Norman Powell, the 2019 NBA champion with the Toronto Raptors, is gearing up for his 11th season in the league, now as a key player for the Miami Heat. After being traded from the Los Angeles Clippers in July, Powell is determined to carry forward the momentum he gained while representing Jamaica’s national basketball team this summer. The NBA season is scheduled to commence on October 21, marking Powell’s second debut in months following his pivotal role in helping Jamaica qualify for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifiers in August. Born in the U.S. to a Jamaican father, Powell has become one of the most prominent figures in Jamaican basketball. His standout performance in the 80-76 overtime victory against Costa Rica, where he scored a game-high 34 points, was instrumental in securing Jamaica’s historic qualification. Powell described his experience with the national team as transformative, deepening his connection to his Jamaican heritage. He expressed his excitement about the overwhelming support from the Jamaican and Caribbean communities, which he hadn’t anticipated. Powell also highlighted the benefits of the FIBA-style play, which he believes will enhance his performance with the Heat. The physicality and intensity of international basketball have prepared him well for the upcoming NBA season. Powell is also looking forward to engaging more with the Jamaican community in Miami, home to the second-largest Jamaican population in the U.S. He plans to visit Jamaica more frequently to contribute to the development of basketball on the island. Last season, Powell averaged a career-high 21.8 points per game with the Clippers but missed out on an All-Star selection. This season, he aims to not only earn that recognition but also help the Heat become a more competitive team. The Heat, who finished the 2024/25 regular season with a 37-45 record and were swept in the first round of the playoffs, are looking to Powell to be a driving force in their quest for championship contention.
标签: Jamaica
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Nuh Reely forges ahead in Mayberry marlin tournament
PORTLAND, Jamaica — The Mayberry Superstars of Port Antonio International Marlin Tournament is in full swing at the Errol Flynn Marina, with Nuh Reely maintaining a strong lead. The team has secured five marlin releases so far, closely followed by Brac Rebel and Never Say Never, each with three releases. Other notable participants include Still Keepin it Jiggy with two releases, while Wreckless, Daddy’s Dream, Just2Bad, Integrity, and defending champion Safe Passage have each released one marlin. On the latest day of competition, Never Say Never released three marlin, while Nuh Reely, Pipe Dreams, and Still Keepin it Jiggy each released two. Brac Rebel, Daddy’s Dream, Jus2Bad, Integrity, and Safe Passage also contributed with one release each. The tournament will continue at 7:00 am on Saturday, with fishing concluding at 3:00 pm. The prize-giving ceremony is scheduled to begin at 7:00 pm, marking the culmination of this thrilling event.
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DI staff members remove 20 bags of litter in two hours during Burwood Beach clean-up
TRELAWNY, Jamaica – In a commendable display of environmental stewardship, employees of Diamonds International (DI), a prominent jewelry retailer operating at the Falmouth cruise port, dedicated their Friday morning to a large-scale clean-up effort at Burwood Beach. Within a span of two hours, the team successfully gathered 20 large bags of waste, including plastic bottles, condoms, paper, wet wipes, and various other debris from the popular shoreline. This initiative underscores DI’s unwavering commitment to environmental conservation and community engagement. ‘Diamonds International is deeply committed to giving back to the community, and today’s clean-up activity is a testament to our resolve in maintaining a clean and sustainable environment,’ the company stated. Notably, DI also manages jewelry stores at the Ocho Rios cruise port in St. Ann, further extending its influence and community outreach efforts across the region.
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Tesla sued by family of teen killed in Cybertruck crash: reports
The family of a 19-year-old US college student has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Tesla, alleging that a flawed door design in the Cybertruck prevented her from escaping a fatal crash in California last year. Krysta Tsukahara, a passenger in the vehicle, initially sustained minor injuries in the November 2023 accident but later succumbed to burns and smoke inhalation due to her inability to exit the burning truck, according to her parents. The lawsuit, reported by the New York Times, claims the Cybertruck lacked a functional, accessible, and conspicuous manual door release mechanism, which could have facilitated emergency egress. The vehicle’s battery-operated door system, which can malfunction during crashes, and the manual release’s obscure placement under a rubber mat in the door storage pocket were cited as critical flaws. Tesla has yet to respond to requests for comment. This incident adds to the challenges faced by the American EV maker, which has struggled with tepid demand for the Cybertruck and a series of recalls since its 2023 launch. In a related development, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has initiated an investigation into Tesla’s Model Y following complaints, including one where a parent was unable to retrieve a child from the back seats. This lawsuit follows another high-profile case in August 2023, where Tesla was ordered to pay substantial damages over a fatal crash linked to its Autopilot technology.
