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标签： Jamaica

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  • WATCH: Scores gather for candlelight vigil in memory of Donald Oliver

    WATCH: Scores gather for candlelight vigil in memory of Donald Oliver

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Stadium’s Statue Park became a place of solemn remembrance on Thursday evening as the Jamaican sports journalism community gathered for a candlelight vigil honoring Donald Oliver, the acclaimed sports journalist who passed away unexpectedly on December 30 at age 40.

    The vigil, organized by colleagues and friends, drew scores of attendees who came to pay their respects to Oliver, who had recently joined the Jamaica Observer Media Group as audiovisual manager following the closure of SportsMax where he previously worked.

    Veteran journalist and presenter George Davis led the emotional proceedings, delivering a heartfelt tribute that highlighted Oliver’s exceptional character and professional dedication. ‘He was a thoroughly decent human being,’ Davis expressed to the gathered mourners. ‘The kind of guy you would love to have as your brother, your uncle; the kind of son you would love to have as a parent.’

    Davis particularly emphasized Oliver’s distinctive approach to sports commentary, noting his meticulous preparation and commitment to elevating athletic achievements. ‘While some commentators simply show up and call games, Donald prepared meticulously to make athletes feel special when describing their moments of genius,’ Davis explained. ‘He wanted his narration to ensure both performers and audiences felt the significance of every great moment, creating timeless memories through his crafted descriptions.’

    Oliver’s sudden passing came after he reportedly experienced chest pains, sending shockwaves through Jamaica’s media and sports communities. His transition from SportsMax to the Jamaica Observer Media Group in August 2025 had marked a new chapter in his career, cut tragically short just months later.

    The vigil served as both a mourning ceremony and a celebration of a journalist whose work transcended typical sports reporting, leaving an indelible mark on Jamaican sports media.

  • ‘Save yourselves!’

    ‘Save yourselves!’

    In a powerful address at the ‘Heal the Family, Heal the Nation’ National Day of Prayer service, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness delivered a direct message to criminals despite celebrating a historic milestone: the nation has recorded fewer than 700 murders in 2025 for the first time in 31 years.

    Speaking at Power of Faith Ministries in Portmore, St Catherine on Wednesday, Holness made an emotional appeal to those engaged in criminal activities, urging them to abandon violence. “Today, I appeal to the criminals and the gunmen, and those who are involved in criminal activities, to save yourselves. Turn away from violence. Put away the gun. In fact, turn it in,” the prime minister charged.

    The significant crime reduction represents a dramatic 42% decrease in murders from the previous year, building on a 19% reduction in 2024 and a 7% decrease in 2023. Holness noted that Jamaica is approaching the regional average of 15 murders per 100,000 population, currently standing between 20-25 per 100,000.

    While acknowledging progress primarily driven by actions against organized crime—which accounts for over 70% of murders—Holness highlighted persistent challenges including domestic violence and juvenile delinquency. He emphasized that policing alone cannot solve these deeply embedded social issues.

    The prime minister called on religious institutions to expand their role beyond prayer into active community intervention. “We’re going to need the army of the church to pull in those youngsters and divert them away from the gangs and criminal activities,” Holness stated, noting that many youth join gangs simply because criminal elements reach them before community organizations do.

    Holness unveiled forthcoming government policies specifically targeting family strengthening as the next phase in crime reduction. “What is now needed is a more coordinated and concentrated policy that is instrumental and directly targeting and promoting and supporting the family in Jamaica,” he announced, emphasizing that both children and parents need educational support.

    The prime minister concluded with a sobering statistic: 95% of both perpetrators and victims of killings are young men. “It pains my heart to see our young men being killed,” Holness expressed, reinforcing his appeal for Jamaicans to value every life and work collectively toward sustaining the nation’s progress toward peace.

  • Spain says Venezuela freed five Spanish prisoners

    Spain says Venezuela freed five Spanish prisoners

    In a significant diplomatic development, Venezuela has granted freedom to five Spanish citizens, including prominent activist Rocio San Miguel who holds dual Venezuelan-Spanish citizenship. The release marks the first major prisoner amnesty since the recent political transition in Caracas.

    Spain’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the liberation, stating the individuals are now preparing to return to Spanish territory. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez revealed through social media platform X that these citizens had endured over twelve months of detention in the South American nation before their release.

    The prisoner release initiative was characterized by Venezuelan parliamentary leader Jorge Rodríguez as an effort to promote ‘peaceful coexistence,’ though specific details regarding the total number or identities of those freed remain undisclosed. This development occurs amidst substantial political reshuffling following last weekend’s dramatic capture of former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro by U.S. military forces.

