FBI's most wanted caught in Jamaica
Jamaican alleged fraudster arrested, returned to US
A woman who appeared on the FBI's "Most Wanted Fraudsters" list has been arrested in Jamaica and returned to the United States to face federal charges over her alleged role in a US$32 million COVID-19 relief fraud scheme continues on B2 – Most Wanted
TPS expires; thousands of Haitian nationals face uncertainty
Thousands of Haitians in South Florida are facing uncertainty as Temporary Protected Status (TPS) expired Monday (July 27), affecting hundreds of thousands of Haitian nationals across the United States
The U S Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said Haiti’s TPS designation and related benefits were originally scheduled to terminate on February 3, 2026, after the Department of Homeland Security determined that Haiti no longer met the conditions for the designation
However, a court order temporarily blocked the termination, allowing certain
Jamaica appoint Oliver Mair as n consul general in New York
protections and work permits to remain valid until July 27, 2026
USCIS said employment authorization documents (EADs) issued under Haiti’s TPS designation with previous expiration dates — including those set for February 3, 2026, August 3, 2025, August 3, 2024, June 30, 2024, February 3, 2023, and earlier dates — remain extended under the court order
The agency instructed employers completing Form I-9 employment verification to use “ as per court order” in the expiration date field in Section 1 and enter July 27, 2026, in Section 2, with a note in the additional
information box
The expiration has drawn concern in South Florida, where large Haitian communities are affected
Palm Beach County is home to one of the largest Haitian populations in the country, with an estimated 68,400 Haitian residents, ranking third statewide and nationally behind Broward County, which has approximately 86,100 Haitian residents, and Miami-Dade County, with about 78,800
Across the United States, an estimated 350,000 Haitians have relied on TPS, a program that provides temporary protection
South Florida man jailed for Haiti assassination funding scheme Understanding the causes, warning signs and prevention of lung cancer
from deportation and work authorization for nationals of countries experiencing armed conflict, natural disasters, or other extraordinary conditions
Haitian TPS holders and advocates have argued that ongoing instability, gang violence, political turmoil, and humanitarian challenges in Haiti continue to make the country unsafe for large-scale returns
The latest USCIS guidance said the extension of work authorization remains subject to further court action and advised TPS beneficiaries and employers to monitor USCIS updates for any changes
Beenie Man to headlin Jamaica Independence celebration in Lauderhill
to valuable resources
Barbados’ only living Na onal Hero, The Right Excellent Robyn Rihanna Fenty, was among those who gathered at Kensington Oval on
Sobers
NEWSMAKER
Jamaica appoints Oliver Mair as next consul general to New York
Jamaica has appointed Roderick “Oliver” Mair as its next consul general in New York, succeeding the late Alsion Roach Wilson and taking charge of the country’s largest overseas consular jurisdiction
The announcement was made by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, who said Mair’s more than seven years of leadership as consul general in Miami had prepared him to lead the New York Consulate General, which serves Jamaica’s largest overseas population across 33 U S states
“New York is home to one of the largest and most vibrant Jamaican communities in the world As consul general in Miami, Oliver Mair has demonstrated an exceptional ability to build relationships, inspire confidence and mobilise support for Jamaica,” Johnson Smith said
“His record of service in Southern Florida reflects a commitment to our nationals, meaningful engagement with the diaspora and practical partnerships that have delivered real benefits for both Jamaicans at home and abroad I am therefore confident that he will bring the same energy, innovation and dedication to our Consulate General in New York,” she added
Mair will also hold concurrent accreditation to Bermuda and Puerto Rico in his new role
He assumes the position after serving more than seven years as consul general in Miami, where he oversaw a 13-state jurisdiction and led initiatives focused on diaspora engagement, trade and investment promotion, health and education partnerships, and improvements to consular services
During his tenure, Mair also served as dean of the South Florida Caribbean Consular Corps since 2022 and deputy dean of the South Florida Consular Corps since 2025
Before entering diplomacy, Mair built a diverse career spanning business, tourism, marketing, real estate, and the arts
A graduate of Campion College, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Management Studies and English Literature from The University of the West Indies and later c o m p l e t e d a M a s t e r o f B u s i n e
Administration at Nova Southeastern University He also completed the General Management Programme at Harvard Business School and received an honorary Doctor of Ministry degree from the University of Fort Lauderdale
Mair previously served as sales and marketing manager at Jamaica Broilers and worked as regional marketing manager at Air Jamaica He also worked in real estate with Coldwell Banker Jamaica Limited, gaining
“His record of service in Southern Florida reflects a commitment to our nationals, meaningful engagement with the diaspora and practical partnerships that have delivered real benefits for both Jamaicans at home and abroad. I am therefore confident that he will bring the same energy, innovation and dedication to our Consulate General in New York.” – Johnson-Smith.
