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  • MBU edge Tivoli Gardens to reclaim JPL lead

    MBU edge Tivoli Gardens to reclaim JPL lead

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—Montego Bay United (MBU) has dramatically reclaimed pole position in the Jamaica Premier League following a narrow 1-0 triumph against Tivoli Gardens at the Edwards Seaga Sports Complex on Thursday. This crucial victory marks their third consecutive win, solidifying their championship credentials.

    The match’s solitary goal came from veteran striker Owayne Gordon, 34, who continued his impressive form by netting for the second successive game. Entering the fray as a 55th-minute substitute for the injured Jourdain Fletcher, Gordon made an immediate impact by expertly guiding the ball into the far left corner past goalkeeper Nicholas Clarke just seven minutes later. This decisive strike mirrored his previous match-winning contribution against Dunbeholden, where he also scored off the bench.

    The three points elevate Montego Bay United to 35 points, establishing a three-point cushion over closest rivals Racing United. This resurgence comes just a day after Racing United had momentarily drawn level on points following their emphatic 4-1 demolition of Treasure Beach.

    Thursday’s fixtures produced several other significant results. Portmore United spectacularly ended a five-match winless streak by overwhelming bottom-placed Spanish Town Police 4-0. Clayton Peck was the standout performer, opening the scoring in the 47th minute before converting a penalty just four minutes later. substitutes Marques Reid and Ronaldo Robinson completed the rout with late goals.

    Elsewhere, Chapelton Maroons delivered a commanding 3-0 performance against Arnett Gardens, exacting revenge for their first-round defeat. Robino Gordon, Damoi Whitfield, and Sean Leighton found the net, propelling Maroons to sixth position on goal difference ahead of Tivoli Gardens, with both teams tied on 22 points.

    The day’s action concluded with a dramatic late equalizer as Waterhouse FC’s Colorado Murray denied Harbour View a much-needed victory. Rohan Brown’s 54th-minute strike appeared to have secured the win for Harbour View until Murray’s 90th-minute intervention forced a 1-1 draw.

    These results have significantly intensified the title race while reshaping the mid-table standings with several games remaining in the season.

  • Vaz pays tribute to Chris Bovell

    Vaz pays tribute to Chris Bovell

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prominent Jamaican legislator Daryl Vaz has publicly commemorated the life and legacy of former Senator Chris Bovell, the late Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) treasurer, in an official statement released Thursday. Vaz, who represents Portland Western in Parliament, characterized Bovell as an exceptional patriot, distinguished legislator, and consummate gentleman whose contributions to Jamaican politics left an indelible mark.

    Reflecting on their professional collaboration during their tenure as senior JLP officials, Vaz revealed their close working relationship when he served as deputy treasurer alongside Bovell as treasurer. The MP emphasized Bovell’s unwavering principles in public service, noting his unique combination of reliability, decency, and efficiency in all governmental matters. These qualities, Vaz asserted, would form the foundational elements of Bovell’s enduring political legacy.

    Beyond his professional attributes, Vaz highlighted Bovell’s profound dedication to both nation and family, placing these interests above all else. The late senator demonstrated particular aversion to injustice and emerged as a resilient voice during Jamaica’s politically turbulent eras decades ago. Vaz credited Bovell’s steadfast leadership with helping guide the nation toward its most viable and righteous developmental path.

    In his emotional tribute, Vaz extended heartfelt condolences to Bovell’s family, friends, and political associates, portraying the departed statesman as an individual of extraordinary character and humility. He memorialized Bovell as a ‘gentle giant’ consistently inclined toward assisting others while maintaining an exceptionally positive perspective toward all individuals—a quality Vaz described as remarkably rare in political circles.

    The MP concluded with spiritual consolation, expressing confidence that Bovell’s legacy of exemplary service would endure for generations. He offered prayers for the bereaved family and affirmed his belief that the late senator rests eternally in divine embrace, leaving behind a nation grateful for his distinguished service.

  • St Catherine man charged following drug bust

    St Catherine man charged following drug bust

    In a pre-dawn law enforcement operation in St. Catherine, Jamaica, authorities have apprehended and formally charged a local resident with serious narcotics offenses. The suspect, identified as 49-year-old Garth Forbes from Passage Fort, Portmore, now confronts charges for both possession of and dealing in cocaine following Wednesday’s targeted raid.

