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Abeng — Jamaica news

GLEANER

FEAR AND FURY - Tensions boil over in Granville as outraged community demands justice after police killing

Western BUREAU:Tensions flared in Granville, St James, on Monday as angry residents mounted fiery roadblocks to protest the fatal police shooting of 45-year-old Latoya ‘Buju’ Bulgin under controversial circumstances.By the time The Gleaner arrived in the community shortly after 10 a.m., firefighters from the St James Division of the Jamaica Fire Brigade had already extinguished most of the fires. A heavy police presence remained in the area, led by Senior Superintendent Eron Samuels, commander for St James

St. JamesNews
OBSERVER

St Mary contractor found dead in suspected suicide

ST MARY, Jamaica —The St Mary police are investigating the death of a 43-year-old contractor from Comsee, Highgate, in what appears to be a case of suspected suicide. According to police reports, around 10:00am, a relative went to the back of the contractor’s house after noticing a foul odour

St. MaryNews
OBSERVER

Jamaican Dollar Strengthens as US Currency Closes at J$158.38

The US dollar lost ground against the Jamaican dollar on May 20, while the Canadian dollar also eased and the British pound moved higher, Bank of Jamaica figures showed.

KingstonNews
OBSERVER

PayGate Tops One Million Government Online Payments, Marks Says

Ambassador Audrey Marks says PayGate handled more than one million transactions last financial year, as more public bodies use the platform for taxes, customs duties and other government payments.

KingstonNews
OBSERVER

Dane Watson charged with murder after death of American wife Melissa Samnath

St James detectives have charged 31-year-old Dane Watson with murder after his American wife, Melissa Samnath, was taken to Cornwall Regional Hospital with several injuries and later died.

St. JamesNews
OBSERVER

GraceKennedy Foundation’s 36th annual lecture to highlight progress in restoring Kingston Harbour

Kingston, Jamaica — The GraceKennedy Foundation has announced that its 36th Annual Public Lecture, scheduled for Friday, June 5, 2026 in observance of World Environment Day, will focus on the transformative work of the Kingston Harbour Cleanup Project (KHCP). The lecture, titled Kingston Harbour Cleanup Project: From Vision to Reality, will explore how strategic partnerships, innovative technology, and scientific expertise are helping to drive Jamaica’s first large-scale initiative aimed at reducing the solid waste pollution entering Kingston Harbour, one of the Caribbean’s most important natural and economic assets

KingstonNews
CVM

Khadija Shaw Named WSL Player Of The Season After Manchester City Title Run

Khadija "Bunny" Shaw has added the WSL Player of the Season honour to a standout year with Manchester City, after scoring 21 league goals and claiming another Golden Boot.

ManchesterSports
OBSERVER

Man’s head partially severed in Westmoreland

Westmoreland, Jamaica — Crime scene investigators are currently on the scene of a murder in Retreat, Westmoreland, where a man was reportedly killed in his sleep early Wednesday morning. The deceased has been identified by residents as Vinroy Holness, a labourer who is said to be in his 40s

WestmorelandNews
OBSERVER

Jamaica’s economy contracted 5.9% January to March — PIOJ

Kingston, Jamaica — The deleterious effects of Hurricane Melissa continued to weigh heavily on the Jamaican economy, with gross domestic product (GDP) contracting by 5.9 per cent during the first quarter of this calendar year, according to preliminary estimates released by the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) The powerful Category 5 hurricane, which struck the island last October, significantly affected economic performance as it left goods-producing and services industries declining by 11.2 per cent and 4.1 per cent, respectively. The institute shared that the mining sector suffered the largest impact, contracting by 26.6 per cent, followed by agriculture at 20.3 per cent, manufacturing at 7.7 per cent and construction, which fell by 1.3 per cent

KingstonNews
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GLEANER-YT

Dane Watson charged with murder as Gleaner Minute covers police shooting, FLA dispute and bond issue

Dane Watson has been charged with murder in the death of US citizen Melissa Samnath, while the police response to a St. James shooting and a disputed FLA report remain under scrutiny.

St. JamesNews
MCKOYSNEWS

St Mary Hit-and-Run Crash Leaves Pedestrian Dead

St Mary Hit-and-Run Crash Leaves Pedestrian DeadBy Mckoy's News / May 20, 2026 Police in St Mary are searching for the driver involved in a fatal crash that claimed the life of a man along the Heywood Hall main road on Tuesday night. The incident occurred about 9:30 p.m

St. MaryNews
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PBC-YT

BOJ offers $27b in CDs as Jamaican firms report mixed quarterly results

The Bank of Jamaica moved to absorb liquidity through a $27-billion certificate of deposit offer, while Seprod, Caribbean Producers Jamaica and Sterling Investments released contrasting quarterly results.

