Jamaica’s quest for a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup ended in a bittersweet moment of pride and heartbreak as the Reggae Boyz fell short in their final qualifying match against Curaçao. Despite a valiant effort, the team now faces an inter-confederation play-off, a challenging path to secure their place in the tournament hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This outcome, while disappointing, underscores the resilience and potential of Jamaican football. The campaign, marked by moments of brilliance and nerve-wracking lapses, saw the team fight bravely but ultimately leave their journey more arduous than necessary by dropping crucial points earlier in the group stage. The pressure of a do-or-die finale proved insurmountable, yet the Reggae Boyz displayed unwavering heart and determination until the final whistle. Beyond the result, football in Jamaica remains a cultural cornerstone, uniting the nation amidst economic and social challenges. The campaign, though unsuccessful, reignited hope and collective belief. However, this near-miss highlights the urgent need for structural reforms in Jamaica’s football ecosystem. Investments in grassroots development, modern facilities, coaching standards, and long-term planning are essential to nurture talent and achieve consistent excellence. The Reggae Boyz’s journey should serve as a catalyst for change, inspiring a renewed commitment to building a sustainable footballing future for Jamaica. As the nation congratulates Curaçao, it also extends gratitude to the Reggae Boyz for their fight and unity, reminding Jamaica of its strength even in adversity. The next World Cup cycle begins now, with a clearer vision and a resolve to create the footballing legacy Jamaica deserves.
标签： Jamaica
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Levy warns of Q3 perfect storm: US meat price collapse and Hurricane Melissa bite into JBG’s recovery
Jamaica Broilers Group (JBG) President and CEO Chris Levy has issued a stark warning about the company’s upcoming third quarter, citing a dual crisis of collapsing US meat prices and the disruptive effects of Hurricane Melissa on its core Jamaican market. Despite a recent operational turnaround that slashed US production costs by a third, Levy emphasized that external shocks now pose the greatest threat to recovery. This warning contrasts sharply with JBG’s strong Q1 performance, which saw a $1.6 billion profit, attributed to the initial success of its operational overhaul. However, Levy cautioned that this momentum is unlikely to continue, predicting a “bumpier” path to full-year recovery. The company’s Q2 results, expected by mid-December 2024, will include a significant $40 billion asset revaluation aimed at rebuilding shareholder equity. Meanwhile, Q3, covering the period ending January 31, 2025, is expected to be particularly challenging, with US meat prices plummeting and Jamaican revenues projected to dip by 5-6% due to the hurricane’s impact. While JBG’s main revenue driver, Best Dressed Chicken, is expected to remain resilient, its Hi-Pro division, which supplies baby chicks and feed, is likely to face significant challenges. Despite operational improvements in the US meat business, falling prices may negate these gains. Levy confirmed that strategic reviews are underway, including potential difficult decisions for the US meat business, with a possible exit still on the table. The company’s ability to navigate these turbulent economic and environmental conditions will be critical to its full recovery.
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Police seize firearm, ammunition after shooting incident on Mandela Highway
KINGSTON, Jamaica—A violent confrontation on the Nelson Mandela Highway in St Catherine on Wednesday culminated in the deaths of three men and the seizure of two firearms by law enforcement. The incident unfolded around 11:45 am when officers from the Counter Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigation Branch (C-TOC) identified a black Honda Fit suspected of involvement in multiple robberies. Upon signaling the vehicle to stop, the occupants allegedly refused to comply, prompting the police to intercept the car. A shootout ensued, during which the suspects opened fire on the officers. When the gunfire ceased, three men were found with fatal gunshot wounds and were rushed to Spanish Town Hospital, where they were pronounced dead. Authorities recovered a Taurus G2C 9mm pistol with a magazine containing five cartridges, as well as a Beretta 9mm pistol equipped with a magazine holding two cartridges. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Jamaican law enforcement in combating organized crime and gun violence.
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Caribbean programmes give thumbs up to unified basketball tournament
The Caribbean region witnessed a groundbreaking event as the Special Olympics 3×3 unified basketball tournament took place in Guadeloupe from November 14 to 15. This historic competition, held at the Daniel Cassin gymnasium, marked the first of its kind in the region, bringing together athletes with and without intellectual disabilities to promote social inclusion. Delegations from Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, St Maarten, Trinidad and Tobago, and host nation Guadeloupe participated in the event, which is now being hailed as a potential permanent fixture on the regional sports calendar.
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Man sent to anger management after hitting stepchild with broom
KINGSTON, Jamaica — A stepfather has been mandated to undergo counseling following allegations of physically assaulting his 10-year-old stepchild with a broom. The incident led to a court appearance in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Tuesday, where the defendant faced Judge Paula Blake Powell. The child’s mother, who shares additional children with the accused, was also present in court. The prosecution alleged that the defendant struck the child with the broom, resulting in a bleeding wound. The defense argued that the injury was minor, but Judge Blake Powell emphasized that neither the defense attorney nor herself were qualified to make medical assessments. She instructed the defense to await the official medical report before drawing conclusions. The court referred the defendant to the family court for counseling focused on anger management and conflict resolution.
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TAJ clarifies circulating video as western tax offices remain closed after hurricane
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) has issued a statement refuting claims made in a viral social media video purporting to be a public service announcement about services at the Montego Bay Revenue Service Centre (MBRSC). The agency clarified that the video, dated November 17, 2025, is outdated and does not reflect current operations. This comes as TAJ continues its recovery efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. While most offices across the island have reopened, the Montego Bay office and several western satellite locations—including Darliston, Falmouth, Jackson Town, Lucea, and Savanna-la-Mar—remain closed for repairs. Taxpayers in affected areas are encouraged to utilize alternative locations such as the St Ann’s Bay, Moneague, and Brown’s Town tax offices. TAJ also emphasized the availability of online payment options, including its official website, Direct Funds Transfer, Scotia Online, NCB Online Banking, and the TAJ Mobile App. The agency apologized for any inconvenience caused and urged the public to rely solely on verified communication channels for accurate updates. For further assistance, individuals can contact the Customer Care Centre at 888-TAX-HELP, visit the TAJ website, or follow the agency on social media.
