Home Blog Page 178

Reggae Walk of Fame welcomes Maxi Priest to Montego Bay’s hall of legends

Maxi Priest

The Music Mansion, a licensed tourist board attraction located just opposite the Half Moon Hotel and Catalonia Jamaica, is proud to announce its newest inductee to the prestigious Reggae Walk of Fame: Maxi Priest.

With this addition, the venue further cements its role as a living monument to reggae’s enduring legacy.

Max Alfred “Maxi” Elliott, better known as Maxi Priest, brings to the Walk of Fame a storied career that bridges reggae, R&B, pop, and lovers’ rock. Born on June 10, 1961, in Lewisham, London — the eighth of nine children — he is of Jamaican descent, and his musical upbringing was shaped by gospel, reggae, and soul.

Long before fame found him, Prince worked as a carpenter, building speaker boxes for London sound systems — a humble start that connected him to Jamaica’s sound-system culture at home in the diaspora.  His earliest musical steps came through Saxon Studio International, a South London reggae sound system where he honed his voice and stage presence.

While rooted in reggae, Maxi Priest is perhaps best known for bringing a melodic, crossover style to global audiences. He became one of the flagship names in reggae fusion, blending reggae with R&B, pop, and even dancehall.

Maxi Priest joins a stellar roster on the Music Mansion’s Roll of Honor, alongside legends such as Bob Marley, King Yellowman, Tony Rebel, Paul Campbell, and Everton Blender. Each name on that list represents a chapter in reggae’s global story — voices that carried Jamaica’s social messages, spiritual yearnings, and sonic innovations to the world.

The Reggae and Dancehall Wall of Fame mural, stretching some 750 feet, elevates the visitor experience with vivid, recognizable portraits of icons. The induction of a crossover superstar like Maxi Priest enriches the narrative, adding a chapter about diaspora, fusion, and the genre’s expansive reach.

The Music Mansion is advantageously located just 7 minutes from Sangster International Airport, along Montego Bay’s elegant tourism corridor. That makes it a natural stop for international visitors, music scholars, and reggae tourists alike. The induction event and associated publicity are expected to draw increased foot traffic, vital for local vendors, cultural tours, and business stakeholders in St. James Parish.

Montego Bay — already a prime destination for sun, sea and heritage — now offers added resonance for lovers of Jamaican music history. Guests encountering Maxi Priest’s star among his peers will be reminded of reggae’s influence.

Barbados PM to world leaders: Protect small nations by preserving international law

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley delivered a forceful address to the United Nations General Assembly on Friday, warning that the survival of small states and the prospects for global peace hinge on preserving a rules-based international system now under strain from war, inequality, and the climate crisis.

“Countries of different sizes, capacities and cultures can only survive in the world in which we live if we maintain a rules-based system,” Mottley said. “The law of the jungle does not guarantee any of us a future or a liveable planet.”

Mottley cautioned that a “crisis of truth” is eroding institutions that once safeguarded order and prosperity. She said disinformation is undermining trust between citizens and governments, turning news, science, and law into “a tawdry spectacle.”

“When we lose shared truth, our countries and our global society lose their center of gravity,” she declared, warning that fairness and trust are fraying in ways that threaten stability.

Call for Peace Beyond Ukraine

Addressing ongoing conflicts, the Barbadian leader reiterated her support for peace in Ukraine but urged world leaders not to overlook other humanitarian crises. “The world must not ignore the horror in Sudan and…it must not ignore the horror in Gaza,” she said.

Mottley called for the release of hostages and condemned disproportionate attacks on Palestinians, appealing for urgent humanitarian funding. She said $66 million is needed for Gaza’s children and $200 million for Sudan over the next three months to provide food, water, and health care.

Climate Finance and Accountability

Turning to the climate emergency, Mottley urged governments to act with “honesty and urgency,” welcoming recent international court opinions affirming states’ obligations to curb emissions. She proposed a binding global methane framework to slow temperature rise, stressing that “the fossil fuel industry is not the enemy – it is the emissions.”

To finance a global green transition, she called for mobilizing $1.3 trillion annually by 2035, while criticizing the chronic underfunding of climate finance and the “grossly under-capitalised” Loss and Damage Fund.

“If we are to be protected by a rules-based system, then we must step up to the plate and provide the funds to bridge the gap to deliver the results that we desire,” she said.

Reforming Global Governance

Linking climate and development to broader governance, Mottley insisted that the UN Security Council must reflect today’s multipolar world. “You cannot ask us really to show up for family photos and votes when you need them and then exclude us from the family’s decision making. As if you are the grown-ups and we are the children,” she told fellow leaders.

A Child’s Resilience as a Global Lesson

Mottley closed with a vivid image of a young Palestinian girl in Gaza carrying her sister through rubble, describing her as “the ultimate picture of hope and resilience.”

“If a six-year-old can push past the physical and emotional pain and still find hope that there is a better moment ahead of her, then we, with much more and with an obligation to many more, must summon that same will,” she urged. “The world needs it now more than ever.”

Her speech underscored Barbados’s growing role as a moral voice for small island states and developing nations confronting intertwined crises of conflict, climate change, and global governance.

ICE arrests Haitian for contributing to destabilization of Haiti

ICE arrested Dimitri Vorbe, an illegal alien and citizen of Haiti

On September 23, ICE arrested Dimitri Vorbe, an illegal alien and citizen of Haiti, for violations of the Immigration and Nationality Act, including actions that contributed to the destabilization of Haiti.

The case was investigated jointly by ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), with support from the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate.

According to officials, the Department of State determined that Vorbe’s presence or activities in the United States could have “potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences,” forming the basis for his removability. Specifically, authorities say Vorbe engaged in a campaign of violence and gang support that contributed to Haiti’s ongoing destabilization.

Vorbe is currently in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.

This arrest, ICE said, reflects the Trump administration’s commitment to protecting the American people, advancing U.S. national security interests, and promoting regional stability in the Caribbean.

Caribbean launches first regional Shelter Technical Working Group ahead of hurricane peak

Photo: IMO

As the Atlantic Hurricane Season reaches its peak, more than 47 disaster management professionals from across the Caribbean and beyond have joined forces to launch the region’s first Shelter Technical Working Group.

Led by the Caribbean Disaster and Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the new platform aims to strengthen emergency shelter operations, ensure equitable aid distribution, and promote safer, more inclusive responses for people affected by disasters.

Tamara Lovell, Community Resilience Specialist at CDEMA, explained: “The purpose of this group is really to frame this as a start of what we consider to be a shelter management community for the Caribbean. Out of that, we’re also hoping to have a core group that we can establish to really advance shelter management considerations going forward.”

