Port under probe

Security forces kept Kingston Freeport Terminal Limited under lockdown for hours Friday while probing a cocaine seizure estimated at about J$1 billion. Police, Customs and other agencies detained several employees, searched vehicles and premises in other parishes, and intercepted another container as the investigation widened.

By Andre Williams

Retrieved about 4 hours ago

Police raid South Korea football federation offices

Police raided the Korea Football Association offices in Seoul and Cheonan as part of a probe into alleged irregularities in Hong Myung-bo’s 2024 appointment as South Korea coach. The case has resurfaced after South Korea’s group-stage exit from the 2026 World Cup, raising fresh questions about how the national team is run.

By Jamaica Gleaner

Retrieved about 4 hours ago

Trinidad stun Jamaica in CAC netball final

Jamaica’s Sunshine Girls lost 56-49 to Trinidad and Tobago in the CAC Games netball final in the Dominican Republic, ending their reign as champions. Jamaica, fielding mostly under-21 players, fought back after a slow start but could not stop Trinidad and Tobago from winning their first-ever CAC Games netball gold.

By Robert Bailey

Retrieved about 4 hours ago

Four Georgians to enter Hall of Fame

St George’s College will induct Frank “Frankie” Lewis, Dr Francis Barnett, Ian Wong and Donovan Chen See into its 2026 Hall of Fame at Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel on November 1, recognising their leadership, service and achievement. The ceremony will also honour the 1984 Triple Crown Champions, the 1996 Sunlight Cup Champions, Eric Barrett and Neville Bell.

By Jamaica Gleaner

Retrieved about 4 hours ago

Galaxy land Lozano on loan

LA Galaxy have signed Mexican forward Hirving “Chucky” Lozano on loan from San Diego FC for the rest of the MLS season, with an option to make the move permanent. The transfer ends a months-long split after a locker-room dispute and gives both struggling Western Conference clubs a high-profile attacking boost.

By Jamaica Gleaner

Retrieved about 4 hours ago

World Cup Qualifiers set to be held in early 2027

The ICC is expected to stage the 2027 ODI World Cup Qualifiers from February 22 to March 23 next year, though the venue is still undecided. West Indies, ranked 10th in ODIs, are likely to need the Qualifiers to reach the 2027 World Cup, with their fate depending on September series results, especially Afghanistan vs Ireland.

By Jamaica Gleaner

Retrieved about 4 hours ago

England recall Lawrence, Carse, Pope, Cook for Pakistan Tests

Dan Lawrence has been recalled to England’s Test team for the first match against Pakistan in Leeds on August 19, while Jacob Bethell is out with a right knee injury. Lawrence is expected to bat at No. 6 as England begin life after Ben Stokes, trying to reverse a poor run of seven defeats in their last nine Tests.

By Jamaica Gleaner

Retrieved about 4 hours ago

New era for US basketball: Clark, Reese, Bueckers set for World Cup debuts

Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers will make their FIBA Women’s World Cup debuts for the United States next month as the Americans chase a fifth straight title in Berlin. The 12-player roster also includes A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart and other Olympic medallists, while Sabrina Ionescu was left off the team.

By Jamaica Gleaner

Retrieved about 4 hours ago

Final attempt brings Jamaica first World U20 Gold

Michael-Andre Edwards won Jamaica’s first gold at the World Under-20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon, taking the men’s triple jump with a personal best and world-leading 17.08m. Jamaica also advanced several athletes to today’s finals, including Shanoya Douglas, Sashana Johnson, Gary Card and Tiana Marshall, keeping medal hopes alive in sprint and relay events.

By Raymond Graham

Retrieved about 4 hours ago

Several port workers arrested as part of major cocaine seizure probe – Police

Several Kingston Container Terminal employees have been taken into custody after police linked them to a suspected drug-smuggling syndicate operating at the facility. The arrests follow a $1 billion cocaine seizure earlier this week and a multi-agency operation involving the police’s Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division, Jamaica Customs and Specialised Operations Branch.

By Jamaica Gleaner

Retrieved about 7 hours ago

NBA player of J’can descent died of heroin, cocaine overdose

Los Angeles officials ruled that Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke’s death was an accident caused by the effects of heroin and cocaine. The 29-year-old dual American-Canadian player, whose father is Jamaican, died May 11 after being found unresponsive in his bedroom.

By Jamaica Observer

Retrieved about 7 hours ago

New species of frog discovered in Costa Rica

Researchers have identified a new tree frog species in Costa Rica’s central Pacific coffee-growing region, a tiny nocturnal amphibian nicknamed the “coffee frog” or “spring frog.” Endemic to Costa Rica, it lives in coffee shrubs and may be vulnerable to pesticides that can contaminate soil and water where its tadpoles develop.