    According to official reports from the Greater Portmore Police Division, the incident unfolded approximately at 4:15 AM when a specialized police unit executed a strategic operation at Forbes’s residential property. During a thorough search of the premises, investigators reportedly discovered a quantity of cocaine concealed beneath the suspect’s bed, leading to immediate apprehension.

    The successful operation culminated in Forbes’s arrest on site, with law enforcement officials subsequently processing formal charges against him. The judicial process will commence with his scheduled appearance before the St. Catherine Parish Court on Friday, January 23, where the allegations will be formally addressed within the Jamaican legal framework.

    This enforcement action underscores the continued vigilance of Jamaican authorities in combating narcotics distribution networks within local communities, particularly in the St. Catherine region which has periodically faced drug-related law enforcement challenges.

  • All-School team off to Florida for CASA Classic

    All-School team off to Florida for CASA Classic

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — A select contingent of Jamaica’s most promising young football talent has departed for the United States to compete on the international stage. The 20-member Jamaica All-School team commenced their journey on Thursday, setting their sights on the prestigious 2026 Caribbean Americas Soccer Association (CASA) Youth Classic held in Lauderhill, Florida.

    The squad enters a competitive group stage where they must navigate matches against formidable opponents Tekkerz and ESP to secure advancement to the semi-final round. The tournament features a strong field of competitors, including teams Plantation, Rush, and the CASA All Stars, with the championship final scheduled for Sunday.

    Team composition highlights the depth of Jamaica’s schoolboy football system, drawing heavily from this season’s top performers. The roster includes seven representatives from daCosta Cup champion St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) and five players from all-island title holder Excelsior High, which claimed a 2-0 victory over STETHS in the decisive Olivier Shield final.

    Further strengthening the squad are three players from Jamaica College, two from Glenmuir High, and single representatives from Clarendon College, Eltham High, and St Catherine High, creating a balanced and talented national selection.

    The team’s campaign begins Friday at Lauderhill Sports Park with an opening match against Tekkerz, followed by a crucial encounter with ESP. These performances will be critically observed by professional scouts and college coaches attending the tournament, offering players potential pathways to higher-level competition.

    The full Jamaica All-School roster:
    – Jamari Gordon (Excelsior High)
    – Johnoi Steadman (STETHS)
    – Dantay Hewitt (STETHS)
    – Conroy Nicely (Glenmuir High)
    – Anthony Reid (Clarendon College)
    – Dujoni Thompson (Jamaica College)
    – Dontae Logan (Jamaica College)
    – Deandre Barnett (STETHS)
    – Dunsting Cogen (Glenmuir High)
    – Santana Headley (Eltham High)
    – Jabari Howell (Jamaica College)
    – Jade Lynch (STETHS)
    – Justin McPherson (STETHS)
    – Damarley Williams (Excelsior High)
    – Kahieem Lewis (STETHS)
    – Kivann Salmon (Excelsior High)
    – Kimarly Scott (Excelsior High)
    – Shemmar Stewart (STETHS)
    – Aldeano Walters (Excelsior High)
    – Kadean Young (St Catherine High)

  • US says it has seized another oil tanker in Caribbean

    US says it has seized another oil tanker in Caribbean

    WASHINGTON, United States — In a significant escalation of its sanctions enforcement strategy, United States military forces have conducted another successful maritime interception targeting Venezuelan oil exports. According to a statement released Thursday by US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), the Tanker Veronica was apprehended in Caribbean waters during a pre-dawn operation.

    The mission, executed by US Marines and sailors, culminated without incident as evidenced by accompanying footage distributed by the military command. The video documentation depicted special operations soldiers employing rappelling techniques to descend onto the vessel’s deck from aircraft, demonstrating tactical precision.

    This seizure represents the sixth such enforcement action undertaken in recent weeks as part of Washington’s comprehensive campaign to restrict the flow of Venezuelan petroleum products to international markets. SOUTHCOM’s social media announcement explicitly reaffirmed the operational objective, stating: ‘The only oil leaving Venezuela will be oil that is coordinated properly and lawfully.’

    The ongoing operations reflect the continued implementation of US economic sanctions against the government of Nicolás Maduro, aiming to curtail the South American nation’s primary revenue source through systematic maritime interdictions in strategic Caribbean shipping lanes.

