HOLLYWOOD, United States (AFP)—Jimmy Kimmel, the renowned late-night host, made a dramatic comeback to U.S. television screens this week, drawing his largest audience in a decade. This resurgence followed a brief suspension triggered by pressure from Donald Trump’s administration, according to Disney, the parent company of ABC, which airs Kimmel’s show. The suspension was reportedly a response to Kimmel’s comments following the assassination of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, with government officials threatening to revoke broadcast licenses. However, widespread public backlash and criticism from even some Trump allies, who viewed the move as an attack on free speech, led to the swift reversal of the decision. Kimmel returned to the airwaves on Tuesday with a scathing monologue condemning censorship. “A government threat to silence a comedian the president doesn’t like is anti-American,” Kimmel declared. He also criticized Trump for celebrating the potential loss of jobs for him and his team, stating, “Our leader celebrates Americans losing their livelihoods because he can’t take a joke.” Early ratings revealed that over six million viewers tuned in to the broadcast, despite the show being unavailable to nearly a quarter of American households due to a boycott by local TV station owners. This marked a significant increase from the show’s average viewership of 1.42 million during the 2024/2025 season. Additionally, 26 million people watched Kimmel’s monologue on social media, making it the show’s most successful night in a decade. Trump, who has frequently targeted Kimmel and other late-night hosts with criticism, had previously celebrated the suspension, calling it “Great news for America.” However, Kimmel quipped during his return, “He tried his best to cancel me. Instead, he forced millions of people to watch the show. That backfired bigly,” to thunderous applause from the studio audience.
标签： Jamaica
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FOREX: $161.04 to one US dollar
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The US dollar demonstrated a slight upward trend against the Jamaican dollar on Wednesday, September 24, closing at $161.04, marking an increase of 12 cents, as reported by the Bank of Jamaica’s daily exchange trading summary. This marginal rise reflects ongoing fluctuations in the foreign exchange market. In contrast, the Canadian dollar experienced a decline, ending the day at $115.52, down from its previous close of $117.50. Similarly, the British pound saw a minor dip, settling at $216.12 compared to $216.90 the day before. These shifts highlight the dynamic nature of global currency markets, influenced by a range of economic factors and international trade dynamics.
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UWI student’s app connects hungry people with Jamaican street food
In a bid to revolutionize the way locals and tourists experience authentic Jamaican street food, 21-year-old Somesh Sharma, a third-year medical physics student at the University of the West Indies (UWI), has developed Yaad Bites, a mobile app designed to connect users with the island’s vibrant roadside culinary scene. From sizzling jerk chicken to fresh fruit stalls, the app aims to make it easier for food enthusiasts to discover and support local vendors.
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Rihanna welcomes baby girl
Global music icon and entrepreneur Rihanna has announced the birth of her third child, a baby girl named Rocki Irish Mayers. The Barbadian superstar shared the joyous news with her millions of followers via an Instagram post on Wednesday afternoon, revealing that her daughter was born on Saturday, September 13. This marks the first daughter for Rihanna and her partner, rapper A$AP Rocky, adding to their growing family. The couple previously welcomed their first son, RZA Athelston Mayers, in May 2022, followed by their second son, Riot Rose, in August 2023. The arrival of Rocki Irish Mayers completes their family of five, sparking widespread celebration among fans and well-wishers worldwide.
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Holness reiterates Jamaica’s commitment to climate action
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a bold move to combat climate change, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has reaffirmed the nation’s dedication to climate action during his address at the eightieth session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80) in New York. Holness emphasized that Jamaica is intensifying its efforts to address the escalating impacts of climate change, aligning ambition with concrete action.
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Gas prices down $2.60, diesel down $0.54
KINGSTON, Jamaica—In a welcome development for motorists, fuel prices across Jamaica are set to experience a notable decline starting Thursday, September 25. This adjustment follows the latest ex-refinery pricing data released by Petrojam, the nation’s leading oil refinery. The price of 90-octane gasoline will drop by $2.60, bringing it to $165.82 per litre, while 87-octane gasoline will also see a reduction of $2.60, settling at $158.81 per litre. Automotive diesel fuel will decrease by $0.54, priced at $167.47 per litre, and ultra-low sulphur diesel will see a $0.63 reduction, costing $173.73 per litre. Additionally, kerosene prices will fall by $0.54, making it available at $152.01 per litre. This price adjustment is expected to provide relief to consumers and businesses alike, easing the financial burden of transportation and energy costs.
