St Thomas, often referred to as Jamaica’s ‘forgotten parish,’ is undergoing a significant transformation, emerging as a vibrant hub for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). Spearheaded by the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC), the parish is witnessing a surge in entrepreneurial activity, particularly in sectors like cosmetology, skincare, aromatherapy, and retail. Located at 49 Queen Street in Morant Bay, the JBDC Business Centre serves as a pivotal resource for local entrepreneurs, offering a range of support services to help them formalize and scale their operations. Selena Whyte, a dedicated business development officer at the centre, has been instrumental in this shift. With years of experience and a deep understanding of the parish’s cultural and economic landscape, Whyte provides hands-on coaching, formalization support, and access to critical resources. Despite the parish’s potential, entrepreneurs in St Thomas face significant challenges, particularly in securing funding. Many MSMEs start with minimal capital, relying on personal savings or family support. Whyte emphasizes that while funding is a major hurdle, other obstacles like marketing, packaging, and market research also impede growth. To address these issues, the JBDC offers a structured program that guides entrepreneurs through business registration, market validation, pricing strategies, and regulatory compliance. Whyte’s commitment to fostering business development is deeply personal, rooted in her own journey from assisting her mother’s corner shop to becoming a trusted advisor at JBDC. She believes that empowering local businesses is key to transforming St Thomas and its communities. Entrepreneurs interested in tapping into this growing business ecosystem can contact Selena Whyte at 876-516-8158 or 876-436-3925 for a consultation.
标签： Jamaica
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Kemps Hill defeat Frome, join Cornwall College in D’Cup round of 16
In a thrilling culmination of the ISSA daCosta Cup round of 32 qualifiers, former champions Cornwall College and Kemps Hill High secured their spots in the round of 16 on Monday. Kemps Hill clinched their place with a decisive 2-0 victory over Frome Technical in a rescheduled Group 1 match at the Wembley Centre of Excellence. The game, originally slated for Saturday, was moved due to a waterlogged field at Foga Road, adding an extra layer of drama to the proceedings.
Robinho Rodney opened the scoring for Kemps Hill in the 10th minute, setting the tone for the match. Ricardo Dean then sealed the win with a penalty in the 49th minute after Shemar Daley was fouled in the 18-yard box. This victory marked a remarkable turnaround for Kemps Hill, who had lost their opening round of 32 game 2-0 to Cornwall College but rallied to win their next two matches, including a high-scoring 6-4 triumph over Cedric Titus on Wednesday.
Frome Technical, who had started strong with wins over Cedric Titus (3-2) and Cornwall College (2-1), needed only a draw to advance but fell short. Meanwhile, Cornwall College topped the group with a superior goal difference of +13, followed by Kemps Hill at +2 and Frome Technical at 0. Cornwall College had previously bounced back from their loss to Frome with a dominant 13-1 victory over Cedric Titus on Saturday.
The round of 16 will also feature Ocho Rios High and Maggotty High from Group 2; Christiana High and Mannings School from Group 3; STETHS and Maldon High from Group 4; Glenmuir High and Manchester High from Group 5; Dinthill Technical and Clarendon College from Group 6; Garvey Maceo High and Old Harbour High from Group 7; and McGrath High and William Knibb Memorial from Group 8. The stage is now set for an intense knockout phase as these teams vie for the coveted ISSA daCosta Cup.
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‘Even the simplest infraction’ could bring jail time in the US, immigration attorneys warn
In New York, immigration attorneys are issuing urgent warnings to Jamaicans eligible for U.S. citizenship about the severe repercussions of incarceration, even for minor offenses. This caution was a central theme at a recent forum organized by the Ex-Correctional Officers Association of Jamaica and the North Bronx Seventh-day Adventist Church. The event aimed to raise awareness about the consequences of imprisonment, particularly for young people, as the Trump Administration intensifies its crackdown on illegal immigration. Immigration attorney Shane R. Brown highlighted that the U.S. has the world’s largest incarcerated population, with 1.9 million people behind bars. New York alone has an average daily prison population of over 16,000, with systemic issues like mandatory sentencing laws and racial disparities contributing to the high numbers. Brown emphasized that African American and Hispanic individuals are disproportionately represented in the prison system. Maurice Maitland, another immigration attorney, warned that even minor offenses such as traffic violations, disorderly conduct, or marijuana use—legal in some states but not federally—can lead to deportation. Social worker Carmeta Albarus pointed out that inadequate parental supervision often leaves Jamaican youth vulnerable to the criminal justice system. She noted a recent surge in deportations, with monthly flights doubling. Immigration attorney Winston Tucker urged eligible Green Card holders to apply for citizenship promptly, citing increasing complexity in the process. He also highlighted the benefits of citizenship, including voting rights. Ronnie Hammick, president of the Ex-Correctional Officers Association, stressed the need for community efforts to prevent incarceration, emphasizing its emotional and financial toll.
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US confirms Observer report – Jamaica among co-hosts for 2031 Women’s World Cup bid
In a landmark announcement, the United States has confirmed that Mexico, Costa Rica, and Jamaica will join its bid to host the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The joint bid, formally launched in New York, marks a significant step in expanding the global reach of women’s football. The tournament, which will feature 48 teams for the first time, aims to be the largest and most impactful Women’s World Cup in history.