  • Jamaica’s unemployment rate now 3.3 per cent, says STATIN

    Jamaica’s unemployment rate now 3.3 per cent, says STATIN

    Jamaica’s labor market demonstrated resilience with unemployment declining to 3.3% in October 2025, showing improvement from the 3.5% rate recorded during the same period in 2024. The Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) disclosed these findings in its latest Labour Force Survey released Thursday, providing crucial insights into the nation’s employment landscape.

    The report indicates relative stability in employment levels with 1,413,200 persons employed in October 2025, representing a marginal decrease of 3,800 individuals compared to the previous year. Concurrently, the number of unemployed persons decreased from 51,300 to 48,800, contributing to the improved unemployment rate.

    Notably, Jamaica’s labor force experienced a contraction, falling by 6,300 individuals to reach 1,462,000. This decline manifested differently across genders, with the male labor force decreasing by 11,900 to 777,200, while the female labor force expanded by 5,600 to 684,800. The overall labor force participation rate consequently edged down to 67.8% from 68.1% in October 2024.

    The survey also recorded 693,800 individuals outside the labor force, marking an increase of 6,300 persons year-over-year.

    STATIN emphasized that these statistics capture Jamaica’s labor market conditions immediately preceding Hurricane Melissa’s landfall on October 28, 2025. The catastrophic weather event significantly disrupted data collection operations, particularly in western parishes including St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, St James, Hanover, and Trelawny.

    In response to these challenges, STATIN implemented modified methodologies, deploying an abbreviated version of its standard questionnaire to maintain data continuity while capturing essential labor market indicators. The institution extended both data collection and processing timelines by two weeks beyond the typical six-week period due to the hurricane’s extensive impact on field operations.

  • Residents in western Jamaica to receive skills training in construction through BRIDGE initiative

    Residents in western Jamaica to receive skills training in construction through BRIDGE initiative

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—A transformative workforce development program is launching across four Jamaican parishes to address both unemployment and hurricane recovery needs. The Building Resilience and Inspiring Development through Guided Experience (BRIDGE) initiative will provide comprehensive construction training to 200 unemployed individuals from St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, St. James, and Hanover.

    Education, Skills, Youth and Information Minister Senator Dana Morris Dixon unveiled the program during a ceremonial event held in partnership with the Jamaica Society for the Blind. The initiative represents a strategic response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, targeting communities that suffered severe impacts.

    Participants will gain practical expertise through immersive on-site training at active reconstruction projects. The curriculum encompasses essential construction disciplines including roof repair techniques, steel reinforcement installation, and masonry work. Instruction will be delivered by HEART/NSTA Trust-certified trainers supplemented by international technical experts through global partnerships.

    Beyond skill development, the program provides financial support through monthly stipends of J$65,000 to enable participation. Minister Dixon specifically emphasized inclusive programming, urging administrators to actively integrate persons with disabilities into the training cohort. “We need to ensure disabled community members can participate meaningfully in such developmental programs,” she stated, highlighting the initiative’s commitment to equitable access.

    The BRIDGE program represents a dual-purpose intervention addressing both workforce development and disaster recovery objectives while promoting social inclusion in Jamaica’s rebuilding efforts.

  • Vybz Kartel, Masicka and Shenseea vie for MOBO Best Caribbean Act award

    Vybz Kartel, Masicka and Shenseea vie for MOBO Best Caribbean Act award

    The prestigious 2026 MOBO Awards has officially announced its nominees for the fiercely competitive Best Caribbean Music Act category, setting the stage for a grand celebration of Black musical excellence. The distinguished shortlist features an impressive array of talent, including dancehall titan Vybz Kartel, chart-topping artists Masicka and Shenseea, acclaimed singer Lila Ike, emerging sensation Ayetian, and Trinidad’s soca powerhouse Yung Bredda.

    Marking its monumental 30th anniversary, the Music of Black Origin (MOBO) Awards continues its enduring legacy of honoring and elevating Black music and culture across a diverse spectrum of genres. The upcoming ceremony is scheduled to be held at Manchester’s state-of-the-art Co-op Live Arena in the United Kingdom on March 26.

    In a remarkable showcase of artistic prowess, British artists Olivia Dean and Little Simz, alongside Jim Legxacy and KWN, have emerged as this year’s frontrunners, each securing an impressive four nominations across various genre categories.

