Jamaica News

UPDATE: CNN, Politico say their journalists were also barred from White House

White House officials denied access on Saturday to reporters from CNN, Politico and MS NOW, confiscating press badges a day after Donald Trump said he would ban the outlets over what he called “fake news.” The move escalates his efforts to limit critical coverage and could set up legal challenges over First Amendment protections.

By Jamaica Gleaner

Retrieved Sep 19, 2026

Norman Manley book spot in Manning Cup second round

Norman Manley High sealed a place in the ISSA Manning Cup second round with a 5-0 win over Kingston Technical in Zone C, while Denham Town also moved close to qualifying after beating Donald Quarrie 4-1. The fight for the final Zone C spot is tight, and Zones A and B remain wide open with nine teams still set to advance overall.

By Howard Campbell

Retrieved Sep 19, 2026

Do not enter! Public urged to avoid Salt Marsh area in Trelawny after shark sighting

NEPA has warned people to stay out of the sea near Salt Marsh, Trelawny, after sharks were seen feeding on a whale carcass in shallow water. The agency said the site may continue to attract sharks and other scavengers, and urged residents to avoid swimming, fishing and approaching the area until it is declared safe.

By Jamaica Gleaner

Retrieved Sep 19, 2026

Police report threats against West Kingston cops after alleged gang leader’s death

Police in Kingston Western are on alert after members of the One A Way gang in Denham Town reportedly threatened officers following the fatal shooting of alleged leader Amani Malcolm, also known as “Bling Dawg.” Authorities say they have increased patrols and are treating the threats seriously, while also seeking gang figure Omarley Dennie, known as “Neily Blacks,” as a person of interest.

By Howard Campbell

Retrieved Sep 19, 2026

Jehovah’s Witnesses ease blood policy but maintain ban on whole-blood transfusions

Jehovah’s Witnesses have changed their blood policy, allowing members to use donated blood-derived products such as plasma, platelets and red and white blood cells based on personal conscience. The group still bans whole-blood transfusions and blood donation for that purpose, a shift that could affect medical treatment choices for members worldwide.

By Howard Campbell

Retrieved Sep 19, 2026

Brotha George remembers Channel One’s glory days after studio demolition

The demolition of Kingston’s Channel One studio on September 5 has revived memories of the legendary Maxfield Avenue reggae hub, where roots singer George Wright — now gospel artiste Brotha George — recorded his first song more than 40 years ago. Built by the Hoo Kim brothers in 1972, Channel One helped launch classic hits from artistes like Delroy Wilson, The Mighty Diamonds, Barrington Levy and Frankie Paul, making its loss significant for Jamaica’s music history.

By Jamaica Observer

Retrieved Sep 19, 2026

PNP outlines plans to delegates at private session of annual conference

Pollster Don Anderson addressed delegates at the private session of the PNP’s 88th annual conference in Kingston, likely to discuss a recent Market Research Services poll. The meeting comes a year after the party’s narrow election defeat, and General Secretary Dr Dayton Campbell said he outlined the PNP’s position and plans for the next 12 months.

By Jamaica Gleaner

Retrieved Sep 19, 2026

Residents stage fiery protest after cops kill alleged gang leader

An alleged gang leader, 26-year-old Amani Malcolm, known as “Bling Dawg,” was shot dead by police during a confrontation on North Street, Kingston, after officers said he pointed a gun and struggled over a service rifle. The shooting triggered protests and fires in the area, and a bystander was injured. Malcolm was reportedly the leader of the One A Way gang and faced several past charges.

By Jamaica Observer

Retrieved Sep 19, 2026

NEPA urges caution as sharks feed on whale carcass in Salt Marsh

NEPA is urging people to stay out of the water at Salt Marsh, Trelawny, after sharks were seen feeding on a whale carcass that washed ashore Friday. The agency said the scene is a natural part of the marine ecosystem, not necessarily a pollution event, but warned residents to avoid swimming, fishing and approaching the area until it is declared safe.

By Jamaica Observer

Retrieved Sep 19, 2026

Johnson Smith to lead Jamaica’s delegation to 81st Session of the UN General Assembly in New York

Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson Smith will lead Jamaica’s delegation to UNGA81, where the country will push for better development financing, climate resilience, peace and security, and reform of the UN system. Jamaica says its efforts matter for vulnerable states like its own, especially on climate shocks, debt, and support for Haiti and regional stability.

By Jamaica Observer

Retrieved Sep 19, 2026

Arsenal suffers first defeat of EPL title defence

Arsenal’s Premier League title defence suffered its first defeat with a 3-0 loss at Brighton, where Pascal Gross, Charalampos Kostoulas and Chema Andres scored. Mikel Arteta called it a “big lesson” after an unusually sloppy display, while the result extended Brighton’s recent strong record against the Gunners.

By Jamaica Gleaner

Retrieved Sep 19, 2026

Immigrant groups sue over new US public charge rule

New York immigrant advocacy groups have sued the Trump administration over a new rule that broadens which public benefits immigration officers can weigh when deciding some green card applications. The groups say it violates federal law and could discourage immigrant families — including in Caribbean and other communities — from using benefits such as food aid, housing help and health coverage.