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JAMAICAINQUIRER

As AIPAC becomes ‘toxic’, it is trying to conceal spending in US elections

For many voters in Illinois, nothing appeared overtly suspicious in the 30-second election ad that aired in mid-March. The video starts with a burst of cheerful music, and a narrator praises congressional candidate Bushra Amiwala as a fighter for “real economic justice” and “the real deal”

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PBC-YT

PATH reforms, education spending and regional trade lead May 20 Jamaica news

Jamaica is moving to speed up PATH benefits, expand early-childhood support and restore a major St. Thomas heritage site, while regional and sports developments also featured in Wednesday's bulletin.

St. ThomasNews
OUR-TODAY

BOJ maintains policy rate at 5.5% amid continuing global uncertainty and growing inflation risks

External view of the Bank of Jamaica along the Kingston waterfront in the downtown business district of the capital. (Photo: Paul Hines for Google.com) During its meetings on 19 and 20 May 2026, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC/“the Committee”) of the Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) noted that the inflation outlook remains highly uncertain amid continued significant increases in key international commodity prices, particularly crude oil, arising from the ensuing conflict and tension in the Middle East

KingstonNews
BOJ

Summary of Decisions – May 2026

Summary of Decisions – May 2026 HomeMonetary Policy DecisionsSummary of Decisions – May 2026 Summary ofMonetary Policy Discussion and DecisionsMay 2026 During its meetings on 19 and 20 May 2026, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC/“the Committee”) of Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) noted that the inflation outlook remains highly uncertain amid continued significant increases in key international commodity prices, particularly crude oil, arising from the ensuing conflict and tension in the Middle East. The Committee assessed that the global situation presented heightened risks to inflation in Jamaica, while also restraining domestic economic activity over the near term

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TVJ-YT

Christina Gonzales links dance, physiotherapy and fitness in wellness approach

Physiotherapist, trainer and dancer Christina Gonzales says her work blends classical dance training, rehabilitation and personal fitness to help clients move with more confidence and strength.

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DANCEHALLMAG

Tarrus Riley Removed From 2026 ‘Best Of The Best’ Miami Lineup After Dispute Over Another South Florida Booking

Tarrus Riley (Photo contributed: Andre ‘DreVinci’ Jones) Tarrus Riley has been removed from the 2026 Best Of The Best Music Fest lineup in Miami after the festival objected to his separate free Fort Lauderdale appearance scheduled days later. Riley’s management issued a statement on Wednesday, May 20, saying the Reggae singer had been “officially contracted and advertised” for the May 24 concert and remained “willing and able to perform as agreed.” “Neither Mr

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OBSERVER

Rose Heights Community Centre selected as St James’ Labour Day Project

ST JAMES, Jamaica —The St James Municipal Corporation has selected the Rose Heights Community Centre as the parish’s 2026 Labour Day Project. Labour Day falls on May 23 each year, but since that date is on a Saturday this year, the holiday is being observed on Monday, May 25

St. JamesNews
JAMAICANS

Wayne Wonder and Spragga Benz Talk Dancehall’s Evolution, Dubplates, the TikTok Era and Why the Genre Deserves Its Own Grammy Category

Ahead of their upcoming Journey to Kingston performance in South Florida, dancehall legends Wayne Wonder and Spragga Benz sat down with Jamaicans.com and Brandy of The Brandy Forum for a conversation that became much more than concert promotion. What started as a discussion about bringing Kingston vibes overseas evolved into a reflection on dancehall’s roots, the changing music industry, the importance of cultural preservation, and why both artists believe the genre has earned greater recognition on the global stage

KingstonNews
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TVJ-YT

10-year-old Xavi Quairy builds crochet brand from self-taught craft

Xavi Quairy began learning crochet from online tutorials at age six and now runs Xavi Crochet Designs with support from her mother, Tanya Evans.