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Cops target female gang boss
In a significant move to combat organized crime, the St James Police Division has unveiled Operation Endgame, a targeted initiative aimed at dismantling a female-led robbery syndicate plaguing the region. The syndicate, reportedly headed by a woman known as ‘Toots,’ has been operating across multiple parishes, causing widespread disruption and fear, particularly among the Chinese business community. Senior Superintendent Eron Samuels, head of the division, emphasized the urgency of the operation, especially as the Yuletide season approaches, to ensure public safety and peace. ‘Our efforts will be relentless in ensuring that this robbery syndicate is fully demolished,’ Samuels declared during a press conference in Montego Bay. Deputy Superintendent Michael Moore, the St James crime chief, revealed that over a dozen suspects linked to the syndicate have already been arrested, with firearms seized during recent operations. Moore noted that these arrests have brought significant relief to the Chinese business community, which has been a primary target of the syndicate. Superintendent Lynroy Edwards, operations officer for St James, outlined the broader objectives of Operation Endgame, which will extend into the new year. The initiative builds on the successes of previous operations, Storm One and Storm Two, launched last year. Edwards highlighted the inclusion of praedial larceny—the theft of animals and agricultural produce—as a key focus area, with partnerships established with the Agricultural Protection Branch to address food security concerns. Police statistics indicate a notable decline in violent crimes in St James, with murders dropping by 57.8% and shootings by 52.8% compared to the same period last year. Samuels reaffirmed the police’s commitment to maintaining this downward trend, aiming to keep murders below 100 for the year. The St James Police have urged continued cooperation from the public to ensure the success of Operation Endgame and to foster a safer, more secure community.
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US high court lets Trump strip Venezuelans of protected status
In a significant ruling, the US Supreme Court has once again sided with the Trump administration, allowing the removal of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) from approximately 350,000 Venezuelan immigrants. This decision, handed down on Friday, marks the second time the conservative-majority court has supported the administration’s efforts to revoke this protective measure. The court’s three liberal justices dissented, highlighting the ongoing legal and humanitarian debate surrounding the issue. The ruling overturns a September decision by US District Judge Edward Chen in California, which had blocked the administration’s move to strip Venezuelans of TPS. TPS is a critical program that shields individuals from deportation and permits them to work legally in the US, typically granted to those facing extreme dangers such as war, natural disasters, or other extraordinary conditions in their home countries. Venezuela, currently grappling with a severe economic crisis and governed by a regime widely criticized as autocratic and corrupt, remains a focal point of this contentious policy. The Supreme Court’s brief order emphasized that, absent a new directive from it or a lower court, Judge Chen’s earlier ruling remains suspended. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, one of the dissenting justices, criticized the majority for prioritizing the administration’s urgency over the welfare of TPS beneficiaries and the legal reasoning of lower courts. This decision aligns with President Donald Trump’s broader immigration crackdown, aimed at fulfilling his campaign promise to expel millions of undocumented individuals. However, his efforts have faced repeated legal challenges, including from the Supreme Court, which has upheld the right of targeted individuals to contest their deportation in court. TPS for Venezuelans was initially granted under President Joe Biden, who characterized the Maduro regime as repressive.
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US says kills four in new attack on alleged drug-smuggling boat in Caribbean
In a significant military operation, US forces targeted an alleged drug-smuggling vessel off the coast of Venezuela on Friday, resulting in the deaths of four individuals. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the strike in a post on X, accompanied by a video showing the boat engulfed in flames. Hegseth described the operation as targeting ‘narco-terrorists’ transporting ‘substantial amounts of narcotics’ intended for the US, vowing that such strikes would persist until threats to American citizens are eradicated. This marks at least the fourth such attack, with a total of 21 fatalities reported. The US government has classified drug cartels as ‘non-state armed groups’ and ‘terrorist organizations,’ justifying the strikes as part of an ‘armed conflict.’ However, critics argue that the lack of evidence and the summary nature of the killings raise legal and ethical concerns. The operation has escalated tensions between the US and Venezuela, with Caracas condemning recent US military activities in the region as provocations. The deployment of US warships and fighter jets has further strained relations, with Venezuela accusing the US of threatening its national security.
