KINGSTON, Jamaica — Head of Strategic Operations, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Warren Clarke, has called on members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) to give their maximum effort during the final five months of 2026, describing the remainder of the year as "a sprint" that will require every division to perform at its best. Addressing officers at an Area 2 Town Hall Meeting, the deputy commissioner said the force had made significant gains in reducing violent crime but warned that achieving its year-end targets would depend on sustained operational intensity across all policing areas. "As much as we did well last year, then we have this year in front of us, and in another couple of days we'll have only five months to go in the year.
PORTLAND, Jamaica — Police in Portland say the division has achieved a 167 per cent murder clear-up rate this year, reflecting what commanders describe as sustained improvements in investigations and intelligence-led policing. Commanding Officer Superintendent Ainsley McCarthy highlighted the division’s investigative performance during a divisional review, noting that detectives had also recorded strong clear-up rates for other serious offences. “When we look at our clear-up rates…we have had 167 per cent clear-up,” McCarthy said.
President John Dramani Mahama will undertake a four-day official visit to Kingston, Jamaica, from Sunday, August 2 to Wednesday, August 5, 2026, in a move aimed at strengthening Ghana’s long-standing relations with Jamaica and deepening cooperation with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica's 65th anniversary celebrations next year will mark the final staging of the country's flagship national celebrations at the National Stadium in Kingston before the facility undergoes major redevelopment. Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange, made the announcement during a post-Cabinet press briefing held at Jamaica House on Wednesday. "Next year, we have a milestone year – Jamaica 65, and it will be the last year that our celebrations will be held at the National Stadium.
Faena is expanding its luxury hospitality and branded residential portfolio to the Caribbean, Caribbean Journal Invest has learned. To access this content, subscribe now. Caribbean Journal Invest is the leading authority on hotel, real estate and investment news in the Caribbean.
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Special Economic Zone Authority (JSEZA) is moving to digitise its application process as part of ongoing efforts to improve the ease of doing business, strengthen investor confidence and support the continued growth of Jamaica’s Special Economic Zone (SEZ) regime. Chief Executive Officer of JSEZA, Kelli-Dawn Hamilton, explained that the digital platform will allow the authority to track the customer journey from application to approval, making it easier to identify bottlenecks and implement targeted improvements. “We’re digitising our application process to identify where the gaps are, and to understand exactly where applicants encounter challenges, so that we can make the process more efficient, more transparent and more responsive to their needs,” Hamilton said in response to a question posed during a stakeholder consultation session held recently at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston.
ST JAMES, Jamaica — Co-founder of the BREDS Treasure Beach Foundation, Jason Henzell, says the community’s approach to disaster recovery and resilience is attracting regional attention and serving as a model for other Caribbean communities. Addressing the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) Community Fun Day at the BREDS Treasure Beach Sports Park in St Elizabeth on July 23, Henzell said the community's experience recovering from hurricanes Beryl and Melissa has demonstrated the value of strong partnerships and community-driven development. "There are a lot of other countries around the Caribbean that are also having disaster risk management conferences.
There are Caribbean hotels with long histories, and then there is Jamaica Inn. The Ocho Rios resort has spent decades building a reputation around privacy, discretion and a deeply personal style of hospitality. Its cottages and suites look toward a quiet stretch of sea.
KINGSTON, Jamaica — From poor exercise habits to stress to personal comfort, Jamaicans have offered varying opinions on why obesity affects local women at significantly higher rates than men. According to the World Obesity Federation, Jamaica has one of the widest gender gaps in obesity prevalence. The federation's latest country data indicate that more than 41 per cent of Jamaican women are classified as obese, compared with just under 15 per cent of men based on the most recent national survey.
ST JAMES, Jamaica — Parliamentary secretary in the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Marlon Morgan, says the Government is strengthening its investment in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, while expanding support for students with special educational needs. Senator Morgan informed that the ministry is constructing new STEM academies and increasing the number of professionals available to support students with learning challenges. Addressing the ministry's Region One back-to-school conference at the Grand Palladium Resort in Hanover on July 21, he said the ministry recently signed a contract for the first of six STEM academies.
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica rallied from two goals down to earn a courageous draw against Panama in their Concacaf U20 Championships Group C at Estadio Universitario BUAP in Puebla, Mexico on Wednesday. The result kept Jamaica’s hopes of advancing to the quarterfinals alive as they are on four points, one more than Canada who will play Honduras in the second game, while Panama are on one point from two games. Jamaica are also third in the overall rankings that include teams from the other groups, only behind the USA and Mexico, both of who have won their first two games.
MANCHESTER, Jamaica — A school bus driver narrowly escaped serious injuries after the unit he was driving reportedly developed mechanical issues and subsequently burst into flames destroying the unit in south Manchester on Wednesday. Firefighters received a call of the bus fire at 1:38 pm and responded to the south Manchester community of Restore. Firefighters carried out cooling down operations and extinguished the blaze.
KINGSTON, Jamaica — State minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Senator Abka Fitz-Henley says the thanksgiving service held on Wednesday for Barbados National Hero, Sir Garfield Sobers was a welcome celebration of Caribbean unity and excellence. Minister Fitz-Henley represented the Government of Jamaica at the thanksgiving service which took place at the Kenginston Oval and had hundreds of people from Barbados and across the region in attendance. "From time to time negative narratives dominate regional discourse, including the bane of insularity.
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Motorists should see an increase at the pumps in the price of gasoline effective Thursday, July 29, according to the latest ex-refinery costs from Petrojam. 90-octane will be sold for $213.72 per litre after an increase of $0.46, while 87-octane will be sold for $204.87, an increase of $0.47. Automotive Diesel will be sold for $229.50 after an increase $6, and ultra-low sulphur diesel will be sold for $249.59 per litre, up $10.50.
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The United States (US) dollar on Tuesday, July 29, ended trading at $159.09, up 55 cents according to Bank of Jamaica’s daily exchange trading summary. Meaning, the Canadian dollar ended trading at $111.34 down from $113.07 and the British pound ended at $212.33 up from $210.25.
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica added two more medals on day three of track and field athletics at the 23rd Commonwealth Games after Tajay Gayle won their first ever men’s long jump title and Lloydricia Cameron took the bronze in the women’s shot put at Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow, Scotland. The medals took Jamaica’s tally to four so far after Romaine Beckford in the men’s high jump and Demario Prince in the 110m hurdles had won their events on Monday. After just missing a medal in 2018 when he placed fourth, Gayle jumped 8.15m (1.5m/s) to hold off India’s Sreeshankar who took back- to -back silver medal with 8.09m (1.3m/s) just ahead of Stephen Mackenzie of Scotland who was third with 8.08m (0.9m/s).
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Ships capable of sailing with little or no human intervention are moving from the realm of science fiction into reality, with the maritime industry now preparing for a future in which some vessels could be operated remotely from shore. Arsenio Dominguez, secretary-general of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), said autonomous vessels are already in service in limited forms, while the industry continues to develop regulations and training frameworks to govern their use. Dominguez made the comments during a visit to the Caribbean Maritime University (CMU) at Palisadoes Park in Kingston on Tuesday, where he discussed the future of shipping and the skills that will be required by seafarers as technology continues to reshape the industry.
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) has joined at least two other confederations in seeking transparency from the sport’s global governing body, FIFA, about announced plans to seek private investments in future World Cup finals. In a release posted on their various social media platforms on Wednesday, Concacaf expressed their concerns over what they called “lack of due process” saying they were only made aware of the matter via media reports. The Central American Football Union (UNCAF), a subsidiary of Concacaf also liked the release saying on the X account, “UNCAF supports Concacafs position and reiterates that any matter of this nature should be addressed through the appropriate governance processes and bodies.” FIFA’s president Gianni Infantino has come under fire from several football bodies including UEFA and the English FA after news of plans to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors.
Former world champion Tajay Gayle of Jamaica clinched the gold with a best jump of 8.15m while local favourite Stephen Mackenzie grabbed the last spot on the podium with an 8.08m effort.
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Two suspects, one a female, were detained after police shot up a motor vehicle reportedly transporting weapons at the Portmore Toll Road exit in St Andrew on Tuesday night. The police reportedly had to open fire at the vehicle after the driver attempted to run them over. An AK-47 assault rifle with a magazine containing five 7.62 rounds was seized during the incident.
KINGSTON, Jamaica— Stew Peas , the Jamaican psychological thriller written, directed, and produced by Sosiessia Nixon-Kelly, opened in theatres nationwide on July 22 and closed its first weekend as the second highest-performing film at the Jamaican box office, trailing only the international blockbuster Odyssey. The film, now playing at Palace Amusement cinemas across the island including Carib 5, Palace Cineplex at Sovereign Centre, and Sunshine Palace Cinema Portmore, drew packed houses from its opening night, with audiences turning out in strong numbers to support a story rooted firmly in Jamaican culture and folklore. The Cove Theater in Ocho Rios had also had back- to-back sold out evenings.
