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  • Trump invites more leaders to join Gaza ‘Board of Peace’

    Trump invites more leaders to join Gaza ‘Board of Peace’

    WASHINGTON — The architecture of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed ‘Board of Peace’ for postwar Gaza solidified significantly this weekend as multiple international leaders signaled willingness to participate. The initiative, personally chaired by Trump, aims to address the reconstruction and governance of the war-devastated Palestinian territory.

    Confirmations emerged from various capitals following Trump’s initial appointments. Argentine President Javier Milei expressed honor at the invitation via social media, sharing the official letter. In Canada, a senior aide to Prime Minister Mark Carney indicated probable acceptance, while Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan received an invitation to serve as a ‘founding member.’ Egyptian authorities confirmed Cairo is ‘studying’ a request for President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s participation.

    The board’s core executive team includes prominent U.S. figures: Secretary of State Marco Rubio, senior negotiators Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Blair’s appointment carries particular significance given his controversial legacy in the Middle East from the 2003 Iraq invasion and his subsequent role as representative of the Middle East Quartet (UN, EU, US, and Russia).

    According to White House statements, the board will tackle comprehensive challenges including governance capacity-building, regional diplomacy, reconstruction efforts, investment attraction, and large-scale funding mobilization. Additional members include World Bank President Ajay Banga, billionaire financier Marc Rowan, and National Security Council official Robert Gabriel.

    Parallel to these developments, a separate ‘Gaza executive board’ appears designated for advisory functions, though specific membership remains unclear. The announcements follow the inaugural Cairo meeting of a Palestinian technocrat committee intended for Gaza governance, attended by Kushner.

    Operational security measures advanced simultaneously with Trump’s appointment of Major General Jasper Jeffers to lead an International Stabilization Force. Jeffers, previously overseeing the Lebanon-Israel ceasefire monitoring, will command security operations and train a new police force to replace Hamas. This transition aligns with Washington’s declared second phase strategy: moving from ceasefire implementation to Hamas disarmament following the October 2023 triggered offensive.

  • Jamaica’s All-School team open CASA Youth Classic with 4-0 win

    Jamaica’s All-School team open CASA Youth Classic with 4-0 win

    Jamaica’s All-Schools national youth team commenced their CASA Youth Classic title defense in impressive fashion on Friday, securing a commanding 4-0 victory against Tekkerz FC at Lauderhill Sports Park, Florida.

    The young Reggae Boyz demonstrated remarkable adaptability and finishing prowess, with St Catherine High’s Kadean Young leading the offensive charge with a brace in the 8th and 76th minutes. Excelsior High’s Kimarly Scott extended the lead shortly after halftime in the 50th minute, while STETHS’ Kaieem Lewis completed the comprehensive victory with a 62nd-minute strike.

    Head coach Keon Broderick emphasized the strategic importance of the opening match triumph, noting initial challenges with the artificial turf surface. “The first half began somewhat tentatively as most players were unfamiliar with the astroturf conditions,” Bronderick explained to the Jamaica Observer. “However, once they adjusted to the playing surface, the team settled into an effective rhythm.”

    Broderick elaborated on the tactical shift that enabled their second-half dominance: “Our opponents performed commendably in the first period, but our lead forced them to adopt a higher defensive line after halftime. This created exploitable spaces behind their defense which we instructed our players to target with penetrating runs – instructions they executed perfectly.”

    While praising the overall performance, the coach maintained perspective: “This represents a solid foundation that we can certainly build upon as the tournament progresses.”

    The defending champions continue their campaign against ESP in their second group stage match Saturday evening at 8:30 PM local time, with qualification for Sunday’s championship final as their primary objective.

  • ‘Blackhead’ killed after pointing gun at cops, say police

    ‘Blackhead’ killed after pointing gun at cops, say police

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — New investigative details have surfaced regarding the police-involved shooting that resulted in the death of Devar Hodges, a wanted criminal, in Kingston’s Mountain View area last Saturday morning.

    According to official reports from Jamaican law enforcement, the fatal encounter occurred approximately at 5:30 a.m. when officers from the Kingston Eastern division executed an operation at a residential premises where Hodges was residing. The situation escalated when police witnessed a female individual fleeing from a room moments before their entry.

    Upon entering the room, authorities confronted Hodges, who responded by allegedly directing an illegal firearm toward the officers. The law enforcement personnel reportedly implemented evasive maneuvers before discharging their service weapons, striking the suspect.

    Emergency medical services transported the critically injured Hodges to Kingston Public Hospital, where attending physicians subsequently pronounced him deceased. Police officials confirmed the seizure of a black Jimenez Arms Inc pistol from the scene, containing a loaded magazine with seven live 9mm rounds.

