BEST OF THE BEST
Reggae giants and dancehall stars set to ignite Miami
The 19th annual Best of the Best Music Fest is expected to deliver a major boost to Miami’s tourism and hospitality sector this Memorial Day weekend, with thousands of visitors from across the Caribbean diaspora and beyond set to descend on the city for one of North America’s most prominent Caribbean music celebrations
continues on B4 – Best of the Best
Jamaica audit finds only 1.8% of Hurricane Melissa donations spent months after storm
Jamaica’s disaster response system is under scrutiny after an audit revealed that only a small portion of the billions donated for Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts had been spent nearly four months after the storm struck the island
A real-time audit report from the Auditor General’s Department, tabled in Parliament on Tuesday, found that the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) had received JMD$1 44 billion in donations by February 23, 2026, but spent just $26 2 million — or 1 8 percent — by that date
The audit examined financial manage-
Government’s Hurricane Melissa Relief Initiative and Roof Restoration Program
Auditor General Pamela Monroe Ellis said the findings exposed weaknesses in financial oversight, governance, procurement monitoring, and beneficiary verification
“This audit found that weaknesses in financial management, governance, and program accountability limited transparency over Hurricane Melissa relief resources,” Monroe Ellis said in the report’s foreword
“Of $1 44 billion in cash donations received, only $26 2 million (1 8 percent) had
Police investigate murder of US citizen found dead in Jamaica during birthday trip
been spent as at February 23, 2026, alongside unreported and unspent Hurricane Beryl balances,” she added
The report noted that ODPEM still held approximately JMD$569 6 million and US$5 9 million in hurricane donation accounts as of February 23, including leftover funds from Hurricane Beryl relief efforts in 2024
According to the audit, ODPEM failed to provide information showing the total amount collected and spent after Hurricane Beryl, making it difficult to determine whether the remaining balances reflected ongoing projects
or weaknesses in program execution
“The presence of significant unutilized balances from Hurricane Beryl prior to the commencement of Hurricane Melissa fundraising further indicates weaknesses in the planning, monitoring, and utilization of donated funds across disaster response cycles,” Monroe Ellis stated
The report also raised concerns about
Government’s Support Jamaica platform
Auditors found that a private financial continues on B2 – Hurricane Melissa Audit
Bunny Shaw’s late heroics send ManCit roaring into FA Cup
Lauderhill
Pastor Denise McLeod (center) and members of
NEWSMAKER
Caribbean-American Justice Dena Douglas named KCCBA ‘Judge of the Year’
Dena Douglas, a CaribbeanAmerican justice with Grenadian roots, was honored with the “Judge of the Year” award by the Kings County Criminal Bar Association during a gala ceremony in Brooklyn on April 30
Justice Douglas, a Justice of the New York State Supreme Court, Criminal Term, Kings County, received the Gustin L Reichbach Judicial Recognition Award during the association’s annual awards dinner at Giando on the Water in Williamsburg Organizers said the sold-out event attracted more than 300 members of New York’s legal community
“To be named ‘Judge of the Year’ by this organization is a distinction I do not take lightly,” Douglas said in her acceptance speech “I am deeply grateful ”
Born in Brooklyn to a father from Carriacou, Douglas reflected on her Caribbean heritage and her father’s influence on her legal career
She said her late father, David Douglas, migrated to the United States from Carriacou, attended law school at night, became an assistant district attorney and later established a private law practice in downtown Brooklyn that operated for more than two decades
“My father taught me that a life in law is a life in service,” Douglas said “Tonight, I accept this honor in his memory, in gratitude to all of you, and in continued commitment to the people of Kings County ”
Douglas, who grew up in Flatbush and graduated from St John’s University School of Law, also spoke candidly about the challenges she faced as a Black woman working in the prosecutor’s office
She recalled entering rooms where her presence was unexpected and said she often
“This recognition is not just mine; it belongs to my community. It sends a message that our presence on the bench matters, that our contributions are seen, and that excellence in the service of justice knows no single face.” – Douglas
had to work “twice as hard to be taken half as seriously ”
“And yet, I stayed, I fought, I built,” she told the audience “Because I understood that the work mattered and that who was doing the work mattered, too ” Douglas said the same determination carried her to the bench, where she acknowledged being among a relatively small number of judges of color to receive the Reichbach Award
“This recognition is not just mine; it belongs to my community,” she said “It sends a message that our presence on the bench matters, that our contributions are seen, and that excellence in the service of justice knows no single face ”
During the speech, Douglas also paid tribute to her family, including her two children, Floyd Patterson Jr. and Noelle Patterson
She reflected on the death of her husband, Floyd Patterson, who died from brain cancer in 2014 at age 50 Patterson was born in Trinidad and Tobago to Grenadian parents
Douglas also acknowledged her 91-yearold mother, Doris Douglas, whose parents were from Carriacou and who still resides in Brooklyn
Douglas has served as a New York State Supreme Court Justice in Kings County since 2007 Before joining the bench, she held senior legal positions as an assistant deputy attorney general, a senior trial attorney in counterterrorism with the U S Department of Justice, and a bureau chief in the Kings County District Attorney’s Office
Organizers said the gala sold out three weeks in advance and drew a waiting list of more than 40 people, describing it as a reflection of the stature of this year ’ s honorees
Justice Douglas gives an acceptance speech. Roger Archer/Phaats Photos LLC
Davis, PLP reelected in Bahamas landslide election victory
Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis and his governing Progressive Liberal Party secured a decisive reelection on Tuesday, positioning Davis to become the first Bahamian leader in nearly three decades to win back-to-back terms in office
A veteran lawyer and longtime parliamentarian, Davis has represented the constituency of Cat Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador for several terms Before becoming prime minister in 2021, he served as deputy prime minister under former leader Perry Christie and held multiple ministerial portfolios, including public works and urban development A King’s Counsel by profession, Davis has been a central figure in the PLP for years and took over party leadership in 2017, steering it back into government after five years in opposition
“The Bahamian people have spoken, and I receive their verdict with humility and gratitude,” Davis said in comments to Reuters after the results were announced
He framed the outcome as a renewed mandate focused on economic opportunity, public safety, and easing financial pressure on households across the archipelago “This victory is a mandate to keep moving the Bahamas forward, to expand opportunity, strengthen security, ease the pressure on families, and deliver progress across our islands,” he added
Davis called the election months ahead of its constitutionally scheduled October timeline Officials in the prime minister’s office said the early vote was intended to reduce uncertainty ahead of the Atlantic hurricane season, which regularly disrupts national planning and infrastructure readiness
