ALL HAIL THE QUEE
Bunny Shaw crowned W of the Season after reco campaign at Mancheste
Khadija Shaw added another major achievement to an already extraordinary campaign after being named the Women’s Super League Player of the Season, cementing her status as the dominant force in English women’s football
The Manchester City W F C striker produced a sensational season that combined elite finishing, consistency and match-winning performances, guiding City to their first league title in 10 years while once again overwhelming defenders across the division At 29, Shaw continues to redefine standards in the league Her 21 goals continues on B7 – Bunny Shaw
Judge allows Florida congressional map to remain in place ahead of 2026 elections
A Florida judge has ruled that the state’s newly drawn congressional districts will remain in place, rejecting a challenge from voting rights groups that argued the map was designed to unfairly influence future U S. House elections.
Jamaica Consul General Oliver Mair receives honorary doctorate in Florida
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Leon County Circuit Judge Joshua Hawkes issued the ruling Tuesday, siding with the administration of Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature over a lawsuit brought by the Common Cause and the Equal Ground Education Fund, along with a group of voters
The case centered on Florida’s congressional redistricting plan, which redraws the boundaries for seats in the U S House of
Jamaica’s Western Children’s Hospital to be named after Porti Simpson Miller
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Representatives ahead of the 2026 midterm elections
The groups argued the map violated Florida’s Fair Districts Amendment, a voterapproved constitutional measure passed in 2010 that prohibits districts from being drawn to favor or disadvantage a political party or incumbent They also claimed the new map weakens minority voting influence in several parts of the state, including South Florida
Beaches unveils
communities with large Black and CaribbeanAmerican populations
Attorneys challenging the map pointed to testimony from Jason Poreda, an aide to DeSantis who helped draw the districts, who acknowledged using partisan data during the process But Hawkes ruled the challengers failed to show that restoring the previous congressional map would resolve the constitutional issues
US$150m luxury village in Turks and Caicos continues on A8 – Congressional Map
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Tristan Evelyn sprints to golden payday at Enhanc Games
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Officials in the City of Tamarac gathered at Veterans Park to commemorate Memorial Day in the city
Vybz Kartel, Jamaica’s Consul General Oliver Mair and Joe Bogdanovich, CEO of DownSound Entertainment, pictured at the recent launch of Reggae Sumfest in South Florida
Miami Gardens leaders came together for the Memorial Day Breakfast held over the weekend. Pictured from le : Vice Mayor Robert Stephens III and Councilwomen Katrina Wilson and Linda Juilen
Patrons represen ng Jamaica with
flag during the Best of the Best Music Fes val held over the weekend
Jamaican climber reaches summit of Mount Everest for second time
Jamaican-born mountaineer
Rohan Freeman has once again reached the summit of Mount Everest, becoming the first Jamaican to scale the world’s highest mountain.
Freeman completed the climb at approximately 6:45 a m on May 23, marking the second time he has summited Everest after first accomplishing the feat in 2009
The achievement drew praise from Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who highlighted Freeman’s groundbreaking accomplishments in a social media post
“Jamaican, Rohan Freeman made it to the top of the world, literally!” Holness wrote, noting that Freeman was the first Jamaican to reach Everest’s summit and also the first Jamaican and African-American to complete the Seven Summits — the highest mountains on each of the seven continents
Freeman also shared images and video clips from the summit on social media, including photos of himself holding the Jamaican flag atop the mountain
“Summited Mount Everest on May 23 at approximately 6:45 AM!” Freeman wrote “More to come when I get some much needed rest and food ”
He dedicated the climb to his wife, Emilia Freeman, praising her determination and resilience
Born in Jamaica, Freeman later immigrated to the United States to attend the University of Connecticut, where he studied civil engineering and developed an interest in athletics and mountain climbing
Despite living with asthma, Freeman began tackling major peaks in the early
“Summited Mount Everest on May 23 at approximately 6:45 AM! More to come when I get some much needed rest and food.” – Freeman
2000s He climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in 2002, followed by Denali — formerly known as Mount McKinley — in 2005
In 2006, he scaled both Mount Elbrus and Aconcagua before reaching Everest for the first time in 2009 He later completed Vinson Massif in 2011 and Carstensz Pyramid in 2012, officially completing the Seven Summits challenge
Alongside his mountaineering achievements, Freeman built a successful engineering career He is a licensed professional engineer and land surveyor and founded Freeman Companies, a Connecticut-based engineering firm, in 2009