    The nomination holds particular significance for Vybz Kartel, who was the recipient of the esteemed MOBO Impact Award at last year’s ceremony. This marks his return to the MOBO nominations list after previous recognitions in the Best Reggae Act category in 2004, 2009, and 2010. Notably, the category itself underwent a significant rebranding in 2022, evolving from Best Reggae Act to its current designation as Best Caribbean Music Act, reflecting the awards’ commitment to broader regional representation.

    Adding to his accolades, Vybz Kartel has also garnered a nomination in the highly coveted Best International Act category.

    For dancehall superstar Shenseea, this nomination represents her fifth MOBO recognition, further cementing her status as a consistent force in the industry. Her previous triumphs include winning Best Reggae Act in 2021 and Best Caribbean Act in 2025, alongside a Best International Act nomination in 2020.

    This year’s shortlist also highlights several pivotal career milestones: Masicka celebrates his inaugural MOBO nomination, while Grammy-nominated artist Lila Ike secures her third nomination following previous nods in 2020 and 2021. The nomination marks a significant breakthrough for newcomer Ayetian, who is poised to release a new EP in February. Similarly, Trinidad’s Yung Bredda earns his first MOBO recognition following the massive regional success of his hit soca single ‘The Greatest Bend Ova,’ which dominated airwaves throughout the past year.

  • West Indies win opening game at ICC Cricket World Cup

    West Indies win opening game at ICC Cricket World Cup

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—The West Indies Under-19 cricket squad launched their ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup campaign with a decisive five-wicket triumph against Tanzania in Namibia on Thursday. The Caribbean team demonstrated formidable bowling prowess and confident batting to secure their first victory in the tournament.

    West Indies’ bowling attack proved instrumental in containing Tanzania’s innings after winning the toss and electing to field. Seamer Shaquan Belle delivered an exceptional all-round performance, earning Man-of-the-match honors with figures of 2-33, complemented by a crucial catch and a direct-hit runout that disrupted Tanzania’s middle order.

    Despite a promising 53-run opening partnership between Dylan Thakrar (26) and Darpan Jobanputra (19), Tanzania’s batting lineup collapsed spectacularly, bowled out for a modest 122 runs in just 34 overs. The Caribbean bowling unit maintained relentless pressure, with Vitel Lawes claiming impressive figures of 3-23 and Micah McKenzie contributing 2-15.

    In response, West Indies approached their run chase with calculated aggression. Opener Tanez Francis dominated the innings with a tournament-first half-century, scoring 52 runs off 55 deliveries including five boundaries and one six. Wicketkeeper-batsman Jewel Andrew provided strong support with 44 runs from 44 balls as the team reached their target of 124-5 in just 21 overs.

    In other tournament action, India secured a six-wicket victory against the United States, while the scheduled match between Scotland and Zimbabwe was abandoned due to rain without a ball bowled.

    The West Indies team continues their World Cup journey with a highly anticipated match against Afghanistan on Sunday, scheduled for 2:20 AM Jamaican time.

  • T&T gov’t seeking to borrow US$1 billion on foreign market

    T&T gov’t seeking to borrow US$1 billion on foreign market

    The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has formally announced its intention to secure up to US$1 billion in financing through the international capital markets. This strategic move will be facilitated by two prominent global financial institutions, JP Morgan Securities LLC and Bank of America Securities Inc, which have been appointed as joint lead managers and arrangers for the upcoming bond issuance.

    Proceeds from this significant international borrowing initiative are earmarked for two primary objectives: funding a portfolio of general national development projects and refinancing existing government debt. By accessing the international capital market, the administration aims to engage with large-scale global investors through the issuance of sovereign bonds or notes.

    A crucial legal framework for this transaction was established through the External Loans (Tax and Exchange Control Exemption) Order, 2026, which received official authorization on Monday from Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo. This legislative instrument provides comprehensive tax exemptions and exchange control waivers for all financial obligations associated with the notes, encompassing principal repayments, interest accruals, and associated debt servicing charges.

    The bond offering will be structured to comply with international securities regulations, targeting qualified institutional buyers within the United States under Rule 144A of the US Securities Act. Simultaneously, the issuance will be available to international investors outside the United States through Regulation S provisions, ensuring broad global market participation in Trinidad and Tobago’s debt instrument.