The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is calling on businesses and individuals who have been targeted by extortionists to report incidents to the police, stressing that working with law enforcement can lead to prosecutions and help prevent further harm.
Detective Sergeant Grace Frazer-Lawrence of the JCF’s National Strategic Anti-Gang Division highlighted the prevalence of extortion in the transport industry, where operators are often forced to pay repeated fees or “taxes” to continue their work. She noted that small business owners are also frequent targets.
“Persons may be asked for protection from certain criminal elements, when they are indeed the said criminal elements,” Detective Sergeant Frazer-Lawrence explained on the Force4Good Podcast, a JCF initiative aimed at raising awareness of issues affecting Jamaicans. “They may receive letters, threats, phone calls, texts, or WhatsApp messages demanding payment under threat of harm.”
Detective Inspector Paulette Wynter-Crossfield, Station Manager at the National Strategic Anti-Gang Division, said the money generated from extortion can amount to billions of dollars annually. She added that while the problem exists islandwide, it is particularly pronounced in areas such as Spanish Town, St. Catherine.
Efforts to curb extortion, including past attempts to regulate so-called “backup men” in transport hubs, have met with limited success, Wynter-Crossfield said, emphasizing the need for cooperation from all stakeholders to make lasting change.
The JCF urges anyone approached by extortionists to come forward promptly and work with police, assuring that measures are in place to help protect victims.
A Miami Beach police officer was hospitalized Saturday morning after being headbutted by a man acting erratically in traffic, authorities said.
The suspect, identified as 46-year-old Saliya Siby, faces a charge of aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer.
According to Miami Beach Police, around 9 a.m. officers spotted Siby dressed in camouflage clothing and walking in and out of traffic in the 500 block of 41st Street. When approached, police said Siby threatened to light himself on fire and demanded officers shoot him. He was reportedly holding a knife in one hand and an unknown container in the other.
Additional officers arrived and attempted to use de-escalation techniques, but Siby continued to act erratically, police said. Less-lethal weapons were eventually deployed, allowing officers to disarm him and take him into custody.
During a search following his arrest, Siby allegedly headbutted an officer, causing a laceration that required stitches. The officer was transported to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he remains in stable condition.
Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony on Friday announced that six deputies have been fired and 13 others disciplined after an internal investigation found deputies failed to act during a February triple homicide, despite having “every opportunity” to save lives.
“We had a chance to save that woman’s life and we failed,” Tony said during a news conference. “Anyone with a badge and a gun who thinks that is acceptable can resign today.”
The disciplinary actions stem from the Feb. 16 shooting in Tamarac, when 43-year-old Nathan Gingles fatally shot his estranged wife, 34-year-old Mary Gingles, her father, 64-year-old David Ponzer, and neighbor Andrew Ferrin, 36. Court records show Mary had a restraining order against Gingles and had repeatedly reported threats to deputies in the weeks leading up to the killings.
The six terminated deputies were identified as Sgt. Travis Allen, Sgt. Devoune Williams, and Deputies Brittney King, Daniel Munoz, Lemar Blackwood and Eric Klisiak. Others received suspensions ranging from five to 15 days, including Deputies Dia Cross, Eric Baldy, Daniel Lovallo, Daimeon Nelson, Sophie Riggs, and Ilany Cebalos. Two deputies had allegations against them dismissed.
Tony said body camera footage, sworn statements and surveillance video revealed deputies staged nearby as Mary ran for her life, rather than intervening. A neighbor had called 911 to report gunshots and screams, but deputies remained in their vehicles for more than 20 minutes before approaching the home.
“That is not within policy, that’s not what we train,” Tony said. “Seconds matter. They’re the difference between life and death.”
The sheriff acknowledged failures in handling Mary’s prior domestic violence reports but said the most serious mistakes came the day of the killings, when deputies failed to engage as Gingles shot Ponzer in the backyard, then killed Mary and Ferrin.
Deputy union president Dan Rakofsky criticized the terminations, saying the deputies acted appropriately under the circumstances. “Each and every one of these members’ cases will be heard in arbitration,” he said. “We are confident the facts will show that our members could not have done anything different to change the tragic outcome.”
Family members of the victims expressed mixed emotions. Ferrin’s uncle said he was glad accountability was being sought but questioned whether it would lead to meaningful change. “It doesn’t bring my nephew back,” he said. “Mistakes were made and lives were lost. I’m glad that there is accountability, but is it going to change anything?”
Tony said he met with victims’ families Thursday to personally take responsibility. “This was not an organizational or administrational failure,” he said. “Either they were incompetent at the moment or just cowards. I can assure you that moving forward, we will be better.”
Gingles, a U.S. military veteran, was arrested later that day after a standoff at a North Lauderdale Walmart, where deputies confronted him while he carried his barefoot 4-year-old daughter, Seraphine. Detectives believe the child witnessed the shootings.
He remains in the Broward County Main Jail on three counts of first-degree murder, kidnapping and other charges. Prosecutors announced in March that they will seek the death penalty.
A 27-year-old Pembroke Pines man has been arrested on murder charges following the discovery of two bodies inside a home on Northwest 109th Avenue last week, police said.
Isaiah Collins was taken into custody Sunday by the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office after a dramatic pursuit that ended in Miami Gardens. He is charged with two counts of first-degree murder with a firearm in the shooting deaths of 41-year-old Octavis Myers and a woman whose name has not yet been released.
Authorities said Myers’ body was discovered Wednesday in the garage of a home in the 1700 block of Northwest 109th Avenue. The woman’s body was later found inside a bedroom. Neither victim lived permanently at the residence, according to police.
Investigators said Collins’ address was listed at the home, which is owned by his grandmother. Detectives learned of the victims after the homeowner called a family member to walk her dog. The dog reportedly began acting strangely, leading the family member to one of the bodies.
Collins was initially considered missing, and police expressed concern for his safety. But by Sunday, an off-duty Miami-Dade deputy spotted him at a park in Miami Gardens. When deputies attempted to confront him, Collins fled, sparking a chase that spilled onto the Florida Turnpike.
Officials said Collins jumped into a canal and climbed a tree before refusing to surrender. A deputy fired his service weapon during the confrontation, though authorities have not confirmed if Collins was struck. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is reviewing the shooting, which is standard procedure in such cases.
Collins was eventually apprehended and transported to a hospital. His current condition has not been released.
Dive teams have been searching the canal where Collins jumped, though investigators said no weapon has been recovered.
In addition to the murder charges, Collins faces charges from Miami-Dade authorities related to his attempted flight.
Fans of the Caribbean Premier League and people who generally like to bet on sports keep their attention closely to the CPL 2025 matches and the games of The Barbados Royals, especially. The Barbados Royals, however, are still chasing their first win of CPL 2025, dropping their fourth game in five, as Shai Hope kept his cool and Dwaine Pretorius smashed it in a rain-hit clash.
The Guyana Amazon Warriors bounced back nicely after two losses, snatching their third win of the season with just a couple of balls to spare. In Game 21 of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL), the Guyana Amazon Warriors squeezed past the Barbados Royals by four wickets with just two balls to go.