Preliminary results showed the PLP on track to win more than 30 of the 41 parliamentary seats, expanding on its previous dominance Before the election, the party held 32 of 39 seats in the House of Assembly Two additional constituencies were added
following boundary adjustments recommended by the independent constituencies commission, both of which were also captured by the PLP
The opposition Free National Movement, led by Michael Pintard, appeared headed for a reduced presence in Parliament, projected to secure only about eight seats Pintard confirmed that both the party’s chairman and deputy leader had lost their respective constituencies
Among the high-profile defeats was former NBA player Rick Fox, who contested the Garden Hills seat for the FNM but was defeated by incumbent Mario Bowleg, a former minister of youth, sports and culture PLP deputy leader Chester Cooper and Pintard both retained their seats despite broader shifts in the parliamentary balance
The result also marked another political setback for former Prime Minister Hubert Minnis, a physician by training who led the country from 2017 until his defeat in 2021 Minnis, who governed through the COVID-19 pandemic and the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian in 2019, had been a central figure in the opposition FNM for years. After the party declined to re-nominate him as its candidate, he launched an independent bid in an attempt to reclaim his longtime constituency, which he had held for nearly two decades He ultimately fell short, with the seat going to FNM candidate Michela Barnett-Ellis
T&T refuses to
Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar says Trinidad and Tobago will not recognize Dr Carla Barnett as Secretary General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) after her current term ends in August, despite regional leaders maintaining that she has already been reappointed for another five years
“Trinidad and Tobago only recognises Barnett as SG until the end of her term this August 2026 All CARICOM leaders could do as they please, but Trinidad and Tobago will not recognise her as SG for a next term That’s not going to change,” Persad-Bissessar told the Trinidad Express newspaper
“We have already made that clear We do not recognise her after August 2026 This is our final position,” she added
Last week, Roosevelt Skerrit said Barnett, a Belizean economist who became CARICOM’s eighth Secretary General in 2021, had been properly reappointed and that Dominica supported the decision
“The issue of the Secretary-General, this has been, I’m not sure why you asked me the question, but this thing has been ventilated in the public domain I mean, every plate and spoon in the kitchen has been exposed on this matter,” Skerrit said during a news conference last Wednesday
According to the Trinidad Guardian, CARICOM leaders held a five-hour discussion over the weekend regarding Trinidad and Tobago’s objections to
recognize CARICOM secretary general beyond August continues on A5 – T&T refuses
Davis
Davis
CARIBBEAN NEWS
Police investigate murder of US citizen found dead in Jamaica during birthday trip
A New York accountant who traveled to Jamaica to celebrate her birthday was allegedly murdered shortly after arriving on the island, with police now conducting an active manhunt for her husband, who is considered a person of interest in the case
Melissa Kerry Samnath, originally from Queens Village, New York, arrived in Jamaica on April 29, 2026, to celebrate her birthday Shortly after landing, she reportedly sent urgent WhatsApp messages to relatives in New York pleading for help, according to a Gleaner report
In one of the final messages, she wrote: “I need you to call the cops Look at my location It is a pink house,” sent just over an hour before her birthday It was the last known communication her family received from her
According to a Gleaner report, the family later received a distressing phone call from Jamaica in which a woman identified as the suspected killer’s mother allegedly told relatives that Samnath had been killed The call, combined with her final messages, left the family devastated and searching for answers
Police say Samnath was taken to Cornwall Regional Hospital in St James by her husband, Dane Watson, whom investigators believe she
married in December 2025
Authorities allege Watson assisted her from a vehicle before leaving the hospital shortly afterward Hospital staff later pronounced her dead and alerted police
Watson has since been named a person of interest and is being actively sought by investigators Police are urging him to report to the Freeport Police Station in St James or the nearest police station
Autopsy confirms blunt force trauma
A post-mortem examination conducted on May 6 determined that Samnath died as a result of multiple blunt force trauma injuries to the head, according to investigators
The findings confirmed the case is being treated as a homicide investigation
Police also confirmed that evidence relevant to the investigation was recovered from a premises in Norwood, St James, where Samnath is believed to have been taken
According to a Gleaner report, detectives found her belongings alongside pools of blood inside the property Residents in the area reported seeing a heavy police presence but said they did not hear any screams or disturbances on the night of the incident
Surveillance footage reportedly shows the suspect carrying Samnath’s suitcases while she followed behind him from an Airbnb, though it remains unclear whether she left willingly
Despite extensive searches and multiple police operations, the suspect has not yet been located
Samnath’s niece, Janice Wynter, said the hardest moment was identifying her aunt’s body before the autopsy confirmed the cause of death
“She didn’t deserve that,” she said, describing her aunt as “ one of the most loving persons ever ”
She added that Samnath was deeply
Guyana confident ICJ will uphold border ruling after hearings conclude
Guyana says it has emerged from final oral hearings in its border controversy case against Venezuela “more confident than ever” that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) will uphold the 1899 Arbitral Award and definitively affirm Guyana’s internationally recognized boundary
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall made the declaration Monday following the conclusion of proceedings at the Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands
The oral hearings, held between May 4 and May 11, saw both countries present arguments before the ICJ, the principal judicial organ of the United Nations The court will now deliberate before issuing what will be a final and legally binding judgment
At the center of the dispute is Guyana’s request for the court to affirm the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award, which established the boundary between then British Guiana and Venezuela more than a century ago Venezuela has long argued that the award is invalid and continues to claim a large portion of Guyana’s territory
Nandlall said the completion of the oral hearings represents a victory for international law and the rules-based global order
“The very fact that this case reached the ICJ, and that the written and oral phases of the proceedings were carried out to their completions, represents a triumph for the rule of law and the rules-based international order,” he said
He added that disputes between states should be resolved peacefully and in accordance with international law rather than through threats or military force
The ICJ had already ruled in December 2020 that it has jurisdiction to hear and determine the matter, rejecting Venezuela’s objections to the court’s authority
According to Nandlall, Guyana entered the hearings confident in its legal position but left even more optimistic after presenting what he described as “compelling and convincing” arguments before the court
“Guyana is more confident than ever that the court will uphold the legal validity of the unanimous Arbitral Award of 3 October 1899,” he stated, adding that the ruling would confirm the award as the “final, definitive and permanent lawful boundary” between the two countries.