News
JSE Bond Indices as at May 20,2026
JAMSTOCKEX

JSE Bond Indices as at May 20,2026

Indices Value Change % Change Caribbean Investment Grade Index 104.32 -0.14 -0.13% Caribbean Stock Index 1,028.29 2.49 0.24% Jamaica Global Bond Index 107.65 0.08 0.08% JSE Money Market Index+ 127.90 0.02 0.02% Wednesday, May 20, 2026 NOMINAL NOMINAL MID CLOSING CLOSING PURCHASED SOLD LEVEL BID ASK Bermuda 3.375% 2050 USD 68.0330 67.6060 68.4600 Trinidad & Tobago 4.50% 2026 USD 101.3190 101.2500 101.3890 Trinidad & Tobago 5.875% 2027 USD 101.1580 100.9020 101.4130 Trinidad & Tobago 4.50% 2030 USD 98.2740 97.9870 98.5620 National Gas Co. 6.050% 2036 USD 94.8730 94.7330 95.0120 GOJ 6.75% 2028 USD 103.0790 102.9200 103.2380 GOJ 8.5% 2036 USD 119.5640 118.5230 120.6050 GOJ 8 % 2039 USD 118.7500 118.3950 119.1050 GOJ 7.875% 2045 USD 119.6720 119.3900 119.9540 *The Caribbean Stock Index tracks the price performance of the local companies listed on the Barbados Stock Exchange (BSE), Trinidad & Tobago Stock Exchange (TTSE) and Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) +The JSE Money Market Index tracks the price performance of all outstanding 3-month and 6-month T-Bills issued by the Bank of Jamaica SECURITIES MATURITY CURRENCY

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OBSERVER

DR Congo Ebola risk high regionally, low worldwide, says WHO

Geneva, Switzerland (AFP) — The risk from a deadly Ebola outbreak in central Africa remains high, but remains low globally, the World Health Organization said Wednesday, adding that the virus had likely been spreading for months. The outbreak of the highly contagious haemorrhagic fever was declared in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo last Friday

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TVJ-YT

Manchester school leaders urge stronger mental health support for young children

Educators and health officials in Manchester are calling for more support for children as young as three who are showing behavioural and emotional signs that affect learning.

ManchesterNews
OBSERVER

Juliet Holness attends ParlAmericas parliamentary meetings in Ottawa

House Speaker Juliet Holness is representing Jamaica at ParlAmericas meetings in Canada focused on trade, innovation, security, open parliament, youth engagement and democratic governance.

KingstonNews
BOJ

B-FXITT Standard Sell Operation Announcement – 21 May 2026

B-FXITT Standard Sell Operation Announcement – 21 May 2026 HomeNoticesB-FXITTB-FXITT Standard Sell Operation Announcement – 21 May 2026 B-FXITT STANDARD Sale Operation Number: BOJ/FX-S/20260521/042 BANK OF JAMAICA TO: ALL B-FXITT PARTICIPANTS RE: B-FXITT – STANDARD INTERVENTION TOOL -SALE OPERATION The Bank is receiving applications for the sale of US Dollars via the JamClear® Central Securities Depository [JamClear®-CSD] between the hours of 8:45am to 9:45am on 21 May 2026 as follows: Operation Date:Thursday, 21 May 2026Settlement Date:Friday, 22 May 2026Offer Amount:USD 30 000 000.00Pricing Format:Competitive Auction for the full amount The conditions for participation in the operation are as follows: Bids will be accepted up to 9:45am. Bank of Jamaica is restricting the price at which B-FXITT Participants resell the intervention funds to a maximum spread of J$0.20 on the buy price

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MCKOYSNEWS

Jamaican Fugitive Wanted for Murder in St Lucia Sentenced in United States

Jamaican Fugitive Wanted for Murder in St Lucia Sentenced in United StatesBy Mckoy's News / May 20, 2026 A Jamaican man who reportedly escaped custody twice while facing a murder charge in St Lucia has been sentenced to prison in the United States on federal firearms charges. He has been identified as 33-year-old Orville Andrew Pernell of St Mary

St. MaryNews
OBSERVER

Uruguayan energy expert to share insights at Maurice Facey Lecture

Kingston, Jamaica — Internationally acclaimed energy transition expert Dr Ramón Méndez Galain, widely recognised for leading Uruguay’s groundbreaking transformation into one of the world’s foremost renewable energy economies, will feature at the sixth installment of the Maurice Facey Lecture on June 10, 2026. This year’s lecture is being held under the theme, “Breaking the Grid: Charting Jamaica’s Path to Renewable Energy”

KingstonNews
JAMAICAINQUIRER

Chris Rabb win in Pennsylvania energises Democrat’s progressive flank

The victory of Chris Rabb in a US House of Representatives primary in Pennsylvania represents a boost to Democrats’ progressive flank, a movement that has come under heavy pressure in recent years. Running to represent a district stretching across Philadelphia, widely considered the “bluest” in the country, Rabb handily defeated his top competitors

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TVJ-YT

Kevin Gordon urges businesses to embed cybersecurity in digital transformation

Kevin Gordon says cybersecurity should sit at the centre of digital transformation, helping organisations protect systems while maintaining reliable service and customer confidence.