KINGSTON, Jamaica —The fourth staging of the highly anticipated annual Nostalgic Night event will be held on Friday, July 31. Making its new home at Rajamaville Night Club at 32 Brunswick Avenue, Spanish Town, Nostalgic Night promises to be bigger and better. The venue change comes after three memorable and successful editions of the event at Justice Plaza in Spanish Town.
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Member of Parliament for St Thomas Eastern, Rose Marie Shaw is calling for the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) to urgently investigate the reported construction of fish ponds adjacent to the Barking Lodge Primary and Infant School following widespread complaints from residents of the community. "The people of Barking Lodge deserve answers, and they deserve to know that developments affecting their community are being carried out lawfully, transparently and with proper regard for their health, safety and quality of life," said Shaw in a press release on Wednesday. Shaw said she formally wrote to NEPA requesting an immediate investigation into the development after receiving numerous reports from concerned constituents regarding the construction of an aquaculture facility in close proximity to the school, as well as allegations that public access to the adjoining beach has been obstructed and sections of the public roadway excavated.
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Dancehall artistes Busy Signal and Wayne Wonder are set to be honoured with the Reggae Icon Award during Grand Gala celebrations on August 6, 2026. This was announced by Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange, during a post-Cabinet press briefing on Wednesday. "This year we will honour recording artistes Busy Signal and Wayne Wonder with the Jamaica Reggae Icons Award," Grange shared.
Citing to what he says is the current economic climate, veteran dancehall entertainer Capleton has put on hold plans to stage his annual St Mary Mi Come From stage show in St Mary. Instead, the philanthropic artiste, who released his latest album Heights of Fire on June 26, will host a back-to-school treat at the Port Maria Primary school on August 5, which will benefit residents from surrounding communities within St Mary. In an interview with Observer Online on Tuesday, Capleton explained the decision to host the back-to-school initiative.
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) is advising members of the public that ceremonial guns will be fired during the Guard of Honour rehearsals and parade over the period of Wednesday, July 29 and Monday, August 3, in honour of the visit of the President of the Republic of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, to the island. The JDF in a press release on Wednesday said the firing of ceremonial guns forms part of long-standing military traditions and protocols observed during state visits and official ceremonies involving heads of state. "Members of the public in and around the Corporate Area, particularly in the vicinity of King's House and surrounding communities, may hear a series of loud explosions during the ceremony," JDF said.
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica will welcome President of the Republic of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, and South Africa's Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Alvin Botes, as special guests during this year's Emancipation and Independence celebrations. President Mahama will make an official visit to Jamaica from August 2 to 5, 2026, while Deputy Minister Botes will visit from August 4 to 7, 2026, representing South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the country's Independence celebrations. In a press release issued on Wednesday, the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) said Mahama's visit builds on a series of high-level engagements that have strengthened ties between Jamaica and Ghana.
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s Sunshine Girls remained in contention for a place in the semi-finals of the netball competition at the 23rd Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland after a close two goals 45-43 win over host Scotland in their Pool B game at the Hydro Arena on Wednesday. Scotland, who are ranked 10th in the world, urged on a loud home crowd, outscored Jamaica 28-20 between the second and third quarters and led early in the fourth quarter before the experience of the Jamaicans gave them the edge. Jamaica who were winning back-to-back games after a loss to New Zealand are still leaders in Pool B with six points, same as New Zealand who have won all three games played so far.
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Juici Patties has formally begun scouting franchise operators for Trinidad and Tobago as the Jamaican restaurant chain seeks to establish approximately 20 locations in the twin-island republic. The company announced Wednesday that it had opened franchise applications after receiving years of inquiries from Trinidadian entrepreneurs interested in operating the brand. Juici is inviting applications from both single-unit and multi-unit operators.
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s 200m runners and women’s 400m hurdles athletes made light work of Wednesday morning’s opening rounds at the 23rd Commonwealth Games at Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow, Scotland. National champion Sanique Walker and Shiann Salmon, the latter who was second four years ago in Birmingham, topped the qualifying in the women’s 400m hurdles, while Lavanya Williams and Alana Reid were also the fastest in the women’s 200m first round. Walker won her heat in 54.83 seconds and Salmon won her heat in 55.30 seconds as they both booked their places in Friday’s final.
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Shane Cunningham had never bought a Domino's pizza before this year. By the time the 2026 FIFA Tournament wrapped, he'd topped an island-wide leaderboard of thousands to walk away with the campaign's grand prize: one full year of free Domino's pizza. The 19-year-old signed up for scorebigja.com, Domino's Jamaica's interactive score-and-prediction platform, without much expectation beyond following the tournament with friends.
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Children’s Book Collective (JCBC) has launched a national call for published children’s books that reflect Jamaican culture and experience as part of a first-of-its-kind initiative to increase young readers’ access to locally created literature. Jamaican authors and publishers are invited to submit eligible books for children from birth to age 12 by Monday, August 24, 2026. Books selected through the independent review process will form part of a national collection to be made available at all 13 main parish libraries within the Jamaica Library Service network.
KINGSTON, Jamaica — A man believed to be of unsound mind was arrested by police on Wednesday morning after reportedly vandalising several motor vehicles in Half-Way-Tree, St Andrew in the vicinity of the transport centre. A video of the incident shows the man walking into oncoming traffic while carrying what appeared to be a stick. He was then seen using the object to smash the side mirror of one vehicle before shattering the windshield of a passing minivan.
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Pepsi Jamaica on Saturday announced a $400,000 investment programme designed to strengthen player development beyond match day during the inaugural Made4Goal Championship showcase at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex. The investment includes $200,000 for Cavalier FC to enhance its nutrition and training programme after the club's Christopher Ainsworth was named the Star Player of the match. The remaining $200,000 will fund an Athlete Voice & Leadership Training Programme for 10 standout players from the showcase.
Party faithfuls will have a multitude of events to attend over the independence weekend period as Best Weekend Ever takes over Ocho Rios with what promises to be seven exciting events. Best Weekend Ever returns for its fifth staging from August 6 to 10, bringing five days, seven events and a packed itinerary of music, fashion, food and summer energy. Plantation Cove and Puerto Seco Beach will become the main ports of call for the destination entertainment experience, which will move patrons from throwback brunches and polished night-time soirées to soca, beach parties and one final send-off.
Comedian Majah Hype, one of the most recognisable names in Caribbean comedy, the entertaining Kathy Grant, Old Harbour’s very own, comedian Fancy Cat and multiple Festival Song winner Eric Donaldson, are among the acts set to ignite Under the Stars, Jokes N Jammins. The event set for Friday August 7, will take place at the Totally Delicious Ice Cream Park, Grove Farm in Old Harbour. "Under the Stars was created to give Jamaicans an independence celebration that truly has something for everyone.
MANCHESTER, Jamaica — Police have charged 32-year-old Ramalio Miles of Bonnie View Terrace, Melrose Mews, Manchester, in connection with the double murder that occurred on Caledonia main road in Mandeville on Saturday, July 18. READ: Puzzling double murder in Mandeville The deceased have been identified as 24-year-old Deneekia Pounall of Heartease district, Mandeville, Manchester, and 21-year-old Sadefa Henry, a deliveryman of Marvel Close, Greenvale, Mandeville, Manchester. Reports are that about 7:30 pm Miles was travelling aboard a taxi with Pounall and Henry.
KINGSTON, Jamaica (AFP) — At least 60 people remain in eight shelters in Westmoreland, nine months to the day that category five Hurricane Melissa slammed into southwestern parishes, leaving 45 people dead and US$12.2 billion (J$1.952 trillion) in damage. The hurricane made landfall at New Hope in the eastern section of the parish, ripping off roofs and flattening homes. Mayor of Savanna-la-Mar, Danree Delancy, provided the update on Tuesday during a press conference hosted by the People’s National Party (PNP) to call attention to problems facing municipal authorities, including a lack of funding to carry out road repairs.
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Dwaine Williams has resigned as general manager of Berger Paints Jamaica Limited after less than three years at the helm, leaving regional coatings executive Nicholas Mac Lean to oversee the company until a replacement is appointed. Williams’s resignation took effect on July 23, Berger disclosed to the Jamaica Stock Exchange. The company did not give a reason for his departure or indicate when it expects to appoint a new general manager.
A lagoon runs through the center of one resort. A wave pool and water park define another. Nearby, an adults-only retreat offers quieter pools, private dining spaces and a more secluded way to experience one of the Caribbean’s busiest resort destinations.