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Dushyant Savadia named global leader of the year at AsiaOne event in Dubai
DUBAI, UAE — Dushyant Savadia, Founder and CEO of Amber Group, was celebrated as the Global Leader of the Year 2025 at the 26th Asian Business and Social Forum. The prestigious event, organized by AsiaOne Magazine and URS Media, took place on September 19 at the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel in Dubai. The forum, themed ‘Celebrating the Spirit of Asia,’ brought together a diverse assembly of global business leaders, policymakers, diplomats, and investors from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas.
In addition to Savadia’s accolade, Amber Connect, a subsidiary of Amber Group, was recognized as one of the World’s Greatest Brands 2025. Savadia, in his acceptance speech, emphasized the importance of service in leadership, stating, ‘Success without service is meaningless. True leadership is measured not just by profits but by the lives we uplift.’
AsiaOne Magazine lauded Savadia as a transformative figure whose contributions span philanthropy, technology, and entrepreneurship. ‘Mr. Savadia’s work exemplifies service, innovation, and resilience. He has demonstrated how technology can create jobs and address global challenges while remaining committed to local communities,’ the magazine noted.
The forum highlighted key themes such as bilateral trade, innovation, and cross-continental collaboration. Attendees included ambassadors and dignitaries from the Maldives, Zimbabwe, Guatemala, Kenya, and Indonesia, alongside members of royal families, Emirati cinema icons, and influential business leaders. The event served as a global platform for celebrating progress and fostering international cooperation.
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MEN IN LOCKS
In a groundbreaking moment for Jamaica, four male parliamentarians are now proudly wearing dreadlocks, marking a significant shift in the acceptance of Afro-centric identity and Rastafarian culture within the nation’s political landscape. This historic development includes first-time Member of Parliament (MP) Isat Buchanan and Damion Crawford from the Opposition benches, along with Allan Bernard in the Senate. On the Government side, Alando Terrelonge retained his dreadlocks as he was sworn in for his third consecutive term.
Speaking to the Jamaica Observer outside Gordon House, Buchanan, the new MP for Portland Eastern, emphasized the symbolic importance of this milestone. He highlighted the long-standing discrimination and stereotypes faced by individuals with dreadlocks, particularly within Jamaican society. Buchanan, who previously challenged the government in court over Rastafarian hair and Afro-identity rights, described this moment as a major step forward in the country’s journey toward inclusivity and cultural acceptance.
Buchanan stressed the importance of representation, noting that Jamaica’s progress in embracing its Afro-centric roots and Rastafarian heritage is a testament to the nation’s evolving identity. He also underscored the need for unity and equality, asserting that cultural background or personal preferences should not hinder anyone’s opportunities in life.
Crawford, the new MP for St Catherine North Western, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the presence of dreadlocked MPs reflects the true essence of Jamaican identity. He pointed out that the acceptance of dreadlocks in political spaces signals a broader shift toward embracing “Jamaicaness” as a unifying cultural force.
However, Steven Golding, president of the Universal Negro Improvement Association and African Communities League, cautioned against conflating dreadlocks as a hairstyle with the Rastafarian faith. He emphasized that Rastafari is a religion rooted in the divinity of Haile Selassie, and not all individuals who wear dreadlocks adhere to this belief. While acknowledging the positive impact of increased acceptance, Golding called for clearer distinctions between cultural expression and religious identity.
This historic moment in Jamaica’s Parliament not only celebrates the growing acceptance of dreadlocks but also highlights the ongoing dialogue about identity, representation, and cultural heritage in the nation.
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House warming
The opening of Jamaica’s highly anticipated legislative session on Thursday set the stage for a dynamic and contentious political landscape. The Opposition made it clear that it intends to rigorously hold the Government accountable for the pledges made during the general election campaign. This declaration underscores the heightened scrutiny expected in the coming term.
However, the reappointment of Juliet Holness as Speaker of the House, a decision opposed by the Opposition, sparked immediate criticism. Opposition Leader Mark Golding expressed concerns, suggesting that the Parliament’s commencement was marred by discord and a lack of consensus.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness reaffirmed his administration’s ambitious vision for Jamaica’s future. He emphasized the Government’s commitment to achieving sustained economic growth, reducing crime rates, providing affordable housing, and developing First World infrastructure. Holness stressed that this third term is not about personal legacy but rather about elevating Jamaica to a position of greatness on the global stage.
The contrasting perspectives of the Government and Opposition highlight the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Jamaica’s political and socio-economic development. For more detailed coverage, refer to Pages 4 and 5.
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Holness doubles down on plan to transform Jamaica
Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has reaffirmed his commitment to transforming Jamaica into a nation characterized by sustained economic growth, reduced crime rates, affordable housing, and world-class infrastructure. Addressing the newly sworn-in Parliament, Holness emphasized that his focus is not on his personal legacy but on Jamaica’s destiny. This follows his historic third consecutive victory in the September 3 General Election, where his Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) triumphed over the People’s National Party.