CARIBBEAN NEWS
Guyana to roll out AI-powered smart police stations and surveillance system
Guyana is moving ahead with an ambitious plan to transform its national security infrastructure through AI-powered policing, digital services, and full-scale surveillance coverage expected to be completed by 2030
The plan was outlined by President Mohamed Irfaan Ali during a media briefing at the Office of the President, where he detailed a shift toward fully integrated “smart” police stations supported by artificial intelligence and real-time data systems
Under the proposal, traditional police station front desks will be replaced or supplemented by digital service points, online reporting systems, and 24-hour AI-supported operations designed to improve response times and reduce wait periods for citizens
“What do we mean by this? It means that
the normal traditional front desk offices are not required but confidence must be there,” Ali said, explaining the vision behind the overhaul
The smart stations will be connected to national databases and command centres, allowing officers to access and process information in real time Authorities say the
system will also support online crime reporting and automated service delivery, including police clearance requests that currently require in-person visits
As part of the broader transformation, the government plans to deploy artificial intelligence tools for predictive policing and
surveillance, including facial recognition, behavioural analytics, and automated threat detection
Officials also confirmed that CCTV coverage will be expanded nationwide under the “Safe Country” programme, forming a unified surveillance network integrated with traffic monitoring systems already in use across parts of the country
Existing pilot programmes include AIenabled speed and traffic enforcement cameras that can identify repeat offenders and automatically generate reports for use in the judicial system Mobile enforcement units have also been tested, with one pilot operation reportedly identifying more than 250 vehicles with outstanding infractions in a single night
According to the president, the system is designed to operate with minimal human interference in enforcement processes
“No human can interfere with the system because the system would pick them up, document it on a screen, and put it in a database,” he said
The broader plan also includes the introduction of digital ID cards and digital passports, aimed at linking Guyana’s security infrastructure with regional and international information-sharing systems
Officials say the initiative is intended to strengthen public trust, improve efficiency, and modernise law enforcement through technology-driven governance
Jamaica records 22.5% decline in murders so far this year
Jamaica has recorded a significant decline in major crimes so far this year, with murders down 22 5 percent compared to the corresponding period in 2025, according to the latest crime statistics released by the Jamaica Constabulary Force
The data, covering January 1 to May 23, 2026, show that murders fell from 275 last year to 213 this year a reduction of 62 homicides
Shootings also recorded a sharp decline, falling 32 5 percent from 295 incidents in 2025 to 199 this year. Robberies dropped by 22 percent, while reported rapes declined by 17 2 percent and break-ins fell by 10 8 per cent
Overall, the island recorded 1,163 major crimes during the review period, down from 1,458 in 2025 — a decrease of 20 2 percent
Among the police divisions, St Andrew North recorded one of the steepest reductions in overall major crimes, falling from 134 cases last year to 34 this year — a 74 6 percent decline Murders in the division dropped from 16 to three, while shootings fell from 28 to five
St Catherine South also recorded a major reduction in murders, declining from 26 to nine, while St Andrew South saw murders fall from 37 to 19
However, some divisions recorded increases in homicides and other serious offences
St James reported the highest number of murders islandwide with 28 killings, up from 22 during the same period last year The division also saw a dramatic rise in break-ins, increasing from 14 to 44 cases — a 214 3 percent jump
M u r d e r s a l s o i n c r e a s e d i n Manchester, rising from eight to 14, while Kingston Eastern and St Elizabeth each recorded increases of six and five murders respectively
Western Children’s Hospital to be named after Portia Simpson Miller
Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced on Tuesday that the Western Children’s Hospital will be named in honor of former Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, recognizing her role in securing the partnership with China that helped bring the project to life
Speaking at the MLSS Naming Ceremony, Holness said Simpson Miller had traveled to China, led negotiations, and returned with the agreement that laid the foundation for what is expected to become one of Jamaica’s most significant healthcare developments for children
“It’s only proper and there was never any other intention,” Holness said “Mama P was my mother, she usually called me her son,” he added jokingly “But she’s always in my heart and we ’ re always good friends ”
