NEW YORK, United States — FIFA has officially revealed the match ball for the 2026 World Cup, named Trionda, which blends cutting-edge technology with symbolic design elements honoring the three co-host nations: the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Designed by Adidas, the long-standing provider of World Cup balls since 1970, the Trionda was unveiled at a special event in New York on Thursday. FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed pride in presenting the ball, which reflects the historic nature of the first World Cup to be jointly hosted by three countries and featuring 48 competing teams. The ball’s design incorporates red, blue, and green colors, alongside iconic symbols from each host nation: maple leaves for Canada, an eagle for Mexico, and stars for the United States. A triangular motif symbolizes the unity of the three countries. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Trionda boasts advanced technological features, including deep seams for optimal flight stability, embossed icons for enhanced grip in wet conditions, and a motion sensor chip that transmits real-time data to the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system. The unveiling marks a significant milestone in the lead-up to the North American World Cup, scheduled for June 11 to July 19, 2026. FIFA has also initiated its phased online ticket sales, with over 4.5 million fans from 216 countries and territories participating in the presale draw. The tournament’s official draw will take place in Washington, D.C., on December 5.
标签： Jamaica
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Trump ally threatens immigration sweep at Bad Bunny Super Bowl show
In a recent development, US authorities have hinted at the possibility of conducting immigration enforcement operations during next year’s Super Bowl, following the announcement that Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny will headline the halftime show. Corey Lewandowski, an advisor to Homeland Security chief Kristi Noem, emphasized that no location, including the Super Bowl, would be exempt from immigration enforcement. “We will find you. We will apprehend you. We will put you in a detention facility, and we will deport you,” Lewandowski stated during a podcast with conservative influencer Benny Johnson. This stance aligns with President Donald Trump’s renewed immigration crackdown, which aims to deport millions of undocumented individuals residing in the US. Bad Bunny, who recently skipped the US on his global tour due to fears of immigration targeting, has become a focal point of controversy. Lewandowski criticized the NFL for its ‘woke’ decision to feature Bad Bunny, accusing the artist of harboring anti-American sentiments. The selection of Bad Bunny, who predominantly performs in Spanish and supported Trump’s 2024 rival Kamala Harris, has further incited backlash from Trump’s loyal Make America Great Again movement. Historically, Super Bowl halftime shows have featured iconic performers like Michael Jackson and Madonna, but this year’s choice has sparked a heated political debate.
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Fast-Tracking digital inclusion critical to vision 2030 goals, says FLOW
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaica’s digital transformation must be expedited to align with the ambitious Vision 2030 objectives, emphasizing affordability, accessibility, and digital literacy, according to Stephen Price, Vice President and General Manager of Flow. Speaking at the Caribbean Telecommunications Union ICT Conference held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, Price underscored the urgency of fostering a digitally literate population to support the nation’s technological aspirations. ‘We have five years to act swiftly and decisively to achieve our goal of becoming a technology-enabled society,’ he stated. Flow, a subsidiary of Liberty Caribbean and a key sponsor of the event, has significantly expanded its digital infrastructure since the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly doubling its fibre optic coverage to 760,000 homes and extending mobile services to 98% of the population. Additionally, the company has deployed six new cell sites to enhance coverage in underserved areas such as Runaway Bay and Ocean Heights. Beyond infrastructure, Flow’s JUMP programme provides vulnerable families with devices, subsidized internet access, and digital literacy training to promote inclusivity. The call for digital inclusion was reinforced by other panellists, including Elona Cela, Senior Investment Officer at the International Finance Corporation, who emphasized the need to bridge the digital divide in rural areas. ‘Children in rural communities must have equal access to broadband to unlock their full potential,’ she asserted. Charlton McFarlane, CEO of the Universal Service Fund, highlighted the impact of Jamaica’s 400 community Wi-Fi hotspots, which serve nearly 200,000 users monthly, supporting education and micro-entrepreneurship. Senator Dana Morris-Dixon, Minister of Education, Skills, Youth, and Information, reiterated the government’s commitment to public-private collaboration, stating, ‘Connectivity is not a luxury but a lifeline to better healthcare, education, and civic participation.’ While acknowledging progress, Price identified systemic challenges, including infrastructure theft and vandalism, and called for stricter penalties and more competitive spectrum rates to accelerate Jamaica’s digital evolution.