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JBG weighs exit from US meat business after $46-b fraud
Jamaica Broilers Group (JBG) is contemplating a strategic exit from its beleaguered US meat business following a significant fraud scandal that has shaken the company. The decision comes as JBG implements a sweeping overhaul to restore financial stability and operational efficiency. The fraud, which spanned nearly four years, involved the deliberate underreporting of costs to artificially inflate profits, leading to $46 billion in balance sheet adjustments and the erasure of shareholder equity. The scheme was uncovered after a whistleblower alerted management, prompting immediate action.
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Judge orders welfare check on 17-y-o boy in ganja case
In a notable ruling at the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Tuesday, Judge Paula Blake Powell suspended a ganja-related case against a minor due to significant concerns about the teenager’s welfare. The young defendant appeared in court without any family members but was accompanied by an adult co-accused, both facing charges related to ganja offenses. A vigilant police officer, recognizing the minor’s age and lack of guardianship, promptly informed the judge. Further investigation revealed that the teenager’s legal guardians reside in a distant city, and the minor had been staying with an adult sibling. The sibling was summoned to court to represent the teen but, upon arrival, failed to provide basic information such as the minor’s date of birth or their mother’s full name. This raised serious concerns for Judge Blake Powell, who directed the investigating officer to file a care and protection application in the family court. The judge emphasized the need for proof that the child’s welfare was being properly addressed. As a result, the criminal charges against the minor have been temporarily suspended pending further review by the family court. Meanwhile, the adult co-accused pleaded guilty to charges of possession and dealing in ganja and was fined $1,300 and $2,600, respectively.
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CDB issues inaugural sustainable bond in Swiss market
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – In a landmark move, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) announced on Wednesday the successful issuance of its first-ever sustainable bond, raising 100 million Swiss francs (approximately US $110 million). This five-year bond, carrying a fixed coupon of 0.59 per cent, marks a significant step under the bank’s newly established Sustainable Finance Framework. The issuance, which was met with robust demand, was priced at the top of its initial guidance, with the order book closing within just 90 minutes of opening. The proceeds from this bond will be directed towards funding projects in the bank’s borrowing member countries, focusing on critical areas such as renewable energy, climate adaptation, sustainable water management, and food security. The investor base was predominantly composed of treasury departments, which secured 62 per cent of the deal, followed by asset managers (17 per cent), private banks (11 per cent), and pension plans and insurance companies (5 per cent each). The CDB, which holds an Aa1/AA+/AA+ rating, emphasized that this transaction not only strengthens its yield curve but also underscores its dedication to embedding sustainability into its core operations. Established in 1970, the CDB serves 19 borrowing members across the Caribbean and nine non-borrowing members, including Brazil, Canada, China, and the United Kingdom. As of December 2024, the bank’s total assets were reported at US$2.02 billion.
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This Day in History – November 19
As the 323rd day of 2025 unfolds, the world reflects on a tapestry of historical milestones and significant events that have shaped societies across the globe. Today marks the establishment of the Castleton Botanical Gardens in St Mary, Jamaica, in 1862, a testament to the enduring beauty of nature and human ingenuity. In 1915, the execution of labour organiser and songwriter Joe Hill by Utah state officials cemented his legacy as a folk hero in the American labour movement. The Soviet Government’s formal abolition of radio broadcasting by foreign correspondents in 1946 highlighted the tightening grip of state control during the Cold War era. A landmark moment in religious history occurred in 1965 when the ecumenical council adopted a declaration affirming freedom of conscience as Church doctrine, a decision that continues to resonate in theological discourse. The completion of the 12.9-kilometre Confederation Bridge in 1996, the longest bridge over ice-covered waters, stands as a marvel of engineering and a symbol of unity between Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick. In 1998, a historic moment unfolded as South Korean tourists entered North Korea for the first time since the division of the Korean Peninsula, marking a tentative step towards reconciliation. The release of the Nintendo Wii in 2006 revolutionised the gaming industry, while Amazon.com’s introduction of the Kindle in 2007 transformed the way people read and access literature. A 2009 study published in Nature revealed alarming trends in the world’s oceans’ ability to absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide, underscoring the urgency of addressing climate change. In 2010, the US Transportation Safety Administration exempted uniformed airline pilots from new screening procedures, a decision that sparked debates over security and privacy. The untimely death of New Zealand rugby legend Jonah Lomu in 2015 left the sports world in mourning, while Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe’s refusal to resign in 2017 marked a tumultuous chapter in the nation’s political history. The Weeknd’s 2019 hit single Blinding Lights achieved unprecedented success, becoming the longest-charting song on Billboard’s Top 100. Meanwhile, protests in Iran resulted in significant casualties, with Amnesty International reporting 106 deaths over five days. A 2020 inquiry exposed unlawful killings by elite Australian troops in Afghanistan, casting a shadow over the nation’s military operations. Austria’s 2021 decision to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations marked a bold step in pandemic response, while Malaysia’s 2022 general elections produced the country’s first-ever hung Parliament. In 2023, Brazil recorded its highest-ever temperature of 112.6°F, a stark reminder of the escalating climate crisis. Today also celebrates the birthdays of notable figures such as Ferdinand de Lesseps, Calvin Klein, Savion Glover, and Winston “Merritone” Blake, whose contributions have left indelible marks on their respective fields.