The 220-bed specialist facility, now under construction at the compound of Cornwall Regional Hospital, is expected to become the first hospital of its kind in the Englishspeaking Caribbean The project stems from negotiations led by Simpson Miller that resulted in funding support from China
The Western Children’s Hospital is expected to strengthen pediatric healthcare services across western Jamaica and the wider country
In March, the People’s National Party Patriots called on the government to name the facility in Simpson Miller’s honor
“Her ascension to the highest political office was not only a personal triumph but a
defining moment in Jamaica’s democratic development, a powerful affirmation that background must never limit destiny,” the Patriots said in a statement
“The facility was conceptualized under Mrs Simpson Miller’s leadership, and she personally traveled overseas to secure funding and international partnerships for its realization before demitting office following
the 2016 general election It stands today as a testament to her vision for equitable healthcare access for Jamaica’s children, particularly those in western Jamaica ”
The organization said Simpson Miller’s achievements continue to inspire Jamaicans from all walks of life and argued that naming the institution after her would serve as a fitting tribute to her legacy of public service
“Nations must deliberately preserve and celebrate their trailblazers, and naming this vital institution after Mrs Simpson Miller would be a fitting and unifying tribute to a leader whose life’s work was grounded in service to the most vulnerable,” the statement added
Trinidad Opp. leader urges urgent reform of police oversight body
Leader of the opposition People’s National Movement (PNM) in Trinidad and Tobago, Pennelope Beckles, is calling on the government to urgently amend legislation governing police oversight, arguing that the country’s Police Complaints Authority (PCA) requires stronger investigative powers and greater independence
In a statement on Tuesday, Beckles said the PCA should be restructured along the
(INDECOM), which she described as a model that allows for immediate access to crime scenes, preservation of evidence, and rapid civilian oversight following incidents involving police use of lethal force
INDECOM is Jamaica’s independent civilian oversight body responsible for investigating deaths, injuries, and allegations of abuse involving members of the security forces, including the police and military
Beckles said adopting similar mechanisms in Trinidad and Tobago would strengthen accountability and improve public trust in law enforcement
“My call for PCA action is closely tied to the Opposition’s persistent demand that the Government legislatively mandate the use of body cameras as part of the disciplined management of police powers,” she said, adding that such reforms would protect both citizens and officers
Her comments come amid heightened public debate following a controversial police shooting incident in January involving the death of 31-year-old Joshua Samaroo and the subsequent charging of his common-law wife, Kaia Sealy
The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) alleges that Sealy fired at officers during the January 20 incident, leading to multiple charges, including shooting with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and manslaughter Sealy was also critically injured and reportedly left paralysed during the confrontation CCTV footage of the incident has circulated publicly and intensified scrutiny of the case
Beckles warned that without stronger oversight mechanisms and clearer accountability structures, public trust in law enforcement could continue to erode, particularly amid ongoing concerns about violent crime and emergency security measures in the country
A rendering of Jamaica’s Western Children’s Hospital
EDITORIAL
Time fi mek Jamaican Patois official language wid English
One of the legacies left in the Caribbean by former British colonial masters is the English language However, this legacy was somewhat unbalanced, depending on access to quality education that native Caribbean people were able to obtain While the British focused on teaching standard English, the existing system made this possible mainly for urban residents who could attend relatively few public elementary and secondary schools This resulted in most Caribbean people, particularly those in rural areas, speaking and communicating in local dialects
Every former British colony has its own indigenous dialects or creole languages, although Jamaican Patois is probably the most internationally recognized and influential
These dialects developed during slavery and colonialism, when Africans from different ethnic groups communicated with European colonizers and one another Over generations, new speech forms emerged from blending European languages with African languages, and in some cases Indigenous and Asian influences
In Trinidad and Tobago, the dialect mixes English with African, French, Spanish, and Indian influences Barbados dialect is fast-paced and heavily accented, with distinctive pronunciation and grammar Bahamian dialect has AfricanAmerican Southern and West African influences In Belize, Belizean Kriol is widely spoken and is a major marker of national identity Guyanese Creole varies greatly by region and ethnicity, with African, Indian, Dutch, and Indigenous influences