experience in business development, marketing, and client relations before entering public service
Beyond business and diplomacy, Mair has maintained strong ties to Jamaica’s cultural and community sectors He has been involved in Jamaican theatre and received an Actor Boy Award for his work in the performing arts He also served as vice-president of the Jamaica Table Tennis Association and has participated in social initiatives, including Jamaica’s End Violence programme at Tower Street Correctional Facility
Among his signature initiatives as consul general in Miami was the creation of the annual Jamaica Hi-5 Reggae Run/Walk, which has grown into one of South Florida’s flagship Jamaican diaspora events. The initiative promotes healthy lifestyles while raising funds for Jamaica’s healthcare sector through the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ Adopt-aClinic Programme
The event has helped make Jamaica’s southern region the programme’s largest contributor, supporting the adoption of 17 rural health facilities, including six funded directly through proceeds from the annual run
Following Hurricane Melissa, Mair also coordinated relief efforts through the Consulate General in Miami, working alongside diaspora organisations, humanitarian partners, and community volunteers to support recovery efforts in Jamaica
As consul general in New York, Mair will be responsible for strengthening Jamaica’s engagement with one of its most influential diaspora communities, while promoting investment, cultural ties, and support for national development initiatives
He succeeds the late Alsion Roach Wilson, who died in late 2025, and is expected to assume office in the coming weeks
Captain, crew charged with murder over deadly Guyana ferry sinking
The captain of the illfated MV Barima and two other officials appeared in court on Tuesday facing 72 murder charges in connection with the July 18 ferry disaster that left at least 73 people dead and more than 30 others missing and feared dead
Police charged 40-year-old captain Kevin Price, 42-year-old chief mate Rondell Dwayne Roberts, and 33-year-old Delon Granderson, the loading superintendent at the Transport and Harbours Department, with a total of 72 counts of murder
The men appeared before Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court,
where the charges were read to them They were not required to enter pleas and were remanded to prison until August 3, 2026
Price, captain of the 87-year-old vessel, broke down in tears during the court appearance, saying he did
not understand why he was facing murder charges and insisting that there were known issues with the ferry “I don’t deserve this, Father God Father God, you answer my prayers this morning, answer my
prayers, Father God I don’t deserve this, please,” Price said
He claimed that several problems with the vessel had been known since 2022, including the lack of radar and a search-andrescue transponder
“Everybody know that’s an 87year-old vessel The vessel got a lot of issues The vessel don’t have a radar. The vessel don’t have a search-and-rescue transponder,” he said
Attorney Dexter Todd, who represents the accused men, said the defence team would seek early disclosure of evidence in the case
“We know so far that the disclosure is that 72 bodies were recovered and so they were charged for all 72 of those deaths,” Todd told reporters “We listened to the prosecution narrate the facts in relation to why they were charged and who has what responsibility
and that the boat was overloaded ” Todd questioned the allegation that the vessel was overloaded, pointing to comments by the minister responsible for transport and harbours that the ferry was not overloaded
“We had the minister who is responsible for transport and harbours come out on public television and say that the boat was not overloaded, and that was so pronounced,” he said
The attorney also questioned how investigators would establish the vessel’s load capacity and actual weight, arguing that the issue would require evidence beyond the loading manifest
Todd further criticized the speed of the investigation, saying it was unlikely that a matter of such complexity could have been fully
continues on A5 – Charged
Jamaica nance minister pushes back on reports naming BOJ gov. front-runner
Jamaica’s Minister of Finance and the Public Service Fayval Williams says the committee tasked with finding the next governor of the Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) has not yet submitted a shortlist of candidates to Cabinet, pushing back against reports that Senior Deputy Governor Dr Wayne Robinson is the leading contender for the post In a statement issued Sunday, Williams said Cabinet had not been informed of any front-runner and cautioned that public speculation and the naming of potential candidates could compromise the integrity of the selection process
She said applications for the position were received and reviewed exclusively by the search committee, which has not yet presented its shortlist to Cabinet
“The committee has not yet tendered its shortlist,” Williams said, noting that the process remains ongoing
The minister did not indicate whether Robinson had applied for the position, been interviewed, or was among the candidates under consideration Her statement focused on the status of the formal selection process and the fact that no recommendation had been submitted to Cabinet
The comments followed a report in the Sunday Finance which, citing a senior government source, said Robinson was considered the leading candidate to succeed outgoing BOJ Governor Richard Byles
The report noted that no final decision had been made and that it was unclear whether Cabinet had received any recommendation from the committee
Efforts to reach Williams for comment before the report’s publication were unsuccessful, with calls to her cellphone unanswered Further attempts to contact the minister after the release of her statement were also unsuccessful
Williams said the current process mirrors the approach used seven years ago to select Byles, with candidates interviewed before the committee presents its findings
The committee was appointed in April and is responsible for identifying a shortlist of qualified candidates Cabinet will then review the names and determine the individual to be recommended to the governor general for appointment under the Bank of Jamaica Act
CARIBBEAN NEWS
Rowley calls for end to T&T state of emergency, accuses government of abuse
Former Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley on Tuesday called on the government to immediately end the country’s state of emergency (SoE), while rejecting Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s accusation that critics of her administration’s anti-crime measures are attempting to inflame racial tensions
Rowley, in a statement posted on Facebook, accused the government of acting with “spite,” “vindictiveness,” and incompetence during the month-long state of emergency, which was declared as authorities intensified efforts to combat crime
“Surprise! Surprise! The Prime Minister thought that bigotry and racist remarks were reserved only for her use, ” Rowley wrote “When she called me an Oreo in the service of the one per cent, what did she think that was, her birthright?”
Rowley was referring to comments previously made by Persad-Bissessar in which she described him as an “Oreo” — a term often used as an insult suggesting a person is disconnected from their racial or cultural identity
He said the government’s actions had been exposed following a legal setback at the Privy Council involving the detention of prominent businessman Dominic Hadeed and his wife, Genevieve Hadeed, who were held for nearly a month over allegations of involvement in a conspiracy to assassinate PersadBissessar and senior members of her administration
“It took an embarrassing collapse at the Privy Council to slow them down, even as they pushed back against the reasoning of our Court of Appeal,” Rowley said
Earlier this week, Persad-Bissessar accused critics of her government’s crimefighting campaign of spreading misinformation and attempting to create divisions between Trinidad and Tobago’s two main ethnic groups
In a statement posted on social media, she alleged that individuals who had benefited from criminal activity were “spreading false narratives to stoke hatred between the two major ethnic groups ” while attacking the country’s protective services and the United States for supporting Trinidad and Tobago’s
crime-fighting efforts
She also accused social media trolls, “ race grifters,” commentators, and some members of the mainstream media of participating in those attacks
“Since the increase in American support to our protective services began last year, we have witnessed a heightened unease and furor among those who have built their wealth and social status by upholding illegality and criminality,” Persad-Bissessar said
The prime minister said members of the Police Service, Defence Force, Strategic Services Agency (SSA), and Prison Service had remained committed to their duties despite criticism from what she described as criminal interests and their supporters
She also vowed that her administration would continue working with international partners to dismantle the country’s “local drug mafia ”
“For too long, this country has accepted a tiered justice system in which different rules, conditions and treatment apply to persons and groups in society based on income levels, ethnicity, where they live and who they fund,” Persad-Bissessar said “Time has come to an end No one ’ s wealth or social status will put them above the law ”
Rowley, however, accused the government of using the state of emergency to abuse state
power and target citizens for political purposes
“Now that the population has been made aware of the recklessness of this administration, which is hiding under a state of emergency in order to abuse the machinery of the state as they try to settle personal and political scores against citizens, one would expect that a
Jamaica Child advocacy group renews call for public sex offenders registry after Trelawny girl's killing
A child advocacy organization is renewing calls for Jamaica's sex offenders registry to be made public following the rape and murder of 10-year-old Shani Coke in Trelawny last week
The Fi We Children Foundation said the tragedy highlights the urgent need to strengthen Jamaica's child protection system through legislative and policy reform
The man accused of killing the child, Delroy Coke, was later killed by angry residents in an apparent act of vigilante justice Reports indicate he had a history of sexual offences and had recently been released from prison
In a statement, the foundation argued that making the sex offenders registry publicly accessible would allow parents, guardians, schools, childcare institutions and communities to identify convicted sex offenders living in their neighbourhoods and take steps to better protect children
The organisation is also calling for a comprehensive review of the Child Care and Protection Act, saying stronger legal safeguards are needed to protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation
It further urged the government to strengthen prevention and early intervention measures to identify children at risk, while increasing investment in child protection services, including investiga-
tions, victim support and community-based prevention programmes
"While Jamaica has enacted important child protection laws and policies, implementation remains a persistent challenge," the foundation said, adding that intervention too often comes only after a child has suffered irreparable harm
While condemning the child's killing, the organisation also denounced the mob slaying of the accused, stressing that accountability must be pursued through the rule of law to ensure justice is served and
the integrity of criminal investigations is preserved
The foundation also appealed to media organisations to carefully consider the ethical implications of publishing photographs of child victims, urging news outlets to report in ways that preserve the dignity of children and avoid causing additional trauma to grieving families
Jamaica's sex offenders registry is currently maintained by the Department of Correctional Services and is not open to the general public Access is limited to specified groups, including the police, professional counsellors of offenders, prospective employers and employees, and certain relatives of offenders
In May 2025, Prime Minister Andrew Holness said the government would review aspects of the registry with a view to prioritising public safety over offender confidentiality
Calls for the registry to be made public have persisted for years, with supporters arguing that the current level of confidentiality offers greater protection to offenders than to potential victims
Meanwhile, Children's Advocate Diahann Gordon Harrison described Shani's murder as a painful reminder of the danger posed by sexual predators
government so exposed and disgraced will humble itself,” he said
He also criticized Persad-Bissessar’s comments that the alleged assassination plot investigation had expanded to include foreign agencies
The prime minister previously told the Trinidad Guardian that the investigation had widened beyond its original scope and involved multiple jurisdictions, foreign intelligence agencies, new individuals, financial institutions, and businesses
“I would not have any specific details on the ongoing local and foreign investigations,”
Persad-Bissessar said “I am advised that multiple foreign intelligence and investigative agencies are involved and that new persons, financial institutions and businesses have been identified in the expanding investigation ”
Rowley questioned why the government had not brought charges if it had evidence of criminal activity
“For one whole month they have been on the attack without evidence and could not lay a charge or defend their position of jailing people without charge,” he said
“Is it that a foreign country will intervene to save this government from the people, or is it that this government is feeding lies and entreaties to outsiders inviting them to act against our citizens?”