By Jamaica Observer

Retrieved about 7 hours ago

Four St George’s College alumni to be inducted into 2026 Hall of Fame

St George’s College will induct four alumni into its 2026 Hall of Fame on November 1: Frank “Frankie” Lewis, Dr Francis Barnett, Ian Wong and Donovan Chen See, for achievements in management, medicine and manufacturing. The ceremony will also launch a sports recognition segment honouring past champions and athletes, highlighting the school’s long-standing impact on Jamaican education and athletics.

By Jamaica Observer

Retrieved about 8 hours ago

Businessman accused of $1.2 million car-buying fraud granted $300,000 bail

A St Catherine parish court granted businessman Jerome Crichton $300,000 bail after he was charged with non-delivery of service and fraudulent conversion in connection with a reported $1.2 million car deal. Police say a senior Jamaica Constabulary Force officer paid a deposit for a Honda Esquire that was not delivered, prompting an investigation and arrest.

By Jamaica Gleaner

Retrieved about 8 hours ago

Trump again tries to restrict birthright citizenship after Supreme Court ruling

President Donald Trump said he is আবার trying to restrict birthright citizenship through new executive actions, after the Supreme Court rejected his earlier attempt. The orders would narrow automatic citizenship for some children born in the U.S. and tighten visa rules to curb “birth tourism,” a move that could affect long-running U.S. immigration policy and legal debate.

By Jamaica Gleaner

Retrieved about 8 hours ago

JMEA president expects boost in trade ties amid South African deputy minister visit

Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association President Kathryn Silvera said South African Deputy Minister Alvin Botes’ visit could help deepen trade and investment ties between Jamaica and South Africa. She said both countries have shared histories of resilience and now have opportunities to cooperate in manufacturing, agro-processing, renewable energy, logistics and the creative industries.

By Peta-Gaye Hardy

Retrieved about 8 hours ago

Kingston Container Terminal employees arrested as police probe $1 billion cocaine bust

Police and Customs are carrying out a major operation at Kingston Container Terminal after uncovering a suspected cocaine smuggling network linked to the facility. The probe follows a cocaine seizure worth about $1 billion earlier this week, and several terminal employees have been arrested as investigators examine an alleged trafficking syndicate.

By Jamaica Observer

Retrieved about 8 hours ago

JUTC driver in St Catherine accused of stealing fuel freed

A JUTC driver accused of stealing 290 litres of petrol worth $51,000 from a bus in St Catherine was freed in the parish court after the Crown failed to prove its case. Judge Kahon Lamey cited inconsistencies in the evidence, including bus tracking records, while Johnson’s lawyer said his client had maintained his innocence.

By Jamaica Gleaner

Retrieved about 9 hours ago

Beryllium fire survivors return home after US treatment

Two men injured in May’s explosion and fire at a garage beside Beryllium’s South Camp Road compound in Kingston have returned to Jamaica after extensive treatment in the United States. Richard McPherson and Fabian Brown arrived at Norman Manley International Airport and were moved to the University Hospital of the West Indies for continued care, leaving one death linked to the blast.

By Jamaica Gleaner

Retrieved about 9 hours ago

Surviving burn victims from Guardsman fire return home

Two men injured in the May 27 explosion at a garage near Guardsman Group-Beryllium’s South Camp Road headquarters have returned to Jamaica after burn treatment overseas, including Fabian Brown. His wife said recovery will be long and urged corporate Jamaica to support the Burn Foundation of Jamaica, while two other injured men died from their injuries.

By Peta-Gaye Hardy

Retrieved about 9 hours ago

Four Jamaicans advance to 200m semis at World U-20 Championships

All four Jamaicans moved into the 200m semi-finals at the World U20 Championships in Eugene, with Shanoya Douglas and Sashana Johnson both running sub-23 seconds in the women’s heats. Gary Card was briefly disqualified for a lane violation before an appeal restored his qualifying run, while Nathaniel Martin also advanced.

By Peta-Gaye Hardy

Retrieved about 10 hours ago

Update |No confirmation yet on Kari Lake as US ambassador to Jamaica

The U.S. Senate has not yet voted on Kari Lake’s nomination as ambassador to Jamaica, despite an earlier report that mixed it up with another vote. Lake, nominated by President Donald Trump in May and advanced by the Foreign Relations Committee in June, still awaits full Senate confirmation.

By Jamaica Gleaner

Retrieved about 10 hours ago

JCF mourns passing of SSP Paulette Green

The Jamaica Constabulary Force is mourning the death of Senior Superintendent Paulette Green, known as “Pinky Green,” who served in Area 3, covering Manchester, Clarendon and St Elizabeth. Acting Commander ACP Shane McCalla described her as a dedicated officer and valued colleague, noting that funeral details will be announced later.

By Peta-Gaye Hardy

Retrieved about 10 hours ago

Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ ball heads to US auction

Diego Maradona’s 1986 World Cup ball, used in both his “Hand of God” goal and the “Goal of the Century” against England, is expected to fetch about $10 million at a Texas auction this month. The sale highlights one of soccer’s most iconic moments and adds to renewed interest in the historic Argentina-England rivalry.