    Hodges, who operated under the street aliases ‘Skeddo’ and ‘Blackhead,’ originated from Browns Town in St. Ann parish. He had been actively sought by the St. Ann Police Division regarding serious charges of wounding with intent. His profile had recently been featured in the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s ‘Wanted Wednesdays’ public awareness campaign.

    The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) has initiated standard protocol procedures, deploying investigators to examine the circumstances surrounding the shooting incident. The independent oversight body will conduct a comprehensive review to determine whether proper police protocols were observed during the operation.

  • Two gov’t employees arrested in cocaine bust at Sangster airport

    Two gov’t employees arrested in cocaine bust at Sangster airport

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – In a significant anti-narcotics operation, authorities at Sangster International Airport have apprehended two high-ranking government officials attempting to traffic approximately 9.25 kilograms of cocaine with an estimated street value of $5.4 million. The dramatic Friday midday interception occurred as the male and female suspects, whose identities remain protected pending ongoing investigations, attempted to board a New York-bound flight.

    Security personnel from port authorities and the Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division (FNID) discovered the illicit substance concealed within sophisticated false compartments in the suspects’ luggage during routine checkpoint screening. Additionally, officers recovered an unspecified amount of United States currency from a handbag during the search.

    Following the initial arrests, FNID investigators executed follow-up operations at both suspects’ residences, uncovering further evidence including a Glock 19 pistol, thirteen rounds of ammunition, and an additional ounce of cocaine. In a concerning development, one suspect disclosed having ingested over seventy cocaine pellets, requiring immediate medical hospitalization under police supervision.

    Superintendent Patrae Rowe, Director of FNID, emphasized the operation’s significance in Jamaica’s broader campaign against organized crime. “This operation underscores the intensified investigations by the Jamaica Constabulary Force to maintain the integrity of our borders and hold all individuals accountable, regardless of their professional standing or social status,” Rowe stated. “We are continuing our mission to further dismantle the networks that facilitate the trafficking of illicit drugs and firearms.”

    The case represents a notable success in Jamaica’s ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking networks that often exploit official positions and transportation infrastructure. Law enforcement officials confirm investigations remain active as they work to identify potential accomplices and broader criminal connections.

  • UK-Caribbean Healthcare Mission strengthens UK-Jamaica partnership

    UK-Caribbean Healthcare Mission strengthens UK-Jamaica partnership

    In a significant development for regional healthcare cooperation, Jamaica and the United Kingdom have substantially strengthened their partnership in medical regulation and system development following Jamaica’s active participation in the groundbreaking UK-Caribbean Healthcare Mission. This pioneering initiative, designed to foster more resilient and effective healthcare infrastructures throughout the Caribbean, represents a new chapter in international health collaboration.

    The mission convened high-level representatives from Jamaica alongside delegates from Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Guyana, and St. Lucia, creating an unprecedented platform for knowledge exchange and strategic alignment. The collaborative effort focused extensively on enhancing healthcare delivery mechanisms, elevating regulatory standards, and promoting innovation throughout the regional health sector.

    British High Commissioner to Jamaica Alicia Herbert emphasized the historic nature of the initiative, stating: ‘This mission represented a first-of-its-kind collaboration with a unified objective – fortifying healthcare systems and building sustainable resilience for future challenges. Through sharing British expertise in life sciences, medical technology, and regulatory frameworks, we’ve established a robust foundation for UK-Jamaica partnership addressing shared health priorities.’

    Delegates engaged in comprehensive examinations of the UK’s internationally acclaimed healthcare and pharmaceutical regulatory systems, with particular attention to practical methodologies for Caribbean system improvement. Critical discussion areas included streamlining medication registration procedures, digital transformation of regulatory architectures, enhancing safety protocols and quality assurance measures, combating illicit pharmaceutical imports, and harmonizing with global standards.

    The program additionally facilitated exploration of cross-sector partnerships, professional capacity building, and regulatory equivalence applications to accelerate access to safe, effective medications.

    Participants gained invaluable insights through sessions with prestigious UK institutions including the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), King’s College London, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI), and the Centre for Innovation in Regulatory Science (CIRS). These engagements provided exposure to advanced governance models, health technology assessment methodologies, and international regulatory benchmarks directly relevant to Jamaica’s healthcare objectives.

    This mission underscores the UK’s sustained commitment to supporting Jamaica’s healthcare advancement through cooperative innovation and expertise sharing, forming part of broader British engagement in Caribbean health, development, and regulatory cooperation. Both nations anticipate building upon these outcomes through continued collaboration with Jamaica and regional partners to strengthen healthcare systems that deliver improved outcomes for communities across Jamaica and the wider Caribbean.

