Jamaica News

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

Anger in Cooper’s Pen

Residents of Cooper’s Pen, Trelawny, whose homes were demolished on August 11, say they will not move to a temporary site in Salt Marsh until promised relocation grants are paid. The standoff highlights uncertainty over where displaced families will live next, even as the Government says land is being prepared for serviced lots and infrastructure.

By Jamaica Observer

Retrieved Sep 19, 2026

Residents dispute police’s shootout claim in Westmoreland man’s death

Residents of Seaford Town, Westmoreland, are accusing police of killing 35-year-old businessman and farmer Jordon Perry Smith during a pre-dawn operation on Friday, while police sources say he opened fire first and was shot in return. Family members reject that account, saying Smith was not armed or criminal, and they have also criticized INDECOM’s handling of the scene.

By Adrian Frater

Retrieved Sep 19, 2026

Antigua to resume talks with US on TCN deal

Antigua and Barbuda will soon resume talks with the United States on potentially receiving a limited number of third-country nationals removed from the US, Ambassador Sir Ronald Sanders said. The government says any arrangement must follow parliamentary safeguards, including case-by-case approval, while protecting sovereignty, security, finances and legal obligations; no agreement or transfers have been approved yet.

By Jamaica Gleaner

Retrieved Sep 19, 2026

PM warns Russia is planning strikes on NATO territory

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned that Russia may launch drone or missile strikes on NATO countries supporting Ukraine, then claim they were accidents to weaken any response. He said Moscow is intensifying attacks on Ukraine’s border crossings and major cities, and he will travel to Kyiv to discuss drone defenses and tougher sanctions.

By Jamaica Gleaner

Retrieved Sep 19, 2026

Shaw continues goalscoring run in Man City’s 4-2 win

Khadija “Bunny” Shaw scored for the third straight match as Manchester City beat Liverpool 4-2 in a dramatic Women’s Super League clash, staying unbeaten and top of the table. Shaw equalised before late goals from a Liverpool own goal and Lauren Hemp sealed City’s win in Manchester.

By Jamaica Gleaner

Retrieved Sep 19, 2026

Trump to meet acting Venezuelan president in New York

President Donald Trump will meet Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, in New York next week during the UN General Assembly, their first encounter since a US raid captured Nicolás Maduro and put her in charge. The talks follow a recent US-Venezuela oil agreement and could shape future ties over Venezuela’s vast energy reserves.

By Jamaica Gleaner

Retrieved Sep 19, 2026

Sept 30 deadline to get on year-end voters’ list

Eligible Jamaicans and resident Commonwealth citizens have until September 30 to register for the November 30, 2026 voters’ list, the Electoral Commission of Jamaica says. Applicants 18 and older can register free at any Electoral Office of Jamaica constituency office, where staff will take photos and fingerprints before verifying addresses at home.

By Jamaica Gleaner

Retrieved Sep 19, 2026

NHT STANDOFF

An emergency meeting with the Ministry of Labour is set for Monday after a second day of industrial action at the National Housing Trust, where lower-level staff called in sick amid a pay dispute. The union says management has not provided salary data needed to assess a three-year wage offer, while accusing the NHT of bad-faith bargaining and unequal treatment of workers.

By Kimone Francis

Retrieved Sep 19, 2026

Ocho Rios, Porus lead goal rush

Ocho Rios High and Porus High opened the ISSA Ben Francis KO with convincing wins at Drax Hall, as Ocho Rios thrashed Little London High 9-0 and Porus beat Ferncourt 5-2 to advance. Keneil Phillpotts scored a hat trick for Porus, while Allyja Blythe and Dario James led Ocho Rios with four and three goals, respectively.

By Ashley Anguin

Retrieved Sep 19, 2026

Denham Town close in on round two

Denham Town High boosted its chances of reaching the ISSA Manning Cup second round with a 4-1 win over Donald Quarrie High, led by a hat trick from Almario Grant. Nicholas Smith said the team is growing in confidence after its third straight victory, while Camperdown High also beat Jonathan Grant High 3-0.

By Robert Bailey

Retrieved Sep 19, 2026

Infantino’s opponents at FIFA call for US$10m payments to federations

UEFA and Concacaf leaders have urged FIFA president Gianni Infantino to give each member federation an extra US$10 million from FIFA’s cash reserves after the World Cup, framing it as a response to his failed plan to sell tournament stakes to private investors. The move intensifies pressure before next March’s FIFA election, where Infantino’s support is now under challenge.

