Bahia Principe’s Managing Director, Jonay Guerra, has revealed that the resort’s year-long shutdown and redundancy plans were already in motion weeks before Hurricane Melissa struck. The storm did not trigger the closure but exacerbated an ongoing restructuring effort. In an interview with the Jamaica Observer, Guerra disclosed that consultations with the Ministry of Labour and the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union (BITU) began in September, outlining plans to temporarily close the Bahia Principe Grand for a full renovation cycle. The Luxury hotel, opened in 2015, was expected to remain partially operational during this period. The decision to close the Grand was driven by the property’s age and the need for significant upgrades to remain competitive. The planned renovation budget was $15 billion, approved before the hurricane. However, Hurricane Melissa caused extensive damage to both properties, adding $815 million in repair costs. Guerra emphasized that the resort aims to reopen with a significantly upgraded product but faces delays due to unstable utilities in St Ann. Despite the challenges, Bahia Principe sheltered 900 staff and their families during the storm and provided $80 million in assistance to employees with damaged homes. The resort is proceeding with redundancies to ensure staff receive financial benefits during the extended closure. Reconstruction will create over 1,000 temporary jobs, with opportunities for current staff with construction skills. Additionally, Bahia Principe plans to build a 350-room luxury villa-style hotel in Runaway Bay, a $30 billion investment expected to create 1,000 jobs once reconstruction stabilizes.
标签： Jamaica
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Simoes plans ‘crisis cabinet’ of ‘specialists’ if given Reggae Boyz job
Brazilian football coach Rene Simões, renowned for guiding Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz to their historic 1998 FIFA World Cup appearance, has expressed his interest in taking over the team’s vacant head coaching position. This follows the abrupt resignation of Englishman Steve McClaren after Jamaica’s disappointing 0-0 draw against Curacao, which left them second in their group and out of automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup, to be hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Simões, 72, has already communicated his intentions to the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) and garnered support from several former players of the 1998 squad. In a detailed social media post, Simões outlined his vision for the team, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive reconstruction. He proposed forming a ‘crisis cabinet’ of experienced specialists, including former Reggae Boyz players like Durrant Brown, Ricardo Gardener, Theodore Whitmore, Freddy Butler, and Deon Burton, to address key areas of the game. Simões believes his philosophy and innovative approach, akin to the structure of American football, can propel Jamaica to their second World Cup. The JFF is expected to appoint an interim coach soon, with Rudolph Speid, coach of Premier League champions Cavalier, rumored to be a frontrunner. Jamaica’s next challenge will be against New Caledonia in March 2026, with a potential follow-up match against the Democratic Republic of Congo for a World Cup berth.
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Rideallday to change ownership before lucrative Mouttet Mile
In a dramatic development in the horse racing world, Solomon Sharpe, owner of the celebrated grey/roan colt Rideallday, has announced that the three-year-old American-bred horse will be sold to a new owner before the prestigious Mouttet Mile on December 6, 2025. Sharpe disclosed that while initial interest from potential buyers had waned, renewed enthusiasm has emerged, with offers now coming in at a premium. ‘This is my final run as Rideallday’s owner,’ Sharpe stated, emphasizing the heightened stakes. ‘Those who hesitated earlier are now eager to pay extra.’
Rideallday’s recent triumph in the Port Royal Sprint on November 16, 2025, has significantly boosted his market value. The Mouttet Mile, a Grade One event with a $300,000 purse, presents a golden opportunity for the new owner to compete against elite contenders. Under the expert guidance of jockey Ian ‘Dolly Baby’ Spence, Rideallday showcased his prowess by securing a thrilling victory in the Port Royal Sprint, overtaking rivals in a nail-biting finish. The win not only solidified his reputation but also guaranteed his participation in the upcoming Mouttet Mile.
Trainer Philip Feanny, while acknowledging the challenges Rideallday faced in the Port Royal Sprint, expressed confidence in the horse’s readiness for the Mouttet Mile. ‘The handicaps were against him, but this race served as a crucial sharpener,’ Feanny remarked. With seven wins from nine starts and over $6.7 million in Stakes earnings, Rideallday’s pedigree and performance have cemented his status as a top-tier competitor. As the racing community eagerly anticipates the Mouttet Mile, all eyes will be on Rideallday and his new owner to see if they can seize the moment and claim victory.