By Jamaica Observer

Retrieved Sep 19, 2026

Skeleton remains found in St Catherine

Police in St Catherine are trying to identify a man whose skeletal remains were found near a perimeter fence in Bernard Lodge yesterday. The body, estimated to be about six feet tall and clothed in dark pants and a shirt, is being investigated by the Spanish Town Criminal Investigation Branch.

By Jamaica Gleaner

Retrieved Sep 19, 2026

MS NOW journalists say they were denied entry to the White House

MS NOW said its White House journalists were denied access Saturday and had their badges disabled, a day after President Donald Trump said he would bar the network, CNN and Politico from the White House. The move deepens Trump’s clash with major media outlets and raises fresh First Amendment concerns.

By Jamaica Gleaner

Retrieved Sep 19, 2026

Cuba works to restore power after another blackout

Cuba was working Saturday to restore power after its seventh major blackout this year, with the latest nationwide outage hitting Havana and the rest of the island after a transmission failure and unstable weather. The repeated cuts, worsened by fuel shortages tied to US pressure, have deepened daily hardships by affecting water, cooking gas and mobile service.

By Jamaica Observer

Retrieved Sep 19, 2026

Skillibeng enters iTunes Top 10 in 24 hours with ‘General’

Skillibeng’s new single **“General”** entered the iTunes Reggae Singles Chart at **number nine** within 24 hours of release, drawing strong early reactions from fans and music pundits. The St Thomas deejay’s latest track showcases his trademark wordplay and adds to his growing international profile, while also sparking speculation about possible lyrical shots at other artistes.

By Jamaica Observer

Retrieved Sep 19, 2026

Singer Dee and Richie Spice join forces on ‘Treat Mama Good’

Canada-based singer Singer Dee teamed up with roots star Richie Spice for “Treat Mama Good,” a tribute to mothers inspired by Dee’s late mother, Rachel Bryan. Released in May, the song has placed on reggae charts in Jamaica, Canada and the U.S. tri-state area, marking a long-awaited collaboration first suggested by producer Bobby Digital.

By Jamaica Observer

Retrieved Sep 19, 2026

US$43B and counting...cost for US military war on Iran continues to climb

US military spending on the war with Iran has reached about US$43.6 billion as of Sept. 3, according to a new estimate for lawmakers, with weapons costs rising sharply in just over a month. The conflict is also affecting oil prices and markets, while its political fallout could shape November’s congressional elections.

By Jamaica Gleaner

Retrieved Sep 19, 2026

Holness, Fitz-Henley dialogue with host of UWI’s regional guild leaders

Prime Minister Andrew Holness met with 35 UWI guild leaders from campuses across Jamaica and the wider Caribbean at Jamaica House, where they discussed student issues such as affordable housing, debt, leadership and regional integration. Holness said the government values youth input as Jamaica and the region look to build stronger, more productive leadership.

By Kevin Jackson

Retrieved Sep 19, 2026

Fashion Block returns, as Saint International set to ignite downtown renaissance with WIFAX-Style Art & Architecture week

Downtown Kingston will host the inaugural West Indies Fashion Art and Architecture Exchange from Oct. 20-26, bringing Style Week Jamaica together with art and architecture events at venues including the ROK Hotel and Jamaica Conference Centre. Organizers say the event is meant to strengthen Kingston’s waterfront revival, draw visitors, and boost local businesses.

By Jamaica Observer

Retrieved Sep 19, 2026

Biochemistry student wins Miss Jamaica World Eastern Region title

First-year UWI biochemistry student Akaycia Williamson was crowned 2026 Miss Jamaica World Eastern Region, beating 12 other contestants in Kingston. The 21-year-old, who hopes to become a doctor, said she entered to raise awareness about PMOS and use the platform to improve health-care understanding. She and the top two finishers qualified for the national pageant.

By Jamaica Observer

Retrieved Sep 19, 2026

Beenie Man joins forces with Rorey Baker on Brawdah

Beenie Man has teamed up with producer and engineer Rorey Baker for “Brawdah,” a new dancehall single released August 21, 2026, and now streaming on major platforms in original and dancehall-fix versions. The upbeat track, whose title is Jamaican patois for “broader,” pays tribute to well-toned women and has already gained strong support from selectors in Jamaica and overseas.

By Jamaica Observer

Retrieved Sep 19, 2026

CUPS back on The Rock

CUPS returns to Jamaica for its second staging on October 18, bringing its immersive “Château Blanc” breakfast party to BOJ Lawn in Kingston as part of Greatness Weekend 2026. The event will feature food, décor, music and entertainment, while using Jamaican caterers, DJs and other local workers, linking the brand’s New York diaspora audience with Jamaica’s creative sector.