Although Haiti is a former French colony, not British, Haitian Creole is fully recognized as an official language alongside French and is spoken by nearly the entire population It evolved from French mixed with West African languages Both Dominica and Saint Lucia have French-based creoles often called Kwéyòl or Patois
Interestingly, Caribbean people can often identify another nationality simply by hearing
their dialect The accents, rhythms, vocabulary, and expressions are very distinctive from country to country
However, the most widely recognized of the indigenous Caribbean dialects is Jamaican Patois Today, most Jamaicans educated and uneducated, upper and lower class speak it Although it is widely used, some people still frown upon it, as seen recently in the Jamaican Parliament during comments made by an opposition MP
There is a strong argument that Jamaican Patois should be formally recognized as an alternative language rather than being treated as “bad English” or informal “street” or “country” speech
For many Jamaicans, Patois is the first language spoken at home and in daily life English is often learned later through school, media, and formal institutions
Linguistically, Jamaican Patois is not simply broken English; it has its own grammar, pronunciation patterns, vocabulary, and expressive structure shaped by West African languages, English, Spanish, and other historical influences
The controversy around its use in Jamaican society stems from several factors, including the legacy of colonial history; class divisions, where the upper class tends to speak formal English while lower-income groups are more likely to use Patois; and fears that widespread official use could weaken English proficiency
Nonetheless, Patois permeates all social classes and is central to Jamaican identity. Jamaican music, humor, storytelling, religion, and everyday social interaction are deeply rooted in it
Internationally, Jamaican culture has become globally influential largely through artists such as Bob Marley, whose use of Jamaican dialect helped spread the language worldwide
The recent controversy in Parliament over an MP’s use of Patois reflects a deeper contradiction
Most Jamaican politicians campaign in Patois because it connects with voters Yet in formal state
settings, “proper” English is often treated as the only respectable language
This contradictory stance needs to end Patois will not be eliminated from Jamaican society or the diaspora Instead of forcing “proper” English alone, it would be more practical for authorities to retain English as the primary official language for international business, law, and diplomacy, while formally recognizing Jamaican Patois as a national language
In this way, greater use of Patois could be allowed in education, social and traditional media, literature, and selected parliamentary proceedings With both languages used alongside each other, Jamaica would function as a genuinely bilingual society This should be embraced from early schooling
Most Jamaican children enter school speaking mainly Patois and often struggle when first exposed to standard English, which for them functions as a second language This contributes to difficulties in reading, writing, and achieving passing grades in English Formalizing Patois could therefore improve early learning and comprehension
However, there is also concern that because English is a global language tied to migration, tourism, finance, and professional advancement, weak English proficiency could disadvantage Jamaicans internationally But a confident society can preserve its native language while mastering global English
The Patois debate ultimately reflects tensions between local identity and colonial inheritance, upper-class prestige and popular culture, and local versus global acceptance
It is time Jamaican Patois is given formal constitutional recognition, similar to Haitian Creole. Patois should not remain culturally dominant while English alone is treated as more prestigious Both should be placed on equal footing
Beaches unveils US$150m luxury village in Turks and Caicos
Beaches Resorts has unveiled its US$150 million Treasure Beach Village in Turks and Caicos, marking what executives describe as the beginning of a new phase of expansion and design innovation for the brand across the Caribbean
The new all-suite village at Beaches Turks and Caicos was officially unveiled over the weekend during a high-profile celebration featuring international guests, entertainers
and media The development adds 101 multibedroom suites, six new dining concepts, a 15,000-square-foot lagoon-style pool, and new lifestyle amenities including the Pinta Food Hall and Starfish cinema
Beaches Executive Chairman Adam Stewart said the project represents the first fully realised example of the company ’ s nextgeneration resort model, which he referred to
“This is the first of five new resorts,”
Stewart said “Next year, we will open Beaches Exuma in The Bahamas The year after that, Beaches Barbados The year after that, the new Beaches in Jamaica And then the year after that, St Vincent and the Grenadines ”
family travel and large-scale experiential tourism, with a growing emphasis on designforward accommodations, immersive dining and curated entertainment spaces
