Power in unity

Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama used a joint sitting of Jamaica’s Parliament to call for Africa and the Caribbean to unite in pushing reforms at the UN and international financial institutions. He said stronger Caricom-AU cooperation on climate change, trade, public health and financing would give developing countries more influence and better economic prospects.

By Paul A Reid

Retrieved 39 minutes ago

CREDIT CARD BALANCES HIT RECORD $94B

Commercial banks’ credit card balances in Jamaica have surged to a record $94 billion, more than doubling since 2017, with 435,883 cards in circulation by end-2025, BOJ data show. Economist Janiel McEwan says banks must tighten affordability checks and curb aggressive lending as high interest rates, inflation and stagnant wages are pushing more households toward debt distress.

By Paul A Reid

Retrieved about 1 hour ago

Appeal court orders FTC to revisit Supreme Ventures probe

The Court of Appeal has sent the Fair Trading Commission back to reconsider its investigation into Supreme Ventures Limited and its gaming subsidiary, ruling they were not fairly given a chance to answer allegations of anti-competitive conduct. The decision does not say whether SVL broke competition law, but it may affect the FTC’s related Supreme Court case and the future of Jamaica’s lottery market.

By Paul A Reid

Retrieved about 1 hour ago

Paramount pursues international lubricant deal

Paramount Trading is negotiating with a major international lubricant marketer to make its brands in Jamaica for local and export sales, a move that could push the company deeper into contract manufacturing. CEO Hugh Graham said the company cut some lubricant output to preserve capacity, while lubricant revenue fell 43.1% to $60.6 million in the year ended May 31, 2026.

By Paul A Reid

Retrieved about 1 hour ago

Annual salary increases no longer automatic for some, says JEF

Jamaica Employers’ Federation President Wayne Chen says annual salary increases are becoming less automatic as employers tie pay more closely to productivity, performance and what businesses can afford. The shift matters as workers face higher food, fuel and school costs, while unions warn wages must still keep pace with inflation and be negotiated sustainably.

By Paul A Reid

Retrieved about 1 hour ago

ON THE ROPES

Jomel Warrican took 6-112 to help bowl Pakistan out for 387, but Sajid Khan and Ali Usman hit back in the final session as West Indies slumped to 103 for six at Queen’s Park Oval. Pakistan lead by 60 runs heading into day four and are close to winning the second Test.

By Paul A Reid

Retrieved about 2 hours ago

Daydreams shows up white-hot before YUSH nostalgia

Dream Wknd at the Montego Bay Convention Centre offered two contrasting experiences on Saturday, with the all-white Daydreams event drawing thousands for a lively Dexta Daps performance. Later, YUSH brought a school-uniform retro theme with sets from Tifa and Elephant Man, highlighting the festival’s mix of premium entertainment and dancehall nostalgia.

By Paul A Reid

Retrieved about 2 hours ago

UHWI at fault

The Supreme Court has ordered UHWI to pay millions in damages after finding it breached its duty of care to a 16-year-old Campion College student who died in 2018 after being admitted with a severe headache. Justice Anne-Marie Nembhard said the hospital failed to properly rule out meningitis and to respond to her rapid deterioration, awarding more than $9 million plus interest and US$8,000 for expert costs.

By Paul A Reid

Retrieved about 2 hours ago

Antigua government urges US to review visa restrictions

Antigua and Barbuda is pressing the US to review visa restrictions and the new visa bond programme affecting its citizens, which can require B1/B2 applicants to post bonds of US$5,000 to US$20,000. Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Ambassador Sir Ronald Sanders say the government has taken steps to address US concerns and wants an early reassessment of the measures.

By Paul A Reid

Retrieved about 3 hours ago

Global human development report team looks to Jamaica for climate crisis insights following Melissa

Insights from Jamaica’s experience with Hurricane Melissa will help shape the UNDP’s 2026 Human Development Report after a consultation with The University of the West Indies. The report will examine how climate shocks are deepening vulnerability in small island states and introduce a new Nature-Relationship Index to measure how people and nature interact in development.

By Paul A Reid

Retrieved about 3 hours ago

Cuba says electric grid reconnected after nationwide blackout

Cuba restored its national power grid Tuesday after a 36-hour islandwide blackout, but the outage deepened anger in a country already facing six nationwide failures this year and chronic daily cuts. Residents protested in Havana as officials blamed the US blockade for fuel and equipment shortages, while Washington says poor government management is the real cause.

By Paul A Reid

Retrieved about 3 hours ago

CLA says no ganja shortage after Hurricane Melissa

Emergency harvesting and field-management steps taken by the Cannabis Licensing Authority before Hurricane Melissa helped prevent a shortage of ganja in Jamaica’s formal market, despite damage in key growing areas such as Trelawny and Westmoreland. CEO Farrah Blake said licensed cultivators cut losses by harvesting early, while the CLA focused on technical guidance to improve disaster preparedness and resilience.

