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  • Rubio to attend Caricom summit as US presses Venezuela, Cuba

    Rubio to attend Caricom summit as US presses Venezuela, Cuba

    WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to participate in a high-level summit of Caribbean nations this Wednesday, representing a significant diplomatic engagement for the Trump administration. The meeting of the Caribbean Community (Caricom), hosted in St. Kitts and Nevis, will serve as a platform for addressing critical regional issues including immigration enforcement and policy coordination regarding Venezuela and Cuba.

    State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott confirmed Rubio’s attendance, noting the Secretary would articulate President Trump’s priorities including combating illegal immigration and reinforcing hemispheric stability. ‘Secretary Rubio will reaffirm the United States’ commitment to collaborative efforts with Caricom member states to promote prosperity and security throughout the region,’ Pigott stated.

    The summit occurs amid ongoing regional evaluation of Venezuela policy following the January 3rd U.S. military operation in Caracas that resulted in the capture of leftist leader Nicolas Maduro. The Trump administration has since intensified pressure on interim President Delcy Rodriguez through control mechanisms over Venezuela’s vital oil industry and implied military threats to ensure compliance.

    While Caribbean nations have maintained cautious public statements regarding Venezuela, many have privately aligned with the U.S. position against Maduro’s government, which has been widely criticized for territorial claims against Guyana and causing regional instability through economic collapse and mass migration.

    The diplomatic calculus becomes more complex regarding Cuba, which maintains historical ties with numerous Caricom members despite not belonging to the bloc. The island nation faces severe energy shortages after U.S. sanctions disrupted Venezuelan oil shipments, its primary energy source, while simultaneously threatening penalties against alternative fuel suppliers.

    Rubio, a Cuban-American politician with longstanding opposition to Cuba’s communist government, has moderated his public rhetoric despite his historical advocacy for regime change. The administration claims to be pursuing an unspecified agreement with Havana, though previous efforts to pressure Caribbean nations to remove Cuban medical professionals faced significant resistance during last year’s Caricom meeting in Jamaica.

    Additional summit agenda items include addressing Haiti’s protracted crisis, where a U.S.-backed prime minister recently assumed control from a transitional council that failed to curb gang violence or conduct elections.

    Rubio’s visit marks the highest-level U.S. diplomatic engagement with St. Kitts and Nevis, a microstate of approximately 50,000 people that gained independence from Britain in 1983.

  • Mother says Ardenne High removed son from classes over hairstyle; school denies claim

    Mother says Ardenne High removed son from classes over hairstyle; school denies claim

    A contentious dispute has emerged at Ardenne High School in St. Andrew, Jamaica, following allegations that a 16-year-old student was removed from classes due to non-compliance with grooming policies. Michelle Scott, mother of a fifth-form student, claims school authorities isolated her son at the school’s entrance with instructions not to return until obtaining a haircut.

    Scott reported receiving a call from the dean of discipline confirming her son’s removal from instructional sessions. According to her account, the dean stated the student would remain excluded until complying with haircut requirements. This incident reportedly marks the second occurrence of such disciplinary action, with a similar situation arising during the student’s Grade 9 year.

    The mother raised concerns about potential racial disparities in policy enforcement, noting that while white and Indian students sport longer hairstyles, black male students face requirements for nearly bald cuts. Scott emphasized her son’s exemplary academic record, highlighting his punctuality and zero disciplinary incidents throughout five years at the institution.

    Following media involvement, the student was reinstated to classes later that Tuesday. Scott intends to file a formal complaint with the Ministry of Education regarding the treatment.

    School administration offered a contrasting narrative, with Acting Principal Jacqueline Pinto denying any classroom exclusion occurred. Pinto explained that the dean of discipline appropriately engaged with the student regarding alleged grooming violations per the school’s handbook regulations. She emphasized the institution’s commitment to educational access while acknowledging considerations for economic constraints in grooming compliance.

    The Ministry of Education has initiated review proceedings regarding the incident. Acting Chief Education Officer Terry-Ann Thomas Gayle reiterated that while schools must uphold established standards, no student should be denied educational access. The ministry emphasized balancing disciplinary actions with continuous learning opportunities and student welfare priorities.

  • Hetmyer not getting carried away after record-breaking West Indies demolish Zimbabwe

    Hetmyer not getting carried away after record-breaking West Indies demolish Zimbabwe

    MUMBAI, India — The West Indies cricket team delivered a breathtaking performance on Monday, crushing Zimbabwe by a massive 107 runs in their Super Eights opener of the Twenty20 World Cup. This dominant display at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium showcased the Caribbean side’s formidable batting prowess and clinical bowling execution.

