$8m in 4 days
Montego BAY, St James — St James Municipal Corporation has raked in a little over $8 million in overdue advertising fees over the last few days as an aggressive enforcement drive pays off. “Payments were received over a four-day period, beginning Friday evening and continuing through today,” chairman of the corporation and Mayor of Montego Bay Richard Vernon told the Jamaica Observer on Thursday
Morgan vows SPARK 2 will deliver remaining roads promised under island-wide programme
Works Minister Robert Morgan says the Government will roll out a second phase of the SPARK road rehabilitation programme to complete the 10 roads per constituency pledged in the JLP manifesto, with planning already under way at the NWA.
I-T Rockaz steps out solo with new reggae single 'Thankful'
Spanish Town reggae artiste I-T Rockaz, a core member of Rockaz Elements, has launched a solo career with the release of 'Thankful', a gratitude-driven single inspired by his survival of a serious crash.
Young stars align
Shanoya Douglas, the World Under-20 leader in the women’s 100m and 200m, is set to contest the double at the fifth staging of the Puma East Coast International Showcase inside Hughes Memorial Stadium at Morgan State University in Maryland, United States, on Saturday. The East Coast International Showcase, which is the brainchild of Jamaican Olympian Sanjay Ayre, is expected to feature more than 1,200 elite high school athletes from across the United States and the Caribbean competing in sprints, relays and field events, say organisers
Porsche Cayenneback in black
Porsche Jamaica unveiled the latest flavour of their top-selling SUV, the Cayenne, at an exclusive preview event held on Tuesday, April 28, at AC Hotel Kingston. “The Porsche Cayenne Coupé Black Edition is bold, refined, and unmistakably confident
Barnaby back to best with dominant Legal Light Trophy romp
Three weeks ago, he was chasing shadows. On Sunday, April 26, 2026, Barnaby cast his own
Grange stands firm: Rastafarians enjoy same rights as other faiths under Jamaican law
Culture Minister Olivia Grange has reaffirmed that Rastafarians are fully protected under Jamaica's Charter of Rights, pushing back against the Rastafari Mansions and Organizations, which is demanding a dedicated Rastafari Rights and Justice Act.
Honour Prince Returns to Winning Form with Restricted Stakes Triumph
Bay colt Honour Prince, sidelined for months by injury, captured a Restricted Stakes contest by 2½ lengths on April 25, 2026, lifting his career tally to four wins from seven starts.
Education ministry touts success of PEP 2026 Grade six exam administered after strategic adjustments in response to Hurricane Melissa
The Ministry of Education has reported that the 2026 Grade 6 Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examinations were successfully implemented over the past two days — Wednesday, April 29 and Thursday, April 30. In a media release on Thursday the ministry said the smooth execution of the examinations underscores its commitment to resilience, equity, and student success, even in the aftermath of national disruption
Legacy Isle returns in Reggae Trophy
The $1.75-million Reggae Trophy, a Graded Stakes/Open Allowance for three-year-olds and upward, headlines tomorrow’s 10-race card at Caymanas Park. The 5-furlong (1,000m) dash has drawn six, but the story is the seasonal reappearance of Legacy Isle, the crack American-bred runner who has twice placed in the Mouttet Mile
Attorneys clash in Klansman trial
Tense moments dotted the cross-examination of a deputy superintendent of police (DSP) in the ongoing trial of 25 alleged members of the so-called Tesha Miller-led faction of the Klansman gang after the lead prosecutor locked horns with defence attorney Paul Gentles on Thursday. These came as the lead prosecutor charged that the senior attorney was not only misquoting the evidence of the senior cop but was also making utterances that could prejudice his own client
Odds-on reality: Time to fix the handicap
Last Saturday, the 2026 World Vet Day was celebrated in some style, when the promoting company, Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Limited (SVREL), in tandem with the Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC), formally introduced the cohort of new generation operatives, with their personal introductions and brief citations circulated and conveyed over the company’s closed-circuit television (CCTV) system. No doubt, the legacy of the previous generation’s legendary practitioners with the revered pioneering and globally acclaimed Thomas Lecky (1904-94) and figures like Hall-Of-Fame inductees Clifford Grey and Clifford Bradford, as well as long-serving members of the fraternity, including Aston Marsh, St Aubyn Bartlett, and Sophia Ramlal, is well preserved
No longer a pipe dream
Montego BAY, St James — Plans by the Government to significantly reduce the water woes facing several communities in western Jamaica moved a step closer to reality on Wednesday with the arrival from overseas of potable water pipes and fittings in Freeport, St James. The pipes are to be used for the planned Western Water Resilience Improvement Project-Phase 1 (WWRIP-1)
Sandals Dunn's River Backs 2026 Steer Town Community Football League
Sandals Resorts has signed on as title sponsor of the 2026 Steer Town Community Football League in St Ann, an eight-team competition kicking off in July under the Steer Town Community Organization.