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Robert Levy has stepped down as chairman of Jamaica Broilers Group Limited (JBG) after 17 years in the position and more than 67 years with the company. His resignation took effect on Wednesday, July 22, according to a notice sent to the Jamaica Stock Exchange. JBG did not disclose a reason for his departure from the position.
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Two inmates at a local adult correctional facility have been charged with murder following an incident at Tower Street, Kingston CSO on June 18. Charged are 22-year-old Carlton Thompson and 46-year-old Paul Williams for the murder of 60-year-old David Johnson, a fellow inmate. Reports indicate that about 9:00 pm, Thompson and Williams got into an altercation with Johnson.
The blue-grey stones of Calle de San Francisco lead past iron balconies, centuries-old façades and the plazas of Old San Juan. Calle San Sebastián is a few blocks away. The harbor and cruise piers are close enough to reach on foot.
KINGSTON, Jamaica — A 25-year-old woman has been charged with murder, following a fatal stabbing that occurred during a domestic dispute. Charged is Nadisha Montgomery, a bartender of a St Catherine address, for the death of 24-year-old Imani Richards o. Reports from the Half-Way Tree police are that about 4:30 am on July 24, Richards was at home when an argument developed between him and Montgomery, which escalated to a physical confrontation.
KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), through its Domestic Violence Intervention Centres (DVICs), in collaboration with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and other regional and international partners, is building the capacity of Jamaica's first responders to use data to address domestic and sexual violence. In a press release on Tuesday, the JCF highlighted a three-day Data Analytics Workshop, which commenced on Monday at the Terra Nova Hotel in St Andrew and is being delivered under the IDB's ONE Caribbean regional programme. The workshop is designed to strengthen the capacity of first responders and key stakeholders to prevent and respond to domestic and sexual violence through data-driven decision-making and enhanced collaboration.
The pink Great House rises above the hills of Estate Shoys. An 18th-century sugar mill stands nearby, its stone walls remaining from a very different St. Croix.
ST MARY, Jamaica — Two policemen and a truck driver were injured following a collision involving a police service vehicle and a rollback truck on the Cumberland main road in Highgate, St Mary on Monday. According to police reports, lawmen were responding to reports of a hit-and-run incident in the Junction area and attempted to intercept the rollback truck as it matched the description shared with them by the hit-and-run complainant. Upon seeing the police marked vehicle with its emergency lights and siren activated, the driver of the truck is alleged to have lost control of the vehicle and collided with the police unit before hitting a concrete wall.
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The United States (US) dollar on Tuesday, July 28, ended trading at $158.54, down from 63 cents according to Bank of Jamaica’s daily exchange trading summary. Meaning, the Canadian dollar ended trading at $113.07 down $113.44 and the British pound ended at $210.25 down $211.03.
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jonielle Smith and Jodean Williams have qualified for the final of the women’s 100m at the Commonwealth Games after both finished third in their semi-finals on Tuesday at the Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow, Scotland. However, for the second straight staging, no Jamaican men will contest the men’s 100m final as Ackeem Blake and Rohan Watson both failed to get past the semi-finals. The heats were contested in heavy rain, and Smith ran 11.07 seconds (0.8m/s) behind England’s Amy Hunt, who ran 11.02 seconds and New Zealand’s Zoe Hobbs, 11.04 seconds.
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Mount Pleasant Football Academy qualified for Friday’s semi-finals of the CFU Club Shield after beating Weymouth Wales of Barbados 1-0 in their quarterfinal game played at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Trinidad on Tuesday. Johnson Jeudi’s 66th-minute goal was the difference between the teams as the Jamaicans took a big step towards making it to Sunday’s final and qualifying for the Concacaf Caribbean Cup. Weymouth Wales, who have won 22 Barbadian Premier Division titles and last season’s beaten CFU Cup Shield finalists, had several chances to score but were wayward and allowed Mount Pleasant to sneak past them.
KINGSTON, Jamaica—State Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Senator Abka Fitz-Henley is set to represent the Government of Jamaica at the funeral of global cricket icon and Barbados National Hero, Sir Garfield Sobers. The ceremony in honour of Sir Garfield is to take place at the Kensington Oval on Wednesday. It is set to begin at 9:00am Eastern Caribbean time, which is 8:00am in Jamaica.
KINGSTON, Jamaica—The Government is preparing a comprehensive response to the country’s declining birth rate that ensures long term-demographic and economic sustainability, says Health and Wellness Minister, Dr Christopher Tufton. He noted that the low birth rate is not only a medical and fertility issue but also a major socioeconomic challenge, requiring coordinated policy action. "We've heard the clinical discussion around fertility… but we have a very critical socio economic challenge that we actually need to pay more attention to," the minister said.
The pool decks are fuller. The private-island stops are drawing more spending. And the newest ships are being designed less like traditional cruise vessels and more like complete vacation destinations, with water parks, neighborhoods, entertainment venues and dozens of places to eat.
MANCHESTER, Jamaica — Thousands of patrons flocked to Little Ochie in Alligator Pond, Manchester, on July 12 for the 2026 staging of the Bigga Little Ochie Seafood Carnival, with organisers reporting one of the largest turnouts in the event's history. According to a news release, the festival, held under the theme “Where Legends Are Born”, surpassed attendance figures from last year's event, further cementing its reputation as one of Jamaica's premier culinary and entertainment festivals and a major attraction for both local and overseas visitors. From early morning, seafood lovers, music enthusiasts and families gathered along the south coast to enjoy a mix of Jamaican cuisine, culture and entertainment.
ST JAMES, Jamaica — A commercial building in Ducketts, Cambridge in St James was destroyed by fire early Tuesday morning in a blaze of unknown origin. According to the Jamaica Fire Brigade, firefighters were alerted to the fire at approximately 4:25 am. Two units from the Montego Bay Fire Station responded to the emergency.
KINGSTON, Jamaica—Dwayne Harris, founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of MeetAbie Solutions Limited, copped the Liberty Business-sponsored Digital Transformation Award at the recently held RevUp Weekend Retreat 7.0. The annual retreat serves as a business incubator, equipping Caribbean entrepreneurs with mentorship, practical resources and industry exposure to help transform innovative ideas into sustainable businesses. As the category winner, Harris received a MacBook along with tailored business consulting from Liberty Business' team of technology specialists.
Lee “Priest” Johnson, representing Georgia, won the Jamaica International Independence Foreign Song Competition (JIIFSC) for a second straight year. His song, One Of A Kind , topped seven rivals in the July 25 final at Shiloh High School Theatre in Snellville, Georgia. Priest, a teacher who is originally from Manchester, was awarded US$8,000.
Jamaica’s Zandrion Barnes ran a season’s best 45.13 seconds to top the qualifiers for the men’s 400m semi-finals at the Commonwealth Games at Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow, Scotland, on Tuesday. Barnes was one of two Jamaicans to win their opening-round heats, alongside former world champion Antonio Watson, as all Jamaicans in action booked semi-final spots on Thursday. Watson looked comfortable throughout his race, crossing the line in 46.36 seconds to secure victory in his heat.
ST CATHERINE, Jamaica — Spanish Town Hospital recently celebrated five years of excellence in urological care, marking a significant milestone since the establishment of its urology service in May 2021. As part of the fifth anniversary celebrations, the department received new prostate biopsy equipment, including an advanced ultrasound machine. This investment will improve early detection and diagnosis of prostate cancer, allowing patients to access timely treatment and care.
National record holder Sarvesh Kushare scripted history as he became the first Indian to win a silver medal in the men's high jump event of the Commonwealth Games, losing the gold by the narrowest of margins in an enthralling showdown with Jamaica's Romaine Beckford. After sailing over 2.25m, both the 31-year-old Kushare and Beckford failed to clear the 2.28m mark. But the Jamaican took the gold as he had one less failed attempt than the Indian on count-back.
Last year, New Hampshire lawmakers passed a mandate: Starting July 1, 2026, cities and towns were to begin allowing multi-family residential housing developments in commercial zones. And Kingston, like many towns, moved to comply. But the zoning code change passed by Kingston voters in March added a host of caveats.
Glasgow, Jul 28: Sharmila Dhankar scripted history by becoming India's first-ever Commonwealth Games para-athletics gold medallist, while high jumper Sarvesh Kushare and weightlifters Valluri Ajaya Babu and Gyaneshwari Yadav clinched a silver each, as the country enjoyed a rewarding day in the multi-sport event here. Sharmila delivered a landmark performance by winning the women's shot put F57 title with a season-best effort of 9.81m, becoming the first Indian to win a gold medal in para-athletics at the Games late on Monday night. Her triumph ended India’s 20-year wait for a para-athletics medal at the Games.