Rowley called on the government to end the state of emergency, which is scheduled to expire in September, and urged PersadBissessar to remove Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander and Attorney General John Jeremie
He also criticized the government’s claims about increased U S support for Trinidad and Tobago’s crime-fighting efforts, describing the statement as “downright foolishness” and accusing the administration of compromising national sovereignty
“The statement that the US government is now helping TT in the fight against crime is downright foolishness They have been doing so for decades,” Rowley said
He also criticized government spending on legal fees related to the ongoing matters, accusing officials of misleading taxpayers
Charged with murder
fromA1
investigated within the short period before charges were filed
“The complexity of this matter, you could not have completed an investigation in this matter in such a short time,” he said
He argued that the police had already reached conclusions that should have been addressed through the planned Commission of Inquiry into the disaster
“The police have now done what the Commission of Inquiry is supposed to do and they have already come to a definitive conclusion on this matter,” Todd said
The attorney said the defence intends to make preliminary legal arguments after receiving disclosure on August 3, describing the charges as unfair and unjust
Todd also suggested that the charges could prevent Price from giving evidence before the Commission of Inquiry, which is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the ferry tragedy
“The primary person who will have to talk is the captain of the vessel, who would have to appear before the COI Now this man is in prison and that is what they hope to do, to drag him from prison in bangles and shackles before a COI,” he said
The MV Barima sank on July 18 in one of Guyana’s deadliest maritime disasters in recent history Rescue and recovery operations continued following the tragedy, with dozens of passengers still missing and feared dead
Rowley
Coke
Haiti education official kidnapped as police boost security amid election preparations
Haitian police are searching for a senior Education Ministry official who was kidnapped over the weekend as authorities continue efforts to combat escalating gang violence while preparing for the country's first elections in a decade
Police said Ecclésiaste Thélémaque, chief of staff to the minister of national education, was abducted on Friday while returning home Authorities said the kidnappers had not made any ransom demand as of the weekend
In a separate incident on Saturday, businessman Clifford Handal and his father escaped an apparent kidnapping attempt in the Delmas 33 area near Peace Hospital
According to police, an armored vehicle carrying the two men came under repeated gunfire from a group of heavily armed assailants, thwarting the attempted abduction
The incidents come as criminal gangs continue to control large sections of the capital, Port-au-Prince, prompting the Haitian National Police (PNH) to implement additional security measures across the country
As part of those efforts, the Nippes Departmental Directorate announced the deployment of 30 newly graduated police officers from the PNH's 36th graduating class
The officers have been assigned to police stations requiring additional personnel
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé has reaffirmed his government's
commitment to creating the security, institutional and logistical conditions needed to hold Haiti's first elections since 2016
Speaking during a high-level strategic session on implementing the country's electoral decree, Fils-Aimé said the government would provide the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) with the resources needed to carry out its constitutional mandate
The meeting, held under the theme "The Involvement of the Public Administration in the Application of the Electoral Decree," brought together government ministers, senior public officials, CEP President Jacques Desrosiers, representatives of the national security forces, and international partners supporting Haiti's democratic process
Also attending was Carlos Ruiz Massieu, the United Nations secretary-general's special representative for Haiti, who reiterated the UN's support for the country's efforts to organize elections
The Haitian government said the initiative reflects its determination to coordinate the
work of state institutions in support of the CEP and establish the conditions necessary for free, credible, and transparent elections
In his address, Fils-Aimé stressed that while the CEP has constitutional responsibility for organizing elections, the process requires the commitment of all state institutions
"We understand that organizing elections, although entrusted to the CEP, represents a mission of national importance that demands the firm, coordinated, and responsible commitment of the entire state," he said
"Democracy is not built in isolation; it is the collective work of a people and its institutions, united around a common ambition: to rebuild national trust and guarantee the sovereign expression of the Haitian people "
The prime minister urged all stakeholders to approach the electoral process with responsibility, dedication, and patriotism to pave the way for free, transparent, inclusive, and credible elections capable of ushering in a new chapter for the country
Haiti sets December 2026 date for first round of presidential elections
Haiti’s Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) has released the country’s official 2026-2027
electoral calendar, setting December 13, 2026, as the date for the first round of presidential and legislative elections, along with a constitutional referendum
The calendar, welcomed by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Eminent Persons Group (EPG), outlines key steps leading up to the vote, including voter registration, candidate registration, campaigning, polling and the announcement of results
According to the CEP schedule, voter registration will run from July 20 to October 13, 2026, while political parties and coalitions must register between July 13 and August 14
Candidate registration is scheduled for
August 20 to October 2, followed by the official electoral campaign period for the first round of presidential and legislative elections from October 5 to December 12
The first round of voting is set for December 13, 2026 Preliminary results for the presidential and legislative elections are expected on December 19, with final results scheduled for January 9, 2027, after the conclusion of the dispute process
A second round of presidential, legislative and local elections is scheduled for February 21, 2027, with preliminary results expected the following day and final results to be published in March
The CEP said the electoral timetable will depend on the existence of an "acceptable
security environment" and the availability of financial resources required to carry out the process
The CARICOM Eminent Persons Group said the publication of the calendar represents a critical step toward restoring constitutional order in Haiti
"The availability of the calendar will no doubt give a boost to the critical ongoing preparatory stages of the electoral process," the group said, noting that the announcement will support the registration of political parties, platforms, coalitions and voters
