The latest economic data from the United States reveals a slowdown in retail sales growth for September, as consumers grapple with rising prices and businesses face escalating costs. According to the Commerce Department, retail sales increased by a modest 0.2 percent month-on-month, falling short of analyst expectations and marking a deceleration from August’s 0.6 percent gain. Concurrently, the Labor Department reported a 0.3 percent rise in producer prices for September, driven primarily by a 0.9 percent surge in goods costs, particularly energy and food. These trends highlight the growing economic pressures stemming from President Donald Trump’s tariffs, which have begun to ripple through the economy. Some businesses have already reported higher operational costs due to these duties, prompting the administration to expand tariff exemptions for certain agricultural products. The release of these reports was delayed due to the record-long government shutdown between October and mid-November, which disrupted the collection and publication of key economic data. Year-on-year, retail sales in September were up 4.3 percent, though specific sectors such as motor vehicles, clothing, and electronics experienced declines. The data underscores the challenges facing both consumers and businesses as they navigate an increasingly complex economic landscape.
标签： Jamaica
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Guardiola gamble backfires in Man City loss to Leverkusen
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola shouldered the blame after his experimental lineup faltered in a surprising 2-0 loss to Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League on Tuesday. Guardiola opted to rest key players, including Erling Haaland, Ruben Dias, Bernardo Silva, and Gianluigi Donnarumma, a decision that proved costly as Leverkusen capitalized on City’s lackluster performance. Alex Grimaldo opened the scoring in the first half, followed by Patrik Schick’s second-half goal, leaving City fans disgruntled at the final whistle. This marked City’s first home defeat in the Champions League group stage since 2018, ending a 24-game unbeaten run. The loss compounded City’s recent struggles, coming just days after a 2-1 Premier League defeat to Newcastle. Guardiola admitted responsibility, acknowledging that his rotation strategy may have been excessive. Despite dominating possession, City lacked precision and defensive solidity, with Leverkusen exploiting their vulnerabilities. Guardiola’s 100th Champions League match as City boss ended in disappointment, a stark contrast to his previous successes, including the club’s 2023 European triumph. The defeat raises questions about City’s depth and form as they face a packed December schedule, including a crucial clash with Real Madrid. Guardiola emphasized the need to regroup and fight for redemption in upcoming fixtures.
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The Jimmy Cliff, Perry Henzell years
In 1969, a serendipitous meeting between Perry Henzell, an aspiring filmmaker, and Jimmy Cliff, a rising music star, at Dynamic Records in Kingston, Jamaica, marked the beginning of a transformative partnership. Henzell, seeking to create a soundtrack for his debut film, approached Cliff to compose and perform the music. Cliff, brimming with confidence, accepted the challenge without hesitation. This collaboration would later culminate in the iconic 1972 film *The Harder They Come*, which not only featured Cliff’s music but also cast him in the lead role of Ivan, propelling him to international stardom.
Cliff, who passed away on November 24, 2021, at the age of 81, left an indelible mark on both music and cinema. His portrayal of Ivan, inspired by the real-life criminal Ivanhoe “Rhyging” Martin, was a testament to his acting prowess. Henzell’s daughter, Justine, recalled the profound bond between her father and Cliff, describing it as a familial relationship that spanned over five decades. She highlighted Cliff’s ability to improvise and embody his character, a quality that Henzell, a director who valued authenticity, deeply appreciated.
The film’s soundtrack, featuring Cliff’s timeless tracks such as *Many Rivers to Cross* and *You Can Get It If You Really Want*, became a cultural milestone. Henzell, who had grown weary of his career in advertising, was driven by a desire to tell Rhyging’s story, a tale of rebellion and resilience. Cliff’s dual role as actor and musician brought Henzell’s vision to life, creating a cinematic masterpiece that resonated globally.
Cliff’s legacy extends beyond *The Harder They Come*. A two-time Grammy Award winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, he was also honored with Jamaica’s Order of Merit. His final birthday celebration in July 2021 was marked by a heartfelt conversation with Justine and her mother, Sally, reflecting the enduring connection between the Henzell family and the legendary artist.
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France arrests two men, two women over Louvre heist — prosecutor
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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MCCLAREN’S MESS
Steve McClaren’s journey as the head coach of Jamaica’s national football team came to an abrupt and disappointing end following the Reggae Boyz’s failure to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. McClaren, who took charge in July 2024, faced significant challenges throughout his 475-day tenure, which concluded with a 0-0 draw against Curacao in Kingston on November 18, 2025. This result left Jamaica out of automatic qualification, forcing them into a last-chance inter-confederation playoff in March 2026. McClaren’s resignation, announced during his final press conference, marked the culmination of a turbulent period marked by fan discontent, internal friction, and unmet expectations. His decision to remain in England rather than relocate to Jamaica, his perceived bias towards England-born players, and the team’s underwhelming performances in key tournaments contributed to his downfall. Despite initial optimism and support from the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), McClaren’s inability to deliver results ultimately sealed his fate. The Reggae Boyz now face an uphill battle to qualify for the World Cup under interim coach Rudolph Speid, while McClaren’s future in international football remains uncertain.
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Opposition Leader Mark Golding pays tribute to cultural icon Jimmy Cliff
Mark Golding, the leader of Jamaica’s opposition, has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of Jimmy Cliff, a monumental figure in Jamaican music and culture. Golding’s heartfelt tribute emphasized Cliff’s unique contributions to music and his global influence that transcended generations and borders. He described Cliff’s voice as unparalleled and his career as extraordinary, marking him as a pivotal figure in the evolution of Jamaican popular music. Cliff’s role in the 1972 film ‘The Harder They Come’ was highlighted as a significant milestone that brought reggae to a worldwide audience. Golding also celebrated Cliff’s impact in South America, particularly in Brazil, where he helped popularize reggae and expanded its global reach. Furthermore, Golding lauded Cliff’s enduring songwriting and his role as a musical rebel who used his art to advocate for social justice and inspire empowerment. The tribute concluded with a poignant reflection on Cliff’s memorable performance during Jamaica’s 1998 World Cup campaign, which galvanized the nation. Golding’s final words were a message of gratitude, honoring Cliff’s legacy and the indelible mark he left on the world.