Both teams really needed a win at September 5’s showdown at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, with only two playoff spots left. The Royals’ loss leaves them stuck at the bottom, and they need a big turnaround if they want to keep their season alive.
The Warriors won the toss and chose to field first. Their bowlers made an early impact, reducing the Royals to 69-5 by the 12th over. That is when Rovman Powell stepped up, blasting a fiery 50 off 28 balls, smashing six towering sixes, and not a single four, to put the Royals under serious pressure.
A Closer Look at the Latest Game
Shai Hope and Dwaine Pretorius put on a brilliant show for the Guyana Amazon Warriors and handed the Barbados Royals another tough loss at Kensington Oval in the Republic Bank CPL. Both Hope and Pretorius hit solid half-centuries and helped the Warriors chase down the Royals’ 165 for 6 and finish strong at 170 for 6 in just under 20 overs.
The real game-changer was their 89-run stand, which pulled the team back from a shaky 30 for 4 and put them on the path to victory.
The Royals’ pace attack, led by Eathan Bosch (3/35) and Ramon Simmonds (2/27), really put the Amazon Warriors under pressure. Bosch struck early, taking out Ben McDermott and Moeen Ali in just the second over, while Simmonds grabbed Shimron Hetmyer and Hassan Khan.
The game could have gone a completely different way if Kadeem Alleyne had held onto a catch off Pretorius when he was only 12, but the ball slipped through. That moment changed the match, as Pretorius then smashed a series of boundaries to race to 36 off just 27 balls.
He followed that by clobbering Green for two huge sixes in the next over and brought his half-century off 32 balls. Green eventually got him out for 53, which included four sixes and two fours, leaving the Warriors struggling at 119 for five after 14 overs.
Romario Shepherd’s stay at the crease was short-lived, as he was quickly sent back. Meanwhile, Hope hit his half-century in just 39 balls and joined forces with Quentin Sampson, who finished strong, unbeaten on 33 off 20 balls.
The Warriors needed just six runs off the final over, and Sampson wrapped it up in style. He smashed Green over the boundary with two balls to spare. Hope held his nerve too, finishing unbeaten on 62 off 49 balls, with five crisp fours and a big six.
The Royals had their moments earlier, though, collapsing to 69 for five by the 12th over. But captain Rovman Powell and Rassie van der Dussen fought back hard and put on 82 runs in just eight overs to give the home fans a reason to cheer.
Powell ended unbeaten on 50 from 28 balls, hammering six huge sixes, while van der Dussen scored a lively 45 off 37. Gudakesh Motie was also on point for the Warriors, bagging 2/16 from his four overs.
Dwaine Pretorius, who earned player-of-the-match, smashed 53 off 34 balls with four sixes and two fours and chipped away at the Royals’ total. The loss keeps the Royals winless in five games, a rough moment for their home supporters.
As a result, the Warriors now move up to fourth in the CPL standings, with three games still in hand. They stay right on the heels of the Falcons and Patriots above and below them.
Jamaican footballer Allan Cole, regarded as a legend by those familiar with his flair on and off the ball, was a trusted confidant and road manager of Reggae King Robert Nesta Marley.
‘Skill,’ as he was affectionately called by friends, had two Jamaican loves, namely music and football. On the soccer field, Cole dazzled everyone with his flair and phenomenal talent, earning recognition as one of the finest strikers ever to represent the island. As his friend, Cole assisted Marley in navigating the rocky roads in the music industry.
“Allan ‘Skill’ Cole was Bob’s mentor, idol, and confidant,” journalist and reggae historian Stan Smith told Caribbean National Weekly.
“Bob was drawn to the younger Skill Cole because of his international fame as a footballer and his physical discipline as an athlete. In music, the discipline and success Allan exercised in managing the Wailers’ powerful, conflicting, and competing talents and creative personalities were impressive. His keen ear and awareness made them Rastafarian brothers,” Smith opined.
Louis Grant
Louis Grant, Executive VP of NYC-based Irie Jam Radio, shared his earliest memories of the legendary ‘Skill’ Cole.
“He came to the Spanish Town Prison Oval with the Twelve Tribes of Israel team to play against the St. Catherine-based Black Lion FC (my neighbourhood team from Brunswick Ave). This was before I even began high school. That was the only time I saw Bob Marley in person as a child, and also the only time I saw Skill play live. Even then, they were already bona fide ‘national treasures’ in my impressionable mind’s eyes,” Grant shared.
“I had the privilege of seeing Skill more frequently through the years and even more so found myself in his presence far more times than that pre-teen kid could have ever imagined back then in the late ’70s. Fast forward to October last year, at a symposium in honor of Peter Tosh at the University of the West Indies, where Skill was a presenter, I had the good fortune to tag along with some friends and accompany Mr. Cole to that edifying presentation. It became even more undeniably clear to me just how deeply respected ‘Brother Dan The Master Maestro’ was in both football and music circles,” Grant added.
“Skill Cole helped elevate the sport of football locally and internationally, and his role as Bob Marley’s manager placed him at the heart of a global cultural revolution that fused music, sport, and identity… The Reggae Boyz & Girlz were probably gifted that moniker in part due to the life, teachings, and friendship between Skill and Bob… Who knows?” Grant shared.
Cole and Marley’s friendship began in the 1960s, when Cole was a young football star and Marley was building his music career as a conscious reggae singer. Both carried the hopes of Jamaica — Cole being the football genius, while Marley with his guitar.
“Bob and I shared a philosophy of resilience,” Cole once said. “We pushed each other, and we carried Jamaica everywhere we went.”
For Marley, football was an escape, while for Cole it was a way to keep his friend grounded. Their relationship blossomed at the dawn of the 1970s, when Jamaica was caught in the crosswinds of the treacherous Cold War. The then U.S. administration in Washington never embraced Michael Manley’s socialist ideology. It was during this period that Cole took on the pivotal role as Marley’s manager, helping to guide him through the politically charged era. Marley’s life was not without peril. This was on display in the wake of the 1976 assassination attempt on Marley’s life at his 56 Hope Road home in Kingston. Through it all, Cole was close at hand.
Smith shared, “In music, the discipline and success Allan exercised in managing the Wailers’ powerful, conflicting, and competing talents and creative personalities was impressive. Allan’s keen ear and awareness made them Rastafarian brothers.”
In fact, when Marley recorded Exodus and Kaya in exile, Cole provided companionship and stability, reminding the singer of home. And when Marley returned to Jamaica to perform at the historic 1978 One Love Peace Concert at the National Stadium in Kingston that united political rivals Michael Manley and Edward Seaga onstage, Cole was there by his side.
“I’m the only man he said he couldn’t pay back,” Cole said in an interview in Jamaica. Their bond was built not on contracts, but on loyalty. That loyalty also gave Cole an insight into Marley’s private life.
Cole reportedly was present for Marley’s marriage to Rita Anderson. He also had firsthand knowledge of Marley’s high-profile relationship with Cindy Breakspeare, the Miss World winner in 1976. Cole saw firsthand the intense public scrutiny that came with Marley’s fame. Years after Marley’s death, he lamented the portrayal of Marley in the recent biopic Bob Marley: One Love, which he said overlooked important truths.
