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  • Bishop Clarke’s love for Trelawny fuels major hurricane relief drive

    Bishop Clarke’s love for Trelawny fuels major hurricane relief drive

    FALMOUTH, Trelawny — When Hurricane Melissa devastated sections of Trelawny, Florida-based Bishop Maurice Clarke experienced what he describes as an ‘out-of-body experience’ – physically present in America yet emotionally connected to his Jamaican homeland. The senior pastor of Central Light Grace Chapel in Lauderdale Springs immediately mobilized his predominantly Jamaican congregation to launch a comprehensive relief operation.

    Bishop Clarke, who maintains deep roots in Falmouth where he was baptized 50 years ago, spearheaded a initiative that shipped 34 generators, 10 airbeds, food supplies, clothing, and linens to the hurricane-ravaged community. The operation faced significant logistical challenges, including nearly $8,000 in shipping costs, until philanthropist Cynthia Baker joined the effort.

    The relief mission held profound personal significance for Bishop Clarke, who credits the Falmouth New Testament Church of God with shaping his spiritual journey. ‘The church gave me a full scholarship when my mother couldn’t afford seminary tuition,’ he revealed. ‘Falmouth has been my backbone, and I feel obligated to give back.’

    The container shipment navigated complex logistics from Florida to Montego Bay, where remarkably, among over 200 containers on the barge, theirs was the only one cleared immediately upon arrival. Distribution was coordinated through the New Testament Church of God on Market Street, serving as the primary relief center for affected residents.

    Bishop Clarke emphasized that the effort was driven by love rather than recognition: ‘Being here in America doesn’t mean we’ve forgotten where we came from. It’s our passion for the people that motivated us.’

  • US lawmakers condemn Trump plan targeting Caribbean immigrant families

    US lawmakers condemn Trump plan targeting Caribbean immigrant families

    WASHINGTON, United States – Congressional leaders from both chambers have issued a forceful condemnation of the Trump administration’s proposed immigration rule that would penalize Caribbean and other immigrant families for utilizing legally accessible public benefits. The legislators submitted a formal regulatory comment to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) opposing the “Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility” rule, characterizing it as an unlawful reinterpretation of longstanding immigration statutes.

    The bipartisan coalition, comprising senior members from judiciary and immigration subcommittees, argued that the proposal would fundamentally alter the 135-year definition of “public charge” without congressional authorization. The current interpretation applies only to individuals primarily dependent on government subsistence, while the new rule would expand this definition to include recipients of healthcare, nutritional, and housing assistance programs.

    Lawmakers warned the policy would create chilling effects across immigrant communities, potentially causing families to avoid essential services despite their legal eligibility. They cited DHS’s own impact assessment acknowledging potential consequences including worsened health outcomes, increased poverty rates, housing instability, and greater emergency room utilization – effects that would extend beyond immigrant households to affect broader communities.

    The congressional opposition highlights that federal agencies have historically recognized programs like Medicaid, SNAP, and housing assistance as supplemental benefits designed to promote public health and family stability. Legislators noted that Congress has deliberately preserved immigrant access to these programs through specific eligibility rules in recent legislation, including the 2025 reconciliation law.

    Several New York City agencies have joined the criticism, amplifying concerns about the rule’s potential impact on public health and social welfare systems. The lawmakers have urged the administration to maintain the 2022 regulations which they assert better reflect congressional intent and protect vulnerable families from being penalized for using lawful assistance programs.

  • Three former SSL directors slapped with multiple charges

    Three former SSL directors slapped with multiple charges

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Three former executives of the defunct financial entity Stocks and Securities Limited (SSL) now confront a sweeping array of criminal charges in one of Jamaica’s most significant investment scandals. The accused individuals include SSL founder Hugh Croskery, his daughter Sarah Meany, and former director Zachary Harding, who held his position from 2019 until the firm’s collapse in 2022.

    Prosecutors have filed a comprehensive indictment detailing multiple violations of Jamaican financial regulations. The charges allege the trio systematically deceived investors by fraudulently soliciting investments, constituting a breach of Section 28 of the Larceny Act. Additional counts include operating without proper corporate registration under the Companies Act, conducting securities business without a valid dealer’s license as mandated by the Securities Act, failing to register securities with the appropriate commission, and violating the Banking Services Act.