Nandlall also revisited the history of the controversy, arguing that Venezuela accepted and respected the 1899 boundary for more than six decades before challenging it in 1962 as Guyana approached independence from Britain
He said the court’s final judgment would bring closure to a dispute that has lingered for decades
The Attorney General praised Guyana’s delegation, including Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd and Guyana’s agent in the proceedings, former foreign minister Carl Greenidge. He also commended the country’s international legal team, led by noted attorneys Paul Reichler, Philippe Sands and Alain Pellet
Nandlall further pointed to the 1966 Geneva Agreement, which established
family-oriented
“My aunt was very helpful
When my grandfather died — her father — she was the one taking care of my other aunt and grandma,” Wynter said
“We can’t understand why he did this to her She wasn’t an evil person She was the baby of our family Now we have to bring her body back to bury ”
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to assist with funeral and memorial expenses, raising over US$10,000 of a US$16,000 goal within a week of being launched
The organizer described Samnath as “ a strong, loving, and unforgettable woman whose warmth touched everyone around her,” noting that she loved traveling, exploring new places, and spending time with loved ones
“As our family navigates this difficult time, we are preparing to honor Melissa with the peaceful and beautiful farewell she deserves,” the fundraiser stated It added that while donations are appreciated, prayers and messages of support are also deeply valued
Investigators say the suspect had been living in western Jamaica and is believed to frequent areas across St James, St Ann, and St Mary
Police continue to urge Watson to come forward and are asking members of the public with information to assist in locating him The investigation remains ongoing
T&T refuses fromA4
Barnett’s reappointment and agreed not to revisit the February decision approving her second term
The dispute centers on the process used to reappoint Barnett during the CARICOM summit held in Basseterre, St Kitts and Nevis, in February CARICOM Chairman and St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Terrance Drew later announced that Barnett had secured the “required majority” support from regional leaders
However, Persad-Bissessar, who was not present when the vote took place, has repeatedly challenged the legitimacy of the process
mechanisms for the peaceful settlement of the controversy after bilateral talks failed to resolve the issue In 2018, António Guterres decided the matter should be settled by the ICJ, leading Guyana to formally initiate proceedings before the court
While Guyana has repeatedly pledged to respect the court’s ruling, Nandlall expressed concern over statements from Venezuelan representatives suggesting they may refuse to comply with the judgment
According to him, any refusal to abide by the court’s ruling would amount to a breach of obligations under the United Nations Charter, the Charter of the Organization of American States, and international law
Despite the tensions, Nandlall said Guyana remains committed to peaceful relations with Venezuela
“We will continue to address Venezuela in a spirit of peace, cooperation and friendship, and as sovereign equals,” he said, while insisting that Guyana’s sovereignty must be respected
The ICJ has not indicated when it will deliver its final ruling in the case
She has also accused Barnett of authoring a CARICOM statement issued by Drew defending her own reappointment and claimed that Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, Sean Sobers, had been “disinvited” from a regional retreat via WhatsApp
“No, they are still hiding from providing responses It’s really shameful that the entire group knows that Barnett did disinvite Minister Sobers via WhatsApp, but they still persist in continuing with dishonesty,” PersadBissessar told the Trinidad Express
Despite the dispute, PersadBissessar said Trinidad and Tobago remains committed to regional integration but would not remain silent on what she described as the “dysfunctional and chaotic state” of the 52-yearold organization
She also dismissed suggestions that the matter should be taken before the Trinidad-based Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), noting that Trinidad and Tobago does not use the court as its final appellate court and would not move to adopt it in that role
Persad-Bissessar further stated that her government would not be concerned if Trinidad and Tobago were removed from CARICOM
“They are free to do as they wish I’m not bothered We have already made our position clear; they are free to expel us from CARICOM if they wish to do so They are free to work with us if they wish to do so Life goes on in Trinidad and Tobago, with or without CARICOM The world stops for no one,” she said
Samnath
Four convicted in assassination plot of President Jovenel Moïse
A federal jury in Miami has convicted four men for their roles in the July 7, 2021, assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse
The United States Department of Justice said Friday that Arcangel Pretel Ortiz, Antonio Intriago, Walter Veintemilla, and James Solages were convicted on multiple charges linked to the conspiracy to overthrow and assassinate the Haitian leader
The convictions include conspiracy to provide material support for acts resulting in death, conspiracy to kill and kidnap a person outside the United States, conspiracy to commit offences against the United States, and expedition against a friendly nation Intriago was also convicted on additional charges related to smuggling goods from the United States and submitting false export information
According to prosecutors, the defendants conspired to replace Moïse with a handpicked successor in order to secure lucrative government contracts in Haiti
“This verdict delivers justice for the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse and holds accountable those who helped turn South Florida into a staging ground for a deadly foreign plot,” said Jason A Reding Quiñones
Court records and evidence presented during trial showed that the conspiracy began in early 2021 and involved the recruitment of allies in the United States, Colombia and Haiti, including 22 former Colombian soldiers and Haitian gang leaders
The Justice Department said the conspirators developed multiple plans between April and July 2021 to kidnap or kill Moïse. One failed plan involved abducting him at his sister’s home and forcing him to resign after drugging him
Another focused on kidnapping him upon his return from an international trip in June 2021
When those efforts failed, prosecutors said the group decided to launch a direct attack on the president’s residence
On July 7, 2021, Solages and a team of Colombian mercenaries carried out the assault on Moïse’s home with support from Haitian accomplices
During the attack, former Colombian special forces soldiers stormed the residence, fatally shooting Moïse in his bedroom and seriously wounding First Lady Martine Moïse
Trial evidence showed that bullets recovered from both President Moïse and the First Lady matched a rifle used by members of the Colombian assault team
Federal prosecutors said extensive digital communications presented at trial demonstrated that the defendants spent months coordinating plans to kidnap or kill the Haitian president
The court heard that Veintemilla played a major role in financing the operation through a US$175,000 loan agreement funded with proceeds tied to CARES Act Paycheck Protection Program
and Economic Injury Disaster Loans
Pretel Ortiz, who allegedly referred to himself as “Colonel Gabriel” and wore fake U S military-style uniforms and insignia, was accused of directing tactical operations and coordinating with the Colombian mercenaries
Intriago was described as handling payroll, equipment and logistical support, including the smuggling of bulletproof vests and tactical gear from Miami to Haiti before the assassination
Solages, prosecutors said, acted as the main liaison in Haiti, coordinating with gang leaders, obtaining weapons and conducting surveillance on Moïse’s residence
All four men face maximum sentences of life imprisonment Sentencing will be determined by U S District Judge Jacqueline Becerra after consideration of federal sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors
The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from several U S government agencies
Haiti sees alarming rise in gender-based violence, UN says
A sharp rise in gender-based violence in Haiti during the first three months of 2026 is raising alarm among United Nations humanitarian agencies, which warn that survivors are struggling to access critical support services amid severe funding shortages
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said its partners documented nearly 2,000 incidents of genderbased violence between January and March 2026 — the equivalent of about 21 cases per day