“I was the closest person to him, and I know his history more than anyone else,” he told Anthony Miller in a TVJ interview. “Things we shared, nobody else knows.”
Looking at the clinical and spiritual connection between Marley, Skill Cole, and Haile Selassie, Vassell G. O’Gilvie, psychotherapist at the Hudson Valley Dynamic Counseling in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., said, “Marley, all his life, was a Rastafarian who echoed the relationship with His Majesty. In layman’s terms, that means he saw him as divine. That belief led to all the great music that followed the freedom of the black man, the freedom of Africa, and all other races.”
Vassell G. O’Gilvie
Bob embraced the Christian faith on November 4, 1980, when he was baptized into the Ethiopian Orthodox Church by Abuna Yesehaq, an archbishop of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.
“Bob became a follower of His Imperial Majesty, worshiping and accepting Christ,” O’Gilvie reminded.
‘Skill’ Cole’s death marked the end of an era in Jamaica. Marley and Cole commanded the world’s attention, together embodying the pride and resilience of a nation seeking to find its rhythm.
As one of Jamaica’s most gifted footballers, Skill Cole helped elevate the sport locally and internationally, and his role as Bob Marley’s manager placed him at the heart of a global cultural revolution that fused music, sport, and identity.
“My maternal grandfather’s surname is actually ‘Cole.’ Maybe I need to do a deep dive into the family tree… One never knows?” Grant mused.
“Allan ‘Skill’ Cole is a case study of a life well lived. He would sometimes lament the fact that his ‘bredrin’ Bob Marley (OM) was not physically around to finally see ‘the freedom of Rastafari.’ Rest well, mi general, rest well,” Grant concluded.
Former Miss Jamaica and international model Davina Bennett says she is grateful to be alive after being struck by a vehicle just minutes from her home in New York City on Saturday night.
Bennett, who was taking part in her first fashion week, shared details of the frightening experience in an Instagram post on Sunday. She said the incident occurred on September 13 after she had walked in a show for stylist Kahlana Barfield’s collaboration with Target.
“I stopped at a pedestrian crossing…when the signal came, I stepped off the curb, and that’s when I was hit! The next thing I knew, I was waking up in an ambulance,” Bennett wrote. She described feeling “scared, confused, crying, and in shock.”
The 2017 Miss Universe second runner-up said her loved ones rushed to the hospital after she called them. Doctors told her it was “extraordinary” that she had not suffered any broken bones or fractures, only bruises and pain. “I smiled and said, ‘It’s God,’” Bennett recalled.
Despite the ordeal, the 29-year-old model expressed determination to continue pursuing her career. “This might be the end of my first fashion week, I’m currently in severe pain, but I’m grateful to be alive…This was unfortunate, but it won’t be the end of my journey.”
Bennett received an outpouring of well-wishes from fans and colleagues following her post.
Day Two of the 2025 World Athletics Championships belonged to Jamaica, as the island’s sprinters stormed into the spotlight with a glittering haul of one gold and two silver medals.
A dazzling one-two in the men’s 100 meters and a breakthrough podium finish in the women’s equivalent had Jamaican fans inside the National Stadium celebrating long into the evening.
Seville shocks the world, Thompson claims silver
The night’s crescendo came in the men’s 100m final, where Oblique Seville delivered the race of his life to capture gold in a blistering 9.77 seconds. The 24-year-old surged past all and sundry to etch his name alongside Jamaica’s sprinting greats.
Close behind, teammate Kishane Thompson, the Olympic silver medalist, clocked 9.82 seconds for silver, ensuring Jamaica’s first one-two in the event ever.
Former champion Noah Lyles of the United States was left with bronze in 9.89 seconds, while his compatriot Kenneth Bednarek finished fourth in 9.92 seconds. For Jamaica, it marked their first men’s 100m world title since Bolt’s farewell triumph in 2015.
Clayton’s breakthrough on global stage
If Seville lit the fuse, Tina Clayton ignited a new flame in the women’s 100m. The two-time World Under-20 champion produced the run of her career, securing silver in a personal-best 10.76 seconds.
The gold, however, belonged to Melissa Jefferson-Wooden of the United States, who powered to a Championship Record 10.61 seconds to stamp her dominance as the world’s fastest woman.
Olympic champion Julien Alfred of Saint Lucia took bronze in 10.84 seconds, while Jamaica’s Shericka Jackson placed fourth in 10.88 seconds.
In one of the evening’s most poignant moments, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, running her final individual global championship race, finished sixth in 11.03 seconds. The crowd rose in ovation, honoring a career that has spanned nearly two decades of sprinting brilliance.
Momentum on the medal table
By night’s end, Jamaica sat with three medals—one gold and two silvers—a resounding start to their campaign and a clear statement that their sprinting legacy remains alive and potent.
Jamaican women dominate sprint hurdle heats
Earlier in the day, Jamaica’s women cleared their first hurdles—literally—with commanding performances in the 100m hurdles.
Danielle Williams, the two-time world champion, clocked the fastest time of the round with 12.40 seconds, breezing through heat two.
Ackera Nugent impressed with victory in heat four in 12.54 seconds. Amoi Brown secured safe passage as well, placing third in heat five in 12.82 seconds.
Elsewhere, the Caribbean was well represented: Devynne Charlton of The Bahamas advanced with 12.69 seconds in heat six, finishing behind Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan (12.53).
Cuba’s Greisys Roble qualified with 12.84 seconds, while Saint Lucia’s Aasia Laurencin (13.03) and The Bahamas’ Denisha Cartwright (13.50) bowed out.
Jamaica’s Megan Tapper, however, was a non-starter after sustaining a hamstring injury.
Mixed fortunes in the field
Jamaica’s Nayoka Clunis finished 23rd overall in the women’s hammer throw with 66.24m, while Samantha Hall, the first Jamaican ever to contest the women’s discus final, placed 12th with 60.69m.
In the men’s high jump, Romaine Beckford scraped into the final with a clearance of 2.25m, earning the 13th and final qualifying spot. Teammate Raymond Richards fell short, finishing 22nd overall, while Bahamian veteran Donald Thomas (2.21m) also missed the cut.
Strong progress in the 400m
On the track, Jamaica showed depth in both men’s and women’s 400m events:
Rusheen McDonald, the national record holder, clocked a season’s best 44.38 seconds to finish second in his heat.
Bovel McPherson ran a personal best 44.51 seconds, while Delano Kennedy advanced with 44.74 seconds.
Defending champion Antonio Watson, however, struggled badly, finishing last in his heat in 46.23 seconds and exiting the competition.
The Caribbean’s pride extended further: Grenada’s Kirani James (44.66) advanced smoothly. Trinidad and Tobago’s Jereem Richards won heat one in 44.64 seconds.
On the women’s side:
Nickisha Pryce dominated her heat with 49.91 seconds. Stacey-Ann Williams ran a personal best 49.59 seconds for second in hers, and Dejanae Oakley also progressed in 51.07 seconds.