    Shimron Hetmyer emerged as the undisputed star of the match, hammering an explosive 85 runs from just 34 deliveries. His spectacular innings, which included seven sixes and seven fours, propelled the West Indies to a monumental total of 254-6. This score stands as the second-highest in the history of the T20 World Cup tournament, surpassed only by Sri Lanka’s 260-6 against Kenya in 2007.

    The match turned decisively when Zimbabwe’s Tashinga Musekiwa dropped a routine catch at deep fine leg with Hetmyer on just nine runs. The batsman capitalized mercilessly on this reprieve, racing to his half-century in merely 19 deliveries—equaling the tournament’s fastest fifty record set by South Africa’s Aiden Markram.

    Hetmyer found able support from Rovman Powell, with the pair assembling a devastating 122-run partnership from just 52 balls. Powell contributed a brisk 59 from 35 deliveries before Sherfane Rutherford’s unbeaten 31 from 13 balls provided the final flourish. The West Indies’ batting onslaught saw 38 runs plundered from the final two overs, with Romario Shepherd and Jason Holder adding quick-fire contributions.

    Zimbabwe’s response never gained momentum as their chase faltered immediately. Left-arm spinners Gudakesh Motie (4-28) and Akeal Hosein (3-28) dismantled the top order, reducing the surprise qualifiers to 20-3 within the third over. Despite a late counterattack from Brad Evans, who smashed 43 from 21 balls with five sixes, Zimbabwe were eventually dismissed for 147 in 17.4 overs.

    West Indies captain Shai Hope praised the comprehensive team performance while maintaining perspective: ‘When everyone is firing like that, it’s a real joy to watch. It was a complete performance but you can always improve.’

    Hetmyer, awarded Player of the Match, remained grounded despite his extraordinary achievement: ‘It does feel good to have achieved something like that, but as a team, we haven’t really accomplished anything yet. We’re taking it one game at a time.’

    The victory establishes the West Indies as serious contenders as the tournament enters its crucial Super Eights phase, while Zimbabwe must regroup after their stunning run was halted so emphatically.

  • Appeals intensify for burn victim

    Appeals intensify for burn victim

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — A humanitarian crisis unfolds in Westmoreland as a Jamaican family races against time to secure a US$55,000 medical evacuation for Dacia Forrester, who suffered catastrophic burns after being set ablaze during a violent confrontation at a gas station last Thursday. The alleged perpetrator, pump attendant Collate Swaby, now faces criminal charges of assault occasioning bodily harm.

    Carol Blackwood Hewitt, Forrester’s distraught sister, has launched impassioned appeals to both local and international communities for urgent financial assistance. With her sister’s condition deteriorating in a local medical facility, Blackwood Hewitt emphasizes that specialized burn treatment available in the United States represents Forrester’s only hope for survival. Despite reaching out to governmental agencies including the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and cultural official Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, the family has yet to receive the promised institutional support.

    Fundraising efforts led by the Burn Foundation of Jamaica and Crisis Support Charity have thus far gathered approximately US$7,000 through a GoFundMe campaign—a fraction of the required amount. Luke Josephs, co-founder of these organizations, stressed the critical nature of the situation: ‘Severe burn injuries demand immediate, specialized care and every hour matters. We are acting swiftly in the interest of preserving life.’

    The judicial aftermath continues to develop as police prepare case files for three women, including one of Forrester’s sisters who remains in custody. The complexity of the incident involves alleged reciprocal violence during the altercation, with authorities awaiting the Director of Public Prosecutions’ decision on additional charges.

  • U20 Reggae Boyz beat Bonaire 3-0 to kick-start Concacaf championship

    U20 Reggae Boyz beat Bonaire 3-0 to kick-start Concacaf championship

    WILLEMSTAD, Curaçao — Jamaica’s Under-20 national team launched their Concacaf qualification campaign with an authoritative 3-0 victory against tournament newcomers Bonaire in Group B action on Monday. The match, held at Stadion Rignaal ‘Jean’ Francisca, established Jamaica as early group leaders on goal differential.

    The young Reggae Boyz demonstrated tactical superiority despite finishing the match with ten men following the dismissal of substitute Jamoy Dennis, who received two yellow cards during his second-half appearance.

    Jamaica’s offensive prowess was evident throughout the contest, with Sean Leighton breaking the deadlock in the 24th minute through a precise close-range header. Deshawn Talbert doubled the advantage just before halftime, finding the net in the 43rd minute to establish a comfortable 2-0 lead at the interval.

    The victory was sealed in the 71st minute when substitute Raequan Campbell-Dennis delivered the final blow, effectively eliminating any possibility of a Bonaire comeback.