According to OCHA, more than 70 percent of the reported incidents involved rape, marking a significant increase from the previous quarter when rape accounted for 49 percent of cases The agency said many of the assaults were gang rapes allegedly carried out by armed groups, with women and girls making up the majority of survivors
The figures follow an already worsening trend in 2025, when humanitarian partners recorded more than 8,000 incidents of gender-based violence across Haiti, representing a 25 percent increase over the previous year
OCHA warned that the growing crisis is unfolding as support services remain critically underfunded Of the US$15 million needed this year to respond to gender-based violence cases, only 8 percent has been secured so far
The funding gap is severely limiting access to emergency medical care for survivors, particularly within the critical 72-hour period after a sexual assault It is also affecting the availability of psychosocial support services and temporary emergency shelters
“Partners on the ground report that with the resources available, some survivors have been able to access medical, psychosocial, and protection services such as safe spaces for women and girls,” OCHA said in a statement “However, needs continue to far exceed current capacity ”
The United Nations and humanitarian organizations are calling for urgent international support to expand health services, protection programs, and psychosocial care, especially in communities most heavily affected by violence and instability
EDITORIAL
Growing alarm over AI costing jobs
Americans are increasingly concerned that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is costing jobs and, as the technology expands, could eliminate many more Those concerns are valid AI is already replacing specific tasks within jobs, and entire roles may shrink as companies automate more work
Historically, new technologies have destroyed some jobs while creating others The difference with modern AI is the speed of change and the fact that it can perform mental work, not just physical labor
Employment firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas reported that companies explicitly attributed about 12,700 U S layoffs to AI in 2024 and roughly 54,800 in 2025
By early 2026, additional AI-linked cuts were reported in the thousands Some reports counted more than 17,000 AI-specific layoffs during the first nine months of 2025, with September 2025 alone seeing about 7,000 cuts
Broader layoffs tied to automation, software upgrades, AI systems, and workflow restructuring were even larger, exceeding 20,000 additional cuts in 2025
Estimates of jobs lost in the U S because of AI range from roughly 50,000 to 75,000 over the past few years, while hundreds of thousands more may have been indirectly affected by automation and AI-driven restructuring
At the same time, AI has also created jobs LinkedIn and other labor analyses estimate AI-related hiring created roughly 640,000 jobs in the U S between 2023 and 2025, though many require advanced technical skills
Economists warn the bigger impact may still lie ahead An MIT-related analysis estimated current AI systems could potentially perform tasks tied to about 11–12% of the U S labor market
While AI has not yet caused mass unemployment nationwide, it is already reshaping industries such as software development, customer service, data entry, administrative work, content creation, legal research, and some finance functions Some economists believe the long-term effect may be fewer entry-level white-collar jobs rather than the sudden replacement of workers
Research indicates several occupations are especially vulnerable to AI:
Customer service
AI chatbots and voice systems can answer questions, process refunds, book appointments, troubleshoot problems, and handle complaints A company that once needed 500 call-center workers may now require only 100 supervisors alongside AI systems This shift is already happening globally
Office and clerical jobs
AI can summarize meetings, write emails, generate reports, organize schedules, process invoices, enter data, and analyze spreadsheets Administrative assistants, data-entry clerks, and back-office workers are increasingly vulnerable because one employee using AI can now perform work that once required several people
Journalism and content creation
AI can produce news summaries, sports recaps, marketing copy, social media posts, photographs, and basic video editing Media companies may reduce the number of copywriters, junior reporters, and editors they employ Human writers remain essential for investigative journalism, creativity, and public trust, but routine content is becoming increasingly automated
Software engineering
AI coding systems can write code, debug programs, generate websites, create documentation, and automate testing This may reduce demand for junior programmers and outsourced coding teams Senior engineers remain highly valuable because humans are still needed for areas such as system architecture and security However, smaller teams can now build larger systems
Retail and fast food
Automation already includes self-checkout systems, AI ordering kiosks, robotic food preparation, and automated inventory systems Fast-food restaurants may eventually operate with only a handful of workers
Healthcare
AI is assisting rather than replacing doctors, but it is already analyzing medical scans, suggesting diagnoses, monitoring patients, and automating scheduling and billing Radiology and pathology may be especially transformed because AI performs well in image analysis
AI offers companies powerful incentives to reduce human labor costs AI systems do not require sick leave, vacations, pensions, or breaks, and they allow for 24-hour operations, faster output, and fewer errors If one company cuts costs using AI, competitors are likely to follow
Many economists believe AI will cause significant unemployment in some sectors, though they disagree on the scale
Optimists argue AI will create new industries and new types of jobs, increase productivity, lower prices, and improve living standards, much like the rise of the internet
Others warn AI could replace workers faster than new jobs are created, leading to permanent underemployment, widening inequality, social unrest, and increased
concentration of wealth in major technology companies
These concerns are especially serious for workers performing routine knowledge-based tasks and for those without advanced technical skills Unlike past waves of automation, AI threatens both blue-collar and whitecollar jobs
Some experts argue governments should act now rather than wait for a crisis
Proposed solutions include large-scale retraining programs in healthcare, skilled trades, AI maintenance, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing
Others suggest governments should tax AI-driven profits more aggressively so companies replacing workers with automation contribute more to society
Governments may also need stronger AI regulations, including human oversight, phased rollouts, worker transition plans, and transparency about how AI is used
Some sectors could eventually require laws protecting human employment, particularly in education, healthcare, policing, and public services
With AI’s enormous economic potential, governments will likely face growing pressure to ensure the wealth created by AI is distributed in ways that reduce inequality and provide a social safety net
If managed carefully, AI could reduce dangerous work, shorten workweeks, improve healthcare and education, and increase overall prosperity The outcome will depend heavily on government policy, corporate behavior, worker adaptation, and public pressure
Without preparation, the coming years could prove economically and politically disruptive
WOMEN IN FOCUS
Challenging stereotypes through photography
Jamaican-American educator Renee O’Connor helps students through photography
Students at Miami Norland Senior High School are using photography to reclaim the narrative of their community through the upcoming second annual Danger of a Single Story: Miami Gardens Edition exhibit, a student-led showcase designed to challenge stereotypes surrounding Miami Gardens
The exhibit, scheduled for May 27 and 28 at the North Dade Regional Library, will feature more than 400 original photographs captured by students in grades 9 through 12
Guided by educator Renee O’Connor, the year-long interdisciplinary project was inspired by Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her acclaimed TED Talk, The Danger of a Single Story, which explores how limiting narratives can shape public perception of people and communities
O’Connor, a Jamaican-American educator and alumna of Miami Norland, said her own journey deeply influenced the project’s vision
“I was born in Kingston, Jamaica, and moved to Miami when I was six years old,” O’Connor explained in a Q&A with Caribbean National Weekly “I grew up in Miami Gardens, attended Norland Elementary, Norland Middle, and Miami Norland Senior High, and now I teach at the very school where I once sat as a student That full-circle journey has shaped not only who I am as an educator but also how deeply I care about the stories told about this community ”
She recalled a moment several years ago while shopping for snacks for her students at Publix that became the catalyst for the exhibit