Elsewhere, Wedeline Venlogh of Haiti shattered her national record with 49.91 seconds, while the Dominican Republic’s Marileidy Paulino topped her heat in 49.85 seconds.
Looking ahead to Day Three
Day Three promises even more fireworks. Jamaica’s hurdlers—Danielle Williams, Ackera Nugent, and Amoi Brown—will chase medals in the 100m hurdles, with semi-finals at 8:05 a.m. EST and the final set just over an hour later.
The day will also feature the start of the 400m hurdles for both men and women, and the men’s long jump, offering Jamaica and the wider Caribbean more chances to shine.
Even as his new Cabinet took the Oath of Office at State House on Saturday evening, President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali reminded the nation that Guyana’s future does not rest solely with ministers or parliamentarians, but with the entire slate of People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) candidates and stakeholders at every level of government.
The President stressed that the PPP/C’s list of candidates for the September 1 elections comprises “a highly skilled and technically competent group of individuals” who will form the backbone of government service and national development.
“They will play critical roles at different levels, all equal in service and responsibility. The future is not only Cabinet and Parliament. The future is about all stakeholders, every arm of government, and every citizen contributing to the building of a strong, agile country,” Dr Ali said.
He described the slate as a reservoir of human assets—including youth, seasoned professionals, and technical experts—who will be tapped to support the delivery of the government’s ambitious agenda. “The service delivery of government will not rest only on Cabinet shoulders—it is the collective work of this wider team,” the President added.
Dr Ali underscored that while Cabinet appointments are crucial, equal emphasis will be placed on ensuring candidates outside of Parliament are integrated into technical and policy roles to accelerate national transformation.
“The journey ahead will be accelerated. This government is about service and responsibility, not ego or power. Our candidates, whether in Parliament or serving elsewhere, are all equal in this mission,” he said.
Saturday’s swearing-in followed the PPP/C’s re-election at the September 1 polls and marked the unveiling of a Cabinet designed, according to the President, for “speed, efficiency and results.” The new line-up combines fresh entrants, experienced hands returning to their former portfolios, and notable shifts in ministerial responsibilities.
New faces in Cabinet
Seven newcomers were introduced to the executive, reflecting generational renewal and technical expertise:
Keoma Griffith – Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning
Sarah Browne – Minister of Amerindian Affairs
Vanessa Benn – Minister within the Ministry of Housing
Madanlall Ramraj – Minister within the Ministry of Public Works
Vickash Ramkissoon – Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture
Zulfikar Ally – Minister of Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation
Steven Jacobs – Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport
New ministries created
Three new portfolios were carved out to sharpen government’s focus on service delivery and efficiency:
Public Utilities and Aviation – to be overseen by Minister Deodat Indar
Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation – led by Zulfikar Ally
Labour and Manpower Planning – assigned to Keoma Griffith
Shifts in key portfolios
Several senior ministers were reassigned:
Priya Manickchand moves from Education to Local Government and Regional Development.
Pauline Sukhai becomes Minister in the Ministry of Local Government.
Oneidge Waldron takes over as Home Affairs Minister.
Sonia Parag now heads the Education Ministry.
Susan Rodrigues shifts to Tourism, Industry and Commerce.
Familiar hands return
Continuity remains central, with seasoned ministers holding their portfolios:
Anil Nandlall – Legal Affairs Minister and Attorney General
Ashni Singh – Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance
Hugh Todd – Foreign Affairs Minister
Gail Teixeira – Parliamentary Affairs and Governance
Zulfikar Mustapha – Agriculture Minister
Dr Frank Anthony – Health Minister
Juan Edghill – Public Works Minister
Kwame McCoy – Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister
Charles Ramson – Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport
Vickram Bharrat – Natural Resources Minister
Colin Croal – Housing Minister
Vindhya Persaud – Human Services and Social Security Minister
Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo and Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips had been sworn in earlier to continue in their respective posts.
Looking ahead
With a blend of youth, diversity, and experience, President Ali said the new Cabinet reflects an effort to balance continuity with renewal. He has cautioned that the next five years will be decisive for Guyana, with accountability and measurable results as the ultimate benchmarks for his administration.
“The expectations of the people are clear,” Ali said. “Together, we will work to ensure every Guyanese can live a life of dignity, safety, honour and prosperity.”
An undocumented immigrant was arrested Friday after authorities say he struck and killed a pedestrian in a hit-and-run crash in Manatee County.
The Florida Highway Patrol identified the driver as 38-year-old Carranza Dominguez. He faces multiple charges, including leaving the scene of a crash involving death, driving without a license involving a death, and DUI.
Troopers said the crash happened Friday night at the intersection of 15th Street East and 49th Avenue East. A 46-year-old man was walking along the northbound lane of 15th Street East when Dominguez, driving in the same direction, hit him and left the scene, according to investigators.
Shortly afterward, Dominguez was involved in another crash on Ninth Street East before fleeing on foot, troopers said. He was later taken into custody.
Authorities have not yet released the name of the victim.
The arrest comes just weeks after a separate case in South Florida, where 28-year-old Harjinder Singh, an undocumented immigrant from India, was charged in a deadly crash on the Florida Turnpike. Troopers said Singh attempted an illegal U-turn with his semi-truck, blocking the northbound lanes and causing a minivan to crash into the trailer. Three people in the minivan were killed, and Singh now faces vehicular homicide charges.
In the aftermath, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that all truck agricultural inspection stations throughout the state will also serve as federal immigration checkpoints, targeting drivers who are undocumented or hold out-of-state licenses.
NORTH SOUND, Antigua – Skipper Joshua Dorne delivered a captain’s performance for the ages, producing with both bat and ball to steer the West Indies Under-19s to a dramatic three-wicket triumph over Sri Lanka in the sixth Youth One-Day International at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.
The tense win, sealed with eight balls to spare, handed the Caribbean side an unassailable 4-2 lead in the seven-match series, rendering Monday’s finale a formality.
Dorne dominates with ball, then bat
Sri Lanka, needing victory to keep the series alive, piled up a formidable 287 for six after being sent in. Dorne, the off-spinner, was the pick of the attack, prying out two crucial wickets – first breaking a 114-run opening stand when he had Dimantha Mahavithana stumped for 49, then removing Senuja Wekunagoda cheaply.
The tourists, however, rode the fluent stroke play of Viran Chamuditha, who struck 88 off 85 balls, and a late surge from Vimath Dinsara, whose unbeaten 58 came off just 57 deliveries with four towering sixes, to set a testing total.
But when the Windies slumped to 125 for five in reply, Sri Lanka looked firmly in control. That was before Dorne’s moment of destiny arrived.
The right-hander played with authority and maturity beyond his years, striking a match-winning 95 that anchored the chase. His innings combined resilience with bursts of clean hitting, and when he finally departed just shy of a century, the home side still needed 27 runs.
A partnership that changed the game
Dorne’s 115-run sixth-wicket partnership with Jonathan van Lange proved the turning point. Van Lange’s fluent 50 off 43 balls relieved the pressure, frustrating the Sri Lankan bowlers who had dominated the early exchanges.
