Jamaica Observer

      KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) is welcoming media reports that, one year after its full roll-out, the National Rural School Bus Programme is getting high marks from school administrators, educators, and students who say it has largely delivered on its promise to make transportation safer, more affordable, and more reliable for thousands of students. In a statement on Monday, the JLP cited reports quoting school administrators, educators, and students

CARACAS, Venezuela (AFP) — The death toll from the earthquakes that struck Venezuela almost three weeks ago has surpassed 4,700, while almost 17,000 people have been injured, an official report released Tuesday stated. The 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude quakes struck within a minute of each other on June 24, decimating the coastal state of La Guaira. The disasters killed at least 4,734 people and injured 16,740 more, according to the latest figures shared by National Assembly chief Jorge Rodriguez on T

WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — More than half the states in the United States (US)  are grappling with an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness caused by a foodborne parasite, America's top health agency reported Tuesday. Nearly 7,000 confirmed or suspected cases of cyclosporiasis, an infection triggered by a microscopic parasite, have been recorded across 34 states, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The illness "spreads when people consume food or water cont

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Gary Card and Kerrica Hill set personal best times in the men’s 200m and 100m hurdles, respectively, on Tuesday at the Gyulai István Memorial meet. Held at the National Athletics Centre in Budapest, the event is a World Athletics Continental Tour Gold event. Despite failing on both occasions to get on the podium, they improved their previous bests and also moved up on the World Athletics rankings. Also on Tuesday, six Jamaicans finished in podium positions including Tina C

TRELAWNY, Jamaica — The Area One Agricultural Protection Branch of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is reporting a significant reduction in praedial larceny in Trelawny farming communities, where livestock and crop thefts previously posed major challenges for farmers. Deputy Superintendent of Police and Officer in charge of the branch, Orville Bushay, said reports of theft in those areas are now “almost nil” following targeted enforcement strategies implemented over the past year. “The Agr

SAN DIEGO, United States (CMC)—The California-based Haitian Bridge Alliance (HBA) on Tuesday demanded a “full, independent investigation” into the fatal shooting of a man, who the United States Immigration and Customs (ICE) agents shot and killed after pulling him over in Houston. The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees ICE, claimed on July 7 that Lorenzo Salgado Araujo had “weaponised his vehicle.” But HBA Executive Director Guerline Jozef told the Caribbean Media Corpora

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Berger Paints has announced a three-year partnership with the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), becoming the official paint partner of one of the region’s most celebrated sporting events. “Berger has been enhancing and protecting Caribbean homes, businesses and communities for generations. Becoming the official paint partner of the CPL is a natural fit for our brand as we continue to champion Caribbean excellence and connect with consumers through one of the region’s most cele

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Judiciary of Jamaica has rejected reports that motorists arrested on outstanding warrants during the recently concluded Traffic Ticket Public Days were temporarily held in a bathroom at the National Arena. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the judiciary said individuals who were unable to immediately pay court-imposed fines were placed in a designated changing room while arrangements were made for their transportation or other next steps. According to the judiciary, the

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) says Local Government Minister and Member of Parliament for Kingston West, Desmond McKenzie, is doing well after he was pepper-sprayed during an incident in downtown Kingston. According to the JLP, McKenzie was affected by pepper-spray which was reportedly used by a member of the security forces during a dispute involving the member of the security forces and one of McKenzie's constituents. "Deputy Leader McKenzie is doing well but will have a

Lenworth "Lenny" Hyde has refuted reports that he has resigned from his head coaching position at Dinthill Technical High School, threatening to sue bloggers who he claims are spreading false information. Hyde, who led Dinthill Technical to the semi-final in his first year in 2025, told the Jamaica Observer that he is still very much in charge of the school's football programme. "I need to sue some of these bloggers. I don't know where him get this from," said Hyde, responding to a social med