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Earthquake Unit at the University of the West Indies, Mona, recorded 549 earthquakes in 2025, relative to 633 in 2024. This information is contained in the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) Economic and Social Survey Jamaica 2025, which was tabled in the House of Representatives on June 30. The report stated that more than 50 per cent of recorded events (280) were local, while 22.2 per cent (122) were near.
The walls are painted yellow and blue in the old city. Bougainvillea spills from balconies above narrow streets. Beyond the ramparts, the Caribbean stretches toward the Rosario Islands, where beach clubs and small hotels occupy pockets of white sand.
ST JAMES, Jamaica — Women are being encouraged to prioritise their mental health to manage daily stress, build resilience, and support their overall wellness. National Council on Drug Abuse (NCDA) St James Parish Coordinator, Suzanne Brown, made the call, while conducting a session during the Social Development Commission (SDC) Women’s Empowerment and Opportunities Fair on Thursday at the Montego Bay Cultural Centre in Montego Bay. The session included a wellness wheel exercise to assess areas of the participants' lives, such as physical activity, nutrition, hydration, sleep, work-life balance, and stress management.
KINGSTON, Jamaica — THE British Virgin Islands (BVI) Government is investigating how US$2.5 million in public funds was invested with Jamaica-linked Delta Capital Partners in 2025 without the required financial approvals. BVI Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley admitted during a July 24 press conference that the transaction was not approved by either the minister of finance or the financial secretary. “I was not aware of it at the time,” Wheatley said, adding that the investment represented another instance in which financial legislation was not followed.
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The 48-hour curfew imposed in sections of the St Andrew South Police Division has been extended. The curfew will continue from 6:00 pm on Monday, July 27, and will remain in effect until 6:00 pm on Wednesday, July 29. The curfew boundaries are as follows: East – From an imaginary line at Chisholm Avenue/Maxfield Avenue travelling southerly to East Avenue, intersecting at Marcus Garvey Drive.
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Education Trust (NET), in partnership with several public, private and diaspora organisations, will stage its annual Back-to-School Pop-Up Village in St Elizabeth next month to provide educational resources, health services and other support to families preparing for the new school year. According to a release, the event will be held on Friday, August 14, at Barbary Hall Primary and Infant School and is intended to support families recovering from the effects of Hurricane Melissa while helping students prepare for the start of the 2026/27 academic year. The release said students from Barbary Hall Primary and Infant School, along with children from neighbouring schools, will have access to school supplies, educational resources, free medical health checks, personal care items, recreational activities and cultural programmes.
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The United States (US) dollar on Monday, July 27, ended trading at $159.17, down by 19 cents according to Bank of Jamaica’s daily exchange trading summary. Meaning, the Canadian dollar ended trading at $113.44 up from $113.30 and the British pound ended at $211.03 down from $212.99.
Jamaica Observer Limited is advising the public of an unauthorised and deceptive website that is unlawfully using our name, logo, and other brand elements to imitate our official platform and mislead individuals. We are aware that a fabricated article is being circulated on social media claiming to originate from the Jamaica Observer . The article references former Cabinet minister Lisa Hanna and a purported investment platform, and it improperly uses the image and likeness of the public figure, purporting to create the appearance of an endorsement or affiliation with the platform described in the article.
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Sabrina Lyn has qualified for her second swimming final at the Commonwealth Games after she advanced to Tuesday’s final of the Women’s 50m breaststroke at the Tollcross swimming centre in Glasgow, Scotland. Lyn, who had placed eighth in the 100m breaststroke final on Sunday, was third in her semi-final heat in 31.13 seconds, fifth best overall. She had also placed third in her first round heat in the morning session, in 31.19 seconds, also fifth best at the time.
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica landed two gold medals on the first day of track and field at the Commonwealth Games after Romaine Beckford won the first ever men’s high jump and Demario Prince won Jamaica’s fourth straight gold in the 110m hurdles at Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow, Scotland on Monday. Beckford, who was eighth four years ago in Birmingham, and failed to clear a height at last year’s World Athletics championships in Tokyo, cleared 2.25m to edge India’s Sarvesh Anil Kushare, who also cleared that height with England’s Kimani Kack third with 2.20m. Two-time World Indoor bronze medalist Raymond Richards just missed a medal, placing fourth also with 2.20m.
A 5.67-acre development site along West Bay Road has been listed for sale, Caribbean Journal Invest has learned. To access this content, subscribe now. Caribbean Journal Invest is the leading authority on hotel, real estate and investment news in the Caribbean.
On Hey Gyal , deejay Najgee tests his vocals on a soca-influenced beat created by producer Kirk Bennett. Since launching his professional career nine years ago, he has welcomed opportunities to step outside of the dancehall zone. Hey Gyal was released in June by Kirkledove Records.
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Security Council (NSC) says it will be increasing efforts to eradicate lottery scamming as the country sees a decline in the $900 million services sector. The council, in a recent statement, noted that the Global Services Sector has seen employment declining from approximately 60,000 to 40,000 workers and annual foreign-exchange earnings falling to between US$700 million and US$900 million. It, however, highlighted that despite these pressures, the sector remains one of Jamaica’s largest export industries and among the country’s leading earners of foreign exchange, stressing that protecting and regrowing the industry is therefore a national strategic priority.
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Roderick Oliver Mair, current consul-general in Miami, has been appointed Jamaica’s next consul-general in New York. In making the announcement, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith said Mair’s more than seven years of consular leadership, record of effective diaspora engagement and success in mobilising partnerships and support for Jamaica have prepared him to lead the Consulate General in New York, which serves Jamaica’s largest overseas population across 33 states in the United States (US). “New York is home to one of the largest and most vibrant Jamaican communities in the world.
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The University of Technology (UTech) has officially welcomed the first cohort of students enrolled in its pioneering Associate Degree in Artificial Intelligence (AI). The university, in partnership with the Amber Group and the HEART/NSTA Trust, hosted a two-day orientation on July 7 and 8, 2026, to welcome the inaugural class of 100 students. The programme is a flagship initiative of the three partners, who have collaborated to establish the National AI Lab at UTech's Papine campus.
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Security Council has approved recommendations to modernise Jamaica’s drug laws by bringing new psychoactive substances (NPS), commonly known as synthetic or designer drugs, within the scope of existing legislation. In a statement following a July 23 meeting, the council said the decision comes amid an increase in the seizure of synthetic drugs, including substances marketed as “Molly”, and reflects the Government’s determination to ensure that Jamaica’s legal framework keeps pace with rapidly evolving narcotics. The Government will amend the relevant legislation to enable emerging psychoactive substances to be rapidly designated and controlled before they become established in Jamaica.
Assembly of the International Seabed Authority begins in Jamaica, with hot topics to discuss. The island state of Vanuatu wants a report on gaps in scientific knowledge.
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prime Minister Andrew Holness and other ministers of government are now gathered at the University of the West Indies Chapel for the funeral of former Senate President Oswald Harding. The long-serving senator passed away on June 25 at 90 years old, prompting an outpouring of condolences. Born on November 3, 1935, he was not only the longest-serving senator in Jamaica’s history, but also the first president of the Senate to serve two non-consecutive terms, holding the position from 1980 to 1984 and again from 2007 to 2011.
Jonathan Fowler, who would now be 40, went missing in 2019. OPP said he was last seen in Picton and has been known to frequent the Picton, Napanee, Kingston and Denbigh areas.
Jamaica’s Demario Prince and Jerome Campbell are through to Monday’s final of the 110m hurdles after both placed second in their semi-final heat in the opening session of track and field at the Commonwealth Games at Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow, Scotland. National champion Prince ran a wind-aided 13.27 seconds (2.9m/s) to finish behind Milan Trajkovic of Cyprus, who ran 13.21 seconds. Campbell clocked a wind-aided 13.33 seconds (2.1m/s) in his semi-final, beaten to the line by England’s Samuel Bennett, who ran 13.20 seconds.
NEW YORK: Noah Lyles tidak bimbang selepas mengalami kekejangan otot yang memaksanya menarik diri daripada saingan final 200 meter pada Kejohanan Olahraga Amerika Syarikat (AS), sambil mengakui insiden itu membuatkannya lebih menghargai kehebatan legenda pecut Jamaica, Usain Bolt.
“I’VE always believed that technology should never be an end in itself. Its true purpose is to improve lives, create opportunities and remove barriers.” For more than three decades, that philosophy has shaped every stage of Dr Maria Myers-Hamilton’s career. From leading complex banking technology transformations to shaping regional telecommunications policy, her career has been defined by one consistent goal: Using technology to improve people’s lives.