Van Lange eventually fell to a return catch, but by then the tide had turned decisively in the Windies’ favor.
Even after Dorne’s dismissal, there was no panic. Shaquan Belle entered the fray and provided the final flourish, smashing an unbeaten 21 off 13 balls to carry his side across the line in a blaze of confidence and control.
Sri Lanka’s bright start fades
Earlier, the visitors had seemed poised to dictate the contest. The opening pair of Chamuditha and Mahavithana gave Sri Lanka the perfect launch with a commanding century stand. Yet once Chamuditha was bowled by Brendan Boodoo for 88, the innings faltered as three wickets fell for just 10 runs.
Although Dinsara’s late assault restored momentum, Sri Lanka ultimately fell short of protecting their total as the Caribbean youngsters, led by their indomitable captain, mounted a thrilling counter-attack.
The three-wicket win ensured the West Indies will take the series regardless of Monday’s result. For Dorne, it was a statement of leadership and all-around brilliance, confirming his pivotal role in the side’s rise.
The Guyana Amazon Warriors clinched their place in the 2025 Massy Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) final with a composed five-wicket victory over the Trinbago Knight Riders on Saturday night in Providence.
The win, secured with seven balls to spare, ensured the Warriors will square off against the Barbados Royals in next week’s title clash.
For the Knight Riders, the defeat marked a third straight setback, condemning them to the foot of the table in what has been a frustrating campaign.
Penfold rips through Knight Riders
New Zealand quick Molly Penfold was devastating with the new ball, claiming 4 for 17 in a clinical four-over burst that broke the backbone of the Knight Riders’ innings. She combined sharp pace with miserly accuracy, ensuring no momentum could be built.
Despite Penfold’s onslaught, the Knight Riders found a measure of resistance in Jess Jonassen, who compiled a maiden WCPL half-century, striking 51 with characteristic grit. Veteran Deandra Dottin added 31, but with wickets tumbling around them, their side limped to 123 for 7—a total that always looked vulnerable on the Providence surface.
Taylor anchors the chase
The Warriors’ reply wobbled early when in-form opener Realeanna Grimmond fell to a sharp caught-and-bowled from Dottin. But Irish teenager Amy Hunter steadied the innings with a measured 27 from 31 deliveries, laying a foundation for the middle order.
The defining contribution came from captaincy stalwart Stafanie Taylor, who followed her key bowling strike—dismissing Jonassen—with a composed 39 off 44 balls. Though not flamboyant, her innings soaked up pressure and carried her side within touching distance of the target.
Taylor’s dismissal, to Shikha Pandey, came with the finish line in sight, but by then the hard work had been done. The Warriors cruised across the line comfortably, booking their spot in the final showdown.
Knights left searching
For the Knight Riders, it was another night of unfulfilled promise. Their senior players produced moments of defiance, but the lack of collective momentum left them short once again. With only one match left—a dead rubber against the Royals on Tuesday—their campaign is destined to end in disappointment.
The Warriors, meanwhile, will meet the Royals in a Sunday dress rehearsal at Providence before the real battle for the trophy unfolds in the final.
TOKYO, Japan – Jamaica’s sprinting tradition roared to life at the 2025 World Athletics Championships, as the island’s athletes produced a golden night inside the National Stadium.
A dazzling one-two finish in the men’s 100 meters and a stunning silver in the women’s final had Jamaican flags flying proudly and supporters in raptures.
Seville stuns, Thompson secures silver
In the men’s final, Oblique Seville etched his name in history with the performance of his career, dethroning the reigning champion and upsetting the pre-race favorite. Seville stormed across the line in 9.77 seconds, edging out compatriot Kishane Thompson, the Olympic silver medalist, who finished close behind in 9.82 seconds.
The result marked Jamaica’s first World Championships men’s 100m gold since the legend Usain Bolt in 2015, and the country’s first one-two finish in this particular event.
For former champion Noah Lyles, the night ended with bronze in 9.89 seconds, while his American teammate Kenneth Bednarek placed fourth in 9.92 seconds.
Clayton’s breakthrough moment
If Seville’s victory set the stadium alight, Tina Clayton’s breakthrough run confirmed that Jamaica’s sprinting pipeline remains unrivaled. The two-time World Under-20 champion rose to the occasion, running a personal best 10.76 seconds to claim silver in the women’s final.
But the evening belonged to the United States’ Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, who powered to victory in a Championship Record 10.61 seconds, stamping her authority as the world’s fastest woman.
Olympic champion Julien Alfred of Saint Lucia battled for bronze in 10.84 seconds, while Jamaica’s Shericka Jackson settled for fourth in 10.88 seconds. Closing her legendary individual career, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce finished sixth in 11.03 seconds, receiving a standing ovation from fans and rivals alike.
Medal table momentum
With one gold and two silver medals secured, Jamaica has opened its medal tally in emphatic style, signaling its intent to once again dominate the sprinting stage.
The men’s sweep rekindled memories of Jamaica’s golden past, while Clayton’s rise hinted at a powerful future. For the fans inside the National Stadium, it was an unforgettable night of speed, pride, and history.
PROVIDENCE, Guyana – In a breathtaking rerun of last year’s Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) final, the Guyana Amazon Warriors edged the Saint Lucia Kings by two wickets in Game 29 at Providence Stadium on Saturday night, sealing their playoff berth in the most dramatic fashion.
With four needed off the final delivery, Dwaine Pretorius kept his composure and launched a towering six over long-on to snatch victory, sending the crowd into raptures and breaking the hearts of the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots, who were eliminated as a result.
Nerve-shredding finish
Chasing 186, the Warriors required 12 runs from the last over, with Kings skipper David Wiese entrusted with the ball. A no-ball waist-high full toss offered a free hit, but Moeen Ali could only manage a single to extra cover.
Moments later, Providence held its breath as a delay to fix the non-striker’s stumps only heightened the tension. In the very next play, substitute fielder Shadrack Descarte produced a rocket throw to run out Moeen, leaving the Warriors in peril.
But Pretorius stood tall under pressure, silencing the Kings’ celebrations by smoking the final ball into the stands, sealing victory with ice in his veins.
Chase lifts Kings to competitive total
Earlier, after winning the toss, the Kings’ innings stuttered at the start. Tim Seifert miscued a slog sweep in the second over to depart cheaply, and Johnson Charles soon followed for 16, leaving the defending champions wobbling at 27 for two.
The recovery came through Ackeem Auguste and the experienced Roston Chase, who rebuilt with calm authority. Chase was imperious, crafting an unbeaten 90 off 55 balls, laced with six fours and five sixes, guiding the Kings to a challenging 185 for four.
For the Warriors, Pretorius was the standout with the ball, returning 2 for 36 in his four overs, applying brakes when the Kings threatened to accelerate further.
Sampson sets the tone
In reply, young opener Quentin Sampson lit up Providence with an audacious 76 from just 39 balls, an innings brimming with power and intent that kept the Warriors within striking distance throughout the chase.