“When I proudly responded, ‘Miami Norland Senior High,’ her face immediately shifted into what I can only describe as judgment and disgust,” O’Connor said of a cashier who asked where she taught “That moment stayed with me ”
The experience prompted O’Connor to think more deeply about the assumptions often attached to communities like Miami Gardens and inspired her to create a platform where students could tell their own stories
“That experience planted a seed,” she said “I realized I wanted to create something that challenged those assumptions and gave my students the opportunity to tell their own stories instead of constantly having stories told about them ”
Through African American History and Multicultural Studies coursework, students explored stereotypes associated with Miami Gardens before turning to photography as a storytelling tool The resulting images document everyday life and moments of beauty throughout the community
“One of the most powerful parts of this project has been seeing Miami Gardens through my students’ eyes,” O’Connor said “Their photographs captured beauty in ordinary moments that many people overlook ”
Students photographed grandparents sitting on porches, children playing outside, football games, churches, murals, sunsets, friendships, and quiet moments of reflection, creating what organizers describe as a multidimensional portrait of the city
O’Connor also connected the project to Caribbean traditions
of storytelling and preserving cultural memory
“In many Caribbean households, storytelling is how culture, wisdom, survival, and identity are passed from one generation to the next,” she said “Photography became an extension of that tradition within this project Instead of relying solely on oral storytelling, students are now using visual storytelling to document their lives and preserve their truths ”
She described the students as “archivists of Miami Gardens ”
The exhibit features contributions from students enrolled in African American History and Multicultural Studies classes, members of the school’s Photography Club known as C R A F T — Creative Reclamation of Artistic Fundamental Truths — and support from YOUmedia through the Miami-Dade Public Library System
Now in its second year, the exhibition builds on the momentum of its inaugural showcase, which drew strong community attention for its storytelling and student impact
O’Connor hopes visitors walk away with a deeper understanding of Miami Gardens beyond the headlines and stereotypes often associated with the city
“I hope visitors leave this exhibit with a more humanized understanding of Miami Gardens and the young people who live here,” she said. “I hope they realize that communities cannot be reduced to a single story ”
She also reflected on the personal significance of the exhibit, noting her late father’s influence on the project
“And as the daughter of a Jamaican photographer, I am sure my dad, Paul O’Connor, is looking down from heaven so proud of this exhibit,” she said, adding the Jamaican proverb: “Wi likkle but wi tallawah ”
Beaches Negril spotlights Sharon Rushie’s work supporting autisminclusive family vacations
In recognition of Autism Awareness Month, Beaches Negril is highlighting the work of one of its longtime team members, Sharon Rushie, whose nearly three decades of service have helped shape a more inclusive experience for visiting families
Rushie, who serves as kids camp manager at the resort, has become known for her commitment to supporting children and families, particularly those traveling with children on the autism spectrum
According to the resort, her work has expanded beyond coordinating activities, evolving into a trusted support role for parents seeking a comfortable and welcoming vacation environment for their children
Her efforts align with the broader inclusion initiatives of Beaches Resorts, which became the first resort company in the world to achieve Autism Certification through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards
The resort said that as of 2026, more than 80 percent of team members at Beaches Negril are certified
Rushie also plays an active role during recertification visits by guiding IBCCES representatives through the property and demonstrating how the resort’s programmes and facilities support neurodivergent guests
Danielle Daley said the resort’s approach is centered on adapting to the needs of each guest individually
“When you meet one person with autism, you ’ ve met one person with autism, our goal is to adapt to each individual and ensure every guest can experience the Caribbean in a way that feels comfortable and inclusive,” Daley said
Rushie recalled one experience involving a child whose previous vacations had reportedly been cut short because of difficulty adjusting to unfamiliar environments
“We would let him know ahead of time what to expect, so he could prepare and by the end of the stay, he had settled into the routine and was enjoying himself which left his mother in tears as she was delighted to see him enjoying the moment,” Rushie said
She said experiences like those have reinforced the importance of patience, understanding, and adaptability when working with families
According to the resort, Rushie’s work has also encouraged greater awareness and empathy within her own community, influencing how she interacts with families outside of the hospitality sector
As Beaches Negril continues expanding its focus on inclusive hospitality, resort officials said Rushie’s contribution remains central to ensuring that all families can create meaningful vacation experiences
From Jamaica to global impact
Jamaica-born transformational leader Dr. Tashni-Ann Dubroy has been appointed Chief Business Officer of UNCF (United Negro College Fund), one of the United States’ most respected education organizations focused on student success, scholarships, and strengthening Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
Her appointment marks a significant milestone for Jamaica and the wider Caribbean diaspora, placing a Jamaican-born executive in a senior leadership role at an institution that has supported generations of students in accessing higher education and life-changing opportunities
In her new role, Dr Dubroy will work closely with UNCF President and CEO Dr Michael Lomax and Board Chair Milton H Jones, Jr to strengthen operations, expand
fundraising efforts, drive innovation, and increase the organization’s reach and impact
For more than 80 years, UNCF has played a central role in advancing access to education and supporting HBCUs Over the past century and a half, Caribbean students have also benefited from broader pathways linked to U S Black higher education institutions, with many nationals attending HBCUs and going on to careers in medicine, law, business, engineering, education, and public service
Dr Dubroy’s appointment is expected to further strengthen connections between Jamaica, the wider Caribbean diaspora, and leading HBCUs across the United States Her leadership is also seen as reinforcing the growing presence of Caribbean professionals in senior roles across major U S institutions
A seasoned higher education executive, Dr Dubroy previously served as the 17th President of Shaw University, where she became one of the youngest university presidents in the United States She later held the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Howard University, overseeing key operational areas including
technology, facilities, human resources, public safety, and enrollment management
She holds a Ph D in Physical Organic Chemistry from North Carolina State University, an MBA from Rutgers University, and a Bachelor of Science degree from Shaw University
UNCF, founded in 1944, is among the largest and most influential supporters of higher education in the United States The organization has raised more than $6 billion to support scholarships and strengthen HBCUs, awarding thousands of scholarships annually to students attending more than 600 colleges and universities, including 37 member institutions
Dubroy’s appointment adds to a growing list of Caribbean-born leaders shaping policy, education, and institutional strategy at the highest levels in the United States, underscoring the region’s expanding global influence
O’Connor
COMMUNITY & THE DIASPORA
Educator Lawman Lynch selected as speaker at St. Thomas University
Jamaican-born educator and community advocate Lawman Lynch has been selected to deliver the graduate student commencement address for the Class of 2026 at St. Thomas University, a recognition honoring his academic excellence, ethical leadership, and commitment to service
Lynch, who is now based in New York City, will address graduates, faculty, families, and distinguished guests on Thursday, May 14, at the Fernandez Center in Miami
According to Michelle Johnson-Barnes, Lynch exemplifies the university’s mission of developing ethical leaders for the global community
“As a student scholar whose work has consistently exceeded standards and program learning outcomes, Lynch is a wonderful role model and representation of the university’s mission to develop ethical leaders for the global community,” Johnson-Barnes said Faculty members and university administrators nominated Lynch for the distinguished honor based on his academic achievement, leadership within and beyond the classroom,