April’s twin titans: Pace vs Power
April 2026 will be remembered as a month when Jamaican racing witnessed two contrasting yet equally brilliant displays of equine excellence. Supernatural Power and Rideallday, both trained by Philip Feanny, delivered performances that showcased the diverse tactical dimensions of modern racing
Jamaica ranks 68 of 180 countries on Environmental Performance Index
Despite Jamaica’s strong performances in areas such as climate change, forestry protection, and the protection of marine key biodiversity areas (KBA), Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change Matthew Samuda is admitting that significantly more work needs to be done to improve the country’s overall ranking on the Environmental Protection Index (EPI). Jamaica was given a 68th-place ranking and a score of 48.5 among 180 countries by Yale University in its 2024 EPI assessment
CPL announces 2026 draft rules as new era begins with seventh franchise
Port OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) — The Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has officially launched the Player Acquisition and Draft rules for the 2026 season, ushering in a fresh three-year contract cycle (2026-2028) that promises to reshape the landscape of Caribbean cricket. The updated framework, announced Tuesday, introduces a seventh franchise, the Jamaica Kingsmen, alongside a series of strategic changes designed to bolster competitive balance and nurture emerging talent
Greyt Magnum completes quick double In JRC Trophy
Greyt Magnum (He’stherealking – Winningitis), after releasing the tag last time out over 6 furlongs (1,200m), completed a quick double when he won the $700,000 Jamaica Racing Commission Trophy at Caymanas Park on Saturday, April 25, 2026. The four-year-old roan gelding came from off the pace to score, going away by 1¼ lengths over 7½ furlongs (1,500m), clocking 1:36.2
Partnership pays off
Savanna-LA-MAR, Westmoreland — In a major boost to the health-care sector in this parish following the devastation of last October’s Hurricane Melissa, the Issa Trust Foundation has donated $17 million worth of medical equipment and supplies to Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital. Handed over during a ceremony at the hospital on Tuesday, the donation marks the renewal of a long-standing partnership between the hospital and the foundation, which is the charitable arm of Couples Resorts
JRC Stewards Hand Down Suspensions, Fines for Whip Use Breaches
Jamaica Racing Commission Stewards have meted out penalties to two jockeys and issued a stern caution to a trainer following inquiries held at the commission's Portmore offices on April 28, 2026.
Sykes urges ECJ to confront voter apathy with a growth mindset
Chief Justice Bryan Sykes has called on the Electoral Commission of Jamaica to look beyond safeguarding fair elections and confront the country's deepening voter apathy, warning that disengagement endangers democracy itself.
Beenie’s Summer Sizzle is back
Dancehall icon Beenie Man is set to reignite the summer with the highly anticipated return of Summer Sizzle, slated for Saturday, August 15, 2026 at the Woodleigh Sports Complex in May Pen, Clarendon. Carrying the bold tagline ‘Back At It Again’, this year’s staging builds on the momentum of the event’s successful resurgence in recent years
Beaches Negril welcomes US radio stations
Negril, Westmoreland — This year’s hosting of US radio stations by the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) and Sandals Resort International (SRI) has taken on even greater significance as the country’s tourism sector faces headwinds from the impact of the war in the Middle East even as it recovers from last October’s Hurricane Melissa. “We’re coming out of a Category 5 hurricane which did dampen and slow what we could do
Knox College, Papine High lift ISSA all-island schools volleyball crowns
Knox College's girls captured a fourth straight ISSA all-island volleyball title while Papine High's boys claimed their first, with both finals decided in straight sets at G C Foster College on Wednesday.
Kibaki Riding Wave of Praise for New Money Single
Grant's Pen-bred dancehall act Kibaki says fans are calling New Money his breakout track, crediting versatility for the song's rising popularity since its April 6 release on Sophia B Records.
Justice Ministry to tour island promoting Alternate Dispute Resolution policy
Justice Minister Delroy Chuck says the ministry will travel across Jamaica from late May to promote its Alternate Dispute Resolution Policy, hoping to reduce major crimes by helping citizens settle conflicts before they escalate.
FIFA chief Infantino confirms Iran playing in US at World Cup
Vancouver, Canada (AFP) — FIFA President Gianni Infantino reiterated that Iran will play their World Cup games in the United States as scheduled on Thursday as he kicked off the global football body’s summit in Vancouver. Iran’s participation at this year’s tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States has been shrouded in uncertainty since the eruption of war in the Middle East in February following strikes by the United States and Israel
Falconn rising!
With his success on an upward trajectory, music producer Alton “Falconn” Bennett is committed to improving his skills and recognition in the local and international music landscapes. Some of his most recent releases include Rumours by 450, Nuclear by Jamarii, and Corner Shop by Kyda
Jamaican influencers call out pressure for immediate ROI from brands
In an industry built on speed and virality, Jamaican influencers are pushing back against the demand for instant return on investment (ROI) from brands, urging businesses to build relationships and have a longer term view of their partnerships. “I think brands give us baskets to carry water,” prominent lifestyle content creator Rushane “RushCam” Campbell said
Black River Safari safely evacuates 45 students after tour boat mechanical fault
Roughly 45 schoolchildren and teachers were lifted off a stalled Black River Safari vessel in St Elizabeth on Wednesday after its engine cut out, with operators using two backup boats to bring everyone ashore dry.