His momentum was complemented by another steady contribution from Shai Hope, who compiled a classy 44 off 34 deliveries, ensuring the chase never drifted too far from the Warriors’ grasp.
Revenge secured, playoffs guaranteed
The match, which swung repeatedly across both innings, ultimately boiled down to Pretorius’ nerve against Wiese’s experience in the final over. The Warriors’ triumph not only served as sweet revenge for last year’s final defeat to the Kings but also ensured their tournament survival, propelling them into the CPL playoffs.
For the Kings, Chase’s masterclass and Wiese’s fight were not enough to prevent defeat in a game that will long be remembered for its high drama and last-ball heroics.
Career diplomat Ambassador Elisabeth Anne Harper has died at the age of 67, following a period of illness. She passed away on Saturday.
Harper, who last served as Guyana’s Ambassador to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, also held the position of Director General in the ministry.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali, in a statement Saturday evening, described her as one of Guyana’s most outstanding citizens and foremost diplomats.
“Her distinguished career in the Foreign Service was marked by excellence, dedication, and an unyielding commitment to the advancement of our nation’s interests… Guyana has truly lost an outstanding citizen, and our Foreign Service has lost one of its finest ever,” he said.
He noted that Harper was an extremely knowledgeable diplomat whose insights enriched every sphere of her work. “Ambassador Harper will be remembered not only for her professional brilliance but also for her engaging personality and the warmth with which she approached all those around her,” Ali added.
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), also paid tribute, recalling his close working relationship with Harper during his presidency. “I had the privilege of working closely with her during my presidency and witnessed first-hand her professionalism, wisdom, and commitment to advancing Guyana’s national interests,” Jagdeo said.
Harper was the PPP/C’s prime ministerial candidate in the 2015 General and Regional Elections, running alongside then-president Donald Ramotar.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in its announcement of her death, said Harper joined the ministry in 1976 and “dedicated her life to the Foreign Service, during which she served with distinction in every position.”
Tributes also came from across Guyana’s political spectrum and beyond. Opposition parliamentarian Ganesh Mahipaul described her as “one of the most professional and outstanding career diplomats.” The Alliance For Change (AFC) hailed her as a “trailblazer” who played a pivotal role in safeguarding Guyana’s sovereignty and representing the country in regional and international fora. The Forward Guyana Movement said she exemplified “integrity, professionalism, and love for country.”
International recognition of Harper’s service also poured in. The British High Commission in Georgetown noted that her “dedicated service to Guyana leaves a lasting legacy.”
Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley also expressed condolences:
“Guyana has lost a true daughter of the soil and the region has lost one of the best examples of a true public servant. I am sadden to learn of the passing of Elisabeth Harper, the Guyanese Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs whose public service career spanned over 4 decades.
Lis was the consummate professional and diplomat; someone who understood that effective diplomacy combines both competence and genuine human connection. My relationship with her started at the turn of the twenty-first century while I was Minister of Education, Youth and Culture and often attended COHSOD meetings in Guyana. She was always pleasant and jovial and greeted everyone with a warm smile. Lis’ advocacy for Caribbean integration was a vision that extended beyond national boundaries to regional cooperation and solidarity. Her loss will be felt not only in Guyana but across the entire Caribbean Community. May her family, President Ali, and the people of Guyana and CARICOM find comfort in knowing how deeply respected and appreciated she was by her colleagues across the region.”
Born on October 2, 1957, in Kitty, Georgetown, Harper was a devout Christian, married to Mark Harper, and the mother of five children.
She began her Foreign Service career in 1976 as a clerk in the registry and rose through the ranks, serving in multiple divisions before becoming Director General in 2001. She also served as Counsellor at the Guyana High Commission in London, Director of the Department of the Americas and Asia, and later as non-resident High Commissioner to several Caribbean nations.
Her distinguished service included participation in CARICOM, the Amazonian Cooperation Treaty Organisation, the United Nations, the Commonwealth, and other regional bodies. She was part of Guyana’s delegation for the Guyana-Suriname Maritime Arbitration and contributed to numerous negotiations on behalf of the country.
In 2011, she received one of Guyana’s highest honors, the Golden Arrow of Achievement, for her long and distinguished service. From 2016 to 2020, she served as a consultant on border matters and acted as co-agent for Guyana in the ongoing case at the International Court of Justice regarding the border with Venezuela.
Harper’s career, which spanned more than four decades, left a mark on both Guyana and the wider Caribbean.
The Haitian Government has assured citizens that it is mobilising all available resources to regain full control of territories occupied by criminal gangs, while life in the capital is gradually returning to normal.
“The Government is taking steps to restore the city centre to what it once was,” said Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé. “The state calls on the entire population to cooperate with the authorities… together, we can ensure security, freedom and dignity for every citizen.” He emphasised that public safety is non-negotiable and that the state will never abandon its citizens.
On Thursday evening, the Office of the Prime Minister released a video on social media showing progress in reclaiming areas seized by gangs, who have challenged the provisional Government since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse on July 7, 2021. According to the Prime Minister’s office, operations led by the Haitian National Police (PNH) and the Haitian Armed Forces (FAd’H) in downtown Port-au-Prince are ongoing and will continue until full state control is restored.
The nearly three-minute video highlights rapid cleanup efforts, including the removal of over 1,000 cubic metres of waste and more than 200 wrecked vehicles. The Ministry of Public Works, in coordination with other state agencies, is repairing roads and restoring infrastructure to allow normal movement of people and vehicles.
Last week, President of the Transitional Presidential Council (CPT) Laurent Saint-Cyr and Prime Minister Fils-Aimé met with a United Nations delegation led by Tom Fletcher, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator (OCHA). Discussions focused on immediate national priorities, including security restoration, humanitarian aid for displaced populations, election preparation, economic recovery, and the resumption of air travel.
“Security remains the essential condition for the resumption of national life and the organisation of free and credible elections,” said President Saint-Cyr. He reiterated the Government’s commitment to combating armed gangs, restoring state authority, and rebuilding public confidence. “Haiti needs increased support from the international community to emerge from this crisis. Gangs will not dictate the future of the country.”
Prime Minister Fils-Aimé highlighted that millions of Haitians remain extremely vulnerable due to insecurity and stressed the importance of channeling aid through the Haitian Government to ensure coordination. On elections, he noted that 87 percent of polling centres have been identified, 70 percent of electoral staff mobilised, and national funding of US$65 million has been secured through a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) managed common fund.
TOKYO, Japan – The stage is set for a thrilling men’s 100-meter final at the 2025 World Athletics Championships, with Jamaica, the United States, and South Africa each advancing two athletes to the showdown.
They will be joined by sprinters from Nigeria and Botswana when the final blasts off at 9:20 a.m. EST Sunday inside Japan’s National Stadium.
Lyles opens with authority
Defending champion Noah Lyles made an emphatic statement in the first semi-final, storming to victory in 9.92 seconds. Just a step behind was Nigeria’s Kayinsola Ajayi, clocking 9.93 seconds, while South Africa’s seasoned campaigner Akani Simbine secured third in 9.96 seconds to advance as a non-automatic qualifier.