By Paul A Reid

Retrieved about 3 hours ago

‘At the border of damage and mess’

Priory Primary School in St Ann is still repairing hurricane damage nearly a year after Hurricane Melissa destroyed classrooms, windows and part of its roof, while using tents and help from parents and the education ministry to keep more than 600 students learning. Marcus Garvey Technical High School also suffered major damage and had to shift students between campuses, showing how the storm set back schooling and exam preparation in the parish.

By Paul A Reid

Retrieved about 3 hours ago

Squad support

Atlanta-based Cariblanta Sports and Culture Club has pledged support to Manning’s School’s daCosta Cup football team in Westmoreland, combining equipment, funding and a free charity tournament to help the programme recover after Hurricane Melissa. The group also donated to Llandilo School of Special Education, underscoring regional efforts to support youth sports and damaged schools.

By Paul A Reid

Retrieved about 3 hours ago

Gruesome!

Police in St Elizabeth say a 41-year-old man confessed to killing his partner, 50-year-old Nicole Brown, after an argument and dumping her body in the Black River. Her body was found Tuesday after a search involving police, the military and residents, renewing concern about domestic violence in the parish, which has driven most of its murders this year.

By Paul A Reid

Retrieved about 3 hours ago

CPL launches Hall of Fame to honour its icons

The Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League will launch a new Hall of Fame to honour one player and one off-field contributor each year for shaping the tournament since 2013. The first gala will be held in Barbados on September 15, with proceeds supporting the Sir Clive Lloyd Healthcare Foundation’s prostate cancer awareness and early detection work across the Caribbean.

By Jamaica Gleaner

Retrieved about 3 hours ago

Reparations movement at defining moment, says Ghanaian leader

Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama told a UWI reparations dialogue that the global push for reparatory justice has reached “a defining moment” and urged Africa and the Caribbean to work together to address the lasting damage of slavery and colonialism. UWI’s Sir Hilary Beckles said Jamaica’s slave trade amounted to genocide, reinforcing calls for action from Britain and Europe.

By Corey Robinson

Retrieved about 3 hours ago

BACK TO AFRICA

Ghanaian President John Mahama has proposed legislation to create a pathway to citizenship for people of African descent, reviving long-standing calls for repatriation to Africa. Jamaican historian Verene Shepherd and Rastafari advocate Ras Iyah V praised the move as a major step toward reparatory justice and the right of return for descendants of enslaved Africans in the Caribbean.

By Edmond Campbell

Retrieved about 3 hours ago

Pakistan tighten grip against West Indies

Pakistan’s Abdullah Shafique scored an unbeaten 160 and Babar Azam made 88, but West Indies fought back on a turning pitch to leave the hosts 103-6 at stumps in the second Test in Port of Spain, still 60 runs behind. Jomel Warrican took 6-112, while Sajid Khan’s late burst put Pakistan close to a series-clinching win.

By Jamaica Gleaner

Retrieved about 3 hours ago

Fresh alarm over suicides

Four suspected suicides were reported in Jamaica in less than 24 hours, including cases in Clarendon, St Catherine, Westmoreland and Kingston, intensifying concern about mental health and suicide across the island. The deaths included a police constable, two young men and a 34-year-old woman, with investigations ongoing. The reports come amid a rise in similar cases and follow 67 suicides recorded in 2024.

By Andre Williams

Retrieved about 3 hours ago

JN Bank highlights support for farmers, businesses at Denbigh

JN Bank says it is expanding financing for Jamaica’s farmers and agribusinesses as they recover from Hurricane Melissa and other setbacks, using the Denbigh Agricultural, Industrial and Food Show in Clarendon to promote support through loans and training. Its offerings include up to $40 million under AgriMax, up to $50 million through the M5 Business Recovery Programme, and smaller agriculture loans for micro and small operators.

By Jamaica Gleaner

Retrieved about 3 hours ago

Young Reggae Boyz a game away from World Cup

Jamaica’s Under-20 team faces Canada again in today’s Concacaf quarterfinal, with a place at the 2027 FIFA Under-20 World Cup at stake. The young Reggae Boyz are unbeaten but needed late goals in all three group matches, including a stoppage-time penalty against Canada, and will rely on counterattacks and attackers like Jahmarie Nolan and Brandon Bent.

By Livingston Scott

Retrieved about 3 hours ago

World U20 Champs sprinters get into action today

Forty-two Jamaicans are among a record 1,800 athletes at the World Under-20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon, with 100m defending champions Shanoya Douglas and Gary Card leading the opening-day challenge. Jamaica is aiming to better its five-medal haul from Lima two years ago, as nine athletes compete today in sprints, relays and field events.