The EPG urged the CEP to continue working closely with all stakeholders and encouraged Haitians to participate in the electoral process to ensure free and credible
elections
The group also highlighted security as a major factor in the success of the elections, calling on countries contributing personnel to the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) to deploy their forces as soon as possible to strengthen international security assistance before the first round of voting
Haiti has been without an elected president since July 2021, when President Jovenel Moïse was assassinated The country has not held full national elections since Moïse was elected in 2016
The planned elections are intended to restore an elected government after years of political instability, escalating gang violence and institutional challenges
Thélémaque
OPINION
Emancipation isn’t over
August 1 is commemorated as
Emancipation Day in the Caribbean
The region achieved legal emancipation from slavery, but many scholars, historians, and Caribbean leaders have argued that economic, social, and political emancipation have been much slower and remain incomplete
After slavery was abolished in the British Caribbean on August 1, 1834 (followed by full emancipation after the apprenticeship system ended in 1838), many formerly enslaved people faced enormous obstacles
They were freed without land, wealth, or compensation, while slave owners often received financial compensation Plantation economies remained largely intact, limiting opportunities for economic independence
Access to quality education, healthcare, and political power developed slowly and unevenly Social hierarchies based on race, class, and wealth often persisted
As a result, many Caribbean societies continue to struggle with:
• High levels of income inequality;
• Persistent poverty in some communities; Limited social mobility;
Class divisions that sometimes overlap with historical racial and colonial patterns
It is also true that the Caribbean has made significant progress since emancipation Many nations have gained political independence and produced world-class educators, scientists, entertainers, athletes, and political leaders They have expanded education and voting rights, strengthened cultural identities, and reduced extreme poverty compared with earlier generations, although significant challenges remain
Despite these achievements, some continue to argue that a significant percentage of Caribbean people are still enslaved by poverty, classism, and, more recently, politics However, it would be inaccurate to say that most Caribbean people have not experienced any form of emancipation beyond the abolition of slavery
Rather, political freedom has not always
been matched by equal economic opportunity or freedom from entrenched class divisions
Many people therefore speak of the continuing need for “economic emancipation” and “mental emancipation ” The latter phrase echoes the words of Jamaican National Hero Marcus Garvey: “Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery,” a sentiment later made famous worldwide by Bob Marley’s “Redemption Song ”
The idea is that true emancipation includes freedom from poverty, injustice, discrimination, ignorance, and dependence, as well as freedom from legal bondage
Emancipation Day serves not only as a celebration of the end of slavery but also as a reminder that the work of building societies marked by justice, opportunity, and dignity for all is ongoing
There is a reasonable point behind the argument that people in the Caribbean today can become enslaved by, and to, politics, political parties, and politicians, and therefore need to be emancipated However, this is not an objective fact
In democratic societies such as the British Caribbean countries, people are not legally enslaved by political parties or politicians in the way enslaved people were deprived of their liberty, rights, and personhood in the nineteenth century Using the word “enslavement” literally risks minimizing the unique horror of chattel slavery
However, if the term is used metaphorically, there is a legitimate concern that some people become so attached to political parties or leaders that they place party loyalty above truth or principle and, dangerously, accept misinformation without questioning it
Unfortunately, some also view those with different political views as enemies rather than fellow citizens, creating almost tribal divisions in many countries
Another concerning reality is that some people depend on politicians to solve every problem instead of strengthening communities and taking personal responsibility
In that sense, one could argue that a form of political emancipation is needed — meaning
the freedom to think critically, evaluate evidence, hold all leaders accountable, and vote according to conscience rather than blind allegiance
This, however, is not unique to one political party or one country Strong partisan polarization has become increasingly common in many democracies, including several Caribbean nations
The strongest version of the “political slavery” argument is that many people in the Caribbean today need emancipation from blind political tribalism, manipulation, and excessive dependence on political leaders — not because they are literally enslaved, but because these influences can limit independent judgment and divide societies
There are also those who argue that the continued commemoration of the emancipation of slavery on August 1 in many Caribbean nations is unnecessary, irrelevant, and outdated because the current generation does not truly relate to the impact of the era of slavery
This is an unfortunate and inaccurate argument
The ravages of slavery are a legacy that continue to haunt the Caribbean Despite several calls for accountability, Britain — the colonial power that introduced and maintained slavery throughout much of the Caribbean — has never issued a full apology for this historical injustice, nor has it made any serious effort to provide reparations to the region
Perhaps more than anything else, the commemoration of Emancipation Day is, or should be, a reminder to Caribbean people to use their individual and collective power to ensure they are not bound to any person, group, or system — whether through poverty, social divisions, skin colour, race, or political control
Every man and every woman in the Caribbean must make the effort to liberate their minds so they are not enslaved mentally
HEALTH
World Lung Cancer Day
Understanding the causes, warning signs and prevention of lung cancer
World Lung Cancer Day, observed on Aug. 1, raises awareness about the world’s leading cause of cancer deaths and highlights the importance of prevention, early detection and treatment
Lung cancer develops when abnormal cells in the lungs grow uncontrollably, forming tumors that can interfere with the body’s ability to breathe and spread to other parts of the body Although smoking remains the biggest risk factor, health experts emphasize that anyone with lungs can develop lung cancer
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), lung cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide and caused about 1 8 million deaths in 2022 The disease accounts for a significant share of cancer-related deaths because it is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, when treatment options may be more limited
What causes lung cancer?
