French authorities have made significant progress in the investigation of the audacious theft of imperial jewels from the Louvre Museum last month. On Tuesday, four additional individuals were apprehended in connection with the high-profile heist, as announced by Paris’s chief prosecutor, Laure Beccuau. The suspects include two men aged 38 and 39, and two women aged 31 and 40, all hailing from the Paris region. This latest development follows the earlier charges brought against four other individuals linked to the October 19 robbery. The daring theft saw a four-member gang execute a meticulously planned operation in broad daylight, making off with jewelry valued at an estimated $102 million in just seven minutes. The thieves utilized a moving truck equipped with a ladder to access the museum’s Apollo Gallery, which houses the French crown jewels. They ascended in a bucket, shattered a window, and employed angle grinders to breach glass display cases containing the priceless treasures. Among the items stolen was an emerald-and-diamond necklace gifted by Napoleon I to his second wife, Empress Marie-Louise. However, a diamond-and-emerald crown belonging to Empress Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III, was dropped during their escape. Despite extensive efforts, the stolen jewels remain unrecovered, and the investigation continues.
标签: Jamaica
牙买加
-

Jamaica’s economy was surging before Hurricane Melissa – survey
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s economy was on a robust upward trajectory in the third quarter of 2025, as revealed by the latest JCC/GK Capital Management Business and Consumer Confidence Indices. The data, collected before Hurricane Melissa struck, highlights a significant surge in both consumer and business confidence, marking the strongest economic performance in over two decades.
-

Melissa exposed what truly matters in our schools
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, the education system has undergone a profound transformation, shedding outdated priorities and refocusing on what truly matters: the children. Before the storm, schools were preoccupied with enforcing trivial dress codes—debating hemlines, hairlines, and sock colors—as if these were the pillars of academic success. Some institutions even barred students from entering classrooms over grooming violations, turning school gates into battlegrounds of unnecessary discipline.
-

Economy to contract 11-13 per cent Oct-Dec — PIOJ
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which struck the island on October 28, has left Jamaica grappling with unprecedented economic challenges. Preliminary estimates from the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) indicate a potential 13 per cent decline in the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) for the final quarter of this year. This marks one of the most severe economic contractions since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
-

Gov’t to lend JPS US$150m for restoration work; rejects request for extension to licence
The Jamaican Government has pledged a $150 million loan to the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) to aid in the reconstruction of its power grid, severely damaged by Hurricane Melissa. However, the Andrew Holness Administration has declined JPS’s request to extend its current licence, set to expire in 2027, which the company sought to secure additional funding for the restoration efforts. Energy Minister Daryl Vaz announced the decision during a House of Representatives session, emphasizing the need to address two critical issues separately: the immediate funding for grid restoration and the ongoing negotiations for a new electricity licence. The Government has approved a conditional bridging loan to JPS, ensuring the company can proceed with restoration without extending its licence. This move will enable 300 overseas line workers and specialized equipment to arrive in Jamaica by December, aiming for full customer restoration by early 2026. Vaz highlighted that the Government has safeguarded its interests, with provisions ensuring repayment of the loan if a new licence is not agreed upon. The Government has also finalized a consultancy contract to support negotiations with JPS, ensuring a structured and protected approach to the process.
-

The rise of volunteerism post-Melissa
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation in Jamaica, a remarkable wave of volunteerism has emerged, transforming a crisis into an opportunity for societal rebuilding and innovation. The hurricane has left tens of thousands of Jamaicans internally displaced, creating an urgent need for relief and recovery efforts. However, amidst the destruction, the response from both local and international communities has been nothing short of inspiring.
-

Miss Universe Africa & Oceania resigns citing commitment to personal values
Olivia Manuela Yacé, the Ivorian representative at the Miss Universe 2025 pageant held in Bangkok, has officially resigned from her title as Miss Universe Africa and Oceania. In a heartfelt statement, Yacé reflected on her journey in the pageant world, acknowledging the personal growth and resilience it fostered. However, she emphasized that stepping away is essential to align her future endeavors with her core values of respect, dignity, excellence, and equal opportunity.
Yacé expressed her commitment to championing these principles and serving as a role model for younger generations, particularly girls. She encouraged them to embrace their identities and challenge societal limitations. Additionally, she called on Black, African, Caribbean, American, and Afro-descendant communities to continue entering spaces where their presence might be unexpected, asserting that their voices and contributions are vital.
In her statement, Yacé congratulated the newly crowned Miss Universe and extended her best wishes to Miss Universe Jamaica, Dr. Gabrielle Henry, while expressing hope for Jamaica’s recovery from recent adversities. She also expressed gratitude to her supporters and shared how her experiences in the pageant world profoundly shaped her.
Although Yacé is stepping down from her regional title and ending her affiliation with the Miss Universe Committee, she affirmed that her mission to inspire and uplift others remains unwavering. Concluding her statement with a powerful declaration, she said, ‘It’s time for Africa.’
-