By Jamaica Gleaner

Retrieved Sep 19, 2026

Tufton invites Seprod CEO for talks after sugar tax concerns force temporary layoffs

Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton has invited Seprod CEO Richard Pandohie to discuss the company’s decision to temporarily lay off 141 workers, partly linked to the sugar tax. Seprod says weak sales, tight economic conditions and rising inventory forced the three-week layoff, which begins Monday. Tufton suggested reformulating drinks with less sugar to support sales and healthier choices.

By Jamaica Gleaner

Retrieved Sep 19, 2026

International manufacturer LANCO plans new facility in St Catherine

LANCO is moving ahead with plans to build a paint and adhesives manufacturing plant in St Catherine, a project expected to create jobs and expand Jamaica’s industrial capacity. State minister Delano Seiveright said MIIC, JAMPRO and other agencies will help fast-track approvals and incentives, including possible benefits under the Productive Inputs Relief programme.

By Jamaica Observer

Retrieved Sep 19, 2026

Jamaica undertakes external evaluation of public health preparedness

Jamaica has launched a voluntary International Health Regulations evaluation to assess how well it can prevent, detect and respond to public health threats, according to Chief Medical Officer Dr Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie. She said the review is especially important for Jamaica as a travel hub and small island state, and could help strengthen vaccination, health systems and regional health security.

By Jason Cross

Retrieved Sep 19, 2026

US makes deal to bolster military presence in Greenland while leaving island under Denmark control

President Donald Trump says the United States has reached a deal with Denmark to expand its military presence in Greenland while leaving the Arctic territory under Danish sovereignty. The agreement, still needing approval from Denmark and Greenland, would restrict rival powers such as China and Russia and aims to ease a dispute that strained NATO ties.

By Jamaica Gleaner

Retrieved Sep 19, 2026

Dead whale washes ashore in Trelawny, causes major traffic buildup

A dead whale washed ashore at Salt Marsh, Trelawny, on Friday, drawing crowds and causing heavy traffic for miles along the St James-Trelawny roadway. Eyewitnesses said they saw a shark near the carcass and police were on the scene, but authorities had not yet identified the species or said what caused the death.

By Jamaica Gleaner

Retrieved Sep 19, 2026

DPP seeks more time to decide whether to proceed against Collymore, co-accused in plot to kill ex-girlfriend

Director of Public Prosecutions Claudette Thompson has asked for more time to review whether the Crown has enough evidence to continue prosecuting Omar Collymore and three co-accused for plotting to kill his ex-girlfriend. The case, already delayed in the Home Circuit Court, was adjourned to November 17, with the prosecution still facing witness and file-review issues.

By Jamaica Gleaner

Retrieved Sep 19, 2026

Former policeman remanded on murder charge over 2022 Gregory Park shooting

Former policeman Charles Wray Williams was remanded in the St Catherine Parish Court after being charged with the murder of 18-year-old Tyrone McDonald, who was shot during a police operation in Gregory Park in September 2022 and died days later. Williams, who had returned to Jamaica from the United States, is due back in court on October 27 as the judge seeks a social inquiry report and his criminal record.

By Jamaica Gleaner

Retrieved Sep 19, 2026

Kingston businessman granted $400,000 bail in ammunition trafficking case

Kingston businessman Michael Williams was granted $400,000 bail in the Gun Court Division after being charged with conspiracy to traffic prohibited weapons over about 450 rounds of ammunition found in a barrel at Kingston Wharves. His lawyer disputed the Crown’s case, saying Williams was neither sender nor recipient, and the judge ordered him to report to police, surrender travel documents and remain on a stop order.

By Jamaica Gleaner

Retrieved Sep 19, 2026

Plas Moon embraces reggae with new single ‘Obsession’

Multi-genre vocalist Plas Moon is set to release her first full reggae single, **“Obsession,”** produced by Terry Vibes and inspired by living in Jamaica. Blending reggae, R&B and lovers’ rock, the song marks her deeper move into Jamaican music as she builds on the international success of her album *More Love More Life*.

By Jason Cross

Retrieved Sep 19, 2026