By Raymond Graham

Retrieved about 3 hours ago

Mixed relay gold, gymnastics bronze for Jamaica at CAC Games

Jamaica won gold in the mixed 4x100m relay at the CAC Games in Santo Domingo after the Dominican Republic was disqualified, while Puerto Rico was promoted to bronze. Jamaica also earned a bronze through Jahzara Swaby in women’s artistic gymnastics, but missed medals in several track events, including the men’s 400m hurdles and women’s 400m.

By Gregory Bryce

Retrieved about 3 hours ago

Portmore lose Caribbean Cup opener

Portmore United opened their CONCACAF Caribbean Cup 2026 campaign with a 2-1 loss to Salcedo of the Dominican Republic after going behind to first-half goals from Daniel Jamesley and Anyelo Gomez. Javier Brown pulled one back early in the second half, but Portmore could not convert several late chances, and they next face Cavalier on September 3.

By Livingston Scott

Retrieved about 3 hours ago

Immigration advocates concerned over ICE court ruling

A federal judge in New York blocked the state’s ban on masked ICE agents, allowing federal immigration officers to continue wearing masks and hiding their identities. Immigration advocates say this puts Caribbean and other immigrants at greater risk, while Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James are still defending New York’s limits on 287(g) agreements with ICE.

By Paul A Reid

Retrieved about 3 hours ago

Laparoscopic surgeries return to Annotto Bay Hospital

Laparoscopic surgeries have resumed at Annotto Bay Hospital in St Mary after a multi-year break, allowing patients to get gallbladder, appendix and hernia operations locally with smaller incisions and faster recovery. Surgeon Dr Andre White said the restart will reduce trips to Kingston and long waits, while restoring the hospital’s role as a training centre.

By Paul A Reid

Retrieved about 3 hours ago

Rubio expects Venezuela’s transition to take months, not years

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Venezuela’s political transition should take months, not years, after Nicolás Maduro’s fall, with talks between interim leader Delcy Rodríguez’s delegates and the opposition set for this week in Caracas. Rubio said the process should move through economic stabilisation, political stabilisation and then elections, warning that the change will be difficult but urging patience.

By Paul A Reid

Retrieved about 3 hours ago

Guyana gov’t ends MV Barima search and recovery exercise

Guyana has ended search and recovery operations after the MV Barima ferry sank on July 18, killing 73 people and leaving more than 30 missing and presumed dead. The government is reviewing its emergency response as opposition parties demand a full investigation and accountability, while murder charges against the captain and two others have drawn criticism.

By Paul A Reid

Retrieved about 6 hours ago

Anticipation builds for start of World Under-20

Jamaica opens the 2026 World Athletics Under-20 Championships in Eugene with high hopes, led by sprint leaders Shanoya Douglas and Gary Card, who top the women’s and men’s 100m rankings. Douglas and Card headline a strong Jamaican team that also includes shot put, 800m and relay contenders, with the mixed 4x400m relay offering a chance at a first medal.

By Jamaica Observer

Retrieved about 7 hours ago

Paramount CEO says politics fueling Warner Bros

Paramount CEO David Ellison said the fight over his proposed $110 billion takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery is being driven by politics, not antitrust concerns, as a federal judge set a March 2027 trial date. The deal, which would put CNN under Paramount Skydance, has been challenged by 12 Democratic-led states and could reshape US media if approved.

By Paul A Reid

Retrieved about 7 hours ago

Guatemala on alert and evacuates hundreds of villagers after volcano erupts

Guatemala evacuated 659 people from eight villages near Fuego volcano after an eruption sent ash, gas and lava down its slopes, with more communities expected to move to shelters. Authorities closed a nearby highway and suspended classes, as officials warned ash could spread and recalled the deadly 2018 eruption that devastated nearby towns.

By Jamaica Gleaner

Retrieved about 7 hours ago

CPFSA shocked at ‘negligent’ firearm handling that lead to shooting of one-year-old child

A one-year-old girl was shot in St Elizabeth after her three-year-old sibling allegedly got hold of their police constable father’s service firearm. The CPFSA said it is relieved the child survived, has assigned a first responder to support the family, and used the case to urge all firearm owners to secure weapons away from children.

By Jamaica Observer

Retrieved about 7 hours ago

Update | Body of missing St Elizabeth woman found in river

The body of 50-year-old farmer Nicole Brown of Barton Wharf, St Elizabeth, was found in a river this afternoon after she was reported missing since August 2. Police believe she was killed by a former partner, who was later taken into custody after being rescued from an angry mob, as the parish mourns another suspected domestic violence killing.

By Jamaica Gleaner

Retrieved about 8 hours ago

3-y-o boy shoots 1-y-o sister with cop-father’s gun in St Elizabeth; CPFSA expresses shock

A three-year-old boy in St Elizabeth reportedly shot his one-year-old sister with their police constable father’s service weapon, leaving the child hospitalised. The Child Protection and Family Services Agency says the incident is a reminder to secure firearms away from children and has assigned a first responder to support and investigate the family’s welfare.

By Jamaica Gleaner

Retrieved about 8 hours ago