Since its launch, weekly meetings have fostered a strong, collaborative community ready to address urgent shelter needs. Both IOM and CDEMA have committed to placing local organizations and communities at the heart of shelter planning and response, recognizing their crucial role in making shelters safer and more inclusive for vulnerable groups and ensuring no one is left behind. Key participants include national disaster offices, local civil society organizations, and NGOs from across the Caribbean.

The working group has also launched a WhatsApp community for instant updates and peer support, alongside a dedicated website for sharing resources, technical guidance, and news. Upcoming sessions will address critical topics such as quality of relief goods, gender-based violence, cash support, and sustainable shelter solutions. The group will coordinate technical support, organize training, and mobilize relief supplies for rapid distribution if disaster strikes.

Organizations including IOM, ShelterBox, GSD, UNICEF, and Red Cross have already stockpiled emergency items such as plastic sheets, toolkits, solar lamps, tents, generators, and hygiene materials at CDEMA’s Logistics Hub in Barbados.

Jan-Willem Wegdam, IOM’s Emergency Coordinator for the Caribbean, closed the meeting with a call to action: “Let’s shape this agenda together. Let’s make this a welcoming community where your ideas and energy drive impact—and where we enjoy working together toward a safer Caribbean.”

The working group is supported by IOM under the RESILIENT CARIBBEAN Project, funded by the European Union, which was launched virtually by IOM on 16 September.

Trinidad and Tobago backs US military presence in Southern Caribbean

Kamla Persad‑Bissessar, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago on Friday reiterated its support for the United States military presence in the southern Caribbean, saying it has been “very effective in inhibiting the innumerable activities of drug cartels within our country.”

Kamla Persad‑Bissessar, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, told the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly that the Caribbean can no longer be seen as a safe backwater free from violent criminal networks. “The notion that the Caribbean is a ‘zone of peace’ has become a false ideal,” she said. For too many in the region, peace is “an elusive promise glimpsed, never grasped.”

Persad‑Bissessar used stark statistics to underline the scale of the problem. She noted that in 2024 Trinidad and Tobago, a nation of 1.4 million, recorded 623 murders — 41 per 100,000 — of which more than 40 per cent were gang‑related, driven by narcotics and firearms. Over the last 25 years the country has experienced more than 10,000 murders — equivalent, she said, to losing 1 per cent of the adult population.

On the subject of recent US actions in the region, Persad‑Bissessar said President Donald Trump’s comments on “the relentless narco‑ and human trafficking, organized crime and illegal immigration” “are correct.” She welcomed legal immigration, but warned that “illegal immigration neglects all checks and balances and will only create long‑term disorder,” arguing that many who enter illegally “will not assimilate into their adopted societies — inevitably leading to greater poverty, crime and cultural antagonism.” “This, then, is not phobia or hyperbole; it is simply the stark, naked truth,” she said.

Persad‑Bissessar also argued that tightened protections at the United States southern border have rerouted criminal flows into the Eastern Caribbean, and voiced gratitude for the US military presence in the southern Caribbean for helping to inhibit drug cartels in Trinidad and Tobago. She warned that unless forceful and aggressive actions are taken, “evil drug cartels will continue their societal destruction,” believing affected nations will unreservedly subscribe to morals and ethics “which they themselves blatantly flout.” “We will fight fire with fire within the law,” she affirmed.

“That is why we willingly supported the international security alliance announced by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, involving the US and several countries in South America to combat drug‑trafficking in the hemisphere,” she added.

The United States has deployed an amphibious squadron to the southern Caribbean as part of its effort to address threats from Latin American drug cartels, along with additional assets assigned to US Southern Command. Persad‑Bissessar has publicly defended recent US strikes on suspected drug‑carrying vessels, saying she had “no sympathy for traffickers” and that the US military should “kill them all violently” — comments that have drawn international attention.

Highlighting the regional stakes, Persad‑Bissessar warned that multilateralism is under strain and that coordinated international action is needed to protect stability and citizens across the Caribbean. “For too many in the Caribbean region, peace is not daily life but an elusive promise glimpsed, never grasped and in its absence, our citizens pay a terrible toll,” she said.

Jamaica PM calls for ‘global war on gangs’ to stem Haiti’s crisis

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness used his address to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Friday to demand a coordinated international response to Haiti’s spiraling security crisis and the flow of illegal guns and drugs destabilizing the Caribbean.

Speaking during the 80th Session of the UNGA in New York, Holness warned that “transnational criminal networks involved in cybercrime, arms and narcotics trafficking, and people organizing violence and destabilising institutions, are an existential threat to sovereign states.” He said the situation in Haiti underscores how these networks fuel gang violence, undermine governance, and threaten regional stability.

“Jamaica has made significant progress in tackling gangs and reducing our homicide rate by more than 50 per cent in recent years,” Holness said. “But we know that, unless these networks are totally dismantled, our gains remain fragile. This is why we call for nothing less than a global war on gangs, a coordinated international campaign to cut off the flow of weapons, money, and the influence that sustains them.”

Holness urged full implementation of the UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons, and called on major arms-exporting countries to tighten export controls, strengthen end-use monitoring, and enforce rigorous post-delivery verification. He said Jamaica welcomes cooperation to interdict drug-trafficking vessels “provided that such operations are carried out with full respect for international law, human rights, and with the coordination and collaboration of the countries of the region.”

The prime minister also pressed for greater support for the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti, praising Kenya’s leadership but cautioning that “the situation remains dire.” As current chair of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Jamaica has helped lead regional efforts to restore peace and constitutional order in Haiti, Holness said, adding that the UN Security Council must move quickly on the Secretary-General’s recommendation for a more robust hybrid mechanism.

“Once stability is restored, the international community must help rebuild democratic institutions, ensure free and fair elections, expand humanitarian relief, and invest in infrastructure to support long-term stability,” he said. “Haiti’s recovery requires sustained global support.”

While security dominated his remarks, Holness also linked Haiti’s instability to broader structural challenges, including climate change and inadequate global financing. He noted that Jamaica remains committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and called for developed nations to honor climate funding pledges, warning that small island states face “disproportionate impacts” from hurricanes, droughts and rising seas.

Holness closed by urging the international community to treat the Caribbean’s security threats with the same urgency and resources devoted to the global fight against terrorism. “Only then,” he said, “can we turn the Caribbean and, indeed, the wider region into a true zone of peace.”

Bahamas Environment Minister Vaughn Miller dies at 64

Bahamas Environment Minister Vaughn Miller

Bahamas Environment and Natural Resources Minister Vaughn Peterson Miller has died at the age of 64, the country’s Office of the Prime Minister announced Sunday.

