KINGSTON, Jamaica — Renowned gospel artist Kevin Downswell has expressed his gratitude and joy after securing six nominations at the prestigious Sterling Gospel Awards. The event, set to take place this Saturday at the Emmanuel Apostolic Church in Portmore, St Catherine, honors excellence in Caribbean gospel music and ministry. Downswell’s nominations span multiple categories, including Male Artiste of the Year, Local Hit Producer of the Year, Local Hit of the Year, Collab of the Year, Most Rated Event of the Year, and Video of the Year.
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West Indies bowling coach laments ‘tough day’ as India remain in control
In a commanding display of batting prowess, India seized control of the first Test against the West Indies in Ahmedabad, establishing a formidable lead of 286 runs by the end of day two. Dhruv Jurel and Ravindra Jadeja were the stars of the show, both scoring centuries in a marathon partnership of 206 runs. Jurel, a second-choice wicketkeeper playing in place of the injured Rishabh Pant, celebrated his maiden Test century with a boundary off West Indies captain Roston Chase, followed by a symbolic army-like tribute. Jadeja, meanwhile, notched his sixth Test hundred, marked by his signature sword celebration. KL Rahul also contributed significantly, scoring his 11th Test century before being dismissed shortly after lunch. India ended the day at 448-5 in response to the West Indies’ first-innings total of 162. The visitors, missing key bowlers Alzarri Joseph and Shamar Joseph due to injury, struggled to contain India’s relentless batting attack. With India now in a dominant position, they are strong favorites to secure a 2-0 series victory against a West Indies team that has significantly declined from its former glory.
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British teen dies in car crash 3 months after being freed from Dubai prison
A 19-year-old British teenager, Marcus Fakana, who was recently pardoned by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) leader after serving a prison sentence for a consensual relationship with a 17-year-old girl, has tragically died in a car accident. The incident occurred in Tottenham, north London, early Friday morning, following a police pursuit. Fakana was a passenger in the vehicle involved in the crash. According to Sky News, the driver, Marwaan Mohamed Huseen, has been charged with multiple offenses, including causing death by dangerous driving, driving without insurance, and failing to stop. Fakana had been serving a one-year sentence in the UAE, where the age of consent is 18, but was released after six months following a pardon from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. He had returned to his home in Tottenham shortly after his release. The police reported that the vehicle involved in the crash was initially pursued but lost sight of before the collision occurred. Fakana sustained severe injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital.
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Indecent Proposal handles serious business… with laughs
Patrick Brown’s latest theatrical production, ‘Indecent Proposal,’ is currently captivating audiences at the Courtleigh Auditorium in New Kingston. While the play is laced with moments of humor, it delves deeply into the trials faced by single mothers, offering a poignant exploration of their struggles. Sharee Elise, a seasoned actress in Brown’s productions, takes on the role of Sarah, a waitress and mother of two children, who is desperately seeking stability in her life. Her character’s journey is further complicated by the arrival of Lenny, portrayed by Glen Campbell, a suitor who promises her a better life but soon discovers that his honorable intentions are met with unforeseen challenges. For Elise, embodying Sarah has been an enlightening experience. ‘Sarah has given me a unique perspective on the challenges that women in certain situations face,’ she shared with the Jamaica Observer. ‘As a single mother struggling to make ends meet, Sarah’s experiences have shown me how a lack of resources can lead to difficult choices that might otherwise be deemed unacceptable. This role has helped me understand the complexities of decision-making in the face of limited options.’ The cast is rounded out by Courtney Wilson, another regular in Brown’s plays, who plays Rex, Sarah’s ex and one of her delinquent babyfathers. ‘Indecent Proposal’ also highlights the breakdown of the nuclear family in Jamaica, once a cornerstone of the country’s society. ‘Too many households have been left on the backs of women who have to play the role of mother and father,’ Elise remarked. ‘In light of that, something must give, and unfortunately what ‘gives’ is a firm foundation for kids to thrive and grow into well-rounded individuals. Instead, a lot of them become victims of the circumstances of their surroundings.’ Elise, who hails from Falmouth, Trelawny, honed her craft as a member of the Ashe performing arts ensemble for 16 years before transitioning into acting. She has appeared in several of Brown’s plays, including ‘Windscream Posse,’ ‘Right Girl, Wrong Address,’ ‘Matey Chronicles,’ and ‘Duppy Whisperer.’ ‘Indecent Proposal’ premiered in July and is set to conclude its run on October 20.