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JFDF celebrates 11 years of experiences
The Jamaica Food and Drink Festival (JFDF) is set to return for its 11th edition, promising four days of unparalleled culinary experiences, vibrant entertainment, and a celebration of Jamaican culture. Scheduled for November 13-16, 2025, the festival will once again transform the gardens of the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel into a hub of gastronomic delight and cultural immersion. The official launch event, held on Friday night, offered a tantalizing preview of what attendees can expect, featuring music by DJ Franco and an array of delectable treats. Visa, the festival’s platinum partner, continues to support this iconic event, which has grown exponentially over the past decade. Co-Festival Director Nicole Pandohie expressed immense pride in the festival’s evolution, noting its transformation from a local experiment to an internationally recognized culinary showcase. ‘When we started 11 years ago, we wanted to test the waters with food and drink in Jamaica. The response was overwhelming, and now we have international chefs and media eager to participate,’ Pandohie shared. The launch event, despite being interrupted by rain, was a testament to the festival’s enduring appeal. Guests mingled in the gardens, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere and indulging in the culinary offerings. Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Floyd Green praised the JFDF for bridging the gap between local farmers and the culinary industry, highlighting the festival’s role in spotlighting the backbone of Jamaica’s food sector. ‘This festival connects people to the hardworking farmers and fishers who make it all possible,’ Green remarked. The 2025 edition will feature a diverse lineup of events, including Kuyah, a celebration of reimagined Jamaican cuisine; Decade 2.0, featuring the popular Pork Palooza; Meet Street and the Market, showcasing fresh produce and local vendors; and the Boozy Brunch, a fitting conclusion to the festivities. With its unique blend of food, culture, and entertainment, the JFDF continues to solidify its place as a must-attend event on the global culinary calendar.
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Forex: $161.34 to one US dollar
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The US dollar demonstrated a slight upward trend in its exchange rate against the Jamaican dollar on Thursday, October 2, closing at $161.34, a modest increase of 4 cents, as reported by the Bank of Jamaica’s daily trading summary. This incremental rise reflects ongoing fluctuations in the foreign exchange market. Concurrently, the Canadian dollar also experienced a notable uptick, ending the day at $117.23 compared to its previous close of $116.03. Similarly, the British pound edged higher, concluding the trading session at $217.17, up from $216.87. These movements underscore the dynamic nature of global currency markets and their impact on regional economies.
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Westmoreland residents urged to exercise caution following heavy rains
Following a period of intense rainfall and subsequent flooding in Westmoreland, Jamaica, local health authorities are urging residents to exercise extreme caution to avoid contracting leptospirosis. The Westmoreland Public Health Department’s Health Promotion Unit has issued a stern advisory, emphasizing the dangers of wading or traveling through floodwaters, which are considered high-risk environments for the transmission of this bacterial infection. Gerald Miller, the health promotion and education officer for Westmoreland, explained that the leptospira bacteria, which causes leptospirosis, can infiltrate the human body through cuts, abrasions, or broken skin. ‘Floodwaters may contain urine from animals like rats, which can carry the bacteria. Exposure to these waters significantly increases the risk of infection,’ Miller stated. He also highlighted the importance of adults modeling safe behaviors for children, particularly during times of heightened public health risk. Miller urged all family members, including parents and guardians, to educate children about the dangers of walking through puddles or floodwaters. Additionally, he stressed the microscopic and invisible nature of the leptospira bacteria, making it impossible to detect with the naked eye. Miller warned that careless exposure to floodwaters could lead to preventable health complications, further burdening local healthcare facilities. Residents who have been in contact with floodwaters and are experiencing symptoms such as headaches, muscle aches, or joint pain are strongly advised to seek immediate medical attention. Miller also emphasized the importance of informing healthcare providers about any exposure to floodwaters to ensure accurate diagnosis and timely treatment. ‘The message is clear: avoid wading through floodwaters, remain vigilant, especially with children, and seek medical care if symptoms arise after exposure,’ he concluded.