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TVJ-YT

Stephen Price urges digital investment as network traffic rises after hurricane

Stephen Price says Jamaican businesses should use the post-hurricane period to strengthen digital systems, with network traffic reportedly up more than 40 per cent and customer habits shifting online.

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TVJ-YT

Jason Russell Highlights Liberty Growth Prospects In Montego Bay

Jason Russell says Liberty is encouraged by the business possibilities emerging from its Montego Bay launch, pointing to partnership opportunities and room for growth in Jamaica after Melissa.

St. JamesNews
MCKOYSNEWS

Westmoreland Man Beheaded While Sleeping at Home

Westmoreland Man Beheaded While Sleeping at HomeBy Mckoy's News / May 20, 2026 Westmoreland, Jamaica: Westmoreland Man Beheaded – Police are investigating the brutal killing of a man during an early morning attack at his home in Retreat, Westmoreland, on Wednesday. The deceased has been identified by residents as Vinroy Holmes, a labourer believed to be in his 40s

WestmorelandNews
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REALNEWS-YT

Clansman Trial Evidence And FLA Report Dispute Dominate Jamaica News Update

Prosecutors sought to strengthen identification evidence in a Clansman gang trial, while Opposition MPs walked out of Gordon House amid anger over the delayed tabling of an Integrity Commission report on the FLA.

St. CatherineNews
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PBC-YT

Jamaica headlines: PATH reform, CARICOM-China trade and Premier League VAR update

Jamaica’s May 20 news agenda includes proposed changes to the PATH welfare programme, a business market report, growing CARICOM-China trade and a football officiating update.

News
BSE Trading Report Package May 20, 2026
JAMSTOCKEX

BSE Trading Report Package May 20, 2026

Bse Trading Report Package May 20, 2026 May 20, 2026 1:10 pm BSE Trading Report May 20, 2026 BSE Share Summary May 20, 2026 JSE Updates MAYBERRY INVESTMENTS LIMITED (MIL) – ANNOUNCES OVER-SUBSCRIPTION AND EARLY CLOSURE OF ITS MIL PUBLIC BOND OFFERING Easier Access to the JCSD Portal for You! Cultivating Emotionally Intelligent Leaders for Resilient and Thriving Workplaces – Livingstone Morrison, Group CEO, JSE Quantas Advantage Inc – Main Market Prospectus (Revised) (2) A Transformative Milestone for Jamaica’s Financial Sector: Trading GOJ Securities on the JSE Unlocks the Domestic Yield Curve Mayberry Investments Limited Bond Prospectus – April 2026

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MCKOYSNEWS

Garvey Maceo High Students Injured in Bustamante Highway Crash

Garvey Maceo High Students Injured in Bustamante Highway CrashBy Mckoy's News / May 20, 2026 Several Garvey Maceo High students were injured in a crash involving a coaster bus along the Bustamante Highway in Clarendon on Wednesday morning. The incident reportedly occurred around 8:00 a.m

ClarendonNews
OUR-TODAY

WHO worried about Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo

File PHOTO: The World Health Organization (WHO) headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, January 28, 2025. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse/File Photo The World Health Organisation director-general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, openly worried Tuesday over the “scale and speed” of an outbreak of a rare type of Ebola in eastern Congo, where authorities reported a sharp increase in suspected deaths—to at least 134—and more than 500 suspected The virus spread undetected for weeks after the first known death as authorities tested for a more common type of Ebola and came up negative, health experts and aid workers said

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CVMNEWS-YT

Garvey Maceo students hurt in Clarendon bus crash as national concerns dominate midday news

Garvey Maceo High students were taken for treatment after a Coaster bus crash in Clarendon, while CVM’s midday newscast also covered labour, flooding, justice and child mental health concerns.