By Peta-Gaye Hardy

Retrieved about 11 hours ago

The Art of Innovation: Discover Appleton Estate Spanish Sherry Cask

Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum has launched a limited-edition Cask Collection: Spanish Sherry, its first global release aged in Oloroso sherry casks in the brand’s 275-year history. The release blends Jamaican rum with Spanish sherry influence, and is expected to appeal to collectors and premium spirits shoppers seeking a new, limited-time offering.

By Peta-Gaye Hardy

Retrieved about 11 hours ago

ICC calls on Chad, Venezuela to reconsider withdrawals

The International Criminal Court has urged Chad and Venezuela to reconsider their decisions to leave the tribunal, warning that withdrawals from the Rome Statute could weaken global efforts to hold perpetrators of war crimes and crimes against humanity accountable. Both countries said the ICC is biased, echoing criticism from the Trump administration and a wider push by some governments to distance themselves from the court.

By Peta-Gaye Hardy

Retrieved about 11 hours ago

Tiana Marshall leads qualifiers in 100m hurdles at World U-20 Championships

Jamaica’s Tiana Marshall topped the 100m hurdles qualifiers at the World Athletics Under-20 Championships in Eugene, winning her heat in 13.10 seconds and leading all semi-finalists. All four Jamaican sprint hurdlers advanced, with Akeelah Bell moving on on time and Marquis Page and Taj-Oneil Gordon securing automatic spots in the men’s 110m hurdles.

By Jamaica Observer

Retrieved about 12 hours ago

The risks of AI — hallucinations, data privacy, and what should never go into a chatbot

This opinion column warns Jamaican businesses that AI can confidently invent facts and can expose sensitive information if staff use personal accounts or paste confidential data into chat tools. It urges firms to treat AI output as a draft, verify every figure and reference at the source, and adopt a simple written policy on approved tools and never-share information.

By Jamaica Observer

Retrieved about 12 hours ago

Forex: $159.56 to one US dollar

The Jamaican dollar weakened slightly against the US dollar on Friday, with the US dollar ending at $159.56, up nine cents, according to the Bank of Jamaica. The Canadian dollar and British pound also edged higher, closing at $114.24 and $215.51, respectively.

By Brian Pitter

Retrieved about 12 hours ago

Kingston man charged with fatal shooting in KPH parking lot

A 27-year-old Kingston man, Brad Spencer, has been charged with murder and several firearm offences after a shooting in the Kingston Public Hospital parking lot left Portmore vendor Damion Henry dead and another man wounded. Police say Spencer and an accomplice opened fire on the pair around 8:00 am, then fled the scene; a court date is being finalised.

By Brian Pitter

Retrieved about 12 hours ago

Man defrauds senior cop of $1.2M

A St Catherine Parish Court judge granted $300,000 bail to businessman Jerome Crichton, who is accused of taking $1.2 million from a senior Jamaica Constabulary Force officer for a Honda Esquire that was never delivered. The case matters because it involves allegations of fraud in a vehicle sale and leaves a $200,000 balance still outstanding after $1 million was repaid.

By Rasbert Turner

Retrieved about 12 hours ago

Over 400 rounds of ammunition seized in St James during police operations

Police in St James seized a gun and 430 rounds of ammunition during separate operations on Thursday, arresting three people. NSAD officers found 228 rounds in a Toyota Fortuner and 200 more in a Toyota Voxy in Montego Bay, while St James police later recovered a Browning handgun near Barrett Town during curfew enforcement. The seizures highlight ongoing efforts to curb illegal weapons in the parish.

By Jamaica Gleaner

Retrieved about 13 hours ago

Ariel Bowen appointed Jamaica’s ambassador to Japan

Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Kamina Johnson Smith has appointed career diplomat Ariel Bowen as Jamaica’s seventh ambassador to Japan. Bowen, who has more than 30 years in the foreign service and is currently at Jamaica’s New York consulate, will take up the post in Tokyo in a few weeks. Jamaica and Japan have partnered since 1964 on trade, education, culture and development.

By Brian Pitter

Retrieved about 13 hours ago

Jamaican admits role in US$9m scam that targeted elderly Americans

Jamaican national Jordan Trought has pleaded guilty in the United States to helping run a Jamaica-based fraud ring that stole more than US$9 million from elderly Americans over 10 years. Prosecutors say he rose to become a leader in the scheme, and he now faces up to 30 years in prison and must pay more than US$6.1 million in restitution.

By Sashana Small

Retrieved about 13 hours ago

Flow expands 5G mobile network access to prepaid customers

Flow has expanded its 5G mobile network in Jamaica to prepaid customers on 7-day plans and above, giving more users faster speeds, lower latency and better performance for streaming, gaming and calls. The company said customers need a 5G-compatible device and SIM, and is offering free SIM replacements and 5G phones islandwide.

By Brian Pitter

Retrieved about 14 hours ago