The leading cause of lung cancer is tobacco use Cigarette smoke contains thousands of chemicals, many of which are known carcinogens that can damage lung cells over time The WHO estimates that tobacco use is responsible for approximately 85% of lung cancer cases globally
Secondhand smoke exposure also increases risk People who do not smoke but regularly breathe in smoke from others can develop lung cancer because they are exposed to many of the same harmful substances
Other risk factors include exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace or
environment. These include asbestos, arsenic, chromium, nickel and certain industrial chemicals Long-term exposure to air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter, has also been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer
Family history may also play a role People with a close relative who has had lung cancer may have a higher risk, although lifestyle and environmental factors often contribute significantly
Signs and symptoms
Early lung cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms, which is one reason it can be difficult to detect As the disease progresses, symptoms may include:
• A persistent cough that does not go away or gets worse
• Coughing up blood
• Chest pain that worsens with breathing, coughing or laughing
• Shortness of breath
• Unexplained weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Hoarseness
• Feeling unusually tired
• Frequent respiratory infections, such as bronchitis or pneumonia
Health professionals advise people with persistent or concerning symptoms to seek medical attention rather than waiting for them to resolve on their own
Prevention and screening
The most effective way to reduce lung cancer risk is avoiding tobacco use Quitting smoking at any age can lower the risk of developing lung cancer and other serious diseases
Reducing exposure to secondhand smoke, testing homes for radon, following workplace safety guidelines and limiting exposure to air pollution can also help reduce risk
For people at high risk, screening can help detect lung cancer earlier The U S Preventive Services Task Force recommends annual lowdose computed tomography (CT) scans for adults ages 50 to 80 who have a significant smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years
Treatment advances offer hope
Treatment for lung cancer depends on the type of cancer, how advanced it is and the person ’ s overall health Options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy,
targeted therapies and immunotherapy
In recent years, advances in precision medicine have allowed doctors to identify specific genetic changes in some lung cancers and provide treatments designed to target those changes
World Lung Cancer Day serves as a reminder that prevention, early diagnosis and continued research are essential to reducing the global impact of the disease
This is a sample ballot for your convenience. It includes all contests that will appear on theAugust 18, 2026 Election ballot.
There are 21 early voting sites in Broward County You may vote in person or drop off your Vote-by-Mail ballot at any of Broward’s 21 Early Voting sites betweenAugust 8, 2026 throughAugust 16, 2026.You may also drop off your ballot at the Supervisor of Elections Headquarters or any branch offices. Please visit BrowardVotes.gov for a complete list of locations and operating hours.
Esta es una boleta de ejemplo para su conveniencia. Incluye todas las contiendas que aparecerán en la boleta de la Elección del 18 de agosto de 2026.
Hay 21 centros de votación anticipada en el Condado de Broward. Usted puede votar en persona o entregar su boleta de Voto por Correo en cualquiera de los 21 centros de votación anticipada del Condado de Broward entre el 8 y el 16 de agosto de 2026.También puede entregar su boleta en la Sede Principal de la Oficina del Supervisor de Elecciones o en cualquiera de nuestras oficinas sucursales.
COMMUNITY & THE DIASPORA
Jamaican flight attendant detained by ICE in Tennessee
A Jamaican flight attendant employed by Southwest Airlines has reportedly been detained by U S Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents while on duty in Nashville, Tennessee.
The employee has been identified as Lorenzo Thompson, who was detained on July 14 after returning to his home base at Nashville International Airport following a scheduled work route
According to Fox News, the U S Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said Thompson entered the United States legally on April 17, 2021, on a visa that expired on Oct 16, 2021 DHS alleges that he overstayed his visa and did not leave the country
Thompson is reportedly seeking U S citizenship and will remain in ICE
custody while his immigration proceedings continue A GoFundMe campaign has since been launched to help cover his legal expenses The campaign describes
Thompson as a Jamaican national who entered the United States legally and has been working toward citizenship
"Lorenzo came to the United States legally from Jamaica in 2021, seeking safety from life-threatening abuse," the fundraiser stated "Since arriving, he has worked tirelessly to build a stable life, following every legal step toward citizenship "
The campaign also stated that Thompson has no criminal record and has a pending asylum case
“Despite his documented status and commitment to doing things the right way, Lorenzo was unexpectedly detained by ICE on July 14th after returning back to base from a work trip," it said
The circumstances surrounding Thompson’s detention, including where he is being held and the expected timeline of his immigration proceedings, remain unclear
Broward schools expand enrichment courses, add librarians and increase AP class access
Broward County Public Schools is expanding access to enrichment courses at all elementary schools and adding more opportunities for students to take advanced high school classes as part of new initiatives announced Tuesday
For the first time in years, all 128 elementary schools in the district will offer at least three enrichment courses, ensuring students across schools in both affluent and economically disadvantaged communities have access to the same range of “specials” classes
“I’m pleased to say that mission was accepted and that mission was accomplished,” Superintendent Dr Howard Hepburn said during Tuesday’s Broward County School Board meeting, receiving applause from board members and attendees
The district said every elementary student will now have access to at least three specials courses, including music, art, physical education, and media
“Specials like music, art, PE, media, those are the classes that really get kids excited about school,” School Board Chair Sarah Leonardi said
Broward County Public Schools is investing about $800,000 to expand enrichment offerings at 14 schools that previously provided only two of the courses
Levine Cava
The initiative was championed by School Board member Allen Zeman, who said the previous system created inequities because smaller schools — many located in lowerincome communities — had fewer enrichment options than larger schools
“Our smallest schools were being disadvantaged, and those were also our low-income areas typically,” Zeman said “So what happened were low-income kids were getting music or art or PE, whereas middle-class and upper-income people were getting all of them, so we changed that ”
The district also announced that every elementary school will have a full-time librarian
“This is a fantastic day, this is great news, and a great example of what happens when you listen to your constituents,” board member Adam Cervera said “The parents were overwhelmingly asking for more specials in their schools ”
Officials said the previous shortage of enrichment
options at some schools was linked to declining enrollment While the district is expanding programs at those campuses, Hepburn said the issue highlights the need for continued discussions about school closures and consolidations
“We have about 50,000 empty seats in our district,” Hepburn said “To be fiscally responsible and use taxpayer dollars wisely, we just can’t have that many open seats in the district ”
The district also announced plans to reduce overcrowding in popular high school courses, including Advanced Placement (AP) classes
Under the plan, Broward high schools will be able to offer an additional 1,000 classes, allowing more students to access advanced courses while keeping class sizes aligned with instructional needs
“So our high schools will be able to provide a thousand additional classes, ensuring their class sizes are comparable to the needs of the type of instruction our students are going to receive,” Hepburn said