According to a police statement, an unnamed man, whom the Office of the Prime Minister identified as Miller, was found unresponsive shortly after 1 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time (0500 GMT). CPR was administered before he was taken to the hospital, where he later died, police said. While no cause of death was immediately given, police said no foul play was suspected.

“Our country has lost a man whose life was dedicated to lifting others,” Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis said in a statement. “Vaughn’s journey, from a young man in Eleuthera, to a trusted voice on the radio, to pastor, advocate, parliamentarian, and Minister, is one that reminds us that service takes many forms. His voice may now be silent, but the example he leaves behind will echo for generations.”

Miller was first elected to the Bahamian Parliament in 2017 as a member of the then-governing Free National Movement. He left the party in 2019 to join the then-opposition Progressive Liberal Party. He was reelected to Parliament in 2021 and appointed to serve as the Cabinet minister responsible for the environment and natural resources.

Born on the island of Eleuthera, Miller received his earliest schooling at Green Castle Primary School, before attending Windermere High School and R. M. Bailey Secondary. In later years, he pursued further education in the United States, including studies at the University of Richmond, Siena College, and Jacksonville Theological Seminary.

According to his official biography, aside from his political life he had been a broadcaster, pastor, trade‐unionist and social activist, and founded the motivational organization The Vision Group Ltd. His public service also included a term as Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Renewal. He was married to Cassandra Miller, and the couple had one child.

Broward Schools to cancel ‘Latinos in Action’ course following federal order

Broward County Public Schools will cancel its popular Latinos in Action leadership course next semester after the U.S. Department of Education ruled the class violates federal civil rights law.

The elective course—offered at 44 middle and high schools across the district and enrolling roughly 2,800 students—was deemed discriminatory in a letter sent to the district last week.

The DOE’s Office for Civil Rights said the program is “designed for and exclusive to Latino students,” noting that it is not available to Black, white, or Asian American students. The department warned the district to comply within five days or risk losing $30 million in federal funding.

“The Latinos in Action program…is explicitly organized around the concept of Latino ethnicity,” the DOE letter stated, citing the organization’s own description that its goal is to “empower Latino youth to lead and strengthen their communities through college and career readiness.”

School Board member Adam Cervera, the board’s only Hispanic member, said he supports Latino representation but must follow the law.

“I am a proud Cuban American, and obviously I want Latinos to be well-represented in this district and in this community; however, we are going to do that within the confines of all state and federal legislation,” said Cervera.

“As a result, BCPS will transition away from the current Latinos in Action curriculum by the start of spring semester, as required,” the district said in a letter sent to parents Thursday night.

Latinos in Action operates in 16 states, including several Florida school districts, and functions as both a class and an extracurricular club. While the course will end in Broward, the district has not yet announced whether related club activities will continue.

Broward teacher reassigned after alleged racially charged remarks in classroom

Everglades High School in Miramar

A Broward County high school teacher has been removed from the classroom while officials investigate allegations that he made racially charged comments during a lesson earlier this month.

Steven Babice, a 66-year-old social sciences teacher at Everglades High School in Miramar, was placed on administrative reassignment after a Sept. 11 incident that was reportedly recorded and shared with school administrators, according to a statement from Broward County Public Schools (BCPS).

A 17-year-old student told the Miami New Times that Babice slammed his fists on a desk, kicked a closet door, and later referred to a student he had removed from the classroom as “that ignorant Black kid.” The student also alleged that Babice questioned his class with comments such as, “Black people are taught to hate white people, so who’s the racist?” and claimed that more white people are killed by police than Black people.

“Broward County Public Schools is committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct,” district spokeswoman Keyla Concepción said in a statement. “We take all allegations seriously and will thoroughly investigate to ensure our learning environments remain safe, respectful, and inclusive for every student and family.”

Babice will remain on administrative reassignment pending the outcome of a professional practices investigation.

Storms knock out power and delay flights across South Florida

Miami International Airport

South Florida residents faced power outages and travel disruptions on Saturday as storms swept through the region, leaving hundreds without electricity and causing flight delays at major airports.

According to PowerOutage.us, 598 customers in Miami-Dade County and 211 in Broward County were without power as of Saturday afternoon. Crews were working to restore service as the storms continued to move through the area.

Air travel was also impacted. Miami International Airport reported 82 delayed flights, while Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport recorded 33 delays and two cancellations, according to airport officials.

Despite the rough weather, no warnings were in effect for either Miami-Dade or Broward counties as of Saturday evening. However, the National Weather Service issued a Tropical Storm Watch for coastal areas of Volusia and Brevard counties farther north along Florida’s Atlantic coast.

Daren Sammy: Injury to Joseph leaves big hole in Windies attack

daren sammy

AHMEDABAD – West Indies head coach Daren Sammy has conceded that losing Shamar Joseph to injury is a major blow to the Caribbean side’s hopes as they embark on a daunting two-Test series against India.

The 26-year-old paceman, who has rapidly emerged as one of world cricket’s most feared fast bowlers, was ruled out on Friday with an undisclosed injury. His absence robs the West Indies of their spearhead, who only months ago dismantled Australia with a breathtaking haul of 22 wickets in three Tests at an average of just 14.95. In only 11 Tests, Joseph has already captured 51 wickets, including four five-wicket hauls, at 21.66 apiece.

The loss is particularly crushing as the West Indies chase a feat that has eluded them for more than 40 years — a Test series victory in India.

“Shamar is a big blow,” Sammy admitted. “Watching him play in the CPL final and bowl at 145 kilometers per hour, I was really hoping he would be here. What he’s done in Test cricket, especially how he bowled against Australia, he was our leading wicket-taker and the go-to man for captain Roston Chase. But yes, that’s something we can’t control.”

Layne steps into the spotlight

Joseph’s misfortune has opened the door for 23-year-old Barbadian seamer Johann Layne, a tall and promising quick who has yet to don the maroon cap at Test level.

Sammy acknowledged that Layne is not yet the finished article but insisted the youngster has the tools and the temperament to seize the moment.

“Johann Layne is a young fast bowler, tall, had a good first-class season and very talented,” Sammy explained. “The work that we saw him put in during the camp in Barbados before the Australia series and during the series itself was impressive. (Ravi) Rampaul has been working very closely with him. He is not a Shamar Joseph, but he has an opportunity to create his own legacy when he gets an opportunity.”

Bowling attack must shoulder the load

Despite the loss of their talisman, Sammy reminded that West Indies’ bowling strength has been their greatest asset in recent times. Against Australia, their attack claimed all 60 wickets across three Tests — proof of its potency.

“Our bowling line-up over the last series took 60 wickets in three Test matches, and you don’t win Test matches if you can’t take 20 wickets,” the coach said firmly. “The challenge now is to replicate that standard in India, even without Shamar.”