    This opening round victory places Jamaica atop Group B standings after other group matches concluded with narrow 2-1 victories for Turks and Caicos Islands over Cayman Islands and Puerto Rico against St Kitts/Nevis.

    The Jamaican squad continues their qualification journey Wednesday with a 7:00 PM fixture against Turks and Caicos Islands. This tournament serves as the qualifying pathway not only for the 2026 Concacaf U-20 Championship but also determines participation in the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games and the 2027 Pan American Games.

  • Seretse returns to the stage after two decades

    Seretse returns to the stage after two decades

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a landmark musical event that breaks a twenty-year performance hiatus, legendary Jamaican guitarist Seretse will grace the stage once again at the ‘Herbie Miller Presents Jazz Night’ on Thursday, February 26. The highly anticipated concert will unfold at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel, commencing at 7:30 PM.

    This comeback performance promises to showcase a surprising dimension of the artist’s talent—his prowess as a rock guitarist—a revelation likely to astonish long-time followers of his distinguished career. Seretse has curated a diverse setlist that he describes as encompassing ‘interpretations of Jamaican music, great jazz and R&B standards, music of the African Diaspora, and original compositions spanning Afro funk, calypso jazz, and Reggae jazz.’

    The return marks a significant moment in Caribbean music. Rather than a mere performance, Seretse frames this event as a ‘strategic re-entry into public performance and a statement of artistic intent’ for the forthcoming chapter of his professional journey. His two-decade absence was dedicated to foundational work in music education, most notably through building the Avant Academy of Music, alongside other institutional projects.

    Now, as an fully realized musician, esteemed educator, and cultural philosopher, Seretse re-emerges onto the performance scene with a refined and uncompromising artistic vision, prepared to communicate profoundly through his instrument. A leading force in Jamaican music education for nearly forty years and a 2012 inductee into the Caribbean Hall of Fame, Seretse is celebrated for his unique ability to synthesize Caribbean musical roots with the sophisticated traditions of North American jazz.

  • U20 Reggae Boyz beat Bonaire 3-0 in opening Concacaf qualifier

    U20 Reggae Boyz beat Bonaire 3-0 in opening Concacaf qualifier

    Jamaica’s Under-20 national team launched their CONCACAF qualification campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory against Bonaire in Group B action on Monday. The match, held at Stadion Rignaal ‘Jean’ Francisca in Willemstad, Curaçao, saw the young Reggae Boyz establish early dominance with a two-goal lead by halftime before finishing with ten men following a second-half dismissal.

    The scoring opened in the 24th minute when Sean Leighton expertly headed the ball across the goal line from close range. Deshawn Talbert doubled Jamaica’s advantage just before halftime with a well-executed finish in the 43rd minute. Substitute Raequan Campbell-Dennis sealed the comprehensive victory in the 71st minute with a decisive third goal that effectively ended the contest.

    Despite the convincing win, Jamaica faced adversity when second-half substitute Jamoy Dennis received two yellow cards in quick succession, resulting in his dismissal and forcing the team to play the remainder of the match with reduced numbers. The disciplinary setback didn’t prevent Jamaica from maintaining their clean sheet and securing all three points.

    The victory places Jamaica atop Group B on goal difference following narrow 2-1 victories by Turks and Caicos Islands over Cayman Islands and Puerto Rico over St Kitts Nevis in the group’s other opening matches. The tournament serves as qualification for multiple prestigious international competitions, including the 2026 CONCACAF U-20 Championship, the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games, and the 2027 Pan American Games.

    Jamaica’s U-20 squad will return to action on Wednesday evening with a crucial match against Turks and Caicos Islands at 7:00 PM local time.

  • MOU signed for development of Montego Bay Sports Complex

    MOU signed for development of Montego Bay Sports Complex

    ST JAMES, Jamaica — A landmark agreement was formalized on Tuesday as Montego Bay Multi Sports Development Limited and the St James Municipal Corporation executed a 25-year lease for the Montego Bay Sports Complex. The signing ceremony, held at the Corporation’s offices, marks a transformative chapter for sports infrastructure in western Jamaica.

    Johann ‘Yoni’ Epstein, Chairman of Montego Bay Multi Sports Development Limited—the parent organization of Premier League club Montego Bay United—declared that substantial development work would now commence. The facility, originally gifted to the city by Venezuela under the PetroCaribe Agreement, is set to undergo major expansion and modernization.

    The company emerged as the sole bidder when the development tender concluded in November 2024, submitting a proposal valued at approximately $700 million. Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon, who signed alongside CEO Naudia Crosskill, characterized the agreement as both “transformational and historic,” emphasizing its significance for the entire western region.

