A political dispute has erupted in St James Southern, Jamaica, as former Member of Parliament (MP) Homer Davis has refuted allegations from current MP Nekeisha Burchell that he is overstepping his role by continuing to engage in constituency affairs. Burchell, who recently defeated Davis in the September 2025 General Election, accused him of undermining her mandate by involving himself in government-funded projects and overcommitting the constituency’s $20-million budget for the fiscal year. In a video posted on social media, Burchell claimed that Davis has been directing contractors and communities on initiatives, including a roadwork project in Nigga Ground, Anchovy, and six others. She announced plans for an audit to ensure transparency and value for money. However, Davis, in an interview with the Jamaica Observer, denied the accusations, asserting that he is acting as a concerned citizen and caretaker for the constituency. He emphasized that his visits to project sites are to ensure the fulfillment of commitments made during his tenure, not to interfere with Burchell’s governance. Davis also disputed claims of overcommitting funds, explaining that the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) operates in quarterly allocations, making it impossible to overspend. Burchell, in her response, stood firm on her allegations, stating that Davis’s actions have created confusion among residents and contractors. She pointed to his social media accounts, which still list him as the MP, as evidence of his continued assertion of authority. Burchell emphasized that as the newly elected MP, she is responsible for managing the constituency’s affairs and will proceed without interference. The conflict highlights the challenges of transitioning power in Jamaican politics, with both parties standing their ground on their respective roles and responsibilities.
标签： Jamaica
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YouTube to pay $22 million in settlement with Trump
YouTube has reached a $22 million settlement with former President Donald Trump, resolving a lawsuit stemming from the suspension of his account following the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. The agreement, disclosed in a court document on Monday, marks another legal resolution between Trump and major tech companies. The Google-owned platform suspended Trump’s account amid concerns that his posts could incite further violence, particularly after he repeatedly claimed without evidence that the 2020 election was marred by voter fraud. Trump, 79, argued that the suspension constituted wrongful censorship and took legal action against YouTube and other social media platforms. The settlement funds will reportedly support a construction project at the White House through the nonprofit Trust for the National Mall, which focuses on preserving and enhancing the National Mall. The January 6 riot, which involved violent clashes between pro-Trump rioters and law enforcement, resulted in injuries to over 140 police officers. This settlement follows similar agreements with other tech giants, including Meta’s $25 million payout earlier this year and X’s $10 million settlement in February. Meanwhile, Alphabet’s 2025 annual report revealed that YouTube’s ad sales alone generated over $36 billion in revenue in 2024.
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Steele wins Male Vocalist of the Year at Canada’s Reggae North Music Awards
KINGSTON, Jamaica—Mark Steele, the Jamaican-born reggae artist known professionally as Steele, has been crowned Male Vocalist of the Year at the 2nd annual Reggae North Music Awards. The prestigious event, held at the Rose Theatre in Brampton, Ontario, Canada, was founded by fellow Jamaican artist and producer Tony Anthony. Steele, who hails from Lucea in Hanover, migrated to Canada over two decades ago and has since carved out a significant presence in the reggae music industry. His hit single, ‘Pick Up the Pieces,’ which addresses relationship challenges, made waves on the Rebel Vibez Top Ten Canadian Reggae chart last year. In an exclusive interview with Observer Online, Steele expressed his elation over the accolade, emphasizing the importance of consistency in maintaining relevance. ‘This achievement is a testament to the love and respect I’ve garnered from my fans and peers in the Canadian reggae scene and beyond,’ he remarked. Steele, who was also nominated for Reggae Single of the Year for ‘Pick Up the Pieces,’ has an impressive discography that includes six studio albums: ‘Uncorrupted,’ ‘The Love of Jah,’ ‘The Man,’ ‘The Music,’ ‘Reality,’ ‘Your Attention Please,’ and ‘Just Breathe,’ released four years ago. Additionally, he has been nominated three times for a JUNO Award in the Reggae Recording of the Year category.