Spain has announced the 60 countries whose citizens can enter the country without a visa, with nine Caribbean nations making the list. Jamaica, however, was not included. According to Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, citizens of Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago can travel to Spain visa-free for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Jamaican passport holders will st

KINGSTON, Jamaica—The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is advising the public that several traffic changes will be in effect to facilitate the 2026 staging of Reggae Sumfest at Plantation Cove, St Ann, on Saturday, July 18. According to the JCF, as a significant number of patrons is expected to attend the event, temporary traffic management measures will be implemented to facilitate the safe and orderly movement of vehicular and pedestrian traffic, while minimising congestion in and around the

A 34-year-old Jamaican man has been sentenced to five years and six months in a United States (US) prison for his role in a multi-million-dollar fraud scheme that targeted elderly Americans. Adrian Lawrence, otherwise known as "Mastermind" of a Kingston address, was sentenced on July 7 by US District Judge Joan Azrack after pleading guilty in December 2023 to conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud. In addition to the prison sentence, Lawrence, who was arrested in Jamaica and extradited to th

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Reports are emerging that Member of Parliament (MP) Desmond McKenzie was pepper-sprayed during an incident in downtown Kingston. The incident, which has since gone viral on social media, reportedly took place at a police station sometime after 6 am. Videos shared online show McKenzie rinsing his face with water and milk with policemen nearby. In the background, bystanders can be heard shouting, "Dem pepper spray Desmond eye!" The full circumstances surrounding the incident

ONE year after its full roll-out, the National Rural School Bus Programme is getting high marks from educators who say it has largely delivered on its promise to make transportation safer, more affordable, and more reliable for thousands of students. The programme serves more than 13,000 students daily across 352 schools on 86 routes, using a fleet of 110 buses. And Christine Wright, principal of St Mary High School, described its impact as “tremendous”. According to Wright, students and paren

MANDEVILLE, Manchester — Political leaders here say former Cabinet minister and People’s National Party (PNP) stalwart Dean Peart, who died on Sunday at age 77, was fundamental to the development of Manchester North Western in every way. PNP Region Five Chairman Hopeton McCatty, and current Member of Parliament for Manchester North Western Mikael Phillips hailed Peart for his passionate commitment to community life, underlined by the building of community centres throughout the constituency. M

Long before streaming platforms and curated play lists became the norm, Jamaica’s sound systems dictated the soundtrack of the streets. Exclusive dubplates, expertly crafted mixes, and powerful selectors built careers, defined eras, and carried reggae and dancehall from Kingston to every corner of the globe. That rich tradition takes centre stage once again as reggae icon Buju Banton joins forces with legendary sound system King Addies for King Addies Presents – Worries In Di Dance Hall, Vol 1.

JAMAICA Basketball Association (JABA) President Paulton Gordon says he is hopeful NBA number one overall pick, AJ Dybantsa, will represent Jamaica, despite the challenges ahead in making that a reality. The association has continued its recruitment of top talent despite not qualifying for next summer’s FIBA World Cup in Qatar after finishing behind Canada, Bahamas and Puerto Rico in Americas Qualifying. Dybantsa has made an immediate impact since being selected first overall by the Washington

DALLAS, United States (AFP) — Spain will attempt to neutralise one of the most potent attacking arsenals in World Cup history on Tuesday when they take on France in a heavyweight semi-final showdown. The reigning European champions and Didier Deschamps’ French team face off at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, in what is seen by many as a ‘final before the final’ featuring the two best sides left in the tournament. In the blue corner are France, who have progressed serenely to the last

We’re back at the Jamaica International Beauty Expo (JIBE) 2026, which transformed the National Arena into Jamaica’s beauty and wellness hub from Friday, June 26 to Sunday, June 28. Across three dynamic days, the expo brought together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and beauty enthusiasts for networking, business growth and thought-provoking conversations. Standout moments included the Diaspora Dollars panel; ‘Boss Moves & Blessings: The Art of Building Without Losing Yourself’ led by Loud