    Maduro’s apprehension and subsequent transfer to New York to confront narcotics trafficking charges precipitated the elevation of his former deputy, Delcy Rodríguez, to interim leadership. The new administration has received explicit endorsement from U.S. President Donald Trump, contingent upon Venezuela ensuring American access to its substantial petroleum reserves.

    Spanish officials have welcomed the prisoner release as a constructive measure toward facilitating dialogue and national reconciliation among Venezuelan factions. The development signals potential warming in Venezuela’s international relations following recent geopolitical upheavals.

  • Educators welcome PEP changes

    Educators welcome PEP changes

    Jamaican education authorities have implemented significant modifications to the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) assessment system in response to the extensive learning disruptions caused by Hurricane Melissa. The revised framework, which has garnered widespread support from school administrators, aims to create more equitable testing conditions for students across the island.

    Karlene Bisnott-Hemmings, Principal of Vaz Preparatory School, emphasized that the adjustments acknowledge the substantial instructional time lost by students in western parishes, where many communities remain without reliable electricity. Unlike previous disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the hurricane’s aftermath presents unique challenges as students lack basic infrastructure necessary for digital learning alternatives.

    The restructured assessment approach eliminates science and social studies from external evaluations this academic year. Grade six students will now complete only three assessments: an Ability Test, Mathematics Curriculum-Based Test with numeracy components, and Language Arts Curriculum-Based Test with literacy elements. Similarly, grade five students will undertake just two performance tasks in mathematics and language arts, while grade four pupils will sit literacy and numeracy examinations.

    Education professionals have praised these modifications as both pragmatic and necessary. Principal Bisnott-Hemmings noted that the reduced subject load makes academic preparation more manageable within the compressed timeline leading to April examinations. However, she highlighted that persistent electricity shortages continue to disadvantage western parish students, potentially requiring creative solutions such as extended on-campus study sessions.

    Alia Harris, Vice-Principal of McAuley Primary School, characterized the changes as responsive to longstanding educator advocacy. She emphasized that the streamlined assessment approach recognizes the developmental stage of primary students while maintaining academic integrity during recovery efforts. The consensus among educational institutions indicates broad approval for measures that balance accountability with compassion during this challenging period.

  • Excelsior dismiss STETHS to claim Olivier Shield

    Excelsior dismiss STETHS to claim Olivier Shield

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – In a spectacular display of high school football prowess, Excelsior High School emerged victorious in the prestigious all-island championship final on Thursday. The Manning Cup champions secured a decisive 2-0 triumph against St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) at Stadium East field, claiming the coveted Olivier Shield in a match that showcased exceptional talent and determination.

    The match’s outcome was determined by two brilliant goals from Terrence Williams and Kivann Salmon. Williams initiated the scoring in the 10th minute with a perfectly executed penalty kick, setting the tone for Excelsior’s dominant performance. Salmon sealed the victory in the 87th minute with a powerful low drive from just inside the 18-yard box, ensuring the title for his team.

    This victory marks a significant milestone for Excelsior High, representing their third Olivier Shield achievement but their first outright claim to the trophy. Previous successes in 2003 (shared with Frome Technical) and 1993 (shared with Rusea’s High) were joint victories, making this standalone win particularly historic for the institution known as the Eagles. The triumph underscores Excelsior’s growing legacy in Jamaican schoolboy football and establishes them as a dominant force in the sport’s development landscape.

  • Tasty Bites @ Footeprints Hotel Negril

    Tasty Bites @ Footeprints Hotel Negril

    Nestled along Jamaica’s iconic coastline, the town of Negril reveals its treasures not through grandeur, but through gradual immersion into its unique rhythm of life. This seaside paradise has mastered the art of understated elegance, where luxury manifests in ocean breezes, panoramic views, and the freedom of authentic existence.

    At the heart of this experience stands Footeprints Hotel, a 32-room beachfront sanctuary that embodies Negril’s philosophy through culinary excellence and genuine Jamaican hospitality. The property, named after the founding Foote family, transforms the conventional hotel stay into a familial journey, with each space bearing the name of family members and extending that warmth to every guest.

    The culinary landscape at Footeprints represents a masterclass in diverse dining experiences. Gatsby’s Restaurant elevates island flavors through contemporary Caribbean cuisine, where Executive Chef Shawn Sawyers—a 16-year veteran with pastry expertise and visual arts background—orchestrates a fusion of local and international dishes. His culinary canvas spans Asian, Jamaican, Indian, and Mexican influences, featuring standout creations like Westmoreland curry goat and lobster.

    For toes-in-the-sand relaxation, Blushy’s Beach Bar offers fresh seafood and vibrant cocktails crafted to complement the rhythm of the waves. Meanwhile, Finkel’s Eatery provides laid-back dining without compromising quality, satisfying cravings with effortless elegance.