The district has secured funding for the initiatives but is now working to hire additional teachers to fill the new positions ahead of the start of the school year on August 10
FBI Most Wanted
Elaine Angene Escoe, 41, arrived in South Florida on Thursday after Jamaican authorities arrested her following a federal manhunt Prosecutors allege she fled to Jamaica after failing to appear in federal court in May 2025 and lived under the alias "Harley Newman" while evading authorities Escoe faces charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, concealment money laundering and transactional money laundering
According to the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida, Escoe and several co-defendants allegedly submitted more than 90 fraudulent applications between May 2020 and November 2021 for funds from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) programme, Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) and Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG)
“This Most Wanted Fraudster allegedly obtained tens of millions in COVID-19 relief, stealing critical resources from legitimate businesses during a national crisis,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche “She fled the country believing she could escape justice but ultimately could not Those who exploit taxpayer-funded programs will be held accountable by this Department of Justice, no matter how long it takes or where they attempt to hide ”
Federal investigators allege the applications contained false information about employee numbers, payroll expenses and business revenues
Authorities say the scheme resulted in the fraudulent disbursement of approximately US$29 1 million in PPP funds, US$1 2 million in RRF funds and US$3 8 million in SVOG funds
After receiving the funds, Escoe and her alleged coconspirators are accused of directing payments to one another and to businesses they controlled, withdrawing large sums of cash and using blank signed cheques to conceal the source and nature of the proceeds. Prosecutors also allege some fraudulent applications were submitted on behalf of third parties in exchange for kickbacks of up to 50 per cent of the loan proceeds
The FBI had offered a reward of up to US$150,000 for information leading to Escoe's arrest and conviction
According to federal investigators, Jamaican authorities arrested Escoe after acting on information developed by the FBI and following up on a tip Her return to the United States was coordinated by the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, the US Marshals Service, the US State Department, Jamaican law enforcement authorities and the Palm Beach County State Attorney's Office
“Elaine Angene Escoe’s arrest and return to the United States demonstrates that no one is beyond the reach of American justice,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin M McDonald of the National Fraud Enforcement Division “This Most Wanted Fraudster faces charges stemming from a multimillion-dollar scheme to defraud taxpayer-funded COVID-19 relief programs The Fraud Division will continue to vigorously prosecute those who steal from the American people ”
Escoe was one of the first eight fugitives named to the FBI's "Most Wanted Fraudsters" list, which FBI Director Kash Patel announced in June
Patel said Escoe is the fourth alleged fugitive on the list to be captured in the past five weeks
"The historic success of the 'Most Wanted Fraudster' list continues as the FBI and our partners just captured our fourth Most Wanted Fraudster in five weeks, and yet another high-value target returned to the US by this FBI," Patel said “Elaine Angene Escoe, on the run since May of 2025, was captured in Jamaica while living under a fake identity of ‘Harley Newman’ – and returned to the United States today to face justice She is charged for her alleged involvement in a conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering – connected with a scheme to fraudulently obtain over $32 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds Escoe brings the number of high value targets returned by the FBI to over 30 just since June "
Patel added that the four alleged fraud suspects captured over the past five weeks are collectively accused of nearly US$1 8 billion in fraud after spending more than 3,500 days on the run across three continents
Escoe was the final defendant charged in the alleged scheme
Following a 2025 trial, Alfred Davis, Cher Davis and Latoya Clark were convicted by a federal jury, while James McGhow and Gino Jourdan previously pleaded guilty
Thompson
COMMUNITY & THE DIASPORA
Beenie Man to headline Jamaica Independence celebration in Lauderhill
Florida’s Jamaican community is preparing for an evening of music and culture as the City of Lauderhill hosts its Jamaica Independence celebration featuring dancehall icon Beenie Man.
The event will take place on Saturday, Aug 8, 2026, at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center, located at 3800 NW 11th Place, Lauderhill, Florida, beginning at 6 p m The celebration is being presented by Mayor Denise D Grant and Commissioner John T Hodgson and will commemorate Jamaica’s 64th year of Independence
The event will also serve as an early birthday celebration for Beenie Man, who turns 53 on Aug 22
With a career spanning more than four decades, the Grammy Award-winning deejay
has built one of dancehall’s most influential catalogs His international hits, including “Who Am I (Sim Simma),” “Girls Dem Sugar,” “King of the Dancehall,” “Romie,” “Dude” and “Feel It Boy,” have helped establish him as one of Jamaica’s most recognizable musical ambassadors
Joining Beenie Man on the stage will be reggae legend Marcia Griffiths, whose decades-long career has produced classics such as “Electric Boogie,” “Dreamland,” “Feel Like Jumping” and “Stepping Out of Babylon ”
Griffiths has enjoyed success as both a solo artiste and collaborator, with her smooth vocals and timeless catalog earning her a place among reggae ’ s most celebrated female performers
Lovers rock fans will also be treated to a performance from Mikey Spice, known for his soulful voice and romantic hits such as “Born Again,” “Practice What You Preach,” “I Am I Said” and “So Much Things to Say ”
The lineup also features singer Shuga, who has gained recognition for her powerful vocals and conscious musical themes, as well as performers Empress Uneek and Mical Rustle Mustle
With dancehall royalty, reggae legends and celebrated vocalists all sharing one stage, the Lauderhill Independence celebration is shaping up to be one of the marquee Caribbean entertainment events of the summer For fans, it promises a night of nostalgia, celebration and world-class performances
more.
Lauderhill honors schools for academic gains, improved state grades
The City of Lauderhill recognized several public schools for improving their academic performance and earning higher state grades during a ceremony held July 13 at City Hall ahead of the regular City Commission meeting
Four schools were honored for improving their Florida state school grades to an "A" for 2026:
• Lauderhill Paul Turner Elementary School, which improved from a B to an A
• Lauderhill 6–12 STEM-MED Magnet School, which improved from a B to an A
• Dr Martin Luther King, Jr Elementary School, which improved from a B to an A
• Royal Palm Elementary School, which improved two letter grades, from a C to an A
The city also recognized Castle Hill Elementary School for improving from a C to a B, while Endeavour Primary Learning Center and Rise Academy School of Science & Technology were acknowledged for maintaining A ratings Rise Academy earned a score of 78%
Commissioner Melissa P Dunn praised the schools for their achievements
"These schools have shown what's possible when schools and community work together towards a shared standard of excellence, and therefore, the City of Lauderhill is proud to celebrate their achievements," Dunn said
The ceremony included remarks from Educational Advisory Board Chair Shayla McCloud and Vice Chair Veronica Boyd, as well as greetings from the mayor and City Commission Jamaican-American Broward County School Board member Dr Jeff Holness congratulated the schools, while fellow School Board member Debra Hixon delivered closing remarks
The city also recognized the School Transformation Office for its role in supporting student achievement and school improvement efforts City officials said Lauderhill remains committed to supporting educational excellence through partnerships that help strengthen schools and the community
South Florida man jailed for Haiti assassination funding scheme
