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标签： Jamaica

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  • Cindy Rose wins 800m at US college meet

    Cindy Rose wins 800m at US college meet

    Jamaican track and field talent continues to make waves in the US collegiate circuit as several athletes delivered standout performances across multiple indoor meets this weekend.

    Cindy Rose, formerly of Holmwood Technical and now competing for Indian Hills Community College, secured her first collegiate victory by dominating the women’s 800m at the Iowa State University Holiday Invitational. The 2025 Carifta Games silver medalist clocked an impressive 2:16.84, currently the leading time in the National Junior College Athletics Association (NJCAA) indoor season. This triumph follows her third-place finish in the 1000m (3:02.01) at the Washburn Alumni Invite just one week prior.

    Rose’s Indian Hills teammates equally demonstrated their athletic prowess. Hector Benjamin, an ex-Jamaica College sprinter, achieved second overall in the men’s 60m with a swift 6.83 seconds before claiming another silver in the 200m with a time of 21.70 seconds. Meanwhile, Jaquan Coke, previously of Kingston College, set a personal best of 2:26.43 in the men’s 1,000m to secure second place, significantly improving upon his previous mark of 2:27.98. Kemmario Bygrave, another Jamaica College alumnus, placed sixth in the competitive men’s 800m with a time of 1:51.41.

    At the University of Iowa’s Jimmy Grant Invitational, former Edwin Allen High runner Leanna Lewis continued the trend of strong Jamaican performances by capturing second place in the women’s 600m with a time of 1:30.23 while representing Iowa.

    Adding to the throwing events highlights, David Beadle of Hastings College, who previously attended Cornwall College, commenced his final eligible season at the UNK Pre-Holiday Classic. Beadle placed fourth in the men’s weight throw with a heave of 15.62 meters and registered 11.97 meters in the shot put competition.

  • Alkaline Foundation joins aid effort

    Alkaline Foundation joins aid effort

    In a significant humanitarian response, the Alkaline Foundation Corporation has mobilized to deliver essential relief to communities devastated by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica. Founded by renowned dancehall artist Alkaline, the organization provided critical aid packages to residents in the severely impacted parishes of Westmoreland and Trelawny.

    During early December, a dedicated 10-member team from the foundation conducted outreach missions to multiple affected communities, including Stratbougie in Westmoreland, along with Bunkers Hill and Deeside in Trelawny. The distributed relief packages contained vital food supplies, necessary toiletries, and other crucial household items for families struggling in the aftermath of the catastrophic weather event.

    Kereena Beckford, official spokesperson for the Alkaline Foundation Corporation, emphasized the grassroots nature of the relief effort. “This initiative operated without corporate brand sponsorship. All provisions were funded directly through the foundation’s resources, supplemented by generous contributions from compassionate individuals who recognized the urgency of this crisis. Their solidarity enabled us to extend support to the most vulnerable families,” Beckford stated.

    The assistance arrived as these regions continued grappling with extensive damage inflicted by Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica as a Category 5 storm on October 28. The hurricane resulted in tragic loss of life, claiming 45 victims nationwide, while causing widespread destruction across multiple parishes including St Elizabeth and St James alongside the targeted areas.

    Established in 2014 by the artist behind hit tracks such as ‘Things Mi Love’ and ‘Live Life’, the Alkaline Foundation has maintained a consistent philanthropic presence. Previous initiatives have supported institutions like the Maxfield Park Children’s Home and various cancer-related causes.

    Beckford described the emotional impact of witnessing the conditions in affected communities, noting the resilience of residents amidst overwhelming challenges. “Community members openly shared their profound struggles, revealing the depth of their current hardship. Despite facing unimaginable despair and uncertainty, they demonstrated remarkable gratitude and uplifting joy throughout our interactions. The experience was both humbling and profoundly inspiring,” she reflected.

  • Attorney warns of ‘troubling risks’ from US military strikes in the region

    Attorney warns of ‘troubling risks’ from US military strikes in the region

    A significant escalation of US military operations in the Caribbean is generating substantial concern among human rights experts and regional analysts who warn of potential catastrophic consequences for Caribbean nations. The deployment, initiated under President Trump’s directive in late August, has already resulted in lethal strikes on suspected drug-smuggling vessels claiming over 80 lives.

    International human rights attorney Jodi-Ann Quarrie emphasizes that while increased military presence might deter criminal elements, the unprecedented scale of militarization poses severe threats to essential economic sectors. “The Caribbean’s heavy dependence on agriculture, shipping, aviation, and tourism creates particular vulnerability,” Quarrie explained. “Once bombing commences, commercial vessels will avoid these waters, flight paths will be rerouted, and fuel access could be severely disrupted.”