    The legal proceedings have advanced with Hugh Croskery being granted bail set at one million Jamaican dollars. His court appearance is scheduled for January 26, 2026, where formal proceedings will commence. Croskery’s defense team, led by King’s Counsel Peter Champagnie and attorney Samoi Campbell, has vigorously maintained their client’s innocence.

    Champagnie publicly stated that his client denies all allegations and has provided complete cooperation to investigative authorities throughout the probe. The defense counsel emphasized the importance of due process, urging the public to refrain from premature judgment until judicial proceedings conclude in court.

  • GraceKennedy mourns passing of business leader Mable Tenn

    GraceKennedy mourns passing of business leader Mable Tenn

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — GraceKennedy, the prominent Caribbean conglomerate, has announced with profound sorrow the passing of Mable Tenn, celebrated business pioneer and the company’s inaugural female board director. Tenn’s remarkable career spanned decades of transformative leadership and barrier-breaking achievements within Jamaica’s corporate landscape.

    Her professional association with GraceKennedy commenced in 1952 when she assumed the role of secretary to Carlton Alexander, then serving as director. Demonstrating exceptional business acumen and determination, Tenn subsequently established multiple thriving entrepreneurial ventures that would eventually be incorporated into the GraceKennedy portfolio through acquisition.

    In a historic corporate milestone, Tenn shattered the glass ceiling in 1972 by becoming the first woman appointed to GraceKennedy’s board of directors. This groundbreaking appointment established new precedents for gender diversity in Jamaican business leadership and created pathways for subsequent generations of female executives.

    Beyond her corporate legacy, Tenn made substantial contributions to Jamaica’s agricultural development initiatives and emerged as an inspirational figure for women pursuing leadership roles. Her career exemplified resilience, innovative vision, and an uncompromising commitment to excellence that transcended conventional expectations of her era.

    The GraceKennedy organization has extended heartfelt condolences to Tenn’s family, friends, and the countless individuals influenced by her extraordinary journey. The company emphasized that Tenn’s enduring impact on both corporate governance and broader Jamaican society will be perpetually honored with profound respect and appreciation.

  • Zachary Harding faces questioning in SSL fraud saga

    Zachary Harding faces questioning in SSL fraud saga

    Zachary Harding, the former Chief Executive Officer of Stocks and Securities Limited (SSL), is now undergoing formal questioning by Jamaican authorities in connection with the island’s largest financial fraud scandal. This development starkly contrasts with his January 2023 public declaration of having “clean hands” when the scandal first emerged.

    On December 27, 2025, Harding presented himself to detectives from the Financial Investigations Division (FID) and the Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigation Branch (C-TOC) of the Jamaica Constabulary Force. According to official statements, the interrogation focuses on “reasonable suspicion of breaches” spanning multiple financial regulations including the Bank of Jamaica Act, Securities Act, Banking Services Act, and Companies Act.

    The investigation intensified with coordinated dawn raids conducted by FID, C-TOC, and the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) targeting former SSL directors’ premises in St. James and St. Andrew. These operations resulted in three arrests: former SSL directors Hugh Croskery and Sarah Meany, plus Dermot Meany who faces separate firearms charges.

    During the 2023 interview with Observer Online, Harding had emphatically denied any knowledge of the fraudulent activities, stating: “I have nothing to hide. My heart is clear and my conscience is free.” He specifically claimed unawareness that Olympic champion Usain Bolt maintained an account with SSL during his tenure from September 2019 to June 2022.

    The scandal, which initially revealed the theft of approximately US$12.7 million from Bolt’s account, has expanded to encompass nearly 200 clients with total losses approaching $4 billion Jamaican dollars. To date, only former SSL wealth advisor Jean-Ann Panton has been formally charged, with her case currently progressing through the judicial system.

    Harding maintained that his resignation in June 2022 preceded the scandal’s emergence, and he had no ongoing affiliation with the company. Investigators continue forensic examination of evidence collected during recent operations while assessing potential regulatory violations.

  • West Indies players fall in ICC Test rankings

    West Indies players fall in ICC Test rankings

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — The International Cricket Council’s latest Test batting rankings reveal a concerning development for West Indies cricket, with no regional batsman currently positioned within the top 50 globally. This represents a significant setback for the Caribbean team following their recent Test series against New Zealand.