  • For the needy, not the greedy

    For the needy, not the greedy

    The Jamaican Government has officially initiated its comprehensive Hurricane Melissa Shelter Recovery Programme (SRP), a multi-billion-dollar national effort to transition from disaster relief to long-term reconstruction. Announced on Thursday at Jamaica House, this coordinated response encompasses housing restoration, community rehabilitation, and the relocation of residents from vulnerable areas.

    Led by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, the SRP incorporates sophisticated digital tracking systems and the use of Taxpayer Registration Numbers (TRN) to prevent fraudulent claims and ensure equitable distribution of aid. Minister Pearnel Charles Jr. emphasized that stringent protocols have been established based on lessons learned from past disasters, including Hurricane Beryl in 2024, which exposed vulnerabilities in benefit disbursement.

    A key feature of the programme is its tiered grant system, providing financial assistance of $75,000, $200,000, or $500,000 based on damage assessments already conducted on over 70,000 households. According to ministry data, 18% of assessed homes sustained severe damage, 40% major damage, and 42% minor damage from the October hurricane.

    Both Minister Charles Jr. and Prime Minister Andrew Holness issued strong warnings against scammers attempting to exploit vulnerable citizens, clarifying that no fees are associated with SRP applications and that the government does not employ intermediaries for grant processing. Artificial intelligence monitoring is being utilized to identify and remove fraudulent social media accounts impersonating government officials.

    The programme includes multiple components: government-led repairs managed by the Jamaica Defence Force, partner-led initiatives through humanitarian organizations, and financial solutions administered by the National Housing Trust. Additionally, the government is expanding its relocation and regularization efforts to move residents from high-risk areas to safer communities.

    International support was underscored by Kate Forbes, President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, who affirmed the organization’s commitment to community-centered recovery approaches that strengthen long-term resilience.

  • Belize monitoring outbreak of measles in neighbouring Guatemala

    Belize monitoring outbreak of measles in neighbouring Guatemala

    Health authorities in Belize have activated enhanced surveillance protocols in response to confirmed measles outbreaks emerging in neighboring Central American nations. Official epidemiological reports indicate 11 laboratory-confirmed cases in El Salvador and 10 in Guatemala as of Thursday, with most infections traced to the Santiago Atitlán region in Guatemala’s Sololá department.

    The Belize Ministry of Health and Wellness issued a nationwide advisory highlighting that additional cases have been identified across multiple Guatemalan regions including Guatemala City, Petén, and Izabal. The health alert extends beyond immediate neighbors, with health officials noting ongoing measles transmission in Mexico, Canada, and the United States, significantly elevating exposure risks for unvaccinated travelers.

    Measles, characterized as a highly contagious airborne viral disease, presents serious health complications including potential long-term effects. Transmission occurs through respiratory droplets when infected individuals cough or sneeze. Clinical manifestations typically emerge 7-21 days post-exposure, initiating with fever, rhinorrhea, and conjunctivitis, followed by a distinctive descending rash that begins at the hairline and spreads systematically.

    Health authorities emphasize the critical protection offered by vaccination, confirming that the measles vaccine demonstrates both safety and efficacy while providing lifelong immunity after two administered doses. The ministry urgently recommends that recent travelers to Santiago Atitlán contact local health facilities immediately. Unvaccinated individuals are advised to seek immunization, while symptomatic persons presenting fever and rash require prompt medical evaluation. Belize’s health system maintains intensified monitoring while urging public vigilance and preventive measures.

  • Antigua to recruit nurses from Ghana, insists it has not ended programme with Cuba

    Antigua to recruit nurses from Ghana, insists it has not ended programme with Cuba

    The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has finalized an agreement to recruit 120 nursing professionals from Ghana, scheduled to arrive in January 2026, while simultaneously maintaining its longstanding healthcare partnership with Cuba despite mounting pressure from the United States to terminate the arrangement.

    Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph confirmed the Ghanaian nurses will be strategically deployed across the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, community health clinics, and educational institutions to strengthen both hospital and community-based healthcare services. This initiative represents a significant expansion of the nation’s healthcare workforce aimed at improving service delivery and alleviating pressure on existing medical staff.

    Communications Director Maurice Merchant clarified that the new recruitment does not signify termination of the Cuban health program, describing the Cuba-Antigua medical collaboration as ‘currently going through a period of transition.’ He emphasized the government’s appreciation for Cuba’s historical contributions to the national healthcare system while dismissing speculation about the program’s discontinuation as politically motivated attempts to ‘muddy the waters’ between Cuba and the United States.