The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) is describing as “shameful” the failure of People’s National Party (PNP) President Mark Golding to condemn statements made by PNP members in leaked voicenotes, in which they were heard discussing tactics to undermine the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NaRRA) and smear the agency’s head, Major General Antony Anderson. Golding on Sunday sought to distance the PNP from the recordings, stating that the views were expressed by individual members of the party – who, he said, are not “officers” of the PNP – in their personal capacities and do not represent the official position of the PNP. WATCH: NaRRA voicenotes don’t represent official position of PNP, says Golding However, JLP Communication Chairman, Senator Abka Fitz-Henley, chided Golding over the statement while insisting that the recordings were made by executive members of the PNP.
Jamaica beat Honduras 2-1 in their opening Concacaf Under-20 Championships Group C game at Estadio Universitario BUAP in Puebla, Mexico on Sunday. A stoppage time goal from Brandon Bent broke the 1-1 tie as Jamaica won their first game in the Championships since 2022 and are tied for the group lead with Canada who beat Panama 3-0 in the other game in the zone played earlier in the day. Jamaica had taken the lead in the first half before giving up the lead in the 75th minute as the Central Americans took over the game in the second half.
PoliticalRadio New Zealand· Jul 27, 2026, 1:46 AM2LOW
A netball coach from the Silver Ferns made an unconventional tactical decision to avoid a potential loss to Jamaica during pool play at the Commonwealth Games.
KINGSTON, Jamaica – People’s National Party (PNP) President Mark Golding says leaked voicenotes of party members discussing tactics to undermine the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NaRRA) do not represent the official position of the PNP. In the voicenotes which were leaked on social media, individuals are heard discussing strategies to undermine NaRRA and smear its CEO Major General Antony Anderson. The recordings were allegedly made shortly after the controversial appointment of Anderson as head of the agency set up to manage Jamaica’s post-disaster reconstruction and resilience.
MANCHESTER, Jamaica — Two men have been hospitalised following a gun attack near the entrance of the Bellefield High School in Manchester on Sunday. Preliminary reports are that about 5:00 pm masked gunmen ambushed a group of people and opened fire hitting two men before fleeing the scene. The group of people had gathered at the school for a regular Sunday football game when the attack happened.
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Finance and the Public Service Fayval Williams says the committee searching for the next governor of Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) has not yet submitted its shortlist to Cabinet, pushing back against a Sunday Finance report that identified Senior Deputy Governor Dr Wayne Robinson as the front-runner for the post. In a statement issued Sunday, Williams said Cabinet had not been informed of any front-runner and warned that speculation and the naming of candidates could undermine the selection process. She said applications were received and reviewed solely by the search committee, which has not yet tendered its shortlist.
Jamaica’s Sunshine Girls will hope to rebound against Uganda in the Commonwealth Games netball competition on Monday after they went down by five goals, 48-53, to New Zealand in their second Pool B Preliminary Round game at the Hyra Arena in Glasgow, Scotland. A day after the Jamaicans beat Trinidad and Tobago 81-22 in their opening game, they were held in check by New Zealand who took a measure of revenge after losing to them in the semi-finals four years ago. Led by Grace Nweke, who scored 47 goals from 56 attempts, New Zealand led by two goals after the first quarter, 14-12; they were up by one goal, 26-25, at halftime; and were ahead 39-35 going into the final period.
The Silver Ferns are set to avoid a Commonwealth Games semifinal clash with Australia, after edging Jamaica 53-48 in their crunch Pool B clash on Monday.
KINGSTON, Jamaica—Twenty-nine prisoners serving time in Jamaica’s prison system have been readmitted for a fourth time, while 19 were readmitted on three separate occasions. The rate of recidivism which hovers around 27 per cent has prison administrators concerned, according to the 2025 edition of the Economic and Social Survey Jamaica, a publication of the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ). “Recidivism remained a concern for the Department of Correctional Services and the Ministry of National Security and Peace,” said PIOJ.
KINGSTON, Jamaica—A 25-year-old taxi operator has been charged with robbery with aggravation, possession of a prohibited weapon, and assault at common law following an incident at a bar in the parish on Sunday, July 19. He has been identified as Odean Kinglock, of Lacy district, Stony Hill, St Andrew. Reports are that at about 11:30 pm, Kinglock and his accomplices, all wearing masks, confronted patrons at the bar, pointed a firearm at them, robbed them of their belongings, and then fled the scene on foot.
KINGSTON, Jamaica—The Save Our Boys and Girls Foundation on Sunday had a successful staging of its inaugural 5K Run/Walk and Family Fish Fry at Hope Gardens in St Andrew. The event was held under the patronage of the Foundation's Founder, Juliet Holness. The race got underway at 6:30 am and was held under the theme “Steps for Their Future".
KINGSTON, Jamaica—Two men were arrested in connection to the seizure of a Glock 21.45-calibre pistol with an attached magazine containing six .45-calibre cartridges during an operation at the intersection of Third Street and Third Avenue in Greenwich Town, St Andrew, on Saturday, July 25. Their identities have not been revealed. Reports from the Hunt’s Bay Police are that about 10:45 pm, during a joint police-military operation, a motor vehicle was signalled to stop.
The most surprising number in Caribbean travel right now may be $123. It is the nightly price recently appearing on Google Hotels for select dates at White Sands Negril, a family-owned hotel with 45 rooms, a beach bar and more than half a century of history along Jamaica’s famous Seven Mile Beach. Not $123 for […] The post This White-Sand Beach Hotel in Jamaica Is Selling for $123 a Night Right Now appeared first on Caribbean Journal .
KINGSTON, Jamaica—Tipsters to Crime Stop were paid a total of $10.3 million in 2025 when compared to the $7.5 million paid out in 2024. At the same time, total arrests increased by 38.2 per cent to 76, as documented in the 2025 edition of the Economic and Social Survey Jamaica, a publication of the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ). According to the publication, the number of tips received by Crime Stop was 809, a 6.7 per cent reduction when compared to prior year.
KINGSTON, Jamaica—The Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) made $1.5 billion in fare income in 2025 when compared to $1.3 billion in 2024. The higher earnings is a result of the additional buses acquired by the State-owned bus company, says the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) in the 2025 edition of its annual publication, the Economic and Social Survey Jamaica. Revenue from charter trips jumped to $135.0 million in 2025, compared with $100.9 million in 2024.
KINGSTON, Jamaica—The Gamma Rho Sigma Alumni Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. in collaboration with the Patricia V. Smith Foundation, recently donated several laptops to the Homestead Place of Safety in Stony Hill, St Andrew and the Granville Place of Safety in Trelawny.
MIAMI – A Jamaican woman who was listed on the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) most wanted fraudster list for her alleged role in a scheme that fraudulently obtained more than US$32 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds returned from Jamaica on Saturday to the United States to face federal charges. Forty-one-year-old Elaine Escoe, was charged by indictment in 2025 with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and multiple substantive counts of wire fraud and money laundering. After a federal arrest warrant was issued in May 2025, Escoe reportedly failed to appear for her court appearance and fled to Jamaica.
KINGSTON, Jamaica—Chinese nationals, as is customary, were again given the majority of work permits issued to foreign nationals by Jamaica’s Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) during 2025. The details are contained in the 2025 edition of the Economic and Social Survey Jamaica, an annual publication of the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ). Nationals from China were issued with 2,441 work permits.
MANCHESTER, Jamaica— Police have identified the woman and two men who were fatally shot during an alleged shootout on Caledonia Road in Mandeville Saturday afternoon. They are Lester Morris, Travis Baker and Sutania Boothe otherwise called “Chun Chun”. Police said two firearms were seized during the incident.
Ms Escoe allegedly stole $32 million in COVID-19 funds and fled to Jamaica. The post FBI captures most-wanted fugitive who stole $32 million, fled to Jamaica appeared first on Peoples Gazette Nigeria .
Jamaica was in political turmoil in 1976, 50 years ago. The socialist government of prime minister Michael Manley --- popular with the Afro-conscious but scorned by the middle and upper-class --- called a State of Emergency in June to quell gang violence. Several of his opponents, including the Jamaica Labour Party's Olivia Grange and Pearnel Charles were jailed.
KINGSTON, Jamaica—The month of June saw an uptick in road fatalities when 35 road users were killed in 31 fatal motor vehicle crashes across the island. This is according to the latest crash statistics released on June 24 by the Island Traffic Authority (ITA), which said fatalities have increased by three per cent when compared to June 2025 and fatal crashes by seven per cent. At six fatalities each, St Ann and St Catherine recorded the most deaths during the month.
A woman listed among the FBI's most wanted financial fraud suspects was arrested in Jamaica and extradited to the United States, authorities announced Saturday.
Brazilian influencer Virginia Fonseca described a close encounter while on a boat ride in Montego Bay, Jamaica, where she witnessed a shark attacking a stingray just meters from her vessel. No one was harmed during the incident.