St. JamesNews
OUR-TODAY

Woman charged for allegedly stealing millions from her job

Black woman in handcuffs A 52-year-old woman who worked as an assistant manager at a St Andrew business establishment has been charged by the police for allegedly stealing $3.5 million from her job and failing to pay back the money. Charged with larceny as a servant and obtaining credit by fraud is Mischel Howard of Stony Hill, St Andrew

St. AndrewNews
OUR-TODAY

Sygnus Credit Investments makes US$2 million investment in Puerto Rican subsidiary, AFL

Record March quarter results led by AFL’s stellar performance Durrant Pate/Contributor Sygnus Credit Investments (SCI) has made a further US$2-million investment in its Puerto Rican subsidiary, Acrecent Financial LLC (AFL), increasing its ownership stake from 95.58% to 95.90%. The investment was made prior to the end of the March 2026 third quarter

Business
PIOJ

Speaking Notes: Review of Economic Performance, January–March 2026

1 The Planning Ins titute of Jamaica’s Review of Economic Performance, January – March 202 6 Media Brief , May 2 0 , 202 6 1. Overview – Current Economic Context Be fore I provide the details on economic performance, let me remind you of the purpose of these quarterly economic estimates provided by the PIOJ

KingstonNews
KABOOMMAG

Former Premier League Footballer Impressed by Atmosphere at JPL Semifinals

Former Premier League Footballer Impressed by Atmosphere at JPL SemifinalsAkeeile Harris5 minutes ago2 min readEx-Middlesbrough captain George Boateng praises the passion, energy, and entertainment at Kingston’s National Stadium while highlighting the importance of creating pathways for young Jamaican players to succeed locally and overseasFormer professional footballer, George Boateng, watches as the semifinals of the Wray & Nephew Jamaica Premier LeagueFormer Dutch international footballer George Boateng was among the spectators at the National Stadium in Kingston on Sunday as the Wray & Nephew Jamaica Premier League semifinals got underway. Boateng, who currently manages Belgian outfit Mons and attended as a guest of Mount Pleasant Academy, was one of the notable figures taking in the action.The 50-year-old enjoyed a distinguished playing career, representing clubs such as Coventry City F.C., Aston Villa F.C., Middlesbrough F.C., Hull City A.F.C

KingstonNews
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PBC-YT

House economy committee puts flexible work, oil prices and productivity first on agenda

Parliament’s Economy and Production Committee agreed to begin its work with flexible work arrangements amid concern over geopolitical instability, fuel prices and productivity.

St. JamesNews
MCKOYSNEWS

JTA Workers Protest Over Outstanding Payments Amid Ongoing Wage Dispute

Jta Workers Protest Over Outstanding Payments Amid Ongoing Wage DisputeBy Mckoy's News / May 20, 2026 The Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) is facing growing pressure from its employees as workers represented by the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union (BITU) staged a protest over alleged unpaid salary-related benefits and stalled negotiations. The demonstration unfolded on Monday outside the JTA’s Church Street headquarters in downtown Kingston, where workers dressed in black and carried placards to voice frustration over issues they say have remained unresolved for nearly a decade

KingstonNews
BOJ

30-day CD Auction Results – 20 May 2026

30-day CD Auction Results – 20 May 2026 HomeNoticesCertificate of Deposit - JMD30-day CD Auction Results – 20 May 2026 Results for Bank of Jamaica Fixed Rate Certificate of DepositBOJ 5.75% FR 30D – CD 20260522 Applications were opened on Wednesday, 20 May 2026 by Bank of Jamaica for the allocation of JMD 27,000,000,000.00 of BOJ 5.75% FR 30D-CD 20260522 through a competitive price auction. The issue date for the successful allotments is Friday, 22 May 2026

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MCKOYSNEWS

Cassava Piece Police Shooting Under INDECOM Investigation After Man Killed

Cassava Piece Police Shooting Under INDECOM Investigation After Man KilledBy Mckoy's News / May 20, 2026 St Andrew, Jamaica: Cassava Piece Police Shooting Under Investigation – A fatal shooting is now under investigation following an early morning operation in the St Andrew community that left one man dead. The deceased has been identified by the police as Orlando Salmon, otherwise known as ‘Bomma’

St. AndrewNews
OUR-TODAY

Ezequiel Bardas – New man on the scene at PBS Latin America

Ezequiel Bardas, PBS Latin America Solutions-oriented, customer-focused technology group, PBS has appointed visionary leader, Ezequiel Bardas as Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Latin America, who is also responsible for the Caribbean operations, including Jamaica. PBS Group is the largest technology company in the Caribbean and Central America, operating across 22 markets and is owned by the Jamaican parent company, Musson Group

Business