KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s hospitality sector has achieved remarkable recognition in the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025, with three of its hotels securing top 10 positions in the Caribbean and Central America category. The Jamaica Inn in Ocho Rios claimed the #4 spot, while the S Hotel Montego Bay and S Hotel Kingston ranked #5 and #7, respectively. This accolade underscores Jamaica’s growing reputation as a premier destination for luxury and cultural tourism. Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, hailed the achievement as a reflection of the island’s exceptional hospitality, service excellence, and diverse tourism offerings. He emphasized that these hotels represent the pinnacle of Jamaica’s tourism industry, from the timeless elegance of Ocho Rios to the vibrant boutique experience in Montego Bay and the sophisticated urban retreat in Kingston. Kyle Mais, General Manager of Jamaica Inn, expressed gratitude for the recognition, attributing it to the team’s dedication to preserving luxury and authentic Jamaican hospitality. Established in 1950, the Jamaica Inn has long been celebrated for its discreet service and understated charm, attracting iconic figures like Marilyn Monroe and Katharine Hepburn. Christopher Issa, CEO of S Hotels Jamaica, highlighted the significance of S Hotel Kingston’s inclusion, noting it as a testament to Kingston’s resurgence as a cultural and tourist hub. Meanwhile, S Hotel Montego Bay continues to build on its legacy of accolades from renowned platforms such as USA Today and TripAdvisor. This recognition not only celebrates Jamaica’s hospitality excellence but also reinforces its position as a leading destination in the Caribbean.
标签： Jamaica
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Toots nabbed
In a significant breakthrough for law enforcement in Jamaica, the St James police have arrested a woman believed to be the leader of a notorious robbery gang that has terrorized communities across the island. The suspect, known by the alias ‘Toots,’ was apprehended along with six of her associates on October 5 in Montego Bay, following a series of coordinated operations under ‘Operation Endgame.’ Launched on October 1, this initiative has already yielded substantial results, including the arrest of over 30 individuals linked to various crimes such as robbery, larceny, and drug offenses. Superintendent Lynroy Edwards expressed pride in the operation’s success, emphasizing that the capture of Toots marks a critical step in dismantling the gang’s operations. The police also seized a Toyota Axio, ammunition, ski masks, and stolen items during the raid. Additionally, ‘Operation Endgame’ has led to the interception of a car theft syndicate, with three suspects arrested and incriminating evidence recovered. The police remain committed to intensifying their efforts to ensure St James becomes one of the safest regions in the Caribbean.
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‘Pun Duss’ charged following alleged breaches of the Firearms Act
In a disturbing incident in Westmoreland, Jamaica, a 26-year-old man has been formally charged with multiple serious offenses, including unlawful wounding, common law assault, and the use of a firearm to commit a scheduled crime. The accused, Renardo Adlam, also known by the alias ‘Pun Duss,’ resides in the York Mountain area of the Ashton district. The incident unfolded on the evening of Wednesday, August 27, when Adlam reportedly engaged in a heated altercation with family members at his residence. Following the dispute, Adlam departed on his motorcycle but returned shortly thereafter with an accomplice, both armed with firearms. Witnesses allege that the two men violently assaulted a complainant, repeatedly striking him in the face with their weapons, resulting in a severe bleeding wound. The assailants fled the scene on the motorcycle, prompting an immediate police report and subsequent investigation. Authorities have since taken Adlam into custody, and he now faces legal proceedings for his alleged involvement in the violent episode.
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Music producer Marlon Wright promoting ‘substance’ over ‘hype’
For 17 years, Marlon Wright has been a driving force in music production, focusing on artists often labeled as underground. This has never been a concern for him, as these artists align with his vision of creating meaningful music. Wright, an air traffic controller by profession, founded Cyber Leaf Entertainment in 2008. His current projects include collaborations with veteran poet Richie Innocent and emerging singer Jahdeed Rawbawn. Born in Kingston and raised in Westmoreland, Wright co-produced Richie Innocent’s latest track, *The Passover*, and is shaping Jahdeed Rawbawn’s debut EP, set for release in early 2026. Wright emphasizes, ‘We seek artists who bring not just talent but also messages that resonate and uplift communities. At Cyber Leaf, we prioritize substance over fame.’ Over the years, he has worked with roots artists like Iya Ingi and Derajah, and more recently, with Richie Innocent, a New York-based poet with three decades of experience. *The Passover*, released in August, marks their most ambitious collaboration yet. Wright’s mentorship of Jahdeed Rawbawn, a fellow St. Elizabeth native, further underscores his commitment to nurturing talent. Reflecting on his journey, Wright shared, ‘Working with Richie for over a decade and now mentoring Jahdeed reminds me that this work transcends individual success. The real reward lies in inspiring lives and creating legacies that endure.’