MANCHESTER, Jamaica — Police have confirmed that a woman is among three people who were fatally shot during an alleged shootout on Caledonia Road in Mandeville Saturday afternoon. Preliminary reports are that about 4:00 pm, police were alerted to a robbery spree and subsequently intercepted a getaway vehicle near Horseshoe Curve. A highly placed police source said the occupants of the intercepted vehicle opened fire on the cops who then returned fire.
The property that once housed MegaMart's Montego Bay operations has gone on sale for US$15.09 million, or $2.41 billion, nearly eight months following the impact of Hurricane Melissa on western Jamaica. Cost Club Limited, trading as Megamart Wholesale Club, occupied the 89,674 square feet property since December 2007 when it first opened to customers in western Jamaica. However, the location was closed following the devastation caused by the Category 5 storm which flooded the location and left substantial damage.
KINGSTON, Jamaica—Sabrina Lyn qualified for Sunday’s final of the women’s 100m breaststroke at the Commonwealth Games after finishing fifth in the semi-finals at the Tollcross swimming centre in Glasgow, Scotland on Saturday. Lyn became the first Jamaican swimmer to get to a final after she swam 1:08.43 in the semi-final after placing fourth in her first round race earlier in the day in 1:09.11. She was also part of the Jamaican Mixed 4x100m relay team that placed third in their first round heat in 3:43.07, teaming with Collin McKenzie, Kito Campbell and Jessica Calderbank.
KINGSTON, Jamaica—Jamaica’s adult prison population grew to 3,563 in 2025 after 575 new inmates were sentenced and admitted. Of the newly-sentenced, 271 were placed at the maximum St Catherine Adult Correctional Centre, according to the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), in its 2025 edition of the Economic and Social Survey Jamaica. “Sentencing patterns showed a concentration among younger adults, with the majority of admissions falling within the 18–30 year age group,” said PIOJ which noted that the main offences were murder, robbery with aggravation, and firearms-related crimes.
KINGSTON, Jamaica—Jamaica’s Sunshine Girls made a winning start to their Commonwealth Games netball competition after hammering Caribbean neighbours Trinidad and Tobago by 59 goals 81-22 in their opening Pool B game at the Hydro Arena in Glasgow, Scotland on Saturday. The Jamaicans restricted Trinidad and Tobago to a Commonwealth Games low 22 goals, holding them to single digit scoring in all four quarters in a defensive masterclass. The number three ranked Jamaicans dominated the contest, leading 24-5 after the first quarter, were up by 21 goals 43-12 at half time, and 60-20 after the third quarter before emptying the bench in the fourth quarter which they took 17-8.
The fishing boats gather beside the pier. The old white lighthouse tilts toward the sea. Around the town square, tables fill beneath open-air patios, with the Caribbean only a few steps away.
KINGSTON, Jamaica—A total of 1,528 individuals were arrested for Category 1 crimes in Jamaica in 2025, with 481 being picked up for murder and 395 for shooting. Some 231 individuals were arrested for robbery and 172 for aggravated assault. The statistics are outlined in the 2025 edition of the Economic and Social Survey Jamaica, an annual publication of the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ).
KINGSTON, Jamaica—The number of Jamaicans participating in the Overseas Employment Programme increased by 4.8 per cent in 2025 to 15,169 compared with 2024. While the US Farm Work Programme and the Canadian Low Skilled Worker Programme registered reductions in the number of participants, all other programmes recorded increases last year. This is according to the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ).
Reggae Boy Kaheim Dixon has signed a three-year contract with Serbian football club Fudbalski klub Novi Pazar. This was announced in a social media post by the club on Friday. "He arrives in Novi Pazar from the English club Charlton Athletic and has also played for Crawley Town FC.
KINGSTON, Jamaica—Property loss as a result of fires in 2025 was estimated at $9.9 billion representing 2.2 per cent of the estimated value ($446.8 billion) of property at risk. This is stated in the 2025 edition of the Economic and Social Survey Jamaica, an annual publication of the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ). According to the survey, there were 2,711 malicious false alarm calls to the fire services in 2025, an increase of over 54.0 per cent when compared to 2024.
Hyatt Hotels Corporation has named Eduardo Schutte senior vice president of commercial for the Hyatt Inclusive Collection, placing him in charge of sales, revenue management, marketing, distribution, brand strategy and other commercial functions across the company’s all-inclusive portfolio. The appointment takes effect July 27. Schutte will report to Javier Águila, president of the Hyatt Inclusive […] The post Hyatt Names New Commercial Chief as Its All-Inclusive Portfolio Keeps Growing appeared first on Caribbean Journal .
The latest Caribbean Photo comes from Caribbean Journal reader Judy Pallini, who took this lovely shot from her room on Dorsch Beach in Frederiksted, St. Croix. Have you taken a great photo in the Caribbean?
Rasheda Green, Miss Supranational Jamaica 2026, has been making waves in Poland, at the Miss Supranational pageant. Earlier this week, she along with the delegates from Canada, France, Indonesia, Namibia, the United Kingdom and Tanzania, advanced to the final round of the Supra Chat segment of the competition. Observer Online caught up with Rasheda on Saturday morning in between rehearsals.
KINGSTON, Jamaica— Guyana and Barbados will host the next two editions of the CARIFTA Games it was announced on Thursday following the withdrawal of St Kitts/Nevis and Trinidad and Tobago in what was described as a “swift intervention and support” of the Caricom Heads of Government. St Kitts/Nevis and Trinidad and Tobago had signalled their interest in hosting the 2027 and 2028 games at the Congress held in Grenada in April but withdrew later. It will be the first time the championships will be held on the South American mainland while Barbados will host for the first time since 2001 and eighth time overall.
ST JAMES, Jamaica—Eight people including two United States (US) citizens were arrested and charged by lawmen assigned to the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s (JCF) Specialised Investigation Branch in connection to a sweepstakes operation in Glendevon, St James, on Thursday, July 23. Charged are Natalia Baker, 21, of Rochester, New York, USA and Cruiz Amari Harding, 18, of Georgia, USA. The six Jamaicans, all of Glendevon, St James are: Chrislan Muschette, 19; Tiana Sloley, 27; Romario Cunningham, 29; Kemar Grant, 27; Geovanie Cunningham, 21; and Romain Salmon, 22.
KINGSTON, Jamaica — International dancehall artiste Patra is in high spirits about her partnership with American DJ, producer, and CEO of JHouse Entertainment, Freddy Browne. The two recently signed an agreement that sees the artiste’s +Plus Entertainment Inc distributed globally through JHOUSE Entertainment/ The Orchard/ Sony Music. However, for Patra, the collaboration means so much more.
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Commanding Officer for the Trelawny Division, Superintendent Velonique Campbell, is imploring residents of Troy in the parish to desist from blocking the roads following Thursday’s protest over a man who they say was arrested in relation to a fatal mobbing three days ago following the gruesome murder of 10-year-old Shani Coke. “Yesterday, we had persons blocking the road and causing further instability. Please, I am imploring, desist from blocking the road and bringing further instability to your community,” she said in a statement reaching the Observer Online.
CLARENDON, Jamaica — A shopkeeper was gunned down at her establishment on the Alston main road near Spalding in northern Clarendon Friday afternoon. Residents named her only by her alias “Shine”. Preliminary reports are that about 4:30 pm a gunman pounced on the shopkeeper at her roadside establishment and opened fire hitting her multiple times before fleeing the scene.
KINGSTON, Jamaica- Fast rising dancehall artiste Dyum has released his album entitled, " Voice Inside ". According to several musical pundits, it is an impressive body of work that has the potential to be a chart topping album. Dyum shared that he put his all into the project and he is positive that it will do well.
At the far western end of St. Thomas, beyond the island’s busier harbors and hillside neighborhoods, the land rises above quiet coves and a narrow strip of sand called Mermaid’s Chair. Here, the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic meet beside 300 acres of tropical terrain.
KINGSTON, Jamaica — A man charged with assault occasioning bodily harm had his bail extended on Tuesday to allow for mediation when the matter came before the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court. Presiding Judge Peter Wilson extended the bail of Kamarine Williams, who is charged with assault occasioning bodily harm involving a 16-year-old complainant. The complainant and his mother were present in court.
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Motorists using the TransJamaican Highway will pay higher toll rates from August 1, while T-Tag users will continue paying the current rates until October 31. According to a notice issued by TransJam Highways, the toll adjustments are being made "to ensure that we can continue delivering the high standard of service our customers expect and deserve". The company said there will be no change to T-Tag rates on August 1, with those rates remaining in effect for another 90 days.
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Mount Pleasant FA have drawn a bye to the quarterfinals of the 2026 Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Club Shield after their first round opponents All Saints United of Antigua and Barbuda withdrew from the tournament that is being staged in Trinidad and Tobago. Mount Pleasant, the reigning Concacaf Caribbean Cup champion and who finished third in the Jamaica Premier League are playing in the CFU competition for the first time. Finalists in the CFU Club Shield will qualify for the Concacaf Caribbean Cup where they would join JPL finalists Portmore United and Cavalier SC.