    General Manager Ramoy McFarlane emphasizes the property’s commitment to creating memorable experiences beyond dining: ‘We welcome guests into our family, offering amenities like the skywalk with breathtaking views and the infinity pool. Ultimately, we want Footeprints synonymous with exceptional food, wine, and music.’

    The beverage program showcases mixologist Andrumar Mendez’s artistry through signature cocktails like the Tipsy Daze—a sophisticated blend of overproof white rum, vodka, coconut rum, and tropical juices—and the visually stunning Blue Hawaiian. Each drink reflects the vibrant spirit of Jamaican mixology.

    From gourmet pizzas with jerk chicken toppings to signature lobster rolls and breakfast burritos featuring callaloo and bacon, the culinary team demonstrates relentless innovation. Even traditional desserts like bread pudding with vanilla ice cream receive transformative treatment, embodying Chef Sawyers’ philosophy: ‘We have no limits—wherever inspiration comes from, we’ll tweak it and add it to our canvas.’

    Footeprints stands as a testament to Negril’s evolving narrative—a destination where luxury isn’t announced but discovered, where every meal tells a story, and where the footprints left behind are those of culinary excellence and genuine human connection.

  • St James police aim for below 50 murders this year

    St James police aim for below 50 murders this year

    ST JAMES, Jamaica — In a landmark announcement following consecutive years of declining homicide rates, the St James Police Division has established an ambitious new internal objective: reducing annual murders below 50 by 2026. The revelation came from Senior Superintendent Eron Samuels, divisional commander for the parish, during his monthly address to the St James Municipal Corporation on Thursday.

    Samuels presented compelling data demonstrating extraordinary progress in crime reduction throughout 2025. The division recorded just 58 murders compared to 125 in 2024—representing a dramatic 54 percent decrease. This achievement surpassed their initial target of maintaining murders below 100 for the year.

    “Our team in St James demonstrates unwavering commitment to establishing and meeting progressively ambitious targets,” Samuels stated. “We have now set a personal internal benchmark of fewer than 50 murders, and we are determined to maintain this standard.”

    The comprehensive crime statistics revealed improvements across multiple categories. Shooting incidents dropped by 44 percent, with 62 cases reported compared to 111 the previous year. Overall serious crimes decreased by 19 percent division-wide, signaling broad-based improvement in public safety.

    While acknowledging ongoing challenges with robbery offenses, particularly within urban areas, Samuels highlighted significant progress through coordinated law enforcement actions. “We have made substantial headway in addressing robbery concerns, with multiple suspects currently in custody and undergoing judicial proceedings,” he explained. Notably, many individuals involved in criminal activities across Jamaica are now detained not only in St James but throughout various divisions.

    This coordinated approach yielded particularly impressive results during the recent holiday season, traditionally a period of elevated criminal activity. “The Christmas period recorded remarkably low robbery numbers—an unprecedented achievement for our division,” Samuels emphasized.

    The commander extended gratitude to partner agencies whose collaboration contributed to these outcomes. “Our interagency partnerships throughout the year were instrumental in achieving the success we now witness,” he acknowledged, expressing satisfaction with the collective results emerging from these coordinated efforts.

  • Global economy shows resilience, but risks loom–UN

    Global economy shows resilience, but risks loom–UN

    The United Nations has projected that the global economy will expand by 2.7 percent in 2026, maintaining a pace slightly below 2025 levels and significantly under pre-pandemic performance averages. This outlook, detailed in the World Economic Situation and Prospects 2026 report released Wednesday, points to persistent headwinds from escalating trade conflicts, unsustainable debt burdens, and chronically weak investment.

    While acknowledging that receding inflation and a shift toward accommodative monetary policies provided some support in 2025—even amidst sharp increases in U.S. tariffs—the report underscores deeper structural vulnerabilities. These include severely constrained fiscal space across nations and persistently subdued investment, which threaten to trap the world economy in an extended phase of sluggish expansion.

    Global trade dynamics showed unexpected vigor in 2025, growing at 3.8 percent, fueled by anticipatory shipments and robust services exchange. However, this momentum is forecast to decelerate markedly to 2.2 percent in 2026 as the cumulative effects of protective tariffs and pervasive policy uncertainty intensify.

    Regionally, Latin America and the Caribbean are anticipated to see economic growth of 2.3 percent in 2026, a marginal dip from the previous year. The UN attributes this to tempered consumer demand and only a gradual pickup in investment, with significant risks posed by elevated debt, inflexible fiscal positions, and susceptibility to external disruptions.

    Inflationary pressures are receding on a global scale, with headline inflation expected to decline to 3.1 percent in 2026 from 3.4 percent in 2025. Despite this moderation, the UN emphasized that the high cost of essential goods continues to severely undermine purchasing power, particularly within developing economies where expenses for food, energy, and transport remain disproportionately high.

    UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted the transformative impact of intersecting economic, geopolitical, and technological tensions, which are deepening uncertainty and exacerbating social strains. He noted with concern that numerous developing nations remain off course to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

    The analysis further warned of risks associated with mounting debt obligations and potential financial market instability, including overvalued asset prices in artificial intelligence-linked sectors that may exacerbate both international and domestic inequalities.

    In response, the UN issued a strong call for revitalized multilateral collaboration, urging enhanced government coordination on trade frameworks, comprehensive debt relief initiatives, and scalable climate finance. The report endorsed the Sevilla Commitment—forged at the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development—as a vital blueprint for overhauling the international financial architecture and improving access to development and climate funding, a critical need for small and vulnerable economies such as those in the Caribbean.

  • Venezuela releasing ‘large number’ of prisoners — top lawmaker

    Venezuela releasing ‘large number’ of prisoners — top lawmaker

    CARACAS, Venezuela — In a significant development following the ouster of authoritarian leader Nicolas Maduro, Venezuelan authorities have commenced a substantial prisoner release initiative. Parliament Speaker Jorge Rodriguez announced on Thursday that the government is executing the immediate liberation of a “large number” of detainees, comprising both Venezuelan citizens and foreign nationals.

    This action, described by Rodriguez as a “unilateral gesture,” marks the first observable concession from Venezuela’s interim government since U.S. forces removed Maduro from power five days prior. The former leader was apprehended by American forces and transported to New York to stand trial, prompting the Trump administration to declare itself “in charge” of Venezuelan affairs.

    While Rodriguez declined to specify the exact number of prisoners being freed, independent monitoring provides context to the scale of detention. The non-governmental organization Foro Penal documents 806 individuals currently held as political prisoners in Venezuela, including 175 military personnel affected by the nation’s political turmoil.

    The prisoner release coincides with claims from U.S. President Donald Trump, who stated on Tuesday that Venezuelan authorities were dismantling a “torture chamber located in central Caracas.” The President provided no additional details regarding this alleged facility, leaving international observers to speculate about its nature and operations.

    This coordinated prisoner release represents a tangible policy shift following the dramatic change in Venezuela’s leadership, suggesting potential moves toward reconciliation and judicial reform in the post-Maduro era.

  • ‘FIT FOR PURPOSE’

    ‘FIT FOR PURPOSE’

    Jamaica’s ambitious redevelopment of its National Stadium has garnered significant endorsement from World Athletics President Sebastian Coe, who indicates the project could swiftly return the island nation to the forefront of international track and field hosting. The government’s primary objective for the major infrastructure overhaul is to position Jamaica as a viable venue for global sporting spectacles.

    During the concluding segment of his four-day tour of Jamaica, President Coe met with Sports Minister Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange at the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) headquarters in Kingston. Minister Grange provided a comprehensive update on the transformation plans for the 64-year-old sporting arena. The construction phase, now officially slated to commence in July 2027—a adjustment from earlier announcements—represents a monumental investment exceeding $16 billion Jamaican dollars.

    The sweeping redevelopment will dramatically expand the stadium’s capacity from 28,500 to approximately 40,000 seats while introducing state-of-the-art facilities, including a modernized running track. This substantial enhancement has been met with enthusiastic support from the international athletics community.

    President Coe expressed his encouragement regarding the project’s progression, stating, ‘I’m delighted that it’s now moving ahead with pace and with purpose, and also pleased that it’s going through those necessary phases to come to fruition.’ He emphasized the dual benefit of such ventures, noting, ‘Having venues that are fit for purpose allows more people to be involved in sport at the highest level while simultaneously creating a smart economic model that generates revenues crucial for national well-being.’

    While the stadium’s first confirmed major event will be hosting matches during the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Coe revealed that preliminary discussions are already underway regarding Jamaica hosting World Athletics Series events. The World Under-20 Championships, last held in Jamaica in 2002 when Usain Bolt announced his arrival on the global stage, is specifically being considered as a potential event for the rejuvenated venue.

    The hosting rights for the 2030 World Under-20 Championships may be decided by the World Athletics Council before year-end, though the 2032 edition appears a more pragmatic target given the construction timeline. The World Athletics Relays, operating on a smaller scale than comprehensive championships, also presents a viable hosting opportunity for Jamaica.

    Minister Grange, while refraining from committing to a specific completion date—having previously mentioned 2029—highlighted the project’s extraordinary economic implications. ‘Revenues are expected to increase by approximately 169 percent, primarily driven by expanded commercial capacity and enhanced event hosting capabilities,’ Grange revealed. She further detailed that ‘the project is projected to generate $70 billion in economic output during construction, contribute $34 billion to GDP, and create nearly 14,900 jobs,’ while significantly reducing government subsidies to the stadium’s operating entity by 70 percent.