    The government’s dual approach includes both international recruitment and domestic capacity building, with 15 local nurses recently receiving scholarships to pursue master’s degrees at the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus. Merchant acknowledged the challenge of retaining highly-trained Antiguan nurses who frequently accept better-compensated positions in North American and European healthcare systems.

    This development occurs against the backdrop of intensified US diplomatic pressure characterizing Cuba’s medical missions as ‘exploitative labour practices.’ The US Embassy in Barbados issued a statement condemning what it described as a ‘modern-day forced labour scheme’ where the Cuban government allegedly retains 80-95% of medical professionals’ salaries while charging recipient nations premium rates. The US government has urged Caribbean nations to terminate these arrangements, asserting they represent financial burdens on local taxpayers and ethical violations of medical workers’ rights.

    The Antiguan government maintains its sovereign right to determine its healthcare partnerships while working toward long-term self-sufficiency in medical staffing, balancing immediate healthcare needs with diplomatic considerations in the complex geopolitics of Caribbean medical cooperation.

  • Man City close to Guehi signing

    Man City close to Guehi signing

    Manchester City are approaching the completion of a significant defensive acquisition, with Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner confirming on Friday that negotiations for England international Marc Guehi have reached their “final stages.” The Premier League champions are prepared to pay approximately £20 million ($27 million) to secure the 25-year-old center-back’s services during the January transfer window.

    The move comes as Pep Guardiola’s squad faces a severe defensive crisis, with first-choice central defenders John Stones, Ruben Dias, and Josko Gvardiol all sidelined due to injuries. Nathan Ake has also been managing fitness concerns that limit his availability. This personnel shortage has prompted City to accelerate their pursuit of defensive reinforcements.

    Guehi, who captained Crystal Palace to their historic FA Cup victory against Manchester City last May, brings considerable experience despite his relatively young age. With 26 appearances for the English national team and demonstrated leadership qualities, the defender represents both an immediate solution and long-term investment for City. His potential transfer follows City’s recent £65 million acquisition of winger Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth.

    Several elite European clubs, including Liverpool and Bayern Munich, had expressed interest in Guehi but were reportedly planning approaches for the summer transfer window when his contract was set to expire. Manchester City’s proactive move in the January window has potentially preempted these competing interests.

    Glasner, who simultaneously announced his impending departure from Crystal Palace when his contract concludes at season’s end, praised Guehi’s professionalism and commitment throughout the transfer process. The manager emphasized that while the club would have preferred to retain their captain indefinitely, they respect his decision to advance his career elsewhere.

    Guardiola remained characteristically reserved about the potential signing during his pre-match press conference, offering no specific comments on the transfer while acknowledging his team’s defensive challenges. With City trailing Arsenal by six points in the Premier League title race and maintaining ambitions in three cup competitions, defensive reinforcements could prove crucial to their pursuit of multiple trophies.

  • St Vincent gov’t to boost surveillance and monitoring of La Soufriere volcano

    St Vincent gov’t to boost surveillance and monitoring of La Soufriere volcano

    The government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is implementing a major enhancement of its volcanic surveillance capabilities for La Soufrière, the island’s most active volcano. This comprehensive strategy involves the creation of new technical positions, the installation of eight additional monitoring stations across the mountain, and significant technological upgrades to existing infrastructure. The initiative follows the volcano’s devastating explosive eruption in April 2021, an event that commenced with increased activity in December 2020. That eruption blanketed the island in ash, necessitated the evacuation of more than 20,000 residents, and caused extensive disruption over a four-month period of heightened activity, which culminated in its last major explosive event around April 22, 2021.

    The cornerstone of this effort is the recently renovated and retrofitted Volcano Observatory, a project financed by a concessional loan from the World Bank totaling EC$4.6 million (approximately US$1.7 million). During the facility’s handover ceremony, Disaster Management Minister St. Clair Leacock outlined the government’s commitment. Key roles, including a geoscientist and a seismic technician, are slated to be filled this year. The revitalized observatory is designed to facilitate advanced volcanic research, support community-based early warning systems, and host international academic studies. Furthermore, the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) has been allocated an additional EC$1 million grant specifically for the procurement of seismic stations and state-of-the-art monitoring equipment.

    Minister Leacock highlighted the technical sophistication of the new systems and issued a public appeal against vandalism or theft of the critical equipment. He emphasized that the devices are essential for national safety, stating, ‘My Government will continue to ensure that the La Soufriere Monitoring Unit of NEMO continues to receive the support to ensure that La Soufriere volcano is constantly monitored.’ He also acknowledged and praised the foundational work in disaster preparedness and monitoring established by the previous administration, framing the new upgrades as a continuation of that vital legacy.