and continued service to community and education
Lynch will graduate with a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph D ) in Ethical Leadership from the university’s Education Department, marking the culmination of years of sacrifice, discipline, and commitment to excellence
Originally from Kingston, Lynch’s journey to academic success was marked by significant challenges, including periods of uncertainty and homelessness Despite the hardships, he remained focused on the belief that circumstances do not define destiny
Through those experiences, Lynch said faith played a central role in helping him persevere
“This moment is not just mine,” Lynch shared “It belongs to everyone who believed in me when the road was difficult: my mother, my sister, my family, my mentors, my friends who became family, and every person who poured encouragement into my journey I stand here because of a village ”
His mother and sister remain central pillars of his support system, alongside extended family members, mentors, and lifelong friends whose encouragement and sacrifices helped shape his path
Now serving as an educator and leader in New York, Lynch has dedicated his professional life to uplifting underserved communities, advocating for equitable access to
education, and helping young people thrive His work reflects the same principles of ethical leadership he studied service, justice, integrity, and transformative impact
Lynch said his selection as commencement speaker carries special significance for immigrant communities and first-generation scholars working to overcome adversity
“As an immigrant, coming to America with hope and determination to build something greater, I want people to know that beating the odds is still possible,” Lynch said “The dream is still real It requires work, sacrifice, faith, and perseverance, but it is possible ”
His upcoming address is expected to inspire not only the graduating Class of 2026, but also others navigating difficult circumstances in pursuit of their goals
Lynch’s message, according to those close to him, centers on persistence, faith, preparation, and the importance of community support in achieving success
On May 14, Lynch will stand before the graduating class not only as a commencement speaker, but also as a symbol of resilience, faith, and possibility for immigrants and aspiring scholars everywhere
institution retained 30 percent of donations for 45 days to cover possible refund claims, but ODPEM had no formal written agreement governing the arrangement
More than JMD$15 million and US$298,429 reportedly remained withheld beyond the proposed transfer deadline, and auditors said they could not independently verify whether the funds were eventually deposited into ODPEM accounts because supporting bank statements were not provided
Questions were also raised about the Government’s roof restoration programme, which ODPEM said repaired 421 roofs with assistance from the Jamaica Defence Force and a foreign military support team
However, auditors said they could not properly verify the repairs because key records were incomplete or missing, including beneficiary selection criteria, approval documents, and completion reports
“No documentation was provided to show the categorisation of the beneficiaries based on damage assessment with the appropriate evidence of damage to allow for audit trail from what existed before the repairs,” Monroe Ellis said
The audit also revealed that of JMD$122 5 million in roofing supplies delivered to JDF locations, only $88 6 million was formally acknowledged as received
“The remaining $34 million in roofing materials, representing 27 8 per cent of all materials delivered, was not supported by signed delivery slips or goods received notes (GRNs) countersigned by either ODPEM or a JDF representative, leaving these deliveries unverified and unacknowledged by the receiving party,” auditors found
The Auditor General’s Department said the ongoing audit was intended to strengthen accountability while recovery efforts continue According to the report, 420 contracts valued at JMD$11 13 billion have so far been awarded in response to Hurricane Melissa, with additional audits still underway
COMMUNITY & THE DIASPORA
Diaspora urged to move from remittances to strategic investment in Jamaica
The Jamaican diaspora was urged to shift from traditional remittances toward long-term, strategic investment in national development as Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Major General (Ret’d) Antony Anderson, delivered a pointed address in Atlanta over the weekend
Speaking at a signature event hosted by The Elaine Bryan Foundation, Ambassador Anderson said diaspora contributions must evolve beyond household support to more structured engagement in enterprise, innovation and nation-building
The gathering, held at the Buckhead Club in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, May 3, 2026, was organized by The Elaine Bryan Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dr Elaine Bryan, Jamaica’s Honorary Consul to Atlanta The event brought together civic leaders, business professionals, diplomats and members of the wider Caribbean community
Framing his remarks as a call to action, Anderson said the diaspora’s role in Jamaica’s development must be seen in broader terms
“What is happening here is not simply giving back This is nation-building ”
The foundation has built a growing profile supporting students across Jamaica and the Caribbean through education-focused initiatives aimed at leadership development and social mobility
Ambassador Anderson said while remittances remain a vital economic pillar for Jamaica, they are no longer sufficient on their own to drive sustainable growth
“The diaspora has always been there in times of need What is required now is a shift from support to strategy, leveraging that commitment into sustained investment, enterprise, and national development,” he said
He pointed to the gathering itself as evidence of the diaspora’s reach and influence, noting the presence of professionals, entrepreneurs and leaders across multiple sectors He also signaled plans to deepen formal ties between Jamaica and Atlanta as a hub for economic and cultural collaboration
A significant portion of his remarks focused on Jamaica’s recovery from Hurricane Melissa, which caused widespread damage across several parishes and strained infrastructure and services
Anderson praised coordinated recovery efforts, noting that despite the scale of the disaster, Jamaica had restored most essential services within months He also highlighted the role of diaspora-led organizations in supporting relief efforts
“The Elaine Bryan Foundation demonstrated once again that diaspora organisations can serve as genuine first responders not just in spirit but in action,” he said
“You cannot rebuild an economy on sympathy You rebuild it by restoring activity, restoring confidence, and restoring people’s ability to earn ” The event also served as a platform for the foundation to highlight its ongoing work supporting education and community development initiatives for underserved students
Closing his address, Ambassador Anderson returned to the theme of shared responsibility
“This is an investment in you And your duty is to invest in others ”
Lauderhill lifts boil water notice after testing confirms water safe to drink
Residents and businesses in parts of Lauderhill can resume normal water use after city officials announced Monday that a precautionary boil water notice issued following a water main break has been lifted
The City of Lauderhill said the advisory, which affected customers in the area between 4401 and 4991 North University Drive, was rescinded after bacteriological testing conducted by the city’s Utilities Department confirmed the water is safe for consumption
According to the city, residents may now use tap water for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, and washing dishes without the need to boil it first
The precautionary notice had been issued following a water main break in the area as a safety measure while water quality tests were carried out
C i t y
c i a l s t h a n
e d residents for their patience and cooperation during the advisory period, adding that maintaining the safety and reliability of the municipal drinking water system remains a top priority
Residents seeking additional information are being encouraged to contact the Lauderhill Utilities Department at 954-7304225
Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Major General (Ret’d) Antony Anderson, receives a gift from Jamaica’s Honorary Consul in Atlanta, Dr Elaine Grant Bryan, following his keynote address at the Elaine Bryan Foundation Inspirational Luncheon at the Buckhead Club in Atlanta on Sunday, May 3, 2026. Looking on (right) are Dr Dahlia Pottinger and Bernie Layne
COMMUNITY & THE DIASPORA
Miami World Cup Committee holds youth community clinic