    The region’s tourism industry, already fragile following Hurricane Melissa, faces potential collapse if global perception labels the Caribbean as a conflict zone. Quarrie noted that international tourists would likely cancel vacation plans regardless of the actual geographic scope of hostilities, as global media would inevitably broadcast headlines about ‘war in the Caribbean’.

    Legal experts challenge the legitimacy of US military actions, noting a fundamental shift in approach. Previously treating drug smuggling as transnational crime requiring interdiction, evidence collection, and due process, the United States has now reframed it as a non-international armed conflict. This reinterpretation enables lethal strikes without traditional judicial oversight, raising serious human rights concerns regarding due process and presumption of innocence.

    Former Jamaican UN Ambassador Curtis Ward suggests alternative motivations behind the military buildup, including potential regime change objectives in Venezuela. “The US may be planning to remove President Nicolás Maduro, secure control of Venezuela’s substantial oil reserves, or intimidate military leadership into surrendering him,” Ward stated. He characterized the drone strikes as extrajudicial killings without foundation in US or international law.

    The situation creates tangible dangers for local populations, particularly fishing communities operating in affected waters. Ward confirmed that fishermen’s safety concerns are justified given the unpredictable nature of military operations.

    Regional governments face critical decisions regarding collective response. Ward urged Caribbean leaders to advocate for dialogue rather than military confrontation, warning that pursuing narrow national interests over regional cohesion could lead to irreversible fragmentation of Caribbean unity.

  • Media Association expresses regret at passing of RJRGleaner CEO

    Media Association expresses regret at passing of RJRGleaner CEO

    The Jamaican media landscape is in mourning following the sudden passing of Anthony Smith, Chief Executive Officer of RJRGLEANER Communications Group, who died Sunday morning after battling a brief illness. The Media Association Jamaica Limited (MAJL) has issued an official statement expressing “profound regret” at the loss of the prominent media executive.

    In their memorial release, MAJL extended heartfelt condolences, stating: “Our thoughts and prayers are with Anthony’s family, colleagues, and loved ones during this very difficult time.” The association highlighted Smith’s significant contributions to Jamaica’s media sector during his tenure at the helm of one of the country’s leading communications conglomerates.

    Smith’s professional journey with RJRGLEANER began in 2022 when he assumed the role of Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Print and Digital operations. His exceptional leadership capabilities and strategic vision led to his promotion to Chief Executive Officer in January 2024, a position he held until his untimely passing.

    Before transitioning to the media industry, Smith established himself as a distinguished figure in the telecommunications sector. With formal training as an engineer, he accumulated extensive experience holding multiple senior executive positions across Jamaica and the broader Caribbean region. His corporate portfolio included significant roles at telecommunications giants Cable & Wireless and Massy Technologies Limited, where he developed a reputation for innovative thinking and transformative leadership.

  • Mona Prep dominate to retain JISA Under-12 netball crown

    Mona Prep dominate to retain JISA Under-12 netball crown

    Mona Preparatory School has cemented its legacy as a youth sports powerhouse by achieving an extraordinary three-peat victory at the Jamaica Independent Schools Association (JISA) Under-12 Netball Championship. The triumphant squad secured their latest title with a commanding 14-4 victory against Emmanuel Christian Academy in the championship finals held December 11 at the Leila Robinson Court within the National Stadium complex.

    The championship-winning roster featured exceptional performances from Victoria Alexander, Malia Brown, Emma Chuck, Zyla Demetrius, Cariel Gibson, Arianna Gordon, Amira McDonald, Tamoi Nelson, Gabrielle Phinn, Zuri Sang-Prescott, Amira Serinash, Kiara Shirley, Skylar Smith, and Nyla White. Their decisive win earned them the prestigious Region 1 overall championship title.

    This victory culminates a remarkable season characterized by technical excellence and outstanding discipline. Throughout the 2025 competitive season, Mona Prep maintained an unblemished record in official matches while accumulating multiple honors including JISA Under-12 Netball Rally Champions, Zone 4 Winners, and Competition Winners trophies.

    The team’s statistical dominance proved equally impressive, scoring 152 goals while conceding merely 27 throughout the season. Their defensive prowess reached near-perfection during the netball rally tournament, where they allowed just one goal against while scoring 25.

    Their sole setback occurred outside official competition in an invitational match against the Cayman Islands Under-16 national development team—a valuable experience that provided high-level competitive exposure.