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US fighter jets flew close to Venezuela’s shores—defense minister
CARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuela has raised alarms over the presence of five US fighter jets reportedly flying near its coastline, escalating tensions between the two nations. The Venezuelan Defense Minister, Vladimir Padrino, disclosed the incident during a televised address, stating that the country’s air defense systems and tracking mechanisms at its largest airport had identified the aircraft. He described the maneuver as a deliberate provocation and a direct threat to Venezuela’s national security. This development comes amid a significant US military buildup in the Caribbean region, including the deployment of 10 F-35 aircraft to Puerto Rico, eight warships, and a nuclear submarine. US President Donald Trump has framed this operation as part of a broader effort to combat drug trafficking from the Caribbean to the United States. However, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has accused Trump of orchestrating a covert campaign to destabilize his government. Recent weeks have seen US forces targeting alleged drug traffickers, resulting in the destruction of three boats and the deaths of at least 14 individuals. The situation underscores the deepening geopolitical rift between Washington and Caracas.
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Jamaica’s Q2 economic growth faster than initially thought, outlook strengthens
Jamaica’s economy has demonstrated robust growth in the second quarter of 2024, surpassing initial estimates and setting the stage for an even stronger performance in the third quarter. The Statistical Institute of Jamaica reported a 1.6% year-on-year expansion for the April-June period, an upward revision from the earlier 1.4% estimate released by the Planning Institute of Jamaica in August. This marks the second consecutive quarter of economic growth, signaling a steady recovery trajectory. The Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) projects a further acceleration, with third-quarter growth anticipated to reach between 3% and 4%. The central bank attributes this momentum to a tight labor market and rising wage growth, which are broadening economic activity. The agricultural sector emerged as a standout performer, surging by 9.2% due to favorable weather conditions that boosted harvests of yams, vegetables, and fruits. This contributed to a 3.6% overall increase in the goods-producing sector. Tourism, a critical driver of the economy, also saw a 4.1% rise in accommodation and food services, fueled by higher foreign arrivals. However, the mining sector faced challenges, contracting by 4.8% due to operational issues at alumina refineries. Despite this setback, the BOJ remains optimistic, forecasting sustained economic expansion over the next two years, positioning Jamaica on its most stable recovery path in years.
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JLP denounces ‘hypocritical’ PNP stance on interdiction of medical doctor
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Marlon Morgan of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has criticized the People’s National Party (PNP) for what he describes as ‘selective championing of causes’ in response to the PNP’s condemnation of Dr. Aujae Dixon’s suspension. Dr. Dixon, who participated in the September 3 general elections, was suspended by the Southern Regional Health Authority (SRHA) for violating Public Service Staff Order 4.2.6(1), which bars public officers from partisan political activities. PNP Spokesperson on Justice, Zulieka Jess, labeled the suspension as an infringement on Dixon’s constitutional rights to freedom of expression and association. Morgan, however, accused the PNP of hypocrisy, citing past instances where the party supported similar actions against JLP members. He urged the PNP to engage with the Constitutional Reform Committee to address and potentially revise the Public Service Staff Orders, suggesting a need for clear guidelines on political participation for public sector workers.
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Canada reports first death linked to measles epidemic
A premature infant in Alberta, Canada, has tragically succumbed to measles, marking the first confirmed fatality linked to the disease’s resurgence in the country over the past year. Alberta Health Minister Adriana LaGrange confirmed the death in a statement, revealing that the child was born prematurely after the mother contracted measles during pregnancy. The infant passed away shortly after birth, with measles identified as the direct cause. This incident follows the death of another premature infant with measles in June, though authorities at the time cited additional medical complications and did not definitively attribute the death to the disease. LaGrange emphasized that children under five, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems are particularly vulnerable to severe outcomes from measles. Canada, which had declared measles eradicated in 1998 due to widespread vaccination efforts, has reported 5,006 cases since the start of 2025, with Alberta and Ontario being the most affected provinces. Alarmingly, 88% of these cases involve unvaccinated individuals. The outbreak, which began in October 2024 in New Brunswick, has disproportionately impacted Mennonite, Amish, and other Anabaptist communities, largely due to lower vaccination rates. Measles, a highly contagious respiratory virus transmitted through droplets from coughing, sneezing, or breathing, can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, brain inflammation, and even death. Health officials are urging the public to ensure vaccination to curb the spread of this preventable disease.