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New lord bishop calls for unity
In a momentous ceremony at the Cathedral of St Jago de la Vega in Spanish Town, St Catherine, the Anglican Diocese of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands welcomed its 15th Lord Bishop, Right Reverend Leon Paul Golding, on Sunday. The liturgy of induction, investiture, and enthronement began with three symbolic knocks on the cathedral door by Golding, a former suffragan bishop of Montego Bay. Upon entering, he was greeted by a congregation of clergy and laypeople who had elected him during a special synod in March 2025. Adorned in a golden cape and mitre bearing the diocesan emblem, Golding sought permission to enter the church, a tradition followed by his predecessors. The ceremony included prayers for the church, the nation, and Christian causes, culminating in his installation as the spiritual leader of the diocese. Chancellor Zaila McCalla and Registrar Rev Peter DePass officiated the reading of letters conferring episcopal rights and duties. Outgoing Lord Bishop Howard Gregory passed the pastoral staff, a symbol of Christian leadership, to Golding. The service featured hymns such as Noel Dexter’s Psalm 23 and Te Deum Laudamus, accompanied by a fanfare of drums and applause. In his inaugural sermon, Golding emphasized unity within the diverse Christian denominations, quoting 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 and the hymn Summoned by the God who made us. He urged church workers to collaborate with governmental and non-governmental organizations in serving communities. The service included scripture readings by Golding’s daughter LeeAnne and Vincent Lawrence, with Deacon Anna-Lise Wisdom proclaiming the gospel. Representatives from the Roman Catholic and Methodist churches, including Archbishop Kenneth Richards and Rev Wayneford McFarlane, also participated. Music was led by the Diocesan Festival Choir, St Hilda’s Diocesan High School Choir, St Jago High School Choir, and Philippians Steel Band, showcasing Jamaican composers and traditional hymns. Golding, ordained a deacon in 1984 and a priest in 1985, has served in various churches across Kingston, St Andrew, and St James. He was consecrated as a suffragan bishop in 2012 and assumed the role of canonical administrator on January 1, 2025, following Gregory’s retirement. Married to Lauren, Golding has three children actively involved in the church. The diocese will convene an elective assembly in November to determine his successor as bishop of Montego Bay.
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Forex: $161.05 to one US dollar
In a notable shift in currency markets, the Jamaican dollar demonstrated resilience against several major currencies on Monday, September 29. According to the Bank of Jamaica’s daily exchange trading summary, the US dollar concluded trading at J$161.05, marking a decline of 25 cents compared to previous rates. This movement reflects a strengthening of the Jamaican dollar against its US counterpart. Simultaneously, the Canadian dollar experienced a significant drop, closing at J$116.11, down from J$121.14. Similarly, the British pound saw a decrease, ending the day at J$214.99, a reduction from J$216.34. These fluctuations highlight the dynamic nature of foreign exchange markets and underscore the impact of economic factors on currency valuations. The Bank of Jamaica’s data provides crucial insights into the financial landscape, offering stakeholders a clearer picture of current trends and potential future movements.
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JADCO launches 2025 junior athletes’ anti-doping education workshops
KINGSTON, Jamaica—The Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) is set to kick off its 2025 Junior Athletes Anti-Doping Education Workshops on Wednesday, October 1, at the Jamaica Conference Centre in Kingston. The event, themed ‘Empowering Young Champions,’ will run from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm and is the first of four regional sessions aimed at educating young athletes and their support teams about the principles of fair play, the importance of clean competition, and the health risks associated with doping.
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Calabar principal stands firm on dress code
As Jamaica grapples with a renewed debate over school dress codes, Calabar High School Principal Sian Mahay Wilson has staunchly defended the policy, emphasizing its role in fostering psychological well-being, equity, and institutional identity. Speaking during the commissioning of an $8-million infrastructure project funded by Carib Cement Company, Mahay Wilson argued that dress codes standardize students’ appearance and mindset, creating a sense of unity regardless of their backgrounds. She highlighted the policy’s contribution to students’ self-esteem, confidence, and character development, asserting that it prepares them for life beyond school.