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Speid appointed Reggae Boyz interim coach, Coley in talks for assistant role
The Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) has announced the appointment of Rudolph Speid as the interim head coach of the Reggae Boyz, following the resignation of Steve McClaren on Tuesday. Speid, who has been serving as the technical advisor for the national senior men’s team for the past four months, will officially assume the role on December 15, 2025, and continue until March 31, 2026. The decision was made during an emergency meeting at the JFF on Friday, where Speid was one of two candidates interviewed for the position. The other candidate, Miguel Coley, a former assistant coach of the Reggae Boyz currently based in Iraq, is in discussions to serve as the assistant coach. Speid, who has led Cavalier FC to three Jamaica Premier League titles in the last four years and won the 2024 Concacaf Caribbean Cup, will now guide the team through their final push for World Cup qualification at the Inter-Confederation Playoffs in March. The Reggae Boyz will face New Caledonia in the semi-finals, with a potential final against DR Congo for a spot in next year’s tournament.
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Craft traders and small businesses key for Ocho Rios comeback – Seiveright
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaican government has launched a comprehensive recovery initiative for Ocho Rios, focusing on restoring its tourism and business sectors. Delano Seiveright, State Minister in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce (MIIC), emphasized the urgency of this effort, particularly for small businesses that are vital to the local economy. Seiveright, alongside Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett, conducted an extensive assessment of the Ocho Rios corridor to evaluate hotel readiness, attraction recovery, craft market conditions, and the status of micro and small enterprises.
Seiveright highlighted the collaborative nature of the recovery process, describing it as a ‘whole-of-Government effort.’ He noted that Minister Aubyn Hill has been spearheading national initiatives to restore business operations, mobilizing MIIC teams across multiple parishes and coordinating with partners in manufacturing, retail, services, utilities, and logistics.
A significant milestone in the recovery process is the reopening of the Ocho Rios Cruise Port, which had been closed since February 2024 for major repairs. The port is crucial for Jamaica’s cruise tourism and small-business ecosystem, providing opportunities for craft traders, transport operators, artisans, restaurants, and retailers. Seiveright also addressed the severe impact of Hurricane Melissa on craft vendors, many of whom lost inventory, stalls, and weeks of income. He reaffirmed MIIC’s commitment to collaborating with the tourism ministry, the Urban Development Corporation, local authorities, and private-sector partners to support these operators.
Seiveright stressed the importance of stabilizing utilities—water, electricity, telecommunications—and ensuring safe transportation links as recovery progresses. ‘Utilities and infrastructure are the backbone of commerce. Without them, neither tourism nor business can function properly,’ he said.
Describing Ocho Rios as Jamaica’s ‘proof of responsible recovery,’ Seiveright underscored the town’s role in demonstrating how coordinated national action can safely and steadily reopen major economic corridors. ‘Ocho Rios is where Jamaica shows the world that we are recovering with order, with purpose, and with our small business people at the center of it,’ he concluded.
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Jamaica Strong promoters bank on strong turn out at concert to aid Hurricane Melissa recovery
The Jamaica Strong concert, set to take place at the UBS Arena in Long Island on December 12, is poised to be a major fundraising event for Jamaicans impacted by Hurricane Melissa. Organizers, including Jammins Entertainment, Irie Jam Radio, and RoadBlock Radio, are targeting a minimum of $1 million in donations, with hopes of exceeding this goal to provide immediate relief and support long-term recovery efforts. The star-studded lineup features renowned artists such as Shaggy, Sean Paul, Inner Circle, Marcia Griffiths, Kevin Downswell, and Richie Stephens, all united in their commitment to the cause. Bobby Clarke, CEO of Irie Jam Radio, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, ‘The need is enormous, and every dollar matters. The more we raise, the stronger the foundation we can lay for rebuilding.’ George Crooks of Jammins Entertainment highlighted Shaggy’s pivotal role in rallying other artists, noting his deep personal investment in the initiative. The UBS Arena, with a capacity of 17,000, has previously hosted successful Jamaican events, including Buju Banton’s sold-out performance in July 2024 and Beenie Man’s well-attended show in May. Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, devastated Jamaica on October 28, causing widespread destruction in rural parishes and claiming 45 lives. The concert aims to bring hope and tangible support to those affected.