With Joseph sidelined, the burden shifts to the remaining attack — and to a debutant eager to announce himself on cricket’s grandest stage.

 

Nepal shock West Indies with first-ever win over full member

West Indies

DUBAI – West Indies cricket was left reeling on Saturday after suffering a humbling 19-run defeat to rank outsiders Nepal in the opening T20 International of the Unity Cup at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Tasked with chasing a modest 149 for victory, the Caribbean side once again saw their batting collapse under pressure. Only Navin Bidaisee offered real resistance with a topscore of 22, as the Windies limped to 129 for nine from their 20 overs. The defeat handed Nepal their first-ever victory against a Full Member nation and a priceless 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Paudel’s dedication after historic win

Nepal’s captain and Player-of-the-Match, Rohit Paudel, described the result as both monumental and deeply personal. His 38 anchored the innings, before his bowlers dismantled the West Indies batting.

“I think it feels great, especially after a long wait to beat a Test-playing country,” Paudel said. “It finally came in a historic series where we hosted it in the UAE. I want to dedicate this Man-of-the-Match award to the martyrs who lost their lives in the Gen-Z protest in Nepal. The last month has not been great for us, so if we can give a little bit of happiness to the people of Nepal, I think that would be great.”

Holder and Bidaisee restrict Nepal

Earlier, Jason Holder and Navin Bidaisee had combined to limit Nepal to 148 for eight after the Windies opted to field. Holder snatched 4-20 while Bidaisee bagged 3-29, as Nepal recovered from 12 for two to post a competitive total.

Paudel and Kushal Malla (30) steadied the innings in a 58-run stand before both fell in quick succession. Gulshan Jha (22) and Dipendra Singh Airee (17) chipped in late runs that ultimately proved vital.

Windies collapse under pressure

In reply, the West Indies began brightly when Kyle Mayers drove the first ball of the innings to the boundary. But his joy was short-lived—run out brilliantly by Kushal Bhurtel’s direct hit from extra cover moments later.

Debutant Ackeem Auguste struck a brisk 15 before falling to Nandan Yadav, sparking a devastating collapse. From a promising 32 for one, the Windies slumped to 76 for six in the 15th over.

Paudel himself snared Jewel Andrew for five, Lalit Rajbanshi deceived Amir Jangoo (19), Keacy Carty was needlessly run out for 16, and Holder perished cheaply to Bhurtel.

Though Fabian Allen (19), captain Akeal Hosein (18 off nine) and Bidaisee fought to revive the innings, the damage was already done. Nepal’s bowlers and fielders held their nerve to script one of the greatest moments in their cricketing history.

What comes next

The second T20I will be contested on Monday, with the West Indies under intense pressure to avoid an embarrassing series defeat and Nepal seeking to extend their fairytale.

 

 

TTFA stands firm behind Dwight Yorke after shaky start to qualifiers

Dwight Yorke

PORT OF SPAIN – Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) president Kieron Edwards has thrown his weight firmly behind head coach Dwight Yorke, insisting the former Manchester United star remains the right man to lead the Soca Warriors despite a sluggish start to their World Cup Qualifying campaign.

Competing in Group B, Trinidad and Tobago have managed just one point from their opening two fixtures — a draw with Curaçao and a defeat to Jamaica — leaving them third in the standings. With only the group winners guaranteed a direct berth to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the pressure has already begun to mount.

Yorke, appointed in November 2024 with a clear mandate to guide the team to its second-ever World Cup, has faced calls for his resignation. But Edwards made it clear that the TTFA is standing firmly in his corner.

Edwards: “We are behind Dwight 100 percent”

Speaking on i95.5 FM’s 6 to 26 World Cup podcast, Edwards admitted the team’s start was underwhelming but stressed that patience is essential.

“I’m a bit disappointed from the first two games. I think every Trinbagonian is a bit disappointed from the first two games — we were expecting more,” Edwards conceded. “I think we played well enough to deserve more, but football is that type of sport. Unless you put the ball inside the net and win those games and see out 90-plus minutes, you have to understand and accept those realities.”

Looking ahead, he emphasized that the upcoming fixtures will be pivotal.
“We are looking forward to the next window and the next window is a very crucial one for us. We knew going into the first window that we couldn’t qualify for the World Cup out of the first window. Even having a good first window, we knew this second window is the real one in terms of setting up to get to that last window in November to qualify — and the journey is still there.”

VAR controversy and missed chances

Edwards also highlighted the role of technology in shaping early results, pointing to the disallowed goals against Jamaica as a critical turning point.

“Persons would have seen in both games that we scored three offside goals in Jamaica. The first one was just leaning forward, a hairline decision. It was the first time using VAR in qualifying as well, and it was to our detriment for three goals,” Edwards explained.

Despite the setbacks, he insisted Yorke’s blueprint remains intact.
“Coach Yorke, I truly believe, has the plan and the vision in terms of what he wants to do. He’s clear about it. With the additional support of the third-generation grandparent law, it does widen the pool.”

Patience in the pursuit of history

For Edwards, the message is clear: while disappointment lingers from the opening results, the campaign is far from lost. With Yorke at the helm and reinforcements potentially on the way, the TTFA remains focused on keeping the World Cup dream alive.

 

Key factors that impact the timeline of an uncontested divorce in Florida

divorce Florida

Divorce can be a complicated process, but in Florida, an uncontested divorce is often the quickest way for couples to dissolve their marriage. This type of divorce happens when both parties agree on all major issues, including how to divide property, child custody, and support.

While the process of an uncontested divorce is usually faster than a contested case, there are some factors that can influence how long it takes to finalize. In Florida, at least one spouse must have lived in the state for six months before filing. Additionally, it takes at least 20 days after filing a petition before the dissolution is finalized.

Residency Requirements

Residency is the first hurdle in any Florida divorce. The state requires one spouse to demonstrate residency through acceptable documents such as a Florida driver’s license, voter registration card, or affidavit. Courts often look for proof that predates the filing by at least six months. Meeting this requirement early helps avoid unnecessary interruptions.

Problems can arise when spouses have recently moved or their records have not been updated. For example, someone who relocated from another state and never switched their license could face delays until new proof is obtained. Taking care of residency verification early prevents this from becoming a barrier later.

Required Paperwork and Filing Process

Spouses must submit forms like the petition for dissolution of marriage, financial affidavits, and a marital settlement agreement. If the documents are incomplete or contain mistakes, the court clerk will not process them.

This forces couples to correct and resubmit. That kind of setback can add weeks to the timeline.