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Shoppers at the Coronation Market will encounter a mixed basket in terms of prices this week. Persistent dry conditions continue to impact farming, pushing up the prices of some produce including tomatoes at $150 per pound, Scotch bonnet peppers at $350 per pound, sweet peppers at $400 per pound, bananas at $1,400 a dozen and lettuce at $700 per head. Plantains ($700 for three) also continue to be a pricey commodity.
La Bicolor disputará cuatro partidos entre septiembre y octubre de 2026. Debuta como visitante frente a Jamaica, no enfrenta a Honduras ni Martinica en la fase de grupos y busca terminar entre los dos primeros del Grupo B.
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica are set to host Central American teams Guatemala and Honduras in their first two games in their Group B Concacaf Nations League first round in the September FIFA window, it was confirmed on Friday. Jamaica will open the first round at the National Stadium against Guatemala on Friday, September 25, before welcoming Honduras four days later on Tuesday, September 29. On October 1, Jamaica will travel to face El Salvador before a return round game against Honduras on Monday, October 5.
ST JAMES, Jamaica — Montego Bay will welcome its first all-inclusive Marriott Hotel in 2028 as the former Holiday Inn Resort is set to be converted into a 522-room Catalonia-controlled resort. The announcement was made on Thursday in a joint release between Marriott International, Inc and Catalonia Hotels & Resorts, where it was revealed that Catalonia would also open an Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort in Zanzibar, Tanzania in 2027. Catalonia acquired the former property known as the Holiday Inn Resort in May 2024.
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica's 2024 Olympic shot put bronze medallist Rajindra Campbell has signed a contract with Nike. The 30-year-old Campbell, who has always highlighted the plight of non-track athletes in surviving financially, made the revelation via social media earlier this week. “The work behind the scenes is paying off, and I’m still building.
KINGSTON, Jamaica—There has been implementation of 43 per cent of the 365 recommendations contained in the Jamaica Education Transformation Commission (JETC) report. Education Transformation Oversight Committee (ETOC) Chairman Dr Adrian Stokes, gave the update on July 23 at a press conference for year four, quarter one, held at the University of the West Indies Regional Headquarters in St Andrew. “This is an increase from the 37 per cent progress reported at our last quarterly briefing.
ST JAMES, Jamaica — The man accused of fatally chopping his wife before ingesting a poisonous substance has died. The deceased has been identified as 67-year-old Jocelin Wellington. His wife, 62-year-old Marcia Wellington, died on Wednesday.
KINGSTON, Jamaica—The private security guard industry continues to be a key component of Jamaica’s security architecture with more than 300 companies and over 30,000 individuals on record as of 2025. Regulatory activity within the private security industry expanded during the year, according to the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) in its annual publication, the Economic and Social Survey Jamaica. The survey found that a total of 331 security organisations were registered or had their registration renewed, up from 311 in 2024.
KINGSTON, Jamaica—Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz have been drawn in Group B in League A of the 2026/2027 edition of the CONCACAF Nations League alongside Honduras, Guatemala, Suriname, Martinique and El Salvador, at Thursday’s virtual draw. The Nations League, which is in its fifth edition, will qualify teams for the Gold Cup to be played in Summer 2027. Nations League games will be played during the FIFA windows in September, October and November with the final set for March 2027.
ST MARY, Jamaica —The body of a 27-year-old man who was reported missing since July 21 was found on a section of the shoreline at Robin's Bay Beach Thursday morning. Police reports indicate that around 7:00 am a fisherman was walking along Robin’s Bay Beach in the vicinity of Green Castle when he saw a man lying on the beach unresponsive. The police were summoned and the body was removed from the scene pending a post mortem examination to determine the cause of death.
A Jamaican flight attendant employed to Southwest Airlines was reportedly detained by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on July 14, while on the job in Nashville, Tennessee. He has been identified as Lorenzo Thompson. According to a report by Fox News, Thompson reportedly overstayed his visa, after he first entered the United States on April 17, 2021, on a visa that expired on October 16, 2021.
KINGSTON, Jamaica—The PNP Women’s Movement is calling for psycho-social services to be immediately provided to the community members and family of 10-year-old Shani Coke whose partially nude body was found with her throat slashed on a dirt track in bushes in Tyre district near Troy, Trelawny, Tuesday evening. The PNP Women’s Movement made the call on Thursday in a press release. Shaneen Roberts, vice president of the group with responsibility for Trelawny said “The people of Troy and the wider Trelawny have been rocked by this incident.
The national football team, referred to as 'The Bicolor', has been placed in Group B of League A alongside Honduras, Jamaica, Suriname, Martinique, and El Salvador. The group stage matches are scheduled to commence in September 2026.
KINGSTON, Jamaica—Of the total of 1,194 juveniles who appeared before the courts last year, 653 or 54.7 per cent were female and 541 or 45.3 per cent were male. The top two reasons for their appearance were ‘care and protection’ at 55.5 per cent; and ‘uncontrollable’ juveniles numbering 20.0 per cent. A further 6.0 per cent appeared on charges related to ‘assault occasioning bodily harm’ while 18.4 per cent represented ‘all other’ cases.
KINGSTON, Jamaica—The Jamaica Youth Advocacy Network (JYAN) is condemning the killing of 10-year-old Shani Coke of Trelawny. Coke’s partially nude body was found with her throat slashed on a dirt track in bushes in Tyre district near Troy, Trelawny, Tuesday evening. READ: UPDATE: Police identify child killed gruesomely in Trelawny JYAN in a press release on Thursday, called for the convening of a Joint Select Committee of Parliament with a function to probe and propose legislative, administrative and policy interventions to protect Jamaica’s most vulnerable.
KINGSTON, Jamaica—Director of children’s lobby group Hear The Children’s Cry (HTCC) Nigel Cooper, has declared Jamaica a “national threat” to its own children. The University of Technology lecturer is calling for radical action to protect the nation’s most vulnerable citizens. Cooper made the call against the background of the suspected rape and brutal murder of 10-year-old Shani Coke in Trelawny earlier this week.
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The United States (US) dollar on Thursday, July 23, ended trading at $159.51, down by 1 cent according to Bank of Jamaica’s daily exchange trading summary. Meaning, the Canadian dollar ended trading at $113.18 down from $113.19 and the British pound ended at $211.91 down from $213.37.
ONTARIO, Canada — Newly retired Jamaican-born couple Audrey and Wills W are looking forward to a very different retirement after winning a life-changing tax-free C$70 million Lotto Max jackpot in Canada. According to CBC News, the Brampton, Ontario residents claimed the massive prize after Wills surprised his wife with a Lotto Max Quick Pick ticket as a Mother's Day gift. The winning ticket, purchased at the Canco One Stop Gas Station on Steeles Avenue in Brampton, matched the May 8 Lotto Max draw.
WorldHotels has expanded its Caribbean portfolio with the addition of the Acqua di Mare Resort in Roatan, a resort property near the island’s renowned West Bay Beach, Caribbean Journal has learned. The hotel is already listed as part of the WorldHotels Distinctive collection and is available through the company’s reservation platform, making the move an active brand affiliation […] The post WorldHotels Has Added a New Beachfront Resort in Roatan appeared first on Caribbean Journal .
Marriott International is converting the former Catalonia Montego Bay into a 522-room Marriott Hotels All-Inclusive Resort, creating a major new branded property in one of the Caribbean’s most competitive hotel markets. To access this content, subscribe now. Caribbean Journal Invest is the leading authority on hotel, real estate and investment news in the Caribbean.
TRELAWNY, Jamaica — Placard-bearing residents of Troy, Trelawny on Thursday morning mounted a roadblock as they demanded the release of a man who they say was arrested in relation to a fatal mobbing two days ago following the gruesome murder of 10-year-old Shani Coke. https://youtube.com/shorts/Nbp-cOzQsfI The residents also protested over Coke’s death. The child’s partially nude body was found with her throat slashed in bushes on Tuesday.
There are islands you visit for one great beach, and there are islands where every turn seems to lead to another one. In Antigua, you can swim in the calm water at Dickenson Bay, stop for lunch near English Harbour, wander through the stone buildings of Nelson’s Dockyard and finish the day on a quiet […] The post American Airlines Is Doubling Flights to This Caribbean Island, With Two Daily Nonstops Beginning in October appeared first on Caribbean Journal .
ST ELIZABETH, Jamaica — Police on Wednesday identified a university student whose body washed ashore in Treasure Beach on Tuesday, a day after he reportedly went missing while swimming. He is Jalene Simpson, a Caribbean Maritime University student. Simpson, who was visiting relatives in Treasure Beach, went swimming on Monday and got into difficulty when he was overcome by strong undertow.