The FIFA World Cup 2026 Miami Host Committee, in collaboration with the City of Miami, hosted a ONE GAME ONE FUTURE community and legacy initiative at Riverside Park in Miami on Saturday, bringing together youth, educators, and community leaders for a day focused on soccer, mentorship, and community engagement
The May 9 initiative featured a coaches workshop and youth soccer clinic, with participants taking part in on-field training sessions centered on skillbui
mentorship Organizers said the program was designed to equip local stakeholders with tools to use sport as a platform for inclusion, mentorship, and youth development
As Miami prepares to serve as one of 16 host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Miami Host Committee said it continues to expand community-focused programming through its ONE GAME ONE FUTURE initiative, aimed at increasing access to soccer while strengthening connections between schools,
communities, and the sport Community leaders participating in the event included Vicki L Lopez and Rolando Escalona, both of whom voiced support for expanding access to sports and youth resources across the community
“ONE GAME ONE FUTURE is about creating meaningful opportunities for young people to grow both on and off the field,” said Rodney Barreto “As Miami prepares to host the FIFA World Cup 2026, initiatives like this reflect our commitment to delivering a lasting legacy that extends far beyond the tournament By expanding access to
sport and investing in youth development, we are helping build stronger, more connected communities across Miami-Dade County ”
demonstrated the positive impact sports programs can have on young people
“Being out there with the kids, you really see the impact firsthand,” Lopez said. “It’s young people learning new skills, building friendships, and just enjoying themselves in a positive environment At the same time, you have coaches and mentors showing up for them and helping guide them That’s what makes
initiatives like this so valuable it’s simple, but it really matters ” Escalona also emphasized the importance of investing in youth opportunities both on and off the field
“Ensuring that every child in our community has access to opportunities that help them thrive not only on the field, but off
collaborations like these essential,” he said “ONE GAME ONE FUTURE exemplifies how sports can bring people together, inspire confidence, and create a lasting impact far beyond the field This is how we strengthen our neighborhoods, by investing in the next generation right here in District 3 ” The initiative also included opening remarks, group warmups, and a group photo opportunity involving participants, coaches, and community leaders
Representatives from the FIFA World Cup 2026 Miami Host Committee, including Janelle Prieto and Jennifer Roche, were also onsite to discuss the initiative and Miami’s preparations for the tournament
Best of the Best
Hotels and short-term rentals across South Florida typically see strong demand during the festival period, as fans turn the long weekend into a cultural getaway in a region that is home to a large and influential Caribbean community
Set for Sunday, May 24, 2026, at Museum Park, this year ’ s staging signals a notable shift for the long-running festival, introducing a new venue while maintaining its reputation for delivering top-tier Caribbean entertainment
Leading the lineup are reggae heavyweights Sizzla, Beenie Man, Capleton and Tarrus Riley artists whose catalogs have defined generations and whose presence underscores the festival’s continued emphasis on quality and cultural authenticity
Balancing the bill is a strong contingent of contemporary dancehall talent, including 450, Tifa, Skeng and Kraff Their inclusion reflects the genre ’ s current momentum and ensures a steady pulse of high-energy performances throughout the event
Over nearly two decades, Best of the Best has cemented its place as one of North America’s premier Caribbean music festivals, drawing thousands of patrons annually from across the diaspora and beyond Its formula pairing established icons with emerging acts has consistently delivered standout moments, from careerdefining performances to breakthrough sets that introduce new talent to wider audiences
Last year’s staging reinforced that legacy, with a strong turnout and a lineup that seamlessly blended nostalgia with contemporary hits Organizers say the 2026 edition is designed to build on that momentum while enhancing the overall patron experience
The move to Museum Park is expected to play a key role in that evolution Located along Miami’s waterfront, the venue offers a more expansive layout, increased capacity, and upgraded production potential Organizers are also aiming to create a more immersive festival environment, with improved crowd flow and enhanced amenities
Beyond the performances, Best of the Best continues to serve as a cultural touchpoint, celebrating Caribbean identity through music and shared experience From roots reggae to modern dancehall, the festival highlights the diversity and global reach of the region’s sound
With a powerhouse lineup, a refreshed venue, and 19 years of brand equity behind it, organizers and fans alike are anticipating one of the most memorable stagings yet As Memorial Day weekend approaches, Miami is once again set to become the epicenter of Caribbean music culture
IRAWMA 2026 to honor reggae legends as Vybz Kartel tops nominations
The 43rd annual International Reggae and World Music Awards is set to take center stage this Sunday at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center, bringing together some of the biggest names in reggae, dancehall and world music for what organizers are calling one of the most star-studded editions in the event’s history
The awards show, commonly known as IRAWMA, will be held on May 17, with red carpet arrivals beginning at 6 p m Organizers say the event will feature legendary performers, international music stars, emerging artists, industry executives and fans from across the globe
Dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel leads this year ’ s nominations with 11 nods across nine categories, further cementing his influence on the global dancehall scene. Other major nominees include Shaggy, Sean Paul, Spice and Shenseea
International music producer and entertainer DJ Khaled is expected to appear as one of the evening’s presenters He is also nominated for the collaborative track “You Remind Me,” which features Vybz Kartel, Bounty Killer, Buju Banton, Rory from Stone Love, Kaylan Arnold and Mavado
One of the highlights of the night is expected to be the presentation of a Lifetime Achievement Award to Mavado in recognition of his contributions to dancehall music and
Caribbean culture
Reggae icon Burning Spear, whose real name is Winston Rodney, will receive the Lifetime and Master of Reggae and World
Music Culture Award for his 57 years of contribution to reggae music and global consciousness
The ceremony will also honor reggae legend Marcia Griffiths, widely known as the “Queen of Reggae,” alongside entertainers including Spragga Benz, Wayne Armond, Congolese music star Awilo Longomba and Gramps Morgan
Featured performances are expected from Gramps Morgan and gospel reggae pioneer Dr Carlene Davis, as organizers promise a showcase celebrating the diversity and global reach of reggae and world music
The awards will also spotlight nominees across reggae, dancehall, Latin, Afrobeats and world music genres, including Daddy Yankee, Stick Figure and Mariah Carey for the collaboration “Sugar Sweet,” featuring Shenseea and Kehtani
“This celebration represents more than awards — it is a global cultural movement honoring the legends, pioneers, and future stars of reggae and world music,” said IRAWMA founder Dr Ephraim Martin in a statement
Dancehall artist Flippa Maa charged in new US federal drug conspiracy case
Jamaican dancehall artist Andrew Kendrick Davis, popularly known as Flippa Moggela or Flippa Mafia, is once again facing serious drug trafficking allegations in the United States, only four years after his release from prison in a previous federal drug case
Federal prosecutors in New Jersey have charged Davis alongside Damion Jones, Clifford Brown, and James McBride in a drug conspiracy case involving methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine
According to the criminal complaint, the men are accused of conspiring to possess and
distribute at least 500 grams of methamphetamine, at least 400 grams of fentanyl, and at least five kilograms of cocaine between August 2025 and May 2026
Investigators said Davis became linked to the alleged drug trafficking operation on August 18, 2025, when surveillance cameras allegedly captured him dropping off a heavy bag at Jones’s residence and leaving approximately two minutes later carrying an empty bag
Two days later, authorities searched a storage unit connected to Jones and reportedly
seized more than 5,300 grams of methamphetamine, nearly one kilogram of fentanyl, as well as carfentanil, xylazine, and a suspected cutting agent
Federal agents also cited evidence allegedly recovered from Davis’ Apple iCloud account, including an August 1 video showing him filming bags of suspected narcotics and photographs of shipping labels Prosecutors said one of the labels matched a FedEx package intercepted in Pennsylvania containing five pounds of methamphetamine and one kilogram of cocaine