Court Backlogs and Scheduling

Florida’s counties process divorces at different speeds. Some courts may schedule hearings within weeks, while others with heavy caseloads take months. Local backlog plays a major role in how quickly cases move forward.

Waiting Periods and Statutory Requirements

Florida law has a 20-day waiting period from filing the divorce petition to the final judgment of dissolution of marriage. This pause is to give room for reconsideration.

Florida law allows the court to grant a final judgment in fewer than 20 days if delaying would cause injustice, according to statute. However, waivers are granted only in rare circumstances.

Cooperation Between Spouses

The defining feature of an uncontested divorce is mutual agreement. If spouses do not agree on issues such as custody, property division, or support before filing, the divorce becomes contested, which significantly increases how long it takes to resolve. That lengthens the timeline but also complicates the process..

Couples who maintain open communication and work out a complete settlement agreement usually complete their divorce much faster.

Use of Legal Assistance or Self-Representation

Couples can file on their own. But those who work with attorneys often face fewer delays. Lawyers know which forms to file, how to avoid errors, and what to expect from local courts.

By contrast, self-represented couples risk setbacks if their paperwork is rejected. Mediation can also help finalize agreements in advance, reducing disputes that might otherwise slow down the process.

Special Considerations for Cases Involving Children or Property

When children are involved, parenting plans and child support calculations require judicial approval, which can add time. Similarly, dividing property or debts often means gathering additional records or clarifying ownership.

Even if uncontested, these issues introduce extra steps that can lengthen the overall timeline.

Conclusion

An uncontested divorce in Florida can often be finalized more quickly than a contested one, but several factors still shape the process. These include:

  • Residency must be proven before filing.
  • Errors in paperwork can cause setbacks.
  • Court backlogs vary by county.
  • Parenting courses are required when children are involved.
  • Spousal cooperation is essential for speed.
  • Legal help can reduce mistakes and delays.

With proper preparation and mutual agreement, many couples in Florida are able to complete an uncontested divorce in a relatively short amount of time.

Blu Lyon heats up NYC with electrifying show and Caribbean hit ‘Summa Haat’

Blu Lyon

Trinidadian music artist and producer Blu Lyon is making a powerful return to the spotlight. The Brooklyn-raised performer recently lit up popular DJ AGOline’s livestream, earning rave reactions from fans, and headlined his own self-promoted concert in New York City. The exclusive showcase, which featured a lineup of beloved Caribbean acts, gave audiences a preview of what’s ahead for the rising star. Among the night’s standout moments was Blu’s performance of “Summa Haat,” a single that’s rapidly gaining momentum with DJs across the Caribbean and diaspora.

Born Austin Lyons Jr., Blu carries a rich musical heritage as the son of legendary Calypsonian Super Blue and the brother of Soca powerhouse Fay-Ann Lyons. Though raised in Brooklyn, he spent much of his later childhood in Trinidad with his grandmother after his mother faced challenges as a single parent. Immersed in the island’s rhythmic culture, Blu developed the creative spark that fuels his work today.

That spark has evolved into an impressive career. A versatile recording artist and producer, Blu recently produced Dexta Daps’ trailblazing single “Whine Pon Me,” now making major waves in the Caribbean music scene. His production credits also include work for dancehall heavyweights Vybz Kartel, Mad Cobra, Mr. Easy, Mega Banton, Dexta Daps, and Maestro Don. On stage, he has opened for stars like Ryan Leslie, Fetty Wap, Juelz Santana, Frisco Kid, and Funkmaster Flex.

Blu’s journey began in high school, where he blended hip hop and dancehall before catching the attention of Sony Music and associates of Murder Inc. Records during his college years. Early studio sessions with Beatmania Studios and Yardstyle Entertainment produced his debut reggae-dancehall single “Poor No More,” a viral hit that resonated with European audiences. He has since expanded his creative reach, including a role in the Sons of Kingston web series.

With a full project slated for release next year, Blu Lyon is keeping fans engaged through concerts, listening sessions, and new singles. Balancing his family’s storied legacy with his own bold sound, he continues to cement his place in the Caribbean and global music landscape.

Trailblazing Music Executive Sylvia Rhone retires after decades of shaping hip-hop, R&B & dancehall

Sylvia Rhone

Music industry executive Sylvia Rhone, one of the most powerful women in the industry, has announced that she will step down as Chairman and CEO of Epic Records.

In an internal memo to her staff, Rhone, 73, confirmed her departure at the end of September after 5 decades of distinguished service in the music industry.

“It’s been an extraordinary journey: eleven years since my promotion to President of Epic Records and six years since my appointment as Chairwoman and CEO. This role at Epic represents the third time in my career that I’ve been the first woman and first Black person to serve as CEO of a major record label owned by a Fortune 500 company. And today, I am moving on from this historic role at Epic, and I’m very excited about the future,” Rhone’s memo said.

I first met Rhone in 1989 when I interned at Atlantic Records in Manhattan, supporting the marketing and promotion of Stitchie’s ‘Wild Jamaican Romance’ album. Sylvia quickly progressed up the ranks, becoming head at Elektra Entertainment, the first woman to have done so. She later assumed leadership roles at Motown and Epic Records.

Rhone oversaw the careers of mega stars such as Travis Scott, En Vogue, R&B singer Brandy, MC Lyte, rapper and producer Missy Elliott, Busta Rhymes, Tracy Chapman, Lil Wayne, Drake, Nicki Minaj, Erykah Badu and Akon, DJ Khaled, Tyla, Roberta Flack, Donnie Hathaway, LeVert, Adina Howard, Miki Howard, Gerald Albright and The System.

Sylvia’s success included her embrace of Jamaican reggae and dancehall music. This left an indelible mark on the genre. This began during her tenure at Elektra/Atlantic Records when she signed Jamaican DJ Lieutenant Stitchie as the first dancehall act at the label. This helped to expand reggae’s footprint in the international market. Stitchie garnered success with ‘Dress to Impress,’ which was the first dancehall song to chart on the Billboard charts. He also scored recording collaborations with LL Cool J and En Vogue. Stitchie’s success paved the way for other acts.

Rhone’s association with reggae and dancehall, however, could not be told without mentioning her protege Karen Mason, a Jamaican-born, US-based music executive who spearheaded successful marketing campaigns for artists signed to EastWest Records, a subsidiary of Elektra Records. Rhone supported Mason’s efforts to promote Jamaican artists at the label. Mason would eventually be promoted to vice-president of marketing at Elektra Records, where she managed the marketing and promotion of Ziggy Marley, Beres Hammond, Steel Pulse, Terror Fabulous, Ini Kamoze, Nadine Sutherland, and Garnett Silk, among others.