    Shai Hope, previously the sole West Indian representative in the elite batting tier, has experienced a substantial decline, dropping 11 positions to 60th place. This demotion occurred despite Hope compiling 255 runs at a respectable average of 42.50 during the series, while battling health complications including an eye infection during the second Test and food poisoning in the final match.

    The rankings scenario appears particularly puzzling for Justin Greaves, the series’ top scorer with 283 runs at an average of 56.60, including an unbeaten double-century in the second Test. Despite these performances, Greaves fell one place to 62nd position. Former captain Kraigg Brathwaite, who last represented the West Indies in July against Australia, now occupies the 65th spot.

    Several players did achieve notable rankings progressions. Kavem Hodge surged 11 places to 66th following his unbeaten 123 in the third Test’s first innings, while Brandon King made the most dramatic ascent, jumping 27 positions to 73rd after replacing injured opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul and recording half-centuries in both innings of the final Test.

    The bowling rankings presented a similarly challenging picture. Veteran pace bowler Kemar Roach, who had climbed to 18th after an impressive opening Test performance, dropped two places to 20th. He remains one position ahead of injured sensation Shamar Joseph, who missed the series. Jayden Seales slipped one spot to 25th, while Alzarri Joseph and spinner Jomel Warrican maintained their positions at 31st and 32nd respectively. Gudakesh Motie remained stationary at 65th, and Roston Chase declined nine places to 67th. Justin Greaves provided the sole positive movement among bowlers, advancing 12 places to 80th position.

  • WATCH: NCB Foundation commends Black River community stalwart

    WATCH: NCB Foundation commends Black River community stalwart

    BLACK RIVER, Jamaica — In a heartening display of community recognition, 89-year-old Marjorie Monteith, a lifelong volunteer from St. Elizabeth parish, was celebrated this Saturday for her decades of unwavering service to the most vulnerable residents, even as she herself recovers from damages inflicted by Hurricane Melissa.

    The National Commercial Bank (NCB) Foundation honored Monteith during a targeted outreach initiative across the communities of Black River, Lacovia, and Kilmarnock. The event saw numerous residents receiving essential care packages and support, highlighting a symbiotic relationship between institutional aid and grassroots activism.

    NCB CEO Bruce Bowen, present during the house-to-house distribution, praised Monteith’s enduring commitment. ‘For years, both before and during the hurricane, she has been a pillar of support, offering care and shelter to those in need,’ Bowen remarked. ‘Her work embodies the spirit of building a better Jamaica—not through grand projects, but through genuine human connection.’

    Monteith, reflecting on her extensive involvement, recounted her earlier years managing a facility where the homeless could access meals, bathing facilities, and companionship. Although she now operates at a reduced capacity, her dedication remains unshaken. ‘It pains me when I cannot sit with them,’ she confessed. ‘I love the street people. I still visit, talk with them, and provide food, money, and clothes whenever possible.’

    The outreach also drew commendation from Superintendent Coleridge Minto, head of the St. Elizabeth police, who acknowledged the NCB Foundation’s efforts in reaching remote and severely affected areas such as Kilmarnock. Minto emphasized the police force’s role in facilitating aid delivery and ensuring security for volunteer groups.

    Bowen further recognized Superintendent Minto’s leadership in fostering community-police relations, noting the positive impact of collaborative efforts in disaster response and social support.

  • WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY

    WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY

    Veteran Jamaican international Michail Antonio is on the verge of reigniting his professional career with a potential move to English Championship side Leicester City. The 35-year-old striker, currently training with the Foxes as a free agent, could sign a short-term contract that would bolster both club and country ambitions.

    Antonio’s journey back to competitive football follows a harrowing car accident in December that resulted in a broken leg, compounded by a calf injury that disrupted his national team participation. After a decade-long tenure with West Ham United that yielded 83 goals and 43 assists in 323 appearances, the powerful forward has been without a club since June.

    The potential signing comes at a critical juncture for both player and club. Leicester, relegated from the Premier League last season, sits 13th in the Championship and seeks offensive reinforcement with their current strike force managing just five combined goals in 22 matches. Manager Marti Cifuentes expressed optimism about Antonio’s trial, noting: ‘He’s been looking good in training and possesses experience that could benefit the team. While match fitness requires time, his strengths align with our needs.’