By Jamaica Observer

Retrieved Sep 19, 2026

‘Beg yuh a chance officer,’ man pleads after debit card find

A police stop in St James in July led to the arrest and charge of Kevon Whitehead after officers allegedly found a Sutton Bank debit card in a woman’s name on him. He was unable to explain why he had it and is charged with possession of an access device, a case that raises concerns about possible card misuse or fraud.

By Jamaica Observer

Retrieved Sep 19, 2026

US$45,000 undeclared cash lands man in court

A man identified as Robert Tong has been charged with possession of criminal property after arriving in Jamaica from Miami with US$45,000 he allegedly failed to declare on his customs form. Prosecutors say phone records raised questions about the money’s movement, while his lawyer says it came from a family trust and was meant for property repairs in Jamaica. Tong was granted $700,000 bail and must return to court on October 28.

By Jamaica Observer

Retrieved Sep 19, 2026

$1.6b for long-overdue fixes at three west Kgn high schools

Jamaica’s education ministry will spend $1.6 billion on upgrades for Denham Town High, Kingston High and STATHS in Kingston Western, including a new administrative building, perimeter wall and renewable energy lab. The projects aim to improve safety, facilities and learning conditions at schools that have faced long-standing infrastructure problems, with work set to begin after Cabinet approval.

By Jamaica Observer

Retrieved Sep 19, 2026

‘A profound betrayal’

District constable Shaneek Plummer, 31, was granted $500,000 bail in the St Andrew Parish Court after being charged with simple larceny and possession of criminal property over an alleged $400,000 theft from a colleague at the Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division. The case has raised concerns about trust and accountability within the Jamaica Constabulary Force, with FNID saying it will investigate its own.

By Jamaica Observer

Retrieved Sep 19, 2026

Dated merger plan drives family services shake-up

Jamaica’s youth ministry says the contract non-renewals of Child Protection and Family Services Agency CEO Laurette Adams-Thomas and National Parenting Support Commission head Kaysia Kerr are part of a long-planned merger of the two State family services bodies. The move is tied to wider public sector rationalisation and could reshape how child and parenting services are delivered nationwide.

By Jamaica Observer

Retrieved Sep 19, 2026

‘He never lost his humble touch’

Legal, political and civic leaders gathered at the University Chapel in Mona to farewell attorney and JLP stalwart George Soutar, who died on August 10 at 81 after a long illness. Tributes from Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Minister Olivia Grange highlighted his role in advising and stabilising the JLP, mentoring lawyers, and supporting constituencies and public boards across Jamaica.

By Jamaica Observer

Retrieved Sep 19, 2026

Mancini brings nine newcomers into first squad of his Italy comeback

Italy coach Roberto Mancini has named a 34-man squad, including nine debutants, for his return to the Azzurri bench after replacing Gennaro Gattuso. Italy start four Nations League games in 11 days, facing Belgium, Turkey and France in a run that will test the rebuilt squad ahead of the next qualifying campaign.

By Jamaica Observer

Retrieved Sep 19, 2026

New France boss Zidane confirms Mbappe as captain

Zinedine Zidane has kept Kylian Mbappe as France captain in his first squad since taking over from Didier Deschamps. The new coach included several fresh faces, such as Jeremy Jacquet and Esteban Lepaul, as France begin their Nations League campaign against Turkey and Belgium.

By Jamaica Observer

Retrieved Sep 19, 2026

Japan cricketers hail ‘amazing’ experience playing India at Asian Games

Japan’s women cricketers were knocked out of the Asian Games quarter-finals by India, who chased 58 in five overs after bowling Japan out for 57 in Nagoya. Despite the heavy defeat, players said the home crowd, media attention and chance to face one of the world’s top teams was an important boost for cricket in Japan.

By Jamaica Observer

Retrieved Sep 19, 2026

Pryce claims third at Athlos 26 in London

National 400m record holder Nickisha Pryce was Jamaica’s only podium finisher at Athlos London 26, placing third in 49.39 seconds, while Stacey Ann Williams finished fifth. In the 100m hurdles, Demisha Roswell won in Poland in 12.83 seconds, underlining Jamaica’s strength in women’s sprint hurdles on the European circuit.

By Jamaica Observer

Retrieved Sep 19, 2026

Desert of Malibu faces California Crown in five-furlong showdown

A top-rated $1.4-million Open Allowance sprint at Caymanas Park pits Desert of Malibu against speedster California Crown in a five-furlong contest where early pace will be decisive. Desert of Malibu has the class edge, but California Crown could steal it on the lead, with Another One the likely late challenger; Girvano and Maverick are also expected to win their featured races.

By Jamaica Observer

Retrieved Sep 19, 2026

THINKING AHEAD

Interim Reggae Boyz coach Rudolph Speid has named a 24-man squad for Jamaica’s upcoming Concacaf Nations League games, starting next Friday against Guatemala at the National Stadium. The group includes Leon Bailey, returning striker Javon East and likely debutant Miguel Freckleton, as Speid says selections are also being made with the 2030 World Cup qualifying campaign in mind. Jamaica must finish top two to reach the quarter-finals.

By Jamaica Observer

Retrieved Sep 19, 2026