She proved she was a branding prodigy, cutting her teeth on various reggae/dancehall projects, including the 1993 hit song ‘Informer’ by Canadian dancehall reggae sinjay Snow. Mason was also the marketing genius behind the hit single ‘Action’ by Nadine Sutherland and Terror Fabulous, and Snow’s follow-up hit ‘I’ll Do Anything For You.’

Prior to EastWest, Mason worked at Columbia Records, where she successfully piloted projects for Super Cat and hip hop stars Kriss Kross and Cypress Hill. Mason’s other projects include creating successful marketing strategies for the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, Sade, Alexander O’Neal, Mary J Blige, En Vogue, Gerald Levert, The Fugees, and Busta Rhymes. Mason passed away in 2022.

Media marketer Dave Rodney, who once managed Stitchie and who orchestrated his signing to Atlantic, reflected on Rhone’s impact in a recent Facebook post.

“I first met Sylvia years ago at Atlantic Records, and I thank her for the wonderful work that she did to support reggae and to elevate many reggae artists, including Stitchie, Sean Paul, and others,” Rodney stated.

His post drew several likes and comments, including Jamaican music executive, broadcaster, and author Clyde Paul McKenzie, who described Rhone as a “True Legend !” Andrea Davis, the founder & producer of International Reggae Day, said,” MVP!” while Maxine ‘Isis’ Stowe, a former Columbia Records executive, said, “Paths crossed several times, a real ceiling breaker. Top Of The Class.”

Looking back on her years at Epic Records, Rhone shared, “To my team of creative champions, you now hold the reins, and I know your best work lies ahead. I’m grateful for Zeke Lewis, Rick Sackheim, Sandra Aflorei, Tyler Pittman, John Shoup, Dave Bell, Lisa Kasha, Shannon Mingal, Margeaux Watson, Justin Duran, Chelsea Donnarumma, Brooke Marcimo, Mez Tara, Gina Harrell, Melissa Victor, Traci Adams, Scott Dimig, Dontay Thompson, Jennifer Goicoechea, Patrick Afeku, John Kirkpatrick, Michael Petullo, Max Sholl, Hector Rosario, and the countless other executives who made Epic Records home.”

Sylvia’s legacy of “firsts” is unprecedented and may never be replicated. Her career is a masterclass in leadership, and her legacy will inspire generations to come.

 

How to use car accident statistics in order to make safer driving decisions

car accident case

Motor vehicle collisions are routinely among the leading causes of injury and death on roads and highways in all states in the United States. To understand how to drive more safely, we need to understand the frequent causes and hazardous driving practices that result in crashes.

One of the best resources a driver can turn to is car accident statistics from credible sources that focus on safety and insurance companies. Statistical data can provide information on when, where, and how automobile accidents happen.

If drivers are aware of the trends, they can change their driving behavior, planned routes, and awareness while driving to reduce their risk of being involved in a crash. Let’s keep grinding!

What Do Car Accident Statistics Tell Us?

The NHTSA publishes yearly data, including reports on traffic crashes. As a result, they produced documentation to track driver behavior, road conditions, times of day, and types of vehicles involved in accidents.

Some findings to consider:

  • Most crashes occurred during daylight; however, crashes peak during rush hour.
  • Rear-end collisions are the most common.
  • Distracted driving is never far from the top; it claims the lives of around nine individuals every day in the US
  • Speeding and impaired driving contribute to fatal crashes.
  • Young drivers, especially those under 25, have a higher rate of crashing.

How Can Drivers Use These Statistics?

Using crash data is best when drivers apply crash data to their own patterns and places. There are a few ways to apply data so that you can make safer decisions:

  1. Avoid high-risk times:If the crash data indicates that there are more crashes during rush hour or the late-night hours in your area, then consider travelling at other times whenever possible.
  2. Minimize distractions:Because distracted driving produces far more crashes than any other factor, while you focus entirely on the road, keep your phone out of reach.
  3. Watch your speed:Because speed-related fatal crashes are prevalent in the data, it is crucial to adhere to speed limits and to obey speed limits more scrupulously in challenging conditions, such as rain or heavy traffic.
  4. Plan safer routes:If crash data indicates that more collisions are occurring on certain roads or intersections, planning an alternate route could reduce your exposure to collisions.
  5. Be alert to common crash types:If you see that rear-end collisions are common, keep a following distance, and expect stops.

Why Do These Statistics Matter?

While general safe driving tips offer insights, they will not compete against the data’s specificity. While general tips provide a general understanding, motor vehicle accident data provides specific information based on evidence.

The crash data tells you a true story about what has happened, not based on intuition. The data helps drivers see actual dangers in their area and for their kind of driving.

What About Technology?

Newer technologies also utilize crash data to promote safety. For example, GPS navigation can alert you to a dangerous intersection or high-crash area. Some of the vehicles now have driver-assist systems that attempt to help you avoid the most common accidents.

Key Takeaways

  • Car accident statistics from NHTSA and other government sources are a way to understand the most common causes and risks of crashes.
  • Drivers should modify when they travel, and change their driving behavior related to distractions and speed, as informed by crash data.
  • By being aware of the most dangerous behaviors, high-risk locations, and most common types of crashes, drivers should be able to minimize their chances of collision.
  • Using crash data is more powerful than general advice because it allows us to look at what is actually happening in the data.
  • Technology based on accident data provides a presence of safety on today’s roads.

 

 

Guyanese Des Moines Superintendent Ian Roberts detained by ICE

Guyanese-American Des Moines Superintendent Ian Roberts

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced Friday that Ian Roberts, the Guyanese superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, was arrested during a targeted enforcement operation and taken into federal custody on immigration and weapons-related charges.

According to an ICE statement, Roberts—a Guyana national—was found in possession of a loaded handgun, $3,000 in cash, and a fixed-blade hunting knife at the time of his arrest. ICE alleges that Roberts, who entered the United States in 1999 on a student visa, had a final order of removal issued by an immigration judge in May 2024 and no legal authorization to work in the country.

During the Sept. 26 operation, officers approached Roberts in his vehicle after identifying themselves, but he allegedly sped away. ICE said his vehicle was later discovered abandoned near a wooded area, where he was located with assistance from the Iowa State Patrol. The agency added that Roberts has existing weapons possession charges from February 5, 2020, and that the investigation into how he obtained the handgun has been referred to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

“This suspect was arrested in possession of a loaded weapon in a vehicle provided by Des Moines Public Schools after fleeing federal law enforcement,” said ICE ERO St. Paul Field Office Director Sam Olson.

“This should be a wake-up call for our communities to the great work that our officers are doing every day to remove public safety threats. How this illegal alien was hired without work authorization, a final order of removal, and a prior weapons charge is beyond comprehension and should alarm the parents of that school district.”