Jamaica’s Ackeem Blake, however, struggled to find rhythm, finishing a distant fifth in 10.12 seconds, ending his championship run.
Thompson and Bednarek in lockstep
The second semi-final delivered one of the most striking images of the evening as Kenneth Bednarek of the U.S. and Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson powered down the straight in perfect unison. The pair exchanged glances as they surged toward the finish line as both crossed in 9.85 seconds. Bednarek was awarded the win by the narrowest of margins.
Seville settles nerves with polished win
After giving his supporters a scare in Saturday’s heats, Jamaica’s Oblique Seville looked calm and commanding in the third semi-final. A sharper start allowed him to control the race, gliding to victory in 9.86 seconds. Behind him, Botswana’s rising star Letsile Tebogo posted 9.94 seconds for second, while South Africa’s Gift Leotlela clinched the final qualifying spot in 9.97—after he recorded 9.87 seconds in the heats.
Pre-race tension with De Grasse
There was a moment of tension before Seville’s race as Canada’s Andre De Grasse twitched on the line, triggering Leotlela into a false start. Officials ruled the incident unworthy of disqualification but handed De Grasse a yellow card warning, which he now carries for the rest of the Championships.
With Lyles defending his crown, Thompson and Seville carrying Jamaica’s hopes, Bednarek hunting glory, and South Africa boasting two determined finalists, the race promises to be a clash of speed, nerves, and national pride. Add in Tebogo’s fearless youth and Ajayi’s form, and the men’s 100m final is shaping into one of the highlights of the Championships.
TOKYO, Japan – Jamaica’s sprint trio of Tina Clayton, Shericka Jackson, and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce all secured their places in the women’s 100-meter final at the 2025 World Athletics Championships, advancing with ease despite flashes of drama in Sunday morning’s semi-finals.
The final showdown is scheduled for 9:13 a.m. EST, with the Jamaicans well-positioned to challenge for the medals.
Clayton impressive in fastest semi-final
National champion Tina Clayton delivered a sparkling 10.90 seconds in the third semi-final, finishing second behind a flying Melissa Jefferson-Wooden of the United States, who clocked an electric 10.73 seconds, the fastest time of all qualifiers by a clear margin.
Great Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith crossed in 11.02 seconds for third, which just edged her into the final as the eighth and last qualifier on time.
Richardson incident adds early drama
The opening semi-final produced unexpected tension before the race even began. As the field settled into the blocks, defending champion Sha’Carri Richardson appeared to lift her head at the “set” command, sparking Daryll Neita of Great Britain and several others into premature movement.
To the surprise of athletes and spectators alike, officials chose not to issue a disqualification, instead handing a general warning to the entire field.
Once underway, Marie-Josée Ta Lou-Smith of the Ivory Coast took the victory in 10.94 seconds, narrowly ahead of a comfortable Shericka Jackson in 10.97 seconds. Richardson managed third in 11.00 seconds, enough to claim the first of the two non-automatic qualifying places.
Fraser-Pryce earns her place in style
In the second semi-final, Olympic champion Julien Alfred of St Lucia powered home first in 10.93 seconds, while Jamaican sprint queen Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce claimed the runner-up spot in 11.00 seconds.
For Fraser-Pryce, it marked another milestone—her qualification for yet another global championship final, where she will chase glory once more on the sport’s grandest stage.
All eyes on the final
With all three Jamaicans safely through, anticipation now builds for the final later in the day. Jefferson-Wooden’s blistering 10.73 has set the standard, but Julien’s top-class consistency, Clayton’s sharp form, Jackson’s proven big-stage prowess, and Fraser-Pryce’s unmatched championship pedigree guarantee fireworks when the medals are on the line.
The stage is set for fireworks on Sunday evening in Tokyo as the women’s and men’s 100-meter semi-finals at the 2025 World Athletics Championships promise a string of heavyweight showdowns.
With lanes packed with champions, emerging stars, and seasoned rivals, the battles for places in the finals are shaping up to be nothing short of explosive.
Women’s 100m: A clash of generations and styles
The women’s semi-finals launch at 7:20 a.m. EST, and the line-up reads like a roll call of sprinting royalty.
Jamaica’s Shericka Jackson, in lane seven, is bracing for a fierce contest against three formidable names packed tightly inside of her. The Ivory Coast’s Marie-Josée Ta Lou-Smith occupies lane four, Daryll Neita of Great Britain takes lane five, while defending champion Sha’Carri Richardson lines up in lane six. Expect sparks from the starter’s gun as the rivals clash in a semi-final worthy of a final.
Semi-final two: Alfred vs. Fraser-Pryce
The second heat brings an equally dazzling cast. St Lucia’s Olympic champion Julien Alfred storms from lane four, directly alongside Jamaica’s living legend Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce in lane five. The pair are flanked by the United States’ Twenisha Terry (lane six) and Bahamian sprinter Antheya Charlton (lane two). This one is set to deliver a generational duel: the blazing speed of Alfred against the seasoned brilliance of Fraser-Pryce.
Closing out the women’s semi-finals, American standout Melissa Jefferson-Wooden commands lane six. She will have to outpace Jamaica’s promising Tina Clayton (lane five) and Great Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith (lane four), all three eyeing one of the coveted slots in the final at 9:13 a.m. EST.
Men’s 100m: Loaded heats promise fireworks
If the women’s event is a showcase of sprinting artistry, the men’s is a bare-knuckle brawl of raw speed and ambition.
Defending champion Noah Lyles of the United States anchors lane five, but Jamaica’s Ackeem Blake in lane four and South Africa’s Akani Simbine in lane six will not make it easy. This heat could see a photo finish.
The second semi-final is stacked with firepower across the lanes. Kenya’s powerhouse Ferdinand Omanyala launches from lane three, with America’s Kenneth Bednarek (lane four) and Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson (lane five) right alongside. Great Britain’s Zharnel Hughes in lane six and Bahamian Terrence Jones in lane eight make this arguably the toughest draw of the round.
Semi-final Three: Seville takes aim
Jamaica’s Oblique Seville gets lane eight in the final heat, looking to edge past stiff competition: Canada’s Olympic champion Andre De Grasse (lane three), South Africa’s Gift Leotlela (lane four), and Botswana’s prodigy Letsile Tebogo (lane five). The clash of Seville’s consistency and Tebogo’s youthful fire could steal the show.
The rules are clear: the top two finishers from each semi-final advance automatically, with two additional places awarded to the fastest non-qualifiers. The women’s final takes flight at 9:13 a.m. EST, followed just minutes later by the men’s showdown at 9:20 a.m. EST.
Tokyo’s National Stadium is primed for an evening of speed, spectacle, and history.
Starting Tuesday, September 16, Broward County’s Highway and Bridge Maintenance Division (HBMD) will begin scour protection projects on three movable bridges spanning the New River: the SW 4th Avenue Bridge, SE 3rd Avenue Bridge, and Andrews Avenue Bridge.