A South Florida fundraiser and financier linked to the conspiracy that led to the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for laundering hundreds of thousands of dollars in fraudulently obtained COVID-19 relief funds used to support the plot
U S District Judge Jacqueline Becerra handed down the sentence for Keegan Harricharan, 42, of Coral Springs, after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in money laundering Prosecutors said the funds came from fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) applications issued under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act
“This case is a stark reminder that financial crime is often the engine behind far more dangerous conduct,” said U S Attorney Jason A Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida
“This defendant did not simply commit fraud He exploited pandemic relief programs meant to keep small businesses alive during a
national crisis and laundered those stolen taxpayer funds to help advance a conspiracy that ended in the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel
Harricharan worked with Arcangel Pretel Ortiz, Antonio Intriago, Walter Veintemilla,
,
James Junior Solages, Christian Emmanuel Sanon, Jacob Israel, and others to move fraudulent COVID-19 relief funds that were used to support a conspiracy to remove Moïse from power and establish a new Haitian government
Moïse was assassinated on July 7, 2021, at his private residence in Port-au-Prince, Haiti Prosecutors said Harricharan and Israel began fraudulently obtaining PPP loan proceeds in June 2020, securing approximately $840,827 Of that amount, Israel and his associates received about $126,124 in kickbacks
In April and May 2021, Harricharan met multiple times in South Florida with members of the assassination conspiracy, where they discussed plans to remove Moïse, as well as obtaining funding, weapons, ammunition, personnel and military equipment for the operation
Harricharan agreed to use his South Florida company, TNR Holding Group Inc , to receive and distribute proceeds from the fraud scheme
JAMAICA
Between May 18 and May 28, 2021, about $175,000 in PPP fraud proceeds and other funds were deposited into TNR Holding’s bank account Prosecutors said Harricharan then transferred the money to Veintemilla, who distributed it through additional transactions to other members of the conspiracy
On June 9 and June 10, 2021, Harricharan wired another $80,000, including EIDL loan proceeds, to Veintemilla for distribution among conspirators
Weeks later, the plot culminated in Moïse’s assassination Prosecutors said a team of Colombian mercenaries, financed in part through the laundered funds, entered the president’s residence after a gun battle with security personnel Moïse was killed, while First Lady Martine Moïse was seriously injured
“The threat extends beyond financial loss to the stability of democratic institutions themselves,” Reding Quiñones said “We will continue to follow the money, dismantle these networks, and ensure that those who finance violence face federal justice ”
Miami-Dade recycling contamination rate falls to lowest level in years
Miami-Dade County’s recycling contamination rate has dropped to its lowest level in several years, declining from nearly 50% in 2020 to 36 5%, officials announced
The improvement includes a 2 3 percentage-point decrease over the past six months and reflects ongoing efforts by the Miami-Dade County Department of Solid Waste Management (DSWM) to improve recycling quality through education, expanded recycling opportunities and enforcement
“Every item recycled represents a small but meaningful action toward a healthier environment and a more sustainable future for us all,” Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said
She credited the progress to collaboration between county government, schools, community partners and residents, saying improved recycling habits are helping create a cleaner and more sustainable Miami-Dade
Since 2020, DSWM has introduced several initiatives aimed at reducing contamination, including expanded curbside recycling materials, updated recycling cart stickers, public education campaigns and partnerships with Miami-Dade County Public Schools
The department has also launched the SCRAPP mobile app, which provides residents with guidance on what materials can be recycled, and expanded its Recycle Right outreach efforts through community presentations, workshops and events
Officials said residents have also been able to learn more about recycling operations through educational tours of WM’s recycling facility, where artificial intelligence technology is used to identify materials, reduce contamination and improve recycling efficiency
DSWM continues to work with municipal partners to standardize recycling practices across the county
In addition to education efforts, the department has increased enforcement activities. Code Enforcement officers inspect more than 1,000 recycling carts each month, providing residents with guidance on proper recycling practices
AI-powered cameras installed on recycling collection vehicles also help identify contaminated carts, allowing officials to target education efforts in areas where they are most needed
“Our progress is proof that education works,” said DSWM Director Aneisha Daniel, PhD “Through innovative technology, strong community partnerships, proactive outreach, and dedicated enforcement efforts, we ’ re making recycling easier to understand and helping residents become active partners in protecting our environment ”
Officials encouraged residents to continue checking recycling guidelines and properly sorting materials to further reduce contamination and strengthen MiamiDade’s recycling program
Moïse ”
Harricharan
ENTERTAINMENT
Sister Nancy, Marion Hall, Lady G, Lila Iké to receive keys to Paterson, New Jersey
Four generations of Jamaican music will be celebrated in Paterson, New Jersey, this weekend as Mayor Andre Sayegh presents the Key to the City to reggae and dancehall icons Sister Nancy, Minister Marion Hall, Lady G and Lila Iké during the Bill McKoy Foundation’s 10th Annual Jamaica Day Celebration
The two-day event, scheduled for August 1-2 at Eastside Park, will mark both a decade of Jamaica Day celebrations and Jamaica’s 64th anniversary of independence
Sister Nancy, one of the first female dancehall deejays to gain international recognition, will be honoured for her more than four decades in music and the global influence of her 1982 hit “Bam Bam,” which has become one of reggae ’ s most sampled songs
The track has been sampled by several major artists, including Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Kanye West and Jr Gong Marley
“We are deeply honoured to have Sister
Nancy at Jamaica Day this year, as we celebrate her incredible achievements,” said Bill McKoy, founder of the Bill McKoy Foundation “Her music has transcended borders, united people across cultures, and continues to inspire audiences around the world ”
Minister Marion Hall, formerly known as Lady Saw, will receive her honour during
Sunday’s Gospel Fest Hall shifted her career toward ministry following a spiritual transformation in 2015
“Minister Marion Hall’s remarkable testimony is one of courage, redemption, and unwavering faith,” McKoy said “Her decision to dedicate her gifts and platform to glorifying God has inspired countless individuals around the world ”
Lady G, born Janice Fyffe, will also be recognized for more than 30 years of contributions to Jamaican music and her role in paving the way for women in dancehall
“Lady G has earned her place among the legends of Jamaican music,” McKoy said “She has proudly represented Jamaica across the world while helping to define an era of dancehall music ”
Grammy-nominated reggae singer Lila Iké will be honoured for carrying reggae ’ s messages of unity and justice to a new generation of listeners
“Lila Iké represents the future of reggae music while honouring the rich legacy of those who paved the way before her,” McKoy said The celebration will also feature performances from artists including Lady G, Rhoda Isabella and Golda McFarlane, representing multiple generations of Jamaican music
The free, family-friendly event will include Jamaican cuisine, cultural exhibitions, artisan vendors and activities for young people
dBurnz wins 2026 Jamaica Festival Song Competition with ‘I Love Jamaica’
Clarendon native dBurnz has been crowned the winner of the 2026 Jamaica Festival Song Competition with his patriotic entry “I Love Jamaica ” The song captured the coveted title at the competition’s grand finale on Saturday (July 25) at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre in St Andrew and will serve as the soundtrack for Jamaica’s 64th Independence celebrations this year