Estevao dazzles for rampant Chelsea as 10-man Barcelona fold
In a thrilling Champions League clash at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, Chelsea delivered a commanding 3-0 victory against a 10-man Barcelona, with teenage sensation Estevao stealing the spotlight. The match, billed as a showdown between two 18-year-old prodigies—Estevao and Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal—lived up to its hype, as Chelsea’s dominance was evident from the outset.
Estevao’s moment of brilliance came in the 55th minute when he embarked on a mesmerizing solo run, evading two defenders before unleashing a powerful strike into the top corner of Joan Garcia’s net. This marked his 10th goal of the season for both club and country, solidifying his rising star status. Reflecting on his achievement, Estevao described it as the pinnacle of his career, expressing gratitude for the support of his family and fans.
Chelsea’s relentless pressure paid off early when a defensive error by Barcelona’s Jules Kounde resulted in an own goal in the 27th minute. The situation worsened for Barcelona just before halftime as captain Ronald Araujo was sent off after receiving a second yellow card. Substitute Liam Delap sealed the victory in the 73rd minute with a clinical finish, leaving Barcelona with no chance of a comeback.
The match showcased Chelsea’s superiority, with Enzo Fernandez and Pedro Neto coming close to adding to the scoreline. Barcelona, despite their storied history in the competition, appeared lackluster and struggled to create meaningful opportunities. Chelsea’s fans reveled in the triumph, taunting Yamal and celebrating their team’s resurgence in the Champions League after a two-year absence.
With three wins in their first five Champions League matches, Chelsea are well-positioned to secure a top-eight finish, which would guarantee automatic qualification for the last 16. The club’s momentum extends to the Premier League, where they sit second ahead of a crucial showdown with league leaders Arsenal this Sunday.
-

Pilots united
In a remarkable and emotionally charged mission, three United Airlines pilots with deep Jamaican connections spearheaded a relief flight to aid victims of Hurricane Melissa, a catastrophic Category 5 storm that ravaged Jamaica on October 28, 2025. Captains Trevor Bourne, Toray Bailey, and O’Neil Barnes, all with personal ties to the island, were part of the crew that delivered essential supplies to Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport on November 2, 2025. The fourth pilot, Jalal Paul, a Haitian, also joined the mission, as his homeland was similarly devastated by the hurricane. The pilots, who were uniquely positioned to understand the gravity of the situation, were deeply moved by the widespread destruction they witnessed from the air and on the ground. The storm, with winds reaching 185 miles per hour, claimed 45 lives, caused an estimated $9 billion in damages, and left thousands without electricity, water, or shelter. United Airlines facilitated the mission, recognizing the personal significance it held for the pilots and their desire to assist their homeland. The crew’s firsthand observations of the devastation prompted the airline to collaborate with other organizations to provide further aid. The pilots, who have prior experience in disaster relief missions, emphasized the resilience of the Jamaican people and the urgent need for basic necessities like toiletries. Their efforts have inspired continued support from various organizations, including the Global Empowerment Mission and local initiatives led by Jamaican diaspora communities.
-

People with leptospirosis symptoms urged to seek immediate medical attention
Jamaica is grappling with a surge in leptospirosis cases following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, prompting health officials to issue urgent warnings to the public. Dr. Karen Webster Kerr, the National Epidemiologist, has emphasized the need for immediate medical attention for anyone exhibiting symptoms of the disease. Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton confirmed the outbreak during a press conference on Friday, revealing that confirmed and suspected cases have been reported across eight parishes, including St. Elizabeth, St. Catherine, Hanover, Westmoreland, Trelawny, St. Ann, St. James, and St. Mary. Between October 30 and November 20, there have been nine confirmed cases, 28 suspected cases, and six suspected deaths linked to the illness. Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection transmitted through contact with water or soil contaminated by the urine of infected animals, particularly rodents, presents initially with mild, flu-like symptoms such as high fever, headache, chills, and muscle aches. However, severe cases can lead to kidney or liver failure, internal bleeding, and even death if untreated. Dr. Webster Kerr highlighted that advanced symptoms include coughing up blood, blood in stool, inflammation around the heart, irregular heartbeat, fatigue, shortness of breath, and swollen feet. Treatment often involves intravenous fluids and, in severe cases, intensive care. The outbreak has been exacerbated by stagnant water left in communities after the hurricane, creating ideal conditions for the Leptospira bacteria to thrive. Residents are advised to avoid contact with standing water, especially farmers and those with open wounds. Meanwhile, Dr. Webster Kerr reassured the public that there is no outbreak of gastroenteritis, and influenza cases, while increasing seasonally, remain below epidemic levels. COVID-19 activity is also low, with minimal respiratory virus circulation. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie reported that 60% to 75% of health centers in the most affected parishes—Trelawny, St. James, Hanover, Westmoreland, and St. Elizabeth—have resumed normal operations.