The work involves installing materials to stabilize the riverbed and protect bridge foundations from erosion, addressing scour-critical conditions flagged in recent Florida Department of Transportation inspections. Officials say the project will safeguard the long-term stability of the bridges.
Construction is expected to be completed by September 2026, weather permitting. During the work, one lane beneath each bridge approach on both sides of the river will be closed, with flaggers directing traffic through the work zones. Boat traffic is expected to experience minimal disruption.
The projects are supported by a $3 million grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Resilient Florida Program, along with matching funds from Broward County. HBMD has coordinated with federal, state, and local agencies to meet all regulatory and environmental requirements.
For more information, contact the Highway and Bridge Maintenance Division at (954) 357-6040 or Project Manager John Low at (954) 579-2459 / jlow@broward.org.
Broward County officials thanked residents and commuters for their patience during the project.
Trade negotiators from CARICOM and Colombia have concluded the second round of talks to update the CARICOM-Colombia Trade and Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement (TECA). The negotiations, held September 9–10, 2025, focused on expanding preferential market access for agricultural and industrial products, as well as addressing institutional issues.
Talks were co-chaired by Cherryl Gordon, Senior Director of Foreign Trade at Jamaica’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, and Manuel Chacón Peña, Director of Economic Integration at Colombia’s Ministry of Commerce and Tourism. Both sides confirmed procedures for including Haiti and Suriname in the agreement and reported progress on the treatment of priority products. A third round of negotiations is scheduled for November 2025.
Gordon said the goal is to strengthen bilateral trade with Colombia, CARICOM’s third-largest trading partner in Central and South America. “The focus is to consolidate and update the Trade Agreement to become a mechanism to support trade in high-value goods, support export and market diversification, promote the development of regional supply chains, and expand South-South cooperation,” she explained.
Ambassador Wayne McCook, CARICOM Assistant Secretary-General for the Single Market and Trade, underscored the importance of the update. “This is part of the Community’s effort to implement the CARICOM Heads of Government’s mandate to update and consolidate existing bilateral trade agreements as part of the Community’s response to significant changes in the regional and international trade and economic environment,” he said.
The CARICOM delegation, coordinated by the Secretariat’s Barbados-based External Trade Unit, included representatives from Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Delegates from Dominica, Guyana, St. Kitts and Nevis, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago participated virtually, alongside representatives of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States Commission and the CARICOM Private Sector Organisation (CPSO).
Colombia’s team was led by Vice Minister of Foreign Trade Luis Felipe Quintero Suárez and included senior officials from trade, commerce, foreign affairs, and agriculture.
Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is celebrating 44 high school seniors who have been named Semifinalists in the prestigious 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program.
These students now have the opportunity to continue in the competition for nearly 7,000 National Merit Scholarships to be awarded in the spring, with a combined value of approximately $26 million.
The Curaçao Tourist Board has reported a 4% year-over-year increase in stayover arrivals for August 2025, welcoming 60,690 visitors to the island.
Growth was driven by South America, which posted a 17% rise, and North America, which grew by 7%. Europe and the Caribbean region saw declines of 5% and 7%, respectively. In absolute numbers, Europe and North America remained Curaçao’s largest source regions, with 23,511 and 17,061 stayover arrivals. According to Immigration Card data, visitors spent an average of 8.2 nights on the island in August.
Top Source Markets
The Netherlands: 19,573 visitors, down 7% from August 2024. Dutch visitors stayed an average of 11.9 nights, with 55% choosing non-resort accommodations.
United States: 15,773 arrivals, up 7% year-on-year. U.S. travelers stayed an average of 5.8 nights, with 70% opting for resort hotels.
Colombia: 4,991 arrivals, up 17% compared to last year. Colombians stayed an average of 5.2 nights, with 58% choosing resort hotels.
Year-to-Date Performance Between January and August 2025, Curaçao welcomed 1,118,081 visitors in total, including 527,412 stayover arrivals, 31,028 day-trippers, and 559,641 cruise passengers — reflecting 7% overall growth. The August totals represented a 23% increase compared to the same month in 2024, underscoring the island’s continued appeal across key markets.
Tourism leaders and stakeholders will gather on September 15, 2025, at the Methodist Church Hall in Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, for the State of the Tourism Industry Address and Stakeholders’ Conference, under the theme “Strength in Unity: Advancing the Vincentian Visitor Experience.”
The event will feature top voices from aviation, cruise tourism, finance, and hospitality, with discussions focused on connectivity, cruise growth, and destination partnerships.
Trevor Sadler, CEO of InterCaribbean Airways, will highlight the role of air connectivity in expanding market access and driving sustainable growth for St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Under his leadership, the airline has expanded regional links, improving travel ease across the Caribbean and boosting visitor arrivals.
Abigail Crossley, Director of Strategic Sourcing OBR at Carnival Corporation, will speak on cruise tourism’s evolving impact. With more than 25 years of experience in the industry, she oversees the sourcing and development of shore excursions, pre- and post-cruise services, and destination partnerships across Carnival’s global brands. Crossley’s participation underscores Carnival’s commitment to sustainable tourism and community collaboration in destinations such as St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Other confirmed panelists include Tourism Minister Carlos James; Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves; Isola Giddings, president of the SVG Hotel and Tourism Association; Carl James, CEO of the SVG Port Authority; and representatives from Sandals St. Vincent and Young Island Resort.
The conference will immediately follow the keynote address by Minister James.
Hundreds of guests gathered at the Andaz Delhi hotel on August 29 as the Jamaican High Commission marked the Caribbean nation’s 63rd anniversary of independence with a cultural showcase under the theme “Be Proud and Be Bold in Black, Green and Gold.”
The event, hosted in partnership with the Jamaica Tourist Board, featured reggae performances, traditional displays, and a spread of Jamaican cuisine. Jason Hall, Jamaica’s high commissioner to India, used his welcoming address to reflect on the island’s achievements over the past six decades while underscoring 63 years of diplomatic ties with India.
“This independence — or emancipendence as we call it — brings independence and emancipation together,” Hall said. “In its relatively short history, Jamaica has repeatedly risen to the top of the world through culture, sports, creativity and resilience.”
Hall also pointed to Jamaica’s recent economic milestones, including reducing its debt-to-GDP ratio from 147 percent to 69 percent, sustaining 33 consecutive quarters of growth, and boosting investor confidence. He further announced that sprint legend Usain Bolt, Jamaica’s global tourism ambassador, will visit India from September 26–28.
Among the nearly 900 attendees was Indian minister Anupriya Patel, who highlighted the historical and cultural ties between the two nations. “This year marks 180 years since the first Indians arrived in Jamaica in 1845,” she said. “The vibrant Indian diaspora, now estimated at more than 70,000, is a true living bridge between our nations.”
Patel said the partnership holds promise for expanding cooperation in areas such as trade, renewable energy, healthcare, sports, and culture.
The celebration also featured a musical performance by Hall himself, who sang Bob Marley’s “One Love,” alongside international artist Tessellated. To mark the 180th anniversary of Indian migration to Jamaica, the high commissioner and his staff wore madras jackets designed by Hall.