Earlier Friday, Des Moines school board president Jackie Norris confirmed that Roberts had been detained but said the district had “no confirmed information as to why Dr. Roberts is being detained or the next potential steps.” At an afternoon press conference, Norris highlighted Roberts’ 20-year career in U.S. education and noted that he was licensed by the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners to serve as superintendent in July 2023. District officials declined to take questions, citing legal constraints.

Roberts, who was hired in 2023 to lead Iowa’s largest school district and is the first person of color to hold the role, remains in ICE custody at the Pottawattamie County Jail. The Des Moines school board announced that Associate Superintendent Matt Smith will serve as interim superintendent effective immediately.

The School Administrators of Iowa said it is in contact with Smith “to offer our support” and pledged to assist the district “as the situation unfolds.”

Dominica’s President warns against war in the Caribbean amid U.S.–Venezuela tensions

Dominica’s President Sylvanie Burton
Dominica’s President Sylvanie Burton

As U.S. naval forces build up off the coast of Venezuela, Dominica’s President Sylvanie Burton has issued a firm call for restraint, declaring that the Caribbean must remain a “zone of peace” and urging Washington and Caracas to settle their differences diplomatically.

“I want to emphasise here today that there is no place in the Caribbean for war,” Burton told world leaders during the general debate of the 80th United Nations General Assembly on Thursday. “Any military conflict in the Caribbean will have significant negative impacts on the Caribbean and Latin America. There is a better way to resolve differences, we urge the powers that be to find another way.”

Her appeal comes as the United States ramps up naval deployments near Venezuelan waters, officially to combat drug trafficking. The moves—combined with recent U.S. strikes on boats allegedly carrying narcotics—have sparked fears of a broader confrontation. Venezuela has accused Washington of waging an undeclared war and has called for a U.N. investigation into strikes that killed more than a dozen alleged traffickers in recent weeks.

In her address, Burton condemned the use of force and called for strict adherence to international law, stressing that sanctions on Venezuela must end and that the country’s internal issues should be resolved without foreign interference. She also pressed for the lifting of the long-standing U.S. embargo on Cuba, describing the trade restrictions as “unjustified” and “belonging to a bygone era.”

Broadening her remarks, Burton warned that small island nations like Dominica bear the brunt when global powers engage in political, economic, or military confrontations. She highlighted climate change, poverty, and inequality as urgent issues that require united action, and renewed calls for U.N. reform to give small and developing states a stronger voice in global decision-making.

“The truth is simple yet profound: we are always stronger, wiser and better together,” Burton said, adding that she looks forward to the day a woman serves as U.N. Secretary-General as a true symbol of equality.

Her address underscored the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM) longstanding stance that the region must remain free of conflict, even as geopolitical tensions rise just beyond its shores.

Mark Golding returned unopposed as PNP President

PNP Mark Golding

Mark Golding, Member of Parliament for South St. Andrew, will continue to lead the People’s National Party (PNP) after being returned unopposed as President when nominations for the post closed at midday today.

The PNP confirmed that Golding was the sole nominee for the presidency, solidifying his position at the helm of the party for another term. Golding, who first became president in 2020, has steered the party through a period of renewal and internal reforms, emphasizing a platform of justice, inclusion, and economic progress.

Nominations also closed for the party’s four Vice President posts, with Mikael Phillips, Ian Hayles, Natalie Neita Garvey, and Mayor Norman Scott all securing spots without the need for an election. The party expressed appreciation to Senator Donna Scott Mottley, who opted not to seek re-election after several years of distinguished service in the role.

“Comrade Scott Mottley has served with distinction in the role over the last several years and played a pivotal part during the election campaign. The PNP acknowledges and thanks her for her outstanding service and commitment to the movement,” the party said in a statement.

The PNP will next host a two-day National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on October 4–5, followed by regional conferences and the election of regional officers. Activities will culminate with a private session of the Annual Conference on November 30, where Golding is expected to outline the next phase of the party’s agenda.

“The PNP remains focused on advancing its agenda of justice, inclusion, and progress for the Jamaican people,” the party said.

S&P upgrades Jamaica’s credit rating, citing strong fiscal discipline

Jamaica to launch phase two of agriculture research stations rehabilitation project
Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Fayval Williams.

Standard & Poor’s (S&P) Global Ratings has upgraded Jamaica’s long-term foreign and local currency sovereign credit ratings from ‘BB-’ to ‘BB’, while maintaining a Positive outlook, the agency announced on September 25, 2025.

The upgrade reflects S&P’s assessment of Jamaica’s strengthening institutional and policy frameworks, underpinned by broad political and economic consensus on macroeconomic policies aimed at reducing public debt. The agency highlighted Jamaica’s adherence to its legislated debt-to-GDP target of 60 percent or less by March 2028, noting a strong track record of sustained primary surpluses that have steadily lowered the country’s debt burden.

According to S&P, Jamaica is the only country among 141 rated sovereigns to achieve a primary surplus above 3 percent of GDP for 10 consecutive years, despite major shocks such as the COVID-19 pandemic and climate-related events. The Positive outlook reflects the expectation that continued surpluses could allow the government to meet its debt target earlier than planned, further reducing the debt load.

Finance Minister Fayval Williams welcomed the upgrade, calling it “a very positive development for Jamaica” that moves the country closer to achieving an investment-grade rating. “This rating action acknowledges the government’s unwavering commitment to fiscal discipline, while also focusing on making investments that will lead to higher GDP growth and thus provide a sustainable and improved quality of life for Jamaicans,” Williams said.

S&P’s decision reinforces investor confidence in Jamaica’s economic management and signals continued progress toward long-term financial stability.

Jamaica’s Stush in the Bush ranked among North America’s 50 best restaurants

Stush in the Bush

Jamaica’s celebrated farm-to-table restaurant Stush in the Bush has earned a coveted spot on the 2025 list of North America’s 50 Best Restaurants, announced Thursday night at a live awards ceremony in Las Vegas.

The St. Ann-based dining destination, owned and operated by husband-and-wife duo Lisa and Christopher Binns, landed at No. 49, making it the only Caribbean restaurant to be featured in the top 50 in this year’s rankings.

Topping the list was Atomix in New York, followed by Canada’s Mon Lapin, Restaurant Pearl Morissette, Smyth in Chicago, and Tanière 3 in Canada.

Founded in 2009, Stush in the Bush has redefined Jamaican cuisine by merging fine dining with a fully plant-based menu and a deep commitment to sustainability. Set on the couple’s ZionItes Farm in the hills of Free Hill, St. Ann, the restaurant offers a five-hour immersive experience that begins with a guided farm walk—often led barefoot by Christopher—where guests learn about medicinal herbs, sample fresh produce, and even plant seeds for future visits.