Jamaican Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness, who attended the weekend event as a special guest, used the occasion to highlight the wider economic significance of Caribbean companies expanding beyond their home markets
He said Jamaica’s “national wealth” should be viewed in terms that extend beyond its borders, pointing to Jamaican-owned companies operating regionally and internationally
“We need to understand what national wealth is The national wealth also includes the Jamaican private sector who are grown in Jamaica, who innovate in Jamaica, and who export to other countries regionally,” Holness said, referencing companies such as Sandals Resorts International and GraceKennedy
He compared their trajectory to global multinational corporations, arguing that Jamaican firms are increasingly functioning as regional economic engines through job creation, talent export and foreign earnings
as “Beaches 2 0” a shift toward more modern, multi-generational and experiencedriven luxury tourism
Treasure Beach Village is the first completed project in what will be a US$1 billion expansion of Beaches Resorts across the Caribbean, as the company accelerates its long-term growth strategy in key regional destinations
He added that the pacing of development is intentional, designed to ensure consistency in quality while scaling the brand’s presence across key Caribbean destinations The Treasure Beach Village concept, he said, will serve as a blueprint for future properties
Stewart also pointed to ongoing reinvestment in existing Sandals and Beaches resorts, indicating that upgrades and redesigns are expected across the portfolio as part of the broader transformation strategy
The opening comes as Beaches continues to position itself at the intersection of luxury
Holness also highlighted the role of tourism employment networks across the Caribbean, noting that brands such as Beaches continue to provide opportunities for Jamaicans working abroad, particularly in destinations like Turks and Caicos where Jamaican workers form a significant part of the hospitality workforce
The weekend launch event featured a guest list that included Taye Diggs, Jesse Eisenberg, Chad Michael Murray, Boris Kodjoe, Kelly Bensimon and Abbey Romeo, alongside beachside celebrations, fireworks and live performances
Broward elections chief to expand early voting sites
Joe Scott, Broward County Supervisor of Elections, is planning a significant expansion of in-person early voting locations across Broward County ahead of the November elections, citing expected high turnout and recent state-level changes affecting mail voting access
According to a Sun Sentinel report, Scott said he hopes to operate 30 early voting sites for the November general election — a 43 percent increase from the 21 locations planned for the August primary
The expansion also includes longer operating hours For the November election, each site will be open for 14 days of early voting, operating 12 hours per day By comparison, the August primary will feature nine days of early voting at nine hours per day
“We realize that fewer people are going to vote by mail because of the efforts that the state has made to make it harder for people to vote by mail,” Scott said “But we can make it easier for people to vote early, in person, by adding
more (locations) We’ll have even more early voting sites than we ’ ve ever had before, more communication to make sure that the public is aware that these early voting sites are there and they can vote anywhere in the county ”
Scott said the August primary and nonpartisan elections typically attract far fewer voters than the November general election,
adding that resources are being shifted accordingly
“We want to put more resources toward November,” he said “If I can pull back a little bit in August, that makes it easier for me to push more resources to November ”
He said he is preparing for turnout of about 63 per cent in November, when voters will choose a new governor, decide a U S Senate race and select members of Congress
Scott also pointed to past turnout levels in the county, noting that Broward recorded 48 percent turnout in 2022 and 60 9 percent in 2018
During a recent appearance at a Democratic Party event, Scott was asked about concerns that U S Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents could appear near polling places He said election officials control the space within 150 feet of polling site entrances, where access is restricted
“They’re not allowed to be within that 150foot radius,” Scott said
raised in the lawsuit
The decision also referenced a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling involving Louisiana that narrowed parts of the federal Voting Rights Act related to racebased district drawing Lawyers for DeSantis and the Legislature argued that the previous version of Florida’s Congressional District 20 in South Florida could face constitutional problems under that interpretation
The case has drawn additional attention because District 20 is now vacant following the resignation of former U S Rep Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick in April amid a federal ethics and criminal investigation