CLARENDON, Jamaica— Police are probing a suspected case of suicide involving a 17-year-old college student in Carty Hill near James Hill in northern Clarendon on Tuesday. Police identified him as Brantae Shaw, a resident of Carty Hill and a student of Knox Community College. A report said about 8:25 pm police were alerted to Shaw’s family home after a relative found him hanging inside a chicken coop.
KINGSTON, Jamaica — A first-year medical student whose studies were put on hold after she was unable to pay her tuition fees is appealing for public support to help her return to the classroom and continue pursuing her dream of becoming a doctor. At 19 years old, Tavonya Lounds had already mapped out her future. For as long as she can remember, becoming a doctor was the dream.
TRELAWNY, Jamaica — The schoolgirl whose partially nude body was found with her throat slashed on a dirt track in bushes in Tyre district near Troy, Trelawny, Tuesday evening has been identified. Police and residents named the child as 10-year-old Shani Coke, otherwise called “Kaidra”, a Troy Primary student. Police said following the discovery of the child’s body, there was a mob attack on a father and son in the community.
TRELAWNY, Jamaica — Police are now on a scene where the body of a child was found with her throat slashed in Tyre district near Troy in south Trelawny, residents say. Residents told the Jamaica Observer that about 6:00 pm, the child’s body was found in bushes and an alarm was raised. Residents say the child was raped before her death.
The beach at Negril stretches west under wide Caribbean skies, with long swimming days, cliffside sunsets and the easygoing rhythm that has made the town one of Jamaica’s most enduring vacation destinations. Across the island in Montego Bay, the experience is different: larger resorts, golf, nightlife, restaurants and a busy international gateway connecting Jamaica with […] The post Five Marriott All-Inclusive Resorts Are Reopening in Jamaica, From Negril to Montego Bay appeared first on Caribbean Journal .
ST THOMAS, Jamaica — The Agricultural Protection Branch (APB) of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has more than tripled the number of arrests for agricultural-related crimes in its first year of operation. Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Floyd Green, gave the update during the recent launch of the Heifer Redistribution programme at Serge Island Dairies in St Thomas. The APB was launched in June 2025 as a specialised unit designed to combat praedial larceny and protect agricultural livelihoods and national food security.
Turks and Caicos is surging again, with a new energy and serious momentum, according to the latest numbers. Visitor arrivals increased year over year in January, February, March, April, May, and June, giving the destination its strongest first half on record and extending a run of growth that began after nearly two million total visitors […] The post Turks and Caicos Is Having Its Strongest Tourism Year Yet, With Record Arrivals, New Flights, and More Luxury Hotels on the Way appeared first on Caribbean Journal .
KINGTON, Jamaica — A passenger who earlier on Monday experienced breathing difficulties while travelling on a Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) bus which traverses the Mandeville to Kingston route has died and the state-owned company has extended condolences to the victim’s family. JUTC in a statement said the passenger experienced a medical emergency while travelling aboard Route 512. It said that during the journey, a passenger alerted the driver that another commuter was experiencing difficulty breathing.
KINGSTON, Jamaica — After a year's absence, FIWI Entertainment is preparing to make its return to the runway with what its founders describe as the company's most ambitious production yet. The fourth staging of the FIWI Fashion Show is scheduled for December at the Kaiser Hotel and Resort in Negril, marking another milestone for the Jamaican company, which is celebrating five years since its establishment. For co-founders Orville Murray, who is the chief executive officer, Shane Purrier, chief operating officer, and Jermaine Russell, director of events, the show represents much more than an evening of fashion.
MANCHESTER, Jamaica — Two men were shot, one fatally, at a bar in the troubled community of Top Greenvale near Mandeville on Tuesday morning. Police identified the dead man as Asagar Martin, a resident of Greenvale. Preliminary reports are that about 12:30 am Martin was among patrons at a bar in Top Greenvale when a gunman pounced and opened fire hitting him and another man.
A two-storey house fire in Kingston killed a 63-year-old mother and a close family friend on the property. The cause remains unclear from the available information.
A 49-year-old man from Jamaica who was deported in 2012 after felony convictions in New York and Pennsylvania, is facing a federal criminal charge after he was arrested in Hono­lulu where he was living and working as a DJ.
KINGSTON, Jamaica — A total of 1,317 Jamaicans were returned to the country as deportees in 2025, a more than 140 per cent increase when compared to the 547 who were returned in 2024. The information is contained in the 2025 edition of the Economic and Social Survey Jamaica (ESSJ), a publication of the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ). The majority of the deportees, also referred to as involuntary returned migrants (IRMs), came from the United States.
The Caribbean hotel sector closed the first half of 2026 with a record occupancy rate, higher average daily rates, double-digit RevPAR growth and more than $14 billion in room revenue. To access this content, subscribe now. Caribbean Journal Invest is the leading authority on hotel, real estate and investment news in the Caribbean.
Reggae heavyweight Buju Banton has made an emphatic return to his dancehall roots with the release of his 13th studio album, Too Too Bad , which debuted at No. 3 on the United States iTunes Reggae Albums chart. The Butterflies singer was denied the top spot by producer Kemar "Flava" McGregor, whose projects Riddim 91 and the compilation Kiss of Judas occupied the chart's first and second positions, respectively.
NICKERIA Smickle built a company, rebuilt communities after a hurricane, and now wants to prove that there’s more than one way to make it. Ask Smickle for her formula and she won’t give you a business-school answer, instead she says, “faith, hunger, and a touch of delusion”. It is a deceptively simple recipe for a woman who has spent the last six years proving that the most successful people are often the ones bold enough to begin before anyone else believes in them.
FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida (CMC) — United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers have seized more than US$53,800 in undeclared currency from an outbound traveller headed to Kingston, Jamaica. The seizure took place on July 1 at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. According to the CBP, the traveller was later arrested and charged federally with money laundering.
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The management team of late reggae artiste Fantan Mojah has moved to clarify the official representation of the singer, stating that Ray Stephens has no authority to speak on behalf of the artiste, his family or his estate. In a statement issued on Saturday following Fantan Mojah’s passing, the management team said, “Ray Stephens has had no involvement with Fantan Mojah for nearly four years and is not authorised to represent or speak on behalf of Fantan Mojah, his family or his estate on any platform.” The statement further confirmed that at the time of his passing, Fantan Mojah was managed by Unstoppable Fyah and Carey James, who remain the authorised management representatives for the artiste. The statement was issued by Unstoppable Fyah and Carey James reportedly on behalf of Fantan Mojah’s management and his family.
KINGSTON, Jamaica — A former contestant of Miss Universe Jamaica, LaToya Malcolm, has died. Miss Universe Jamaica made the announcement via a statement shared on Saturday. Her cause of death was not disclosed.
Sir Garfield Sobers, the legendary West Indies cricketer who died in his native Barbados on Friday, had a strong personal relationship with Jamaica that started in the late 1950s. He was a budding star then, and his mentor was Collie Smith, the Jamaican all-rounder. Sobers, who was 89, scored five of his 26 Test centuries at Sabina Park in Kingston.
The water along Eagle Beach has a luminous blue that seems to go on forever. In Montego Bay, the hills rise behind a sweep of resorts, beaches and old sugar-estate country. On St.
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prices at Kingston's Coronation Market are easing this week, with vendors reporting lower costs for several popular items despite ongoing drought conditions affecting farmers across multiple parishes. While some produce, such as bananas ($1,200 per dozen) are still fetching higher prices, shoppers can expect lower prices on a range of goods including tomato at $100 per pound, onion ($200), Scotch bonnet pepper ($200), Irish potato ($180) and sweet potato ($150). This week's episode also features award-winning gospel artiste Kevin Downswell, who joins host Carlysia Ramdeen at the market to share market shopping tips ahead of his pre-album launch worship experience on Sunday, July 19, at the Portmore New Testament Church of God.
KINGSTON, Jamaica—State Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister Senator Abka Fitz-Henley has hailed Barbados national hero and cricket icon Sir Garfield Sobers as an important figure to the regional identity of the Caribbean. Sobers passed away on Friday at the age of 89 at his home in Highgate Gardens, 11 days shy of his 90th birthday. Fitz-Henley in a statement on Friday, said Sobers is worthy of high commendation for his colossal contribution to Caribbean identity and his magnificent exploits on the cricket field.
TRELAWNY, Jamaica — The death toll from Friday's head-on collision between a truck and a minivan along the Trelawny leg of the North Coast Highway has risen to six. The latest victim was among three people who sustained injuries in the crash and were taken to Falmouth Public General Hospital for treatment. It brings the number of people killed in traffic crashes in Trelawny since the start of the year to 20, five more than the 15 recorded during the corresponding period last year.