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UN appoints new resident coordinator in Haiti
UNITED NATIONS (CMC) — In a significant move to bolster its efforts in Haiti, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced the appointment of Nicole Flora Boni Kouassi of Côte d’Ivoire as the new Deputy Special Representative for the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) and Resident Coordinator in Haiti. Additionally, she will assume the role of Humanitarian Coordinator. Boni Kouassi steps into the position previously held by Ingeborg Ulrika Ulfsdotter Richardson of Sweden, whom Guterres commended for her unwavering dedication and service to the UN. With over 22 years of experience within the UN system, Boni Kouassi brings a wealth of expertise in development, peace and security, and humanitarian efforts. Since 2022, she has served as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative in Niger. Her prior roles include UNDP Resident Representative in Burundi from 2019 to 2022 and interim Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in 2021. Boni Kouassi has also held leadership positions in Djibouti and Niger, as well as serving as a Senior UN Coherence Specialist in New York. Academically, she holds a Doctorate in Medicine from the Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Côte d’Ivoire and a Master of Public Health from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Maryland. Fluent in English, French, and her native Baule, Boni Kouassi is well-equipped to navigate the complexities of her new role in Haiti.
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Hellshire fatal crash victims identified
A tragic early morning accident in Hellshire, Portmore, St Catherine, has resulted in the deaths of two individuals and left several others injured, including a 12-year-old child. The incident occurred around 3:00 am on Saturday when a Honda Shuttle, driven by Jevaughn Martin, collided with a BMW on the main road. Both vehicles sustained severe damage, and the impact caused the BMW to crash into a utility pole. The occupants of both cars were rushed to the Spanish Town Hospital, where Martin, a 33-year-old taxi driver from Portmore, and Ryan Tulloch, a 17-year-old resident of Tawes Meadows in Spanish Town, succumbed to their injuries. Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash, which has left the community in mourning.
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DiCelebrityy gets major boost with Kai Cenat’s endorsement of ‘Hydraulics’
Dancehall artist DiCelebrityy is riding a wave of success following a significant boost to his career, thanks to a shout-out during Kai Cenat’s ‘Mafiathon 3’ live stream. The shout-out, orchestrated by social media personality Mama Cenat, has catapulted DiCelebrityy’s single ‘Hydraulics’ into the spotlight, resulting in a surge of online searches, Spotify and Apple Music streams, and YouTube engagement. DiCelebrityy expressed his gratitude, stating, ‘I just want to say thank you to Mama Cenat and Kai Cenat for the shout-out because it gave my career and my song a major boost.’ Kai Cenat, the world’s most-subscribed Twitch streamer with 19 million followers, hosted the event, which attracted approximately one million viewers. The exposure has introduced DiCelebrityy to a broader audience, with his song now featured on global Spotify playlists and gaining traction on YouTube, where it has amassed over 57,000 views. DiCelebrityy, born Adrian Anthony Campbell in St Ann’s Bay, Jamaica, aspires to be a global ambassador for Jamaican culture, drawing inspiration from legends like Bob Marley. His recent tracks, including ‘Full Charge,’ ‘White Liver,’ and ‘New Landlord,’ have made waves at events like Reggae Sumfest. Over the past year, DiCelebrityy has collaborated with prominent artists such as Skillibeng, Spice, and Teejay, further solidifying his position in the dancehall scene. He credits Twitch as a powerful platform for music discovery, noting that the live stream helped 500,000 people discover his music. With his career on an upward trajectory, DiCelebrityy is poised to make a lasting impact on the global music stage.