    For Antonio, club football represents the pathway to international redemption. The Reggae Boyz face crucial inter-confederation play-offs in March 2026 after failing to secure automatic World Cup qualification. Antonio has openly declared his ambition to help Jamaica reach their first World Cup since 1998, stating: ‘We’re now six games away from being qualified, and these matches are very doable for us.’

    Interim Jamaica head coach Rudolph Speid has emphasized selecting active players, making Antonio’s potential signing with Leicester particularly significant. The striker would join international teammate Bobby Reid at the club, potentially creating valuable synergy for the national team.

    Both parties indicate mutual interest in finalizing a deal before the new year, which would mark Antonio’s return to competitive football exactly one year after his last Premier League appearance—ironically, against Leicester in West Ham’s 1-3 defeat on December 3, 2024.

  • Three taken into custody in relation to SSL fraud probe

    Three taken into custody in relation to SSL fraud probe

    Jamaican law enforcement agencies launched a coordinated pre-dawn operation resulting in the detention of three individuals connected to the massive financial fraud case at Stocks and Securities Limited (SSL). The multi-agency raid, executed at approximately 4:30 AM, targeted properties linked to former SSL directors as investigators intensify their probe into the billion-dollar investment scandal.

    The operation involved specialized units including the Financial Investigations Division (FID), Constabulary Financial Unit (CFU), Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigation Branch (C-TOC), and the St James Police Division, with additional support from the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA). Search warrants were executed at four locations—one in Kempshot district, St James, and three addresses in St Andrew.

    Authorities confirmed the detention of former SSL directors Hugh Croskery and Sarah Meany. Croskery was apprehended at a Wickham Avenue residence where investigators confiscated electronic devices and documentary evidence. He faces potential charges under multiple financial statutes including the Bank of Jamaica Act, Securities Act, Larceny Act, and Banking Services Act.

    Simultaneously, searches at the Meany residence in Kempshot yielded SSL-related documents and electronic equipment. Sarah Meany was taken into custody on suspicion of similar financial regulatory violations during her tenure at SSL. A third individual, Dermot Meany, was arrested for firearms-related offenses after authorities discovered ammunition exceeding legally permitted quantities despite his licensed firearm status.

    In a parallel development, former SSL and Delta Partners CEO Zachary Harding presented himself for questioning at FID and C-TOC facilities accompanied by legal counsel. His interrogation focuses on potential breaches of financial regulations including the Companies Act.

    All seized evidence is undergoing comprehensive forensic analysis as authorities continue to assess additional charges. The investigation remains active with promises of further updates as this complex financial fraud case develops.

  • Milk and Honey takes over Sabina Park on Sunday

    Milk and Honey takes over Sabina Park on Sunday

    Milk and Honey, Jamaica’s premier fashion-themed social gathering, is poised to deliver an enhanced experience for its 2025 edition while maintaining its reputation as the season’s most anticipated event. The upcoming installment is scheduled to transform Sabina Park on Sunday, December 28, marking another milestone in the event’s evolution since its local inception in 2018.

    Event Director Fabeion Dennisor revealed to the Jamaica Observer that continuous improvement remains a fundamental principle guiding each production. ‘Guests can anticipate a refined experience characterized by amplified spectacle and, most importantly, unforgettable fashion presentations,’ Dennisor stated. The event has strategically expanded its appeal to embrace a more diverse demographic through intentionally curated elements spanning culinary offerings, musical programming, guest services, and overall aesthetic design.

    The luxury experience is further elevated through partnerships with premium spirits brands Johnnie Walker and Don Julio. Nadine Thomas-Hylton, brand manager for both labels, emphasized the natural synergy between the event and the spirits: ‘Milk and Honey is renowned for spectacular fashion and personality displays, while our brands are celebrated for the authenticity they provide to discerning consumers.’

    Thomas-Hylton highlighted the three-year successful association, noting that the partnership transforms the venue into a luxury celebration haven. The brands aim to foster an atmosphere of genuine togetherness and celebration while supporting Jamaica’s economic recovery efforts. Patrons can expect expertly crafted premium cocktails and a secure environment for creative expression and social connection.

    The musical dimension will feature performances by DJ Tyler, Ricky Platinum, Noah Powa, Chromatic, and Shukkle Bus, ensuring a dynamic auditory experience complementing the fashion-forward visual elements. The event continues to attract notable personalities, including social media influencers Jermaule ‘Nino’ Adair and Shanzi, who added their star power to recent stagings.