan waters near the maritime border of the Caribbean nation. The announcement was made by Trinidadian authorities on Thursday, marking a pivotal moment in regional energy cooperation. The Dragon field, which holds an estimated 120 billion cubic meters of natural gas, is a critical resource for Trinidad and Tobago, the Caribbean’s second-largest natural gas producer. The US Treasury Department’s approval comes six months after Washington revoked the initial permit, allowing Trinidad and Tobago to negotiate with Venezuela without breaching US sanctions imposed on Caracas in 2019. This decision follows a series of fluctuating US policies regarding Venezuelan energy operations, including the suspension of licenses for oil companies in March and the subsequent authorization of limited operations by Chevron. The Dragon field’s proximity to Trinidadian fields operated by Shell underscores its strategic importance. Despite heightened regional tensions, including a major US naval deployment near Venezuela, the permit signals a potential easing of restrictions, offering Trinidad and Tobago a lifeline to bolster its declining gas production.
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La Nina is back, but impact may be limited— US agency
The United States National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed on Thursday that La Nina, a natural climate phenomenon, has re-emerged. However, its weak intensity is expected to minimize its cooling effect on global temperatures and its influence on Atlantic hurricane activity. La Nina, characterized by cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, typically alters atmospheric wind patterns, leading to increased hurricane activity in the Atlantic basin and reduced activity in the Pacific. This cyclical pattern oscillates between La Nina, its counterpart El Nino, and neutral phases. After a brief La Nina episode from December 2024 to March 2025, neutral conditions prevailed until the recent resurgence of La Nina in September 2025. The NWS predicts that La Nina will persist through the winter, with a 55% chance of transitioning back to neutral conditions between January and March 2026. Despite its historical impact on global weather, this La Nina event is expected to be too weak to significantly affect conventional winter weather patterns. The 2020–2023 La Nina was notable for its unprecedented duration, marking the first ‘triple-dip’ event of the 21st century. While La Nina typically cools global temperatures, it failed to counteract the trend of record-breaking heat observed over the past decade. The Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30, has been slightly below average so far, with no storms making landfall in the United States. Nevertheless, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) continues to forecast an above-normal hurricane season.
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World’s oldest leader tipped for 8th term in Cameroon vote
Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, the world’s oldest head of state at 92, is widely expected to secure an eighth term in Sunday’s presidential election. Despite facing a fragmented opposition of 11 candidates, Biya’s long-standing grip on power since 1982 remains unchallenged. The election’s credibility has been questioned by human rights groups, with concerns over fairness and transparency. Biya’s health, a topic of increasing speculation as he enters his tenth decade, adds another layer of uncertainty to the race. Should he win, he would be nearly 100 by the end of his term. The opposition, led by figures like Maurice Kamto, who was barred from running, has struggled to unite voters under promises of change and economic relief. Kamto’s exclusion has fueled accusations of electoral manipulation, with some citizens labeling the vote a “scam.” Despite this, Biya retains support among those who value his decades of experience in a country where half the population is under 20. His rare campaign appearance in Maroua, where he emphasized his commitment to serving the nation, drew mixed reactions. Critics argue that Biya’s rule has been marked by repression and regional alliances to maintain power, while supporters praise his leadership and stability. The election unfolds against a backdrop of economic challenges, including high living costs and limited access to basic services, as well as ongoing separatist conflicts in English-speaking regions. Observers have been deployed to monitor polling stations, though the government has dismissed these efforts as attempts to skew results. With low turnout expected in conflict-affected areas, the election is unlikely to bring significant change to Cameroon’s political landscape.
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J’can Bakes Betty Crocker’s B’DAY Cake
Renowned Jamaican-born pastry chef Dr. Altreisha Foster-Bentho has once again showcased her extraordinary talent, this time with a breathtaking eight-tier cake to celebrate Betty Crocker’s 104th birthday. The masterpiece, unveiled at the Minnesota Cake Picnic, was commissioned by General Mills and designed by Foster-Bentho’s company, Sugarspoon Desserts. Described as a culinary art installation, the towering seven-foot cake featured intricate details, including archival photographs from Betty Crocker’s historical collection, which highlighted the brand’s evolution over the decades. Each tier of the cake boasted a unique flavor combination, ranging from pistachio and blueberry lemon to indulgent cherry chocolate, reflecting both tradition and innovation. Foster-Bentho, who proudly uses Betty Crocker mixes in her Cake Therapy Foundation programs, emphasized the cake’s deeper significance: a celebration of history, community, and the transformative power of baking. The event also featured prominent cake artists, including Theresa Johnson-Londot and Sewande Cadmus, who joined Foster-Bentho in honoring Betty Crocker’s enduring legacy.
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Health ministry developing training manual for school cooks
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant move to promote healthier eating habits among students, Jamaica’s Ministry of Health and Wellness, supported by UNICEF funding, is spearheading the development of a comprehensive curriculum and training manuals for school cooks. This initiative aims to equip cooks with essential knowledge and skills in nutrition and healthy meal preparation. State Minister Krystal Lee announced that standardized recipes will also be introduced to ensure consistency and quality across schools. Speaking at the Heart Foundation of Jamaica’s media campaign launch for the National School Nutrition Policy, Lee revealed that over 200 cooks will receive specialized training from nutritionists and an executive chef between 2026 and 2027. The ministry has already conducted assessments in more than 200 schools, evaluating food safety, hygiene, nutritional quality, and administrative practices. Collaborating with the Ministry of Education and UNICEF, the ministry will revise existing recipe manuals to align with national nutrition standards. The revision process begins this month, with recipe testing scheduled for December 2025, student taste testing in January 2026, and nutrient lab testing by February 2026. Finalized recipes are expected by March 2026. Lee emphasized that this policy is a blueprint for a healthier generation, ensuring children have access to nutritious meals that support learning and growth. She highlighted the broader societal impact, noting that good nutrition is a cornerstone of national development. The policy also encourages daily physical activity, fostering a culture of wellness in schools. Lee concluded that this initiative marks the beginning of a cultural shift, transforming schools into hubs of health and empowering children to thrive.
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Shein’s Paris store kicks up a storm in France
The decision by Asian e-commerce giant Shein to establish its first permanent physical store in Paris has ignited a wave of controversy in the fashion capital. The store, set to open in November at the historic BHV Marais department store, has drawn sharp criticism from local brands and trade unions. BHV Marais, an iconic building opposite Paris City Hall since 1856, has already been struggling with tenant departures due to late payments. Shein’s announcement prompted several French brands, including Aime cosmetics, to exit the department store, with co-founder Mathilde Lacombe expressing deep shock over the deal. Trade unions have called for strike action, warning of a ‘short-term threat to the survival of the department store.’ Critics argue that Shein’s ultra-competitive pricing and fast-fashion model, which has disrupted traditional retail globally, could further harm French stores already facing layoffs and closures. The company, founded in China and now based in Singapore, has faced international scrutiny over environmental and labor concerns. The French ready-to-wear women’s clothing association, FFPAPF, condemned the move, fearing a flood of disposable products in the market. Meanwhile, the European Commission is investigating Shein for illegal product risks, and EU lawmakers recently approved legislation to curb fast fashion’s environmental impact. Former French environmental transition minister Christophe Bechu criticized Shein’s arrival as contrary to the country’s convictions. Despite the backlash, Shein framed its entry as a tribute to Paris’s status as a fashion hub. Executive Chairman Donald Tang stated, ‘By choosing France as the place to trial physical retail, we are honouring its position as a key fashion capital and embracing its spirit of creativity and excellence.’