District 20 has historically included heavily Black communities in Broward and Palm Beach counties, home to large Haitian-American and CaribbeanAmerican populations Voting rights advocates argue that changes to the district could affect how those communities are represented in Congress
“To the extent the Court has to balance Florida’s prohibition of improper partisan intent and the United States Constitution’s Equal Protection guarantees, it seems clear that the potential partisan intent in the 2026 map is the lesser of the two evils,” Hawkes wrote in the ruling
The voting rights groups said they plan to appeal the decision
“We will continue our fight to protect the will of Floridians who overwhelmingly voted to ban partisan gerrymandering in this state,” said Amy Keith, executive director of Common Cause Florida, in a statement
The ruling comes as redistricting battles intensify across the United States ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, when control of the U S House is expected to be closely contested
Florida’s current congressional delegation includes 20 Republicans and eight Democrats, though District 20 is currently without representation following Cherfilus-McCormick’s resignation
Any appeal would need to move quickly to affect the 2026 elections, as candidate qualifying for U S House races is scheduled to begin on June 8
Tarrus Riley to headline Caribbean
American Unity Fest in Lauderdale Lakes
The Lauderdale Lakes will host its annual Caribbean American Unity Fest on June 5, featuring international reggae star Tarrus Riley and veteran Jamaican saxophonist Dean Fraser as headliners for the cultural celebration
The event is scheduled from 5 p m to 10 p m at Vincent Torres Memorial Park and will feature live music, Caribbean cuisine, wine tastings, and cultural activities aimed at bringing together residents and visitors from across South Florida
Organizers said the entertainment lineup will also include performances from Gabel, Waggy Tee, Poison Dart Sound, Coppershot Disco, and Humbert Ibarra, among others
General admission to the festival will be free However, organizers are also offering Premier VIP packages for $75, which include front-row seating, wine and cocktail tastings, food samplings, onsite parking, and a commemorative swag bag
VIP tickets are available online through Eventbrite, as well as at Lauderdale Lakes City Hall and select local businesses
Mayor Veronica Edwards Phillips said the festival highlights the city’s diversity and sense of community
“This event is about celebrating culture,
unity, and community while creating memorable experiences for residents and visitors alike,” Edwards Phillips said “The Caribbean American Unity Fest continues to showcase the vibrant spirit and diversity that make Lauderdale Lakes special ” Security measures will be in place during the event, including bag inspections
Organizers said weapons will not be permitted, and attendees are encouraged to bring small or clear bags Off-site parking will be available at Lauderdale Lakes City Hall for $10
Dancehall star Vybz Kartel is set to release a new album, God & Time, on June 5, marking what the artist describes as a major new chapter in his career following his release from prison in 2024
The album is now available for preorder alongside the release of its title track, “God & Time,” and an accompanying music video filmed in Miami and Kingston and directed by Ruppi
The project follows a strong run for Kartel, whose recent albums Party With Me and Heart & Soul both received Grammy nominations for Best Reggae Album His 2025 anniversary project, 10th Anniversary: Viking (Vybz Is King), also added to renewed global interest in the dancehall entertainer
According to a release announcing the album, God & Time will feature collaborations with several major artists, including Puerto Rican star Farruko and Jamaican entertainers Skillibeng and Shenseea. Shenseea previously appeared on the single “Panic,” which was released ahead of the album
The album is described as blending dancehall, crossover sounds, personal reflections, and more introspective themes The title references the Jamaican phrase “God & Time,” often associated with faith, patience, and destiny
Produced by longtime collaborator TJ Records alongside Kartel, the album reunites the team behind Viking (Vybz Is King) and King of the Dancehall, the latter of which included Kartel’s RIAA Gold-certified hit “Fever ”
Kartel, born Adidja Palmer in Portmore, spent 13 years in prison before his conviction was overturned by the UK Privy Council and Jamaican courts He was released on July 31, 2024, and returned to performing later that year at Kingston’s National Stadium before a crowd of thousands
Since his release, Kartel has expanded his international profile with collaborations, major media appearances, and back-to-back Grammy nominations He has also remained one of dancehall’s most influential figures, credited with helping launch the careers of artists including Spice, Popcaan, and Shenseea
This summer, Kartel is also scheduled to headline Reggae Sumfest on July 18 alongside fellow dancehall artist Mavado, marking a highly anticipated reunion between two of dancehall’s biggest rivals from the 2000s era
SPORTS
Bunny Shaw
in 22 appearances secured a third consecutive Golden Boot and played a central role in City’s return to the top of English football
Shaw beats strong field for
top honor