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PRIORITY ONE!
As the Concacaf Women’s Qualifiers approach, Jamaica’s senior women’s football team, the Reggae Girlz, are setting their sights on a historic goal: securing a spot at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. Head coach Hubert Busby has outlined a clear strategy to achieve this ambition, emphasizing the importance of team chemistry, player form, and a growth mindset in squad selection. The team, which has participated in the last two FIFA Women’s World Cups, is placed in Group B of the qualifiers, alongside Guyana, Nicaragua, Dominica, and Antigua and Barbuda. The path to the World Cup involves navigating the Concacaf Women’s Championship in November 2026, where the top six group winners will join automatic qualifiers the United States and Canada in an eight-team knockout tournament. The competition will feature five rounds, with quarter-final matchups determined by FIFA Women’s Rankings. Semi-finalists will secure automatic World Cup berths, while quarter-final losers will compete in a play-in for a chance at the Intercontinental Play-Off. Busby’s squad will blend experienced veterans from previous World Cups with emerging talents, including 12 senior debutants, 10 of whom are under 23. The coach highlighted the dual focus of the program: not only qualifying for the 2027 World Cup but also establishing Jamaica as one of Concacaf’s top three women’s teams and making their Olympic debut in 2028. Busby stressed the importance of sustained investment in women’s football, citing the revamped Women’s Premier League as a catalyst for nurturing talent and inspiring a new generation of players and supporters. The Reggae Girlz’s journey is more than a sporting endeavor; it’s a national mission to elevate Jamaica’s standing in global women’s football.
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Cameroon president, 92, makes first appearance of election campaign
MAROUA, Cameroon — In a significant move marking the start of his re-election campaign, Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, the world’s oldest head of state, made his first major public appearance on Monday. The 92-year-old leader, who has been in power since 1982, addressed a gathering of supporters in Maroua, a city in the Far North region, just five days before the upcoming election. This marked his first public appearance since May of this year. Speaking to a crowd of several hundred supporters from the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM), Biya reaffirmed his commitment to serving the nation. “My determination to serve you remains intact,” he declared, urging the audience for their continued support. His 25-minute speech emphasized key issues such as youth employment, women’s empowerment, and infrastructure development. “My goal is for every young person, whether a graduate or not, to easily find a job or start a business. No young person will be left behind,” he assured. Despite organizers’ expectations of nearly 25,000 attendees, only a few hundred supporters were present, according to AFP correspondents. Maroua, a strategic electoral battleground bordering Nigeria and Chad, is home to 1.22 million registered voters but has been frequently targeted by the jihadist group Boko Haram. Meanwhile, opposition leader Maurice Kamto, whose candidacy was rejected in August, has urged voters to “vote freely” following the collapse of efforts to form a unified opposition front.
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Police seeking father of Christiana High student found dead in burnt-out refrigerator
In a tragic turn of events, the decomposed body of 13-year-old Santina Sergeant, a student at Christiana High School, was discovered in a burnt-out refrigerator behind her family home in Baillieston, Clarendon. The grim discovery was made on Monday evening, October 6, by a search team from the Christiana Police Station. Santina had been reported missing by her father, Lawrence Sergeant, on Friday, October 3. The body, believed to be Santina’s, was found in an advanced state of decomposition. The Manchester police are now leading the investigation and are actively searching for Lawrence Sergeant, whom they believe may hold crucial information. Superintendent Carey Duncan, head of the Manchester police, confirmed that special units have been deployed to locate him. Meanwhile, the police are providing victim support and counseling to the Christiana High School community to help them cope with the shocking incident.