As part of the investigation, a judge authorized the interception of communications from two phones allegedly used by Davis Prosecutors said the intercepted conversations included exchanges with an unidentified woman and discussions with his codefendants
The investigation culminated on May 9 when law enforcement officers observed a U S Postal Service employee deliver a package mailed from California to a home under surveillance Authorities later executed search warrants at multiple locations
Vybz Kartel
SPORTS Bunny Shaw’s late heroics send ManCity roaring into FA Cup final
For more than an hour, Manchester City appeared headed for heartbreak
Chelsea controlled the tempo, dictated possession, and looked firmly on course for a place in the Women’s FA Cup final after building a two-goal cushion at Stamford Bridge But just when the contest seemed settled, City unleashed a breathtaking late surge led by Jamaican star Khadija “Bunny” Shaw, who delivered two decisive strikes to complete one of the competition’s most dramatic turnarounds
Shaw’s late brilliance carried City to an unforgettable 3-2 victory on Sunday, transforming apparent defeat into celebration and keeping alive the club’s dream of a historic domestic double
Fresh from clinching the Women’s Super League title earlier in the week, City now stand one victory away from adding the FA Cup crown and completing their most successful campaign in a decade
Chelsea wasted little time asserting themselves
The home side struck in just the eighth minute when Erin Cuthbert found the breakthrough, igniting the Stamford Bridge crowd and immediately placing City under pressure Chelsea’s aggressive approach and sharp movement repeatedly unsettled the visitors, who struggled to gain rhythm in the opening stages
As the match progressed, City searched for openings but found Chelsea disciplined and organized at the back The London club continued to threaten on the counterattack and eventually strengthened its grip on the semi-final shortly before the hour mark
Sam Kerr doubled Chelsea’s lead in the 59th minute, finishing clinically to put the hosts in what appeared to be a commanding position At 2-0, the momentum belonged entirely to Chelsea, and City’s hopes seemed to be fading rapidly
Then came the shift that changed everything
With normal time slipping away, Mary Fowler injected life into City’s challenge in the 86th minute, pulling one goal back and suddenly creating belief where little had existed moments earlier
Chelsea, so composed for most of the afternoon, began to wobble under mounting pressure City pushed forward relentlessly, sensing vulnerability and refusing to concede defeat
That pressure exploded into reward in stoppage time
In the first minute of added time, Shaw delivered the equalizer that stunned Stamford Bridge into silence The Jamaican interna-
tional rose to the occasion when City needed inspiration most, dragging her side level and forcing extra time in extraordinary fashion
But Shaw was not finished
With the match hanging in the balance during extra time, the prolific forward struck again in the 103rd minute Meeting the opportunity with composure and authority, she nodded home the winning goal to complete City’s astonishing comeback and secure their place in the final
The dramatic turnaround crowned another defining performance from one of the women ’ s game ’ s most dangerous attackers
Chelsea attempted to respond and nearly forced the contest back level Sjoeke Nusken came closest when her powerful header threatened to sneak under the crossbar, but City goalkeeper Khiara Keating reacted brilliantly, tipping the effort onto the frame of the goal to preserve her side’s advantage
Despite Chelsea’s desperate late pressure, City held firm through the closing stages to seal a victory that only minutes earlier had seemed impossible The triumph continues a remarkable week for Manchester City
After ending a decade-long wait for a Women’s Super League title on Wednesday, City now have an opportunity to capture their first domestic double in 10 years
And at the center of that pursuit stands Shaw, whose late-game heroics transformed a fading semi-final challenge into another memorable chapter in City’s resurgence
Armed bandits storm TTCB Headquarters in bold daylight robbery
The Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board found itself at the center of a frightening criminal attack on Friday after armed bandits stormed its Couva offices and escaped with thousands of dollars in cash during a daylight robbery
The incident unfolded at the TTCB headquarters along Clifford Roach Drive in Balmain, Couva, where employees were reportedly confronted by gunmen shortly after midday in what authorities described as a bold and coordinated operation
According to a report from Guardian Sports, the attackers struck around 1:30 p m , catching staff off guard as they carried out routine duties inside the organization’s administrative offices
Investigators said the armed men held employees at gunpoint before targeting a safe containing cash belonging to the cricket board
After securing approximately TT$15,000, the suspects fled the scene in a waiting vehicle before law enforcement officers could intervene
The terrifying encounter left workers badly shaken, with the TTCB later acknowledging the emotional impact the robbery had on its staff
In a statement issued after the incident, the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board strongly condemned the attack and expressed concern over the continuing rise in violent crime across the country
“No employee should have to endure the terror and trauma inflicted by these gunmen in the course of simply carrying out their duties,” the statement read
The organization also warned that the incident reflected a broader national problem affecting citizens and institutions alike
Grenada hosts Pure Grenada Masters Cricket Tournament, boosting sports tourism push
Grenada has successfully wrapped up the Pure Grenada Masters Cricket Tournament, a week-long regional event that brought together veteran cricket talent from across the Caribbean and highlighted the island’s growing ambitions in sports tourism
The tournament featured 60 visiting participants across four regional sides — the West Indies Masters, Trinidad’s Munroe Road Masters, Guyana’s North Soesdyke Masters, and Barbados’ AMAAS Masters — who competed alongside two home teams, Spice Isle Masters 1 and Spice Isle Masters
2 After a competitive week of matches, Guyana’s North Soesdyke emerged as champions, while Trinidad’s Munroe Road Masters finished as runners-up
Organisers and tourism officials have framed the tournament as more than just a sporting contest, pointing to its wider economic and promotional impact The Grenada Tourism Authority, which led the initiative, said the event helped inject new activity into the local economy, particularly in hospitality, food services, transport, and small business sectors
Stacey Liburd, CEO of the Grenada Tourism Authority, described the tournament as a model for how sport can be used to extend the island’s tourism season and diversify its appeal She noted that combining competition with targeted partnerships created “meaningful experiences” for visiting teams while delivering tangible benefits to local service providers Beyond the matches, organisers also staged a consumer pop-up event on the final day, bringing together local vendors and visiting teams in a marketplace-style setting The activation allowed small businesses and
artisans to showcase their products directly to international guests, adding another layer of economic engagement beyond the cricket grounds
Tornia Charles, Chief Marketing Officer at the Grenada Tourism Authority, said the tournament aligns with the island’s broader 2026 strategy to position Grenada more firmly on the regional sports tourism map She emphasized that the goal is not only to host events, but to ensure they generate long-term benefits for communities and businesses across the island
Looking ahead, officials say there is strong interest in expanding the Masters Cricket concept into an annual fixture Plans under consideration include increasing the number of participating teams, enhancing spectator experiences, and integrating more cultural and community-based activities alongside the sporting calendar
There is also talk of introducing voluntourism elements, fan travel packages, and expanded sponsorship opportunities, all aimed at deepening engagement and attracting a wider audience from within the Caribbean diaspora and beyond If developed further, organisers believe the tournament could become a consistent fixture in Grenada’s sports calendar, strengthening the island’s reputation as a destination capable of hosting regional and international sporting events while driving year-round tourism activity
For now, officials are celebrating what they see as a successful debut edition — one that combined competitive cricket, regional camaraderie, and a clear demonstration of how sport can support broader economic and tourism goals in Grenada
Shaw