M i n i s t e r o f C u l t u r e , G e n d e r , Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange presented the artist with the grand prize of $3 million and the winning trophy dBurnz, whose given name is Melbourne Douglas, also captured the Best Performer sectional award, earning an additional $200,000
Music educator Ovando Levy placed second with his entry “Jamaica School (Bingi Ling)”, receiving $600,000, while Aba Jones finished third with “Teet A Fi Me” and collected $300,000
Chief Judge and veteran Festival Song winner Roy Rayon said the winning entry had to capture the spirit of Jamaica’s Independence celebrations
“The festival song is supposed to be the pulse, the metronome of the independence celebrations, so we are looking for a song that dances, a song that has lyrics that are relevant, a song that the entire population can coalesce around,” he said
Grange congratulated all nine finalists, saying each contestant benefited from the experience regardless of the final result
“I want to big up all nine contestants and say to them it has been a good experience for you, so even if your song is not the winning song, you are still a winner,” she said
The minister also looked ahead to Jamaica’s 65th Independence anniversary celebrations in 2027, noting that the year will be a milestone occasion
“It will also be the last Grand Gala before we build out the new stadium,” she said Over the years, the competition has featured several notable Jamaican artists, including reggae legends Bob Marley and Rita Marley
The annual event is organized by the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport through the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) and remains a major part of Jamaica’s Independence celebrations ahead of August 6
The grand finale also featured a guest performance by reggae artist Duane Stephenson
Fantan Mojah
Jamaica opens Commonwealth Games with historic golden double
Jamaica launched its track and field campaign at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in emphatic fashion Monday, capturing two gold medals through Romaine Beckford and Demario Prince while positioning several other athletes for medal contention during an outstanding opening day at Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow, Scotland
Beckford delivered a landmark performance in the men's high jump before Prince produced a commanding display in the 110meter hurdles, giving Jamaica a dream start to the athletics program and reinforcing the country's reputation for delivering on the international stage
The celebrations were only the beginning, as a host of Jamaican athletes advanced comfortably through qualifying rounds to keep the nation's medal hopes alive over the coming days
Romaine Beckford reached the pinnacle of his career by capturing his first senior global title, clearing 2 25 meters to secure the men's high jump crown and write a new chapter in Jamaican athletics history
The victory marked Jamaica's first Commonwealth Games men's high jump gold medal since Ernle Haisley claimed the title in 1958, ending a 68-year drought in the event It also represented a remarkable turnaround for Beckford, who finished eighth at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games in 2022 and endured disappointment at last year's World Athletics Championships, where he failed to clear the opening height
Beckford's winning performance was built on remarkable consistency He sailed over 2 05, 2 10 and 2 15 meters without difficulty before recovering from an opening miss at 2 20 to clear the bar on his second attempt His first-time clearance at 2 25 ultimately proved decisive, as India's Sarvesh Kushare needed all three attempts at that height before settling for silver on countback
England's Kimani Jack claimed bronze after clearing 2 20 meters, while Jamaica's two-time World Indoor bronze medalist Raymond Richards narrowly missed the podium in fourth after matching that same height
Only minutes after Beckford's triumph, Demario Prince produced another golden performance, storming to victory in the men's 110-meter hurdles in 13 17 seconds
The Jamaican was never seriously challenged, crossing the line well ahead of England's Samuel Bennett, who claimed silver with a personal-best 13 30 seconds, while Cyprus' Milan Trajkovic earned bronze in 13.32 seconds. Fellow Jamaican Jerome Campbell finished sixth in 13 86 seconds
For Prince, the victory capped a remarkable breakthrough season after capturing his first national title earlier this year It also continued Jamaica's remarkable dominance in the sprint hurdles, making him the fourth consecutive Jamaican, and the fifth in the past six Commonwealth Games, to win the men's
Prince later revealed that a timely conversation with his coach after the opening round helped restore his focus before the final, setting the stage for the biggest victory of his career
The momentum extended well beyond the medal events, with Jamaica enjoying an almost flawless day in qualifying competition
Former national champion Rohan Watson looked smooth in the opening round of the men's 100 meters, winning his heat in 10 13 seconds to move comfortably into Tuesday's semi-finals
He will be joined by Ackeem Blake, who received an automatic bye into the semi-finals as one of the event's highest-ranked competitors Ghana's Benjamin Azamati emerged as the fastest qualifier after clocking 10.00 seconds
On the women's side, Jonielle Smith and Jodean Williams also await semi-final action after both received byes into the next round
Jamaica, T&T face tough Concacaf Nations League groups
Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago have been handed challenging draws for the 2026-27 Concacaf Nations League, with both Caribbean rivals set to face stiff competition when the tournament begins in September
Jamaica's Reggae Boyz were drawn into a competitive Group B in League A alongside regional heavyweights Honduras and Guatemala, as well as Suriname, Martinique and El Salvador
Trinidad and Tobago will compete in Group A, where they will face Haiti, Curaçao, Costa Rica, Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic Curaçao recently qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, adding further strength to the group
The group stage will be contested during the September and October FIFA international windows. The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarterfinals
They will be joined by the four highestranked League A teams — Mexico, the United States, Canada and Panama — which receive automatic berths in the quarterfinals based on their Concacaf rankings
The quarterfinals will be played over two legs in November, with the aggregate winners advancing to the Concacaf Nations League Finals at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles
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Former world champion Tajay Gayle announced himself as the leading contender for the men's long jump title by producing the best qualifying mark of the day
After opening with wind-assisted jumps of 7 73 meters and 7 40 meters, Gayle unleashed an impressive legal leap of 8 10 meters to top the overall standings heading into Wednesday's final
Jordan Turner also advanced for Jamaica, finishing third in his qualifying group with a wind-assisted 7 84-meter effort to ensure Jamaica will have two representatives in the championship final
Jamaica's Kaheim Dixon joins Serbian club FK Novi Pazar
Jamaica international Kaheim Dixon is set to join Serbian SuperLiga club FK Novi Pazar on a three-year contract
The move was announced by the club in a social media post on Friday, confirming that the 21-year-old winger had joined from English side Charlton Athletic
"He arrives in Novi Pazar from the English club Charlton Athletic and has also played for Crawley Town FC In his club career so far, Dixon has made 42 appearances, recording 13 goals and three assists. His efficiency in the Premier League Cup stands out in particular; he scored six goals in just five matches," the club said
"His trademarks are a lightningfast first step, one-on-one ability, and the courage to constantly attack the opposing defence " Dixon joined Charlton Athletic in 2024 from Jamaican club Arnett Gardens and spent part of last season on loan at Crawley Town, where he gained first-team experience
A regular with Jamaica's senior men's national team, Dixon has earned 24 caps and scored three goals He was also part of the Reggae Boyz squad at the 2024 Copa América FK Novi Pazar are currently fifth in the Serbian SuperLiga standings as they prepare for the new season
110-meter hurdles title
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