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Trump says Hamas ready for peace, tells Israel to stop bombing
In a significant development, former US President Donald Trump has called on Israel to cease its bombing campaign in Gaza, asserting that Hamas is prepared to engage in peace negotiations. This follows a statement from the Palestinian militant group indicating its willingness to release hostages under Trump’s proposed ceasefire plan. Trump, in a post on Truth Social, emphasized the urgency of halting military operations to ensure the safe and swift release of hostages, stating, ‘Based on the Statement just issued by Hamas, I believe they are ready for a lasting PEACE. Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza.’ He further highlighted that the ongoing discussions are not solely about Gaza but are aimed at achieving long-term peace in the Middle East. The Hamas statement, issued hours after Trump’s Sunday deadline for a response, expressed approval for the release of all hostages and readiness to discuss the details of the proposal. Trump’s unusual move to share the Hamas statement on his social media platform was mirrored by the White House. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that Trump would address Hamas’s acceptance of the deal, sharing a behind-the-scenes image of him preparing for the announcement. Trump’s 20-point peace plan, unveiled earlier in the week alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, had warned of severe consequences if rejected. However, a senior Hamas official, Mahmoud Mardawi, criticized the plan as ‘vague, ambiguous, and lacking clarity.’
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US government shutdown seen dragging into next week
The United States government shutdown, which began on Wednesday, shows no signs of resolution as the Senate prepares for a fourth vote on a funding proposal introduced by President Donald Trump’s Republican party. The proposal, however, is widely expected to fail, prolonging the crisis into next week. Federal agencies remain unfunded, leading to widespread disruptions in public services due to the ongoing impasse in Congress. Senate leaders have no plans to convene over the weekend, making Friday’s afternoon vote the final opportunity this week to break the deadlock. Analysts warn that the shutdown could persist, exacerbating the political and economic turmoil. In a significant development, the Trump administration has halted the release of a crucial employment report, obscuring insights into the health of the world’s largest economy. This marks the latest in a series of delayed economic data releases, leaving government officials and business leaders without vital decision-making indicators. The stalemate centers on Democratic demands to extend expiring healthcare subsidies, which, if unaddressed, would significantly increase costs for millions of low-income Americans. Republicans, who control both the legislature and the White House but require Democratic support to pass funding bills, have yet to propose a solution. Democrats are leveraging their position by refusing to assist in funding the government, intensifying the standoff. Amid widespread pessimism, some Republicans hope that a fourth failed vote might pressure moderate Democrats to compromise. Reports suggest that Republican Senate leader John Thune is open to negotiations with Democratic counterpart Chuck Schumer to seek a resolution.
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D’Angel, Khago create chemistry on new track
D’Angel, the Jamaican entertainer, recently opened up about her dynamic collaboration with fellow artist Khago, describing it as a transformative moment in her career. Their latest track, *Personal*, has become a fan favorite, showcasing their undeniable chemistry and creative synergy. In an interview with the *Jamaica Observer’s Splash*, D’Angel praised Khago as a passionate and driven artist, emphasizing that the song was born out of fan demand. She revealed that their on-screen connection during Khago’s live sessions sparked the idea for the collaboration, which has since resonated deeply with audiences. The release of the music video further amplified the track’s popularity, with fans eagerly embracing the duo’s artistic vision. Beyond their musical partnership, social media has been abuzz with speculation about their personal relationship, fueled by sightings of the pair at Khago’s home in Manchester and on a beach. However, D’Angel remained diplomatic, focusing on their shared commitment to entertaining fans. The duo’s live performances, including a memorable show in St Elizabeth, have been met with overwhelming enthusiasm, with audiences demanding encores. Khago, in turn, expressed deep respect for D’Angel, acknowledging her talent and the challenges she has faced in the industry. He hinted at more collaborations in the future, though for now, they are focused on promoting *Personal*. With shows booked through 2026, D’Angel and Khago are poised to deliver more groundbreaking music and performances.