    JISA President Tamar McKenzie emphasized the significance of maintaining athletic programs following Hurricane Melissa’s late October impact. “Sport plays a critical role in restoring normalcy, building resilience, and supporting the emotional well-being of our students after disruption,” McKenzie stated. “I commend all schools for their commitment to completing the season and extend congratulations to Mona Preparatory School on an outstanding and well-earned championship.”

  • US military aircraft to arrive in Dominican Republic for deployment in the Caribbean

    US military aircraft to arrive in Dominican Republic for deployment in the Caribbean

    SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic – The Dominican government has granted official authorization for multiple United States military aircraft to utilize the nation’s airfields in support of ongoing operational deployments across the Caribbean region. This strategic move, executed under existing bilateral agreements, will see American military planes operating from restricted zones at two key installations: San Isidro Air Base and Las Américas International Airport.

    The collaboration framework encompasses a diverse range of mission profiles, including aerial surveillance, tactical transport operations, and specialized technical support. Among the aircraft slated for participation are the formidable KC-130 aerial refueling tanker and the legendary C-130 Hercules transport—two of the most versatile and battle-tested platforms in the US Air Force’s inventory.

    The C-130 Hercules, with an illustrious service history dating back to 1954, stands as one of the most successful military transport aircraft ever developed. Originally engineered for demanding Cold War operations, this rugged airlifter has proven indispensable in conflicts from Vietnam to Desert Storm, while simultaneously serving critical roles in humanitarian crises including the Haiti earthquake relief efforts and Hurricane Katrina response operations.

    Its companion aircraft, the KC-130 tanker variant introduced in the 1960s, provides dual-capability as both a logistics transport and aerial refueling platform. This aircraft extends the operational range of fighter jets, helicopters, and unmanned drones, having supported combat operations from Iraq and Afghanistan to Libya, in addition to facilitating nighttime special operations and personnel transportation.

    While Dominican authorities have maintained operational security by not disclosing specific flight schedules or the exact number of aircraft involved, defense analysts indicate the deployment will likely enhance maritime and aerial surveillance capabilities, enable movement of sensitive equipment, provide logistics support for regional security initiatives, facilitate in-flight refueling operations, and transport technical personnel throughout the Caribbean theater.

    The mission represents the latest manifestation of deepening security and technical cooperation between the Dominican Republic and the United States, reflecting shared strategic interests in maintaining stability and security throughout the Caribbean basin.

  • Heavyweights Sts Peter and Paul, Lannaman’s clash in Henriques Cup final

    Heavyweights Sts Peter and Paul, Lannaman’s clash in Henriques Cup final

    A highly anticipated showdown for juvenile football supremacy is set to unfold as Sts Peter and Paul Preparatory square off against Lannaman’s in the Jamaica Independent Schools Association National Under-12 Henriques Cup final. The championship match, scheduled for 10:30 AM at Sts Peter and Paul Preparatory grounds, represents a quest for redemption for both squads seeking their first silverware of the season.

    Lannaman’s enters the final carrying the weight of last year’s disappointing finals defeat, determined to reclaim their championship pedigree after several trophy-less seasons across both knockout and league competitions. Their journey to the final was secured through a hard-fought 2-0 semi-final victory over Hillel Academy, with both goals materializing during extra time in a tense encounter.

    Opponents Sts Peter and Paul, current defending league champions, battled through their own semi-final challenge, edging Liberty Academy 1-0 in a match marred by disciplinary issues that resulted in red cards for one Liberty player and an assistant coach.

    Lannaman’s Head Coach Haron ‘German’ Martin expressed profound pride in his team’s resilience and quality following their semi-final performance. ‘After the heartbreak of last year’s final defeat, our focus has been unwavering—return to the championship match and complete the mission by lifting the trophy,’ Martin stated. He particularly praised the development pipeline at Lannaman’s, noting ‘While we’ve seen players move on, our program continually produces talented replacements who have performed exceptionally.’

    For Sts Peter and Paul, this final presents an opportunity to avenge last season’s semi-final elimination at the hands of Lannaman’s. Head Coach Kemar Edwards emphasized his team’s dominant form throughout the season, highlighting their unblemished record and remarkable defensive solidity having conceded just one goal. ‘The memory of penalty shootout defeat last year fuels our motivation. We possess a strong, albeit young, squad that deserves this victory after an outstanding campaign,’ Edwards commented, expressing confidence in his team’s preparedness for the title decider.

    Prior to the main event, Hillel Academy and Liberty Academy will contest the third-place playoff at 9:00 AM, setting the stage for a day of youthful football excellence at the preparatory level.

  • Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw nets 100th goal for Man City

    Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw nets 100th goal for Man City

    MANCHESTER, United Kingdom — Jamaican striker Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw delivered a legendary performance on Sunday, netting four spectacular goals in Manchester City’s dominant 6-1 victory over Aston Villa. This remarkable achievement not only secured her team a decisive six-point advantage in the Women’s Super League standings but also marked a historic personal milestone as she scored her 100th goal for the club.

    The match will be remembered as Shaw’s masterpiece, with BBC Sport reporting she was ‘easily the best player on the pitch.’ Her opening strike represented the landmark 100th goal, making her the first Manchester City women’s player to reach this extraordinary benchmark during the club’s professional era. Demonstrating relentless offensive prowess, Shaw proceeded to add three more goals to complete her quadruple feat.

    The victory was further bolstered by contributions from Vivianne Miedema and Aoba Fujino, who each added a goal to complete the commanding scoreline. Shaw’s incredible scoring ratio now stands at 103 goals in just 120 appearances for Manchester City, a statistic described as ‘astonishing’ by match commentators.

    Following the match, Manchester City’s official social media channels celebrated their star player with a post captioned ‘She did that!’ accompanied by recognition as player of the match. This decisive victory positions Manchester City firmly ahead of defending WSL champions Chelsea as the season progresses, establishing them as clear title contenders.

  • ‘Mi lamp a mi current’

    ‘Mi lamp a mi current’

    In the coastal community of Bluefields, Westmoreland, 73-year-old Jason McKenzie finds illumination not from the national power grid, but from a century-old kerosene lamp that has become his sole source of light since Hurricane Melissa devastated the island. The Category 5 storm, which struck on October 28, left more than 30,000 Westmoreland residents without electricity, with some potentially waiting until 2026 for full restoration according to Jamaica Public Service updates.

    McKenzie’s ‘Home Sweet Home’ lamp—a cultural artifact passed down through three generations of his family—has transformed from sentimental keepsake to critical survival tool. The nostalgic glass lamp, once popular in Jamaican households during the late 1800s, now provides practical illumination amid widespread power outages.

    “My grandparents left it for me,” McKenzie told journalists during a visit to the parish. “One time I considered discarding it, but then realized its value during power outages. Now the storm has come, and I must depend on it.”

    The hurricane not only knocked out power infrastructure but also destroyed McKenzie’s roof, leaving portions of his home exposed to the elements. Despite managing temporary repairs to his bedroom section, he remains vulnerable to weather conditions while awaiting assistance.

    McKenzie detailed the lamp’s operational practicality compared to modern alternatives: “The money I would use to buy candles, I use to buy kerosene oil. Candles are expensive and dangerous—you must watch them constantly. The lamp remains stable throughout the night.”

    His weekly expenditure of $800 Jamaican for kerosene proves more economical than frequent candle purchases, though he still conserves fuel by extinguishing the lamp during sleeping hours.

    The storm experience proved traumatic for McKenzie, who described taking shelter under his bed as hurricane winds tore zinc roofing from his house. “You have to be a soldier sometimes,” he reflected, expressing gratitude for survival despite the devastation.

    As restoration efforts continue across Jamaica—with over 80% of residents already reconnected—McKenzie’s story highlights both the resilience of vulnerable communities and the unexpected return of historical technology during modern disasters.

  • Gleaner CEO Anthony Smith passes

    Gleaner CEO Anthony Smith passes

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican media landscape is in mourning following the sudden passing of Anthony Smith, Chief Executive Officer of the RJRGleaner Communications Group. The prominent media executive died on Sunday morning after battling a brief illness, according to an official announcement from the organization.

    Smith’s leadership journey with the media conglomerate began in October 2022 when he joined as Deputy Chief Executive Officer with responsibility for Print and Digital media operations. His exceptional performance and strategic vision led to his promotion to the role of Chief Executive Officer in January of the following year, marking a significant milestone in his media career.

    The RJRGleaner Communications Group, one of Jamaica’s most influential media entities, expressed profound sorrow at the loss of their leader. In a statement released Sunday, the organization extended heartfelt condolences: “Our thoughts and prayers are with Anthony’s immediate and extended family at this time.” The announcement highlighted the deep sense of loss felt throughout the organization and the broader media community.

    Smith’s tenure, though brief, was marked by significant contributions to the media group’s digital transformation and print operations, positioning the company for future growth in an evolving media landscape. His passing creates a leadership vacuum that the organization will need to address while continuing to honor his legacy in Jamaican journalism and media management.