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Mental health crisis
As global statistics reveal that a significant portion of the population will face mental health challenges at some point in their lives, Jamaican health officials are advocating for a comprehensive, society-wide strategy to tackle this pressing issue. In preparation for World Mental Health Day on October 10, 2025, Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton emphasized the widespread nature of mental health concerns in Jamaica, citing a local study that found 40% of Jamaicans experience mental health issues during their lifetime. These include conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, and schizophrenia. Dr. Tufton highlighted that mental health has emerged as a leading non-communicable disease in the country, necessitating collective action across all sectors of society. He stressed that addressing mental health is not the sole responsibility of the Ministry of Health but requires involvement from communities, schools, faith-based organizations, and the private sector. Supporting this call, Nurse Carol Baker-Burke, the Ministry’s Community Mental Health Coordinator, underscored the need for a unified approach to improve mental health outcomes nationwide. Dr. Kevin Goulbourne, Director of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, emphasized that individuals with mental health conditions can achieve recovery and lead productive lives with proper treatment. Consultant psychiatrist Dr. Kristen Robinson-Barrett urged Jamaicans to seek support early, starting at the community level, to prevent crises. Meanwhile, the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) encouraged Jamaicans to prioritize mental and physical well-being by engaging in activities such as healthy eating, exercise, and spending time in nature. UDC General Manager Bobby Honeyghan highlighted the importance of public spaces like Harmony Beach Park and Dunn’s River Falls in promoting relaxation and resilience. The government’s commitment to creating recreational spaces, such as the upcoming Portmore Resilience Park, reflects its dedication to fostering health and healing across the island.
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World Bank says Caribbean economies outpaced economies in Central America
The World Bank has emphasized the potential for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) to overcome its persistent low-growth cycle by fostering entrepreneurship to drive job creation, enhance productivity, and accelerate innovation. In its latest report, titled ‘Latin America and the Caribbean Economic Review: Transformational Entrepreneurship for Jobs and Growth,’ the institution highlighted the region’s economic challenges, including stubborn inflation, rising debt, weak investment, and global uncertainty. These factors are projected to limit regional growth to 2.3% in 2025 and 2.6% in 2026, the slowest among global regions. Susana Cordeiro Guerra, World Bank Vice President for Latin America and the Caribbean, stressed the need for governments to build on recent stability by accelerating reforms to improve the business climate, invest in infrastructure, and mobilize private capital. The report identifies external challenges such as declining global demand and commodity prices, which are expected to drop by 10% in 2025 and another 5% in 2026, impacting key sectors. Domestically, high inflation and public debt, with the debt-to-GDP ratio rising to 63.8% in 2024, further constrain economic activity. The report advocates for ‘transformational entrepreneurship’—high-growth firms that diffuse technology, create jobs, and boost productivity—as a catalyst for economic dynamism. William Maloney, World Bank Chief Economist for Latin America and the Caribbean, underscored the role of entrepreneurs in identifying opportunities and driving innovation. However, the region faces significant barriers, including limited access to finance, heavy regulation, skills gaps, and weak infrastructure. To address these challenges, the report proposes a three-point agenda: investing in human capital, supporting policy and regulatory reforms, and expanding access to finance. By implementing these reforms, the World Bank believes LAC can foster entrepreneurship, fuel innovation, and build more competitive economies.
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Newly formed Tropical Storm Jerry could strengthen into hurricane
Meteorologists are on high alert as Tropical Storm Jerry, currently brewing in the central Atlantic, is projected to escalate into the 10th hurricane of the season by Wednesday. According to CNN Weather, the storm is advancing near or north of the northern Leeward Islands, threatening to unleash heavy rainfall, powerful winds, and turbulent seas as it strengthens into a Category 1 hurricane. While early forecasts predict intensification, the storm’s precise trajectory remains uncertain. Some models suggest it may veer out to sea, while others indicate a potential approach toward land. This hurricane season, which began unusually late with most storms forming in late September, has experts cautiously optimistic. If Jerry remains at sea, it would mark the first hurricane season in a decade without a U.S. landfall, offering a rare respite for coastal communities.