Shaw emerged ahead of an impressive shortlist that included Manchester City teammate Kerstin Casparij, Arsenal W F C forward Alessia Russo and Aston Villa W F C winger Kirsty Hanson to capture the league’s highest individual award
The recognition continued a remarkable run of accolades for the Jamaican star, who earlier this month also claimed the Football Writers’ Association Women’s Footballer of the Year award On Sunday, she was additionally voted Manchester City’s Player of the Season
Record-breaking impact at Manchester City
Since joining City from FC Girondins de Bordeaux Féminines in 2021, Shaw has developed into one of the club’s defining players
She has finished as City’s leading scorer in four of her five seasons and already owns the Women’s Super League record for the most hat-tricks, with six
This season featured several unforgettable displays, including a hat-trick against Tottenham Hotspur F.C. Women and a devastating four-goal performance against Aston Villa She also delivered one of the campaign’s pivotal moments by scoring the opener in City’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Arsenal in October
Domestic double still within reach
Despite already securing the league title, Shaw and Manchester City are not yet finished chasing silverware City now have an opportunity to complete
a domestic double when they face Brighton & Hove Albion W F C in the Women’s FA Cup final on May 31
The striker did not attend the awards ceremony in London, with teammate Casparij collecting the honor on her behalf
“She’s a goalscorer, an incredible person, and she’s been so fun to work with,” Casparij said
“I have my assist tally to thank her for as she’s headed those goals in She’s just incredible ”
Jamaica’s football queen continues to rise
For Shaw, the latest award is another milestone in a career that continues to elevate Jamaican football on the global stage
Already one of the sport’s most feared strikers, she now stands firmly among the elite players in world football, a relentless scorer whose influence stretches far beyond goals alone
Shaw to stay at City
Shaw has pledged her future to Manchester City Women, signing a new four-
year contract that will keep her at the club until 2030
The announcement capped a celebratory evening for the prolific striker, who revealed the news in dramatic fashion on stage during City’s 2025-26 After-Party at Co-op Live shortly after collecting the Etihad Player of the Season award
The agreement ensures that Shaw, already one of the most decorated forwards in women ’ s football, could complete nearly a decade in Manchester blue by the time the deal expires
Manchester City Director of Football
Therese Sjogran described Shaw’s contract extension as a major statement for both club and player
“We’re delighted that Bunny has agreed to another four years at Manchester City,” Sjogran said
“We’ve had a tremendous 2025-26 campaign, and she’s been a key figure in that success I’m sure if we also get the result we ’ re hoping for in the FA Cup final on Sunday, she’ll have played a huge role in that as well ”
Sjogran also emphasized Shaw’s growing leadership within the squad
Tristan Evelyn sprints to golden payday at Enhanced Games
Barbadian Olympian Tristan Evelyn delivered the performance of her career in Las Vegas on Sunday, storming to victory in the women ’ s 100 meters at the controversial Enhanced Games and securing a staggering US$250,000 winner’s prize
Competing as a non-enhanced athlete, the 28-year-old sprinter powered across the line in 11 25 seconds, comfortably defeating the sixathlete field and claiming one of the event’s richest payouts
The victory marked a breakthrough moment for Evelyn, whose emotional reaction afterward reflected both the magnitude of the achievement and the personal journey behind it
“I can’t even put it into words, I’m just so grateful,” she said while fighting back tears
“This is everything. This is my childhood dream coming through I believed in my ability For a lot of years I’ve doubted myself but this time I wanted to be confident in who I am and in the work that I put in and I did that tonight ”
Caribbean athletes feature prominently in finals
The race showcased strong Caribbean representation, with athletes from Barbados, Jamaica, and Guyana all lining up in the final
American sprinter Shania Collins finished second in 11 43 seconds to earn US$125,000, while fellow American Taylor Anderson secured third place in 11 48 seconds and collected US$75,000 Jamaican athlete Denae McFarlane narrowly missed the podium after placing fourth in 11 61 seconds, but still walked away with US$50,000
Meanwhile, Jasmine Abrams of Guyana clocked 11 72 seconds for fifth place and earned US$30,000, while Jamaican sprinter Shockoria Wallace finished sixth in 13 30 seconds to receive US$20,000
Emotional triumph caps years of persistence
For Evelyn, the victory represented far more than a financial reward
Long regarded as one of Barbados’ premier female sprinters, she spoke openly about the self-doubt she battled throughout her career and the determination it took to remain committed to the sport
On Sunday night, however, those struggles gave way to vindication under the bright lights in Las Vegas
Backed by belief, preparation, and composure, Evelyn produced the race of the evening and left with both the gold medal and a life-changing payday