Every dish served is harvested from the farm or neighboring producers and prepared using Ital (vegan Rastafarian) principles. Signature creations include plantain gnocchi with callaloo pesto, jackfruit tacos drizzled with house-made Blow Fiyah sauces, and the restaurant’s acclaimed roasted pumpkin hummus. Even condiments, such as scotch bonnet–infused sauces and almond “ricotta,” are made entirely on-site.

The Binns’ commitment to sustainability extends well beyond the kitchen. The property runs on solar power, incorporates rainwater harvesting, and maintains zero-waste practices, while producing their own plant-based milks and artisanal products.

Open only on Fridays and Sundays at 1 p.m., Stush in the Bush requires advance reservations for its prix fixe dining experience—a ritual that has already garnered multiple Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards and now stands as a beacon of Caribbean culinary innovation on the global stage.

Injury sidelines Shamar Joseph; Layne handed first Test chance

Shamar Joseph
Shamar Joseph. (Photo via Live india)

West Indies have been dealt a major blow ahead of their upcoming Test series in India, with frontline fast bowler Shamar Joseph ruled out due to injury.

Cricket West Indies confirmed the development on social media, noting that the 24-year-old quick will be reassessed before the white-ball tour of Bangladesh. No specifics about the injury were disclosed.

Joseph’s absence is significant: in just 11 Tests, he has captured 51 wickets at a sparkling average of 21.66, and famously announced himself with a five-wicket haul on debut against Australia in January 2024. His ability to deliver match-turning spells had made him central to the Caribbean attack.

Busy calendar for the men in maroon

The two-Test series against India concludes on October 14, after which the West Indies immediately shift focus to Bangladesh for three ODIs (October 18–24) and three T20Is (October 27–November 1). The hectic schedule continues with an all-format tour of New Zealand featuring five T20Is, three ODIs, and three Tests. Currently, the squad is in the UAE preparing for a three-match T20I series against Nepal starting September 27.

A fresh face: Layne steps In

Replacing Joseph is Johann Layne, a 22-year-old pace-bowling allrounder earning his maiden Test call-up. Layne has already carved a reputation in regional cricket: across 19 first-class matches he has taken 66 wickets at 22.28 while contributing 495 runs with the bat. His red-ball résumé includes four five-wicket hauls and three four-fors.

Earlier this year, Layne featured for West Indies A against South Africa A, chipping in with useful runs and steady spells. His standout performances, however, came in the domestic four-day competition, where he dominated for the West Indies Academy—snaring 27 wickets in six matches at 15.88, including a brilliant six-wicket haul against the Windward Islands.

The new-look attack

Layne now joins a fast-bowling group spearheaded by Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales, and Anderson Phillip, with Justin Greaves providing further seam-bowling depth. Spin responsibilities will be shouldered by Jomel Warrican, Khary Pierre, and captain Roston Chase.

His selection offers both promise and intrigue—an untested but hungry cricketer stepping onto one of the game’s biggest stages, while West Indies manage without their established strike bowler.

 

Mount Pleasant power past Central FC to seal Caribbean Cup semi-final spot

Mount Pleasant

Jamaica’s Mount Pleasant FA have booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2025 Concacaf Caribbean Cup, sealing the achievement with a 2-0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago’s Central FC on Tuesday night at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain.

It was a night of patience rewarded. After dominating possession and carving out chances in the first half without success, Mount Pleasant found their breakthrough six minutes after the restart. Alex Marshall split the defense with a clever ball to Raheem Edwards, who calmly slotted his left-footed strike past goalkeeper Jabari Brice.

The result was put beyond doubt at the death. In the 90th minute, Brice fumbled a stinging shot from Angelo Éxilus, leaving Chevaughn Walsh perfectly placed to bundle the rebound over the line from close range.

A historic march to the last four

The victory marked Mount Pleasant’s third consecutive win, pushing their tally to nine points while remarkably keeping a perfect defensive record—no goals conceded across the campaign so far. With one game still to play, against Universidad O&M of the Dominican Republic in Kingston on September 30, they remain firmly on course to top Group A.

For Mount Pleasant, the semi-final berth represents a significant leap forward. Having failed to progress beyond the group stage in the previous edition, the Jamaican outfit has now turned promise into delivery.

Jamaica’s strong regional presence

The club’s progress also extends Jamaica’s strong recent tradition in the Caribbean Cup. This year marks the fourth straight season that a Jamaican side will feature in the semi-finals. Cavalier SC, the reigning champions, remain alive in Group B with four points from three matches and a chance to join their compatriots in the knockout rounds.

Together, the two teams continue to highlight Jamaica’s rising influence in regional club football, as the island’s representatives consistently push deep into Concacaf competition.

 

Quentin Sampson crowned breakout star of CPL 2025

Quentin Sampson
Quentin Sampson (left) receiving his award from CWI CEO Chris Dehring

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has lauded Quentin Sampson after the 22-year-old was named Breakout Player of the 2025 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL), capping a sensational debut season with the Guyana Amazon Warriors.

The hard-hitting right-hander wasted no time making his mark on regional cricket’s biggest stage. In eight matches, Sampson piled up 241 runs at an average of 40.16 and a strike rate of 153, repeatedly rescuing his side in pressure situations. His standout knock—a fluent 76 that powered the Warriors to victory—showcased both his fearless strokeplay and his calm temperament under fire.

Emerging talent across the region

While Sampson walked away with the award, he was far from the only youngster to turn heads in this year’s tournament. Ackeem Auguste impressed for the St. Lucia Kings with a sparkling 73 against the Warriors, while Navin Bidaisee’s crafty spin earned him seven wickets for the St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots at a miserly economy rate of 8.04. Rising names such as Jediah Blades, Nathan Edward, and Karima Gore also announced themselves, underscoring the rich depth of talent emerging from the region’s player development pathways.

From breakout league to CPL stardom

Many of these players, including Sampson, first seized their opportunity in the CWI Breakout League earlier this year, where standout performances earned them CPL contracts. Their transition from developmental cricket to the high-intensity franchise stage has been heralded as a promising sign for West Indies cricket.

CWI’s seal of approval

CWI’s Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, praised Sampson and his peers for grabbing their chances with both hands.

“Quentin’s performances, as well as those of others this season, are both pleasing and encouraging for West Indies cricket,” Bascombe said. “They have shown that our emerging players can step up and deliver when they are given the opportunity.”

With his debut season now in the books, Sampson stands as a shining example of the new generation’s potential—young, fearless, and ready to carry the torch for West Indies cricket on the world stage.

 

1...177178179...1,548Page 178 of 1,548