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Sarah Mullally appointed first woman to lead Church of England
In a historic move, Sarah Mullally, a 63-year-old former nurse and midwife, has been appointed as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury, marking a significant milestone for the Church of England. Her appointment comes in the wake of a scandal involving the church’s cover-up of abuse cases, which led to the resignation of her predecessor, Justin Welby. Mullally, who previously served as the Bishop of London, acknowledged the immense responsibility of her new role and pledged to address the church’s past failures in safeguarding vulnerable individuals. Speaking at Canterbury Cathedral, she emphasized the need for transparency, accountability, and a culture of safety within the church. Mullally’s nomination was approved by King Charles III, following a rigorous selection process. As the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury, she will officially assume her position in January 2024. Mullally’s career spans over three decades in the National Health Service, where she rose to become England’s chief nursing officer. Ordained as a priest in 2002, she has been a trailblazer for women in the church, becoming the first female Bishop of London in 2018. Her appointment reflects a broader shift within the Anglican community, which has gradually embraced gender equality in leadership roles. Mullally has also been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, describing the church’s decision to bless same-sex couples as a ‘moment of hope.’ However, she remains opposed to the legalization of assisted dying, citing concerns over potential abuse. As she steps into her new role, Mullally faces the dual challenge of restoring trust in the church and addressing declining attendance numbers. With over 20 million baptised members but fewer than one million regular attendees, the Church of England is at a crossroads. Mullally’s leadership will be pivotal in shaping its future.
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Garvey Maceo, Glenmuir advance after contrasting results
In a dramatic turn of events during the ISSA daCosta Cup Zone I play-offs on Thursday, defending champions Garvey Maceo High and former champions Glenmuir High secured their places in the Round of 32, albeit with contrasting outcomes. Glenmuir High, despite their strong form, suffered a surprising 0-1 defeat to Kemps Hill High, with Dalton Francis scoring the decisive goal in the 85th minute. Meanwhile, Garvey Maceo High triumphed over Denbigh High with a 2-1 victory, marking their second win against Denbigh this season. Both Glenmuir and Garvey Maceo are now tied at 21 points each, ensuring they finish no lower than third in the group. Their qualification brings the total number of schools advancing to the second round to 12, joining Cornwall College, Mannings School, Cedric Titus High, William Knibb Memorial High, Christiana High, Alphansus Davis High, Manchester High, Central High, Clarendon College, and Ocho Rios High. In other matches, Ferncourt High avenged their earlier loss to York Castle High with a 2-0 win in Zone K, while Morant Bay High climbed to the top of Zone L after a 4-1 victory over Yallahs High. Former champions Rusea’s High, currently on 18 points, aim to secure their spot in the next round with a win over Green Island High, who remain unbeaten in their last four games. Titchfield High and St Mary High also look to strengthen their positions in Zone M with crucial upcoming matches.
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Donsome in consideration for Grammy nominations
Adrian Hanson, widely recognized in the reggae-dancehall scene as ‘Donsome’ for his ‘riddim’ compilation albums featuring artists like Mykal Rose, Bugle, and Kiprich, has embarked on a transformative musical journey. In 2023, Hanson unveiled ‘Hz Vibrations of Light And Healing,’ a wellness album released under the alias Nestful Nights Sounds. This 20-track project, which blends New Age, Ambient, and Chant genres, has earned a spot in the preliminary nominations for the 2026 Grammy Awards, specifically in the Best New Age, Ambient or Chant Album category. Additionally, one of its tracks, ‘528 Hz The Love And Miracle Frequency,’ is being considered for Best Alternative Music Performance.
Hanson’s shift towards wellness music stems from his personal use of Hz frequency music for healing and relaxation. Inspired by this passion, he purchased a cabin in 2023 with the vision of creating a sanctuary for wellness retreats. ‘I wanted to take it to a professional level and design soundscapes that could help people feel better—emotionally, mentally, and physically,’ Hanson explained in an interview with Observer Online.
The global sound therapy market, valued at $2.48 billion in 2025, is projected to grow to $4.20 billion by 2032, driven by increasing awareness of its therapeutic benefits, such as stress reduction and improved mental well-being. Hanson’s venture into this space aligns with this growing trend.
Despite his foray into wellness music, Hanson remains active in the reggae-dancehall scene. His work on the ‘Gruesome Act Riddim’ has earned him a nomination for Best Reggae Album, while his collaboration with Kiprich on ‘No More Crime’ is in contention for Best Global Music Performance.
Since launching Donsome Records nearly two decades ago, Hanson has built an impressive portfolio, including Mykal Rose’s 2023 album ‘I Give You Love’ and contributions to Marcia Griffiths’ album ‘Golden.’ With ‘Hz Vibrations of Light And Healing,’ Hanson has redefined his artistic identity, proving that music can transcend entertainment to become a tool for healing and transformation. ‘Unconventional music allows me to challenge norms and inspire people to rethink the power of sound,’ he said.
The 2026 Grammy nominations will be announced on November 7, with the awards ceremony scheduled for February 1 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