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Jamaica cyber youth empowerment academy launched
KINGSTON, Jamaica — A groundbreaking initiative has been unveiled in Jamaica with the launch of the Jamaica Cyber Youth Empowerment Academy, where 30 young Jamaicans aged 18 to 24 have embarked on a six-month intensive cybersecurity training programme. This pioneering academy, the first of its kind in the Americas, is a collaborative effort involving the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), the Ministry of National Security and Peace, and the Organisation of American States (OAS), with financial backing from the Government of Canada. The programme is part of the OAS Inter-American Committee against Terrorism (CICTE) Cybersecurity Talent and Workforce Development Programme. The academy was officially inaugurated at a ceremony held at the S Hotel in New Kingston on Monday. Ambassador Dr. Rocky Meade, Permanent Secretary in the OPM, highlighted the global cybersecurity workforce gap, which exceeds 4.8 million, with North America alone facing a deficit of over half a million professionals. While Jamaica’s specific skills gap remains unquantified, both public and private sectors are increasingly aware of the urgent need for trained cybersecurity experts. Meade attributed the shortage to limited awareness of the field’s lucrative career prospects, outdated training programmes, misconceptions about accessibility, and the high cost of certifications. He revealed that the government is partnering with international organisations to provide young Jamaicans with the necessary technical skills and certifications. Additionally, Jamaica is set to implement the Vincula LAC World Bank Pilot Project, offering 500 training opportunities, including 200 dedicated to cybersecurity. Meade stressed that Jamaica’s journey toward developed country status hinges on cultivating a pool of skilled cybersecurity professionals to ensure national cybersecurity and data sovereignty. Ambassador Alison Stone Roofe, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security and Peace, emphasised the government’s commitment to positioning Jamaica as a regional leader in cybersecurity talent development. She urged the trainees to seize the opportunity, as the programme equips them with foundational knowledge and practical insights into emerging technologies. Stone Roofe expressed optimism about the academy’s transformative impact on Jamaica’s youth and the nation’s overall resilience.
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Nepal savours ‘historic’ first win against West Indies
KATHMANDU, Nepal — In a landmark achievement for Nepali cricket, the national team secured their first-ever victory against a Test-playing nation by defeating the West Indies by 19 runs in the first T20 international of a three-match series in Sharjah on Saturday. This triumph marks a significant milestone for Nepal, a rising force in the cricketing world, as they overcame the two-time T20 World Cup champions. The win has been hailed as historic by Chatur Bahadur Chand, President of the Cricket Association of Nepal, who emphasized its importance in elevating the players’ standing globally. The Nepali middle-order set a competitive target of 148-8, followed by a disciplined bowling performance that restricted the West Indies. Fans, clad in replica team jerseys, celebrated enthusiastically, waving the national flag both in the stadium and at home. Pujan Thapa, a 27-year-old spectator from Kathmandu, shared his unexpected joy, saying, ‘We stood up and danced.’ The victory comes as Nepal recovers from recent anti-corruption protests that resulted in significant casualties and political upheaval. Team captain Rohit Paudel dedicated the win to the ‘martyrs’ of the protests, hoping it would bring some happiness to the nation. Cricket, though not as dominant in mountainous Nepal as in other South Asian countries, has been gaining popularity since Nepal was granted one-day international status by the ICC in 2018. Former chief selector Dipendra Chaudhary attributed the win to the team’s hard work, predicting it would inspire future generations of cricketers. Social media platforms were abuzz with congratulatory messages for the players, reflecting the nation’s pride and joy.
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Agri theft-related arrests double as APB takes root
In a significant development in Jamaica’s fight against praedial larceny, Agriculture Minister Floyd Green has announced that the newly established Agricultural Protection Branch (APB) has more than doubled arrests related to farm theft in 2025. Launched on June 13, 2025, at the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s (JCF) Tactical Training Academy in Kingston, the APB focuses on surveillance, investigation, and stakeholder engagement to protect agricultural assets and support farmers.
Minister Green highlighted the substantial progress, noting that arrests for praedial larceny surged from 63 in January to September 2024 to 190 during the same period in 2025. Additionally, court cases increased from 137 to 263, and convictions rose dramatically from just two in 2024 to 32 in 2025. These figures underscore the effectiveness of the APB’s enhanced case preparation and operational strategies.
The APB has also made strides in recovering stolen farm goods, with recoveries doubling from $2 million in the first half of 2025 to $5 million after the branch became fully operational. Inspector Orville Bushay, head of the APB for Area One, emphasized that praedial larceny costs the country an estimated $14 billion annually, impacting food security, agricultural investment, and rural poverty.
Minister Green acknowledged that while progress has been made, the fight against praedial larceny remains a work in progress. He commended JCF Commissioner Dr. Kevin Blake and Assistant Commissioner Oral Pascoe for their leadership and reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting farmers. Plans are underway to train and deploy agricultural wardens and utilize drone units for surveillance in vulnerable farming areas.
The JCF described the APB as a strategic imperative, emphasizing its role in developing specialized expertise in agricultural crime investigation and implementing proactive strategies such as increased patrols, community engagement, and collaboration with stakeholders to prevent losses before they occur.