    The comprehensive redevelopment plan includes urgent refurbishment of structures severely damaged by Hurricane Melissa on October 28, with football activities scheduled to resume in time for the 2026-27 season. Additional enhancements within the two-year timeline include restoration of the all-weather 400m running track, construction of an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and development of courts for racquet sports alongside specialized fields for futsal and scrimmage football.

  • Agriculture ministry says egg supply under watch amid farmers concerns

    Agriculture ministry says egg supply under watch amid farmers concerns

    Jamaica’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining is implementing strategic measures to balance market stability with local industry recovery following devastating hurricane impacts on the nation’s egg production sector. The government’s intervention comes as domestic producers struggle to rebuild after successive hurricanes crippled poultry operations.

    The crisis began with Hurricane Beryl in 2024, which disrupted production cycles across the industry. Before full recovery could occur, Hurricane Melissa struck on October 28, 2025, delivering a catastrophic blow to poultry infrastructure. Official assessments confirmed losses of approximately 400,000 laying hens, representing a substantial portion of the nation’s egg-laying capacity.

    This dual disaster scenario prompted immediate government action. The ministry authorized temporary egg imports with waived import duties, additional stamp duties, and general consumption tax—a measure initially scheduled to conclude on February 28, 2026. However, current production data indicates slower-than-expected recovery, with output for the first half of 2026 projected at 30-40% below the five-year average.

    Market analysis reveals domestic egg supply declined by approximately 40% post-Melissa, with full recovery estimated to require eight to twelve months. Monthly production levels are not expected to surpass 2025 benchmarks until August 2026 at the earliest, prompting the ministry to seek extension of import waivers until May 2026.

    The Jamaica Egg Farmers Association had previously implemented significant price adjustments, increasing recommended rates from $550 to $670 per dozen for unbranded eggs and from $580 to $700 for branded varieties. These increases, attributed to reduced production capacity and elevated operational costs, have placed additional pressure on consumers and hospitality businesses.

    The ministry emphasizes that its temporary import strategy remains under continuous evaluation to ensure neither local farmers nor consumers face market disadvantages. This calibrated approach aims to maintain price stability while domestic producers rebuild capacity, with the government committing to regular monitoring of both supply chains and farmer livelihoods throughout the recovery period.

  • Kuyah returns to open Jamaica Food and Drink Festival with flavour, fire and acoustics roots

    Kuyah returns to open Jamaica Food and Drink Festival with flavour, fire and acoustics roots

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – The vibrant Jamaica Food and Drink Festival is poised to return from March 5th to 8th, launching with its signature culinary event, Kuyah. This premier gastronomic celebration will commence on Thursday, March 5th, at the Festival Marketplace in Downtown Kingston, offering an immersive experience from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM.

    Kuyah has cemented its status as a cornerstone event of the festival, renowned for its innovative reinterpretation of traditional Jamaican flavors. More than thirteen acclaimed chefs will showcase elevated Jamaican cuisine, demonstrating the dynamic evolution of the island’s culinary landscape. Attendees will embark on a gastronomic journey, sampling creatively transformed dishes that pay homage to heritage while embracing modern techniques.

    The experience is designed to be fully inclusive, featuring an array of premium beverages including select rums, beers, and Stone’s ginger wine served throughout the evening. Enhancing the cultural ambiance, two-time Grammy-nominated artist Jesse Royal will deliver a live acoustic performance, courtesy of Digicel’s support.

    Under the proud presentation of Visa and hosted by CB Foods, the festival underscores a committed partnership aimed at fostering growth within Jamaica’s hospitality sector. The 2026 staging of Kuyah is bolstered by support from key partners such as Scotiabank, Digicel, and Worthy Park.

    Highlighting the participating culinary talent is Chef Scotley Innis, proprietor of Continent ATL + Brooklyn, whose Caribbean-inspired cuisine perfectly aligns with Kuyah’s innovative spirit.

    Tickets for this exclusive event are priced at J$13,500 and are available for purchase via jafoodanddrink.com and select outlets including the Jamaica Food and Drink Kitchen at Progressive Shopping Centre, Uncorked at Sovereign Centre, CPJ Market on Lady Musgrave Road, Genus Pharmacy in Portmore, and Bar House.

    Kuyah effectively sets the stage for four days of meticulously curated food events, culminating in a weekend that celebrates the excellence of Jamaica’s chefs, mixologists, and culinary entrepreneurs. From March 5–8, Kingston will transform into the epicenter of Caribbean gastronomy, drawing food enthusiasts to experience the region’s rich culinary culture.