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Rene Simoes seeks third Reggae Boyz stint
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Rene Simoes, the Brazilian coach who famously guided Jamaica to their historic FIFA World Cup qualification in 1998, has expressed interest in taking charge of the Reggae Boyz once again. This time, he aims to lead the team through the Intercontinental play-offs scheduled for March 2026. Sources close to Observer Online reveal that Simoes, now 72, has garnered support from several members of the iconic 1998 squad and has formally communicated his intentions to the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF).
The coaching vacancy emerged following the abrupt resignation of Englishman Steve McClaren on Tuesday. McClaren stepped down after Jamaica’s disappointing 0-0 draw against Curacao, which left them second in their group with 11 points, narrowly missing an automatic qualifying spot for the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Jamaica’s next challenge will be against New Caledonia in March 2026, with a potential follow-up match against the Democratic Republic of Congo, the winner of which will secure a World Cup berth.
Simoes’ legacy with Jamaica is marked by his historic achievement in 1998, when he led the Reggae Boyz to their first and only World Cup appearance. The team secured a memorable 2-1 victory over Japan in their final group-stage match, despite earlier losses to Croatia and Argentina. However, his second stint with the national team in 2008 was less successful, culminating in his dismissal after a 2-0 defeat to Honduras.
In the interim, the JFF is expected to appoint a temporary coach by Friday, with Rudolph Speid, the coach of Premier League champions Cavalier and chairman of the Technical Committee, reportedly being a top contender. Speid has played a pivotal role in recent coaching decisions, including the dismissal of Theodore Whitmore and the appointments of Heimir Hallgrimsson and McClaren.
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Four in hospital after bear attack on Canada school children
A grizzly bear attack in the remote Bella Coola region of British Columbia, Canada, has left four people hospitalized, two of whom are in critical condition. The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon during a school group outing on a local trail, according to the Provincial Health Services Authority. Emergency paramedics provided immediate medical care to the victims, transporting them to a nearby hospital. While two individuals sustained critical injuries, two others were reported to be in serious condition. Seven additional members of the group received on-site treatment but did not require hospitalization. The ages of the hospitalized victims have not been disclosed, respecting the families’ requests for privacy. The Nuxalk First Nation, whose community was directly affected by the attack, issued a warning about an “aggressive bear in the area” via a Facebook post. Acwsalcta, the local school, announced its closure on Friday due to the incident, commending the staff for their bravery during the ordeal. Veronica Schooner, whose son was part of the group but escaped unharmed, recounted the terrifying moment when the bear narrowly missed her son while pursuing another individual. As of late Thursday, the bear remained at large, prompting the Nuxalk Nation to advise residents to stay indoors. The BC Conservation Officer Service, now leading the investigation, has yet to provide updates on whether the bear has been located.
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Gov’t denies report about appointment of new Consul-General to New York
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Jamaica has refuted recent media claims regarding the appointment of a new consul-general to New York, following the passing of Alsion Marie Wilson. In an official statement released on Friday morning, the ministry addressed the reports, emphasizing the steps taken to ensure the seamless operation of the Consulate-General of Jamaica in New York. The ministry clarified that Mrs. Ariel Bowen, the acting Under-Secretary for Diaspora, Consular and Protocol and Consular Affairs, has been temporarily assigned as the Officer-in-Charge at the consulate. This interim measure aims to maintain operational continuity while the government prepares to initiate the formal process of appointing a permanent replacement for the late consul-general. Wilson, who had served diligently, passed away earlier this month after a prolonged battle with breast cancer at the age of 64. The ministry assured the public that the established procedures for such appointments would be followed at the appropriate time.
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Labour ministry to launch disaster self-reporting form
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a proactive move to enhance disaster response, Jamaica’s Ministry of Labour and Social Security has unveiled a digital self-reporting form for households affected by Hurricane Melissa. The initiative, announced by Portfolio Minister Pearnel Charles Jr., aims to bridge gaps in damage assessments by allowing residents to electronically report losses or damages via the ministry’s official website at https://www.mlss.gov.jm/. This tool is particularly designed for individuals who were not reached by on-ground assessment teams.