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Bike crash claims life of alleged Grange Hill gangster
A fatal motorcycle collision in Grange Hill, Westmoreland, last Thursday has claimed the life of an alleged gang member. The deceased, identified as 22-year-old Alex Hill, also known as Romaine, was reportedly a member of the notorious Kings Valley Gang. The incident occurred around 11:25 pm near the Top Geneva intersection, where Hill collided with another motorcycle, resulting in both riders being thrown from their vehicles. Hill sustained severe head and upper body injuries, leading to his unconsciousness, while the other rider suffered a broken hand and other upper body injuries. Both individuals were rushed to the Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital, but Hill later succumbed to his injuries. Hill had been linked to multiple criminal activities, including two wounding with intent incidents in 2022, a store robbery in April 2025, and a murder in June 2025. This incident follows the recent killing of another gang member, Ricardo Hemmings, in July. Despite these events, Westmoreland has seen a significant reduction in violent crimes, with a 61% decrease in murders and a 48% reduction in shootings compared to the same period last year.
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Sweden names ex-Chelsea manager Graham Potter new coach
The Swedish Football Association announced on Monday that Graham Potter, the former Chelsea and West Ham manager, has been appointed as the new head coach of the national team. This decision comes in the wake of Jon Dahl Tomasson’s dismissal last week following a dismal performance in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, where the team suffered three consecutive losses and secured only one point in four matches. Potter, who was let go by West Ham in September, now faces the challenge of revitalizing a squad featuring star forwards Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres, with the ultimate goal of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, set to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The Swedish FA emphasized that Potter’s contract covers the ongoing qualifying campaign, including crucial matches against Switzerland and Slovenia in November, as well as a potential playoff in March. Should Sweden secure a spot in the tournament, the agreement will automatically extend to the finals. Potter, who previously managed Swedish club Ostersund FK from 2011 to 2018, expressed humility and enthusiasm about his new role, praising the quality of Swedish players competing in top global leagues. Despite the presence of high-profile talents like Isak and Gyokeres, Sweden has struggled offensively, failing to score in their last three matches and currently languishing at the bottom of Group B. Potter’s appointment marks a pivotal moment for Swedish football as they aim to reverse their fortunes and secure a place on the world stage.
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Tropical storm likely to form in Caribbean within seven days
Meteorologists are closely monitoring a weather system in the Caribbean that is expected to develop into a tropical storm in the coming days. The United States’ National Hurricane Center has raised the probability of this system evolving into either a tropical depression or a tropical storm from 70% to 80%, indicating a significant increase in the likelihood of its formation. Currently situated in the central Caribbean Sea, the system is projected to move northwestward, potentially gaining strength and becoming Tropical Storm Melissa within the next week. Authorities in Jamaica are advising residents to stay alert, keep abreast of official weather forecasts, and revisit their hurricane preparedness strategies to ensure safety.
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Kasey Palmer out up to 10 weeks with knee injury – report
Jamaican international footballer Kasey Palmer is set to miss eight to ten weeks of action following a knee injury sustained during the recent World Cup qualifying matches, as reported by UK media outlets. The Hull Daily Mail revealed that the 28-year-old midfielder returned from international duty last week with a medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury, potentially keeping him out of play until early next year. Palmer featured prominently in Jamaica’s 4-0 triumph over Bermuda at Kingston’s National Stadium last Tuesday but was absent from the previous match against Curacao due to a suspension. His injury comes at a critical juncture for the Reggae Boyz, who are vying for a spot in the World Cup. With two crucial games left in the final qualification round—an away fixture against Trinidad and Tobago and a home clash with Curacao in November—Jamaica currently leads Group B with nine points, narrowly ahead of Curacao with eight and Trinidad and Tobago with five.
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Fletcher bags brace as Montego Bay beat Racing to extend JPL lead
Montego Bay United solidified their position at the top of the Jamaica Premier League with a decisive 3-1 triumph over second-placed Racing United on Sunday at the Montego Bay Sports Complex. This victory marks their fourth consecutive win, propelling them to 22 points, a significant seven-point lead over Racing United and Portmore United, who are tied at 15 points after eight matches. Jourdain Fletcher continued his stellar form, netting his second brace in as many games, bringing his league-leading goal tally to seven. His performance was pivotal in Montego Bay’s comeback after a sluggish start, as they scored three goals in the final 15 minutes of the first half to seize control. An own goal by Racing defender Jimoy Jones in the 31st minute opened the scoring, followed by Fletcher’s opportunistic strikes in the 34th and 45th minutes. Jones redeemed himself with a goal for Racing in the 51st minute, but it wasn’t enough to challenge Montego Bay’s dominance. Fletcher narrowly missed a hat-trick when his second-half penalty was disallowed due to an inadvertent double touch. Meanwhile, defending champions Cavalier bounced back from last week’s loss with a 3-0 victory over Spanish Town Police, while Waterhouse FC settled for a second consecutive 0-0 draw against Dunbeholden FC.
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Dembele returns for PSG after six weeks out
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) received a significant boost as Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele was named in the squad for their upcoming Champions League match against Bayer Leverkusen. The 28-year-old forward has been sidelined for six weeks due to a hamstring injury sustained while on international duty with France in early September. After undergoing rehabilitation at a specialized clinic in Qatar, Dembele resumed training last week and is poised to make his return in Tuesday’s crucial encounter. His comeback is timely for coach Luis Enrique, as PSG has been grappling with a string of injuries this season. Dembele missed PSG’s thrilling 3-3 draw against Strasbourg last Friday but could feature in Germany as the French champions aim to secure their third consecutive victory in the Champions League. Leverkusen’s Loic Bade, Dembele’s compatriot, praised the PSG star as a “complete player” with no apparent weaknesses, emphasizing the need for collective defense to counter his threat. Meanwhile, PSG also welcomed back forwards Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, though midfielders Fabian Ruiz and Joao Neves remain unavailable. Leverkusen’s new coach, Kasper Hjulmand, acknowledged PSG’s high-energy press as both a “weapon” and a “risk,” expressing confidence in his team’s ability to compete. Leverkusen, the reigning Bundesliga champions, have drawn their first two Champions League matches this season and are eager to showcase their quality against the European giants.