KINGSTON, Jamaica — Opposition Spokesperson on Environment and Climate Resilience, Omar Newell, is calling for urgent improvements to Jamaica’s climate resilience systems ahead of the hurricane season. Speaking during the 2026/2027 Sectoral Debate in Parliament, Newell said Jamaica can no longer rely on outdated infrastructure, slow preparedness measures and fragmented planning in responding to climate threats. He argued that climate resilience must become a national priority affecting all areas of development,...

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority (JCAA) is advising the public, airlines, aviation stakeholders and the international aviation community that temporary restrictions may be placed on parts of Jamaica’s airspace on Friday. The measures are linked to planned SpaceX Starship Flight 12 operations from Starbase, Texas, which could affect aircraft flying through the Caribbean region. In a statement Friday, the JCAA said the rise in commercial space launches...

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has extended its Staff-Monitored Programme with Haiti through June 2027 as rising oil prices linked to the conflict in the Middle East add fresh pressure on a country already battling gang violence, political instability and a seventh straight year of economic contraction. In a statement released Thursday, the IMF said management approved the third review of the arrangement on May 5 and agreed to extend...

President of the Senate Tom Tavares-Finson has defended the decision not to table the controversial Integrity Commission report involving the Firearm Licensing Authority (FLA), insisting that Parliament “will not bow to intimidation or threat” amid mounting criticism from the Opposition. He also defended Speaker of the House Juliet Holness against accusations that she alone was responsible for delaying the report, arguing that the decision was made jointly by Parliament’s presiding...

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AFP) — A hospital in The Netherlands said Friday it had admitted a patient with a "low suspicion" of Ebola, adding that diagnostic results would emerge over the weekend. The patient has been placed in a specialised isolation unit for observation, testing and treatment, according to the Radboud University Hospital. The hospital, located in Nijmegen, in the east of the country, gave no details about the patient or...

Jamaican chef Darian Bryan beat a talented field to walk away with top honours on hit American cooking TV show Next Level Chef on Thursday night. Bryan entered the finals of the TV show, which airs on Fox, competing to be named top chef against fellow contestants Connor Caine and Nicole “Cole” Lawson. The three were the finalists out of an initial field of 24, which under the show's premise,...

Stationery & Office Supplies Limited (SOS) is intensifying its regional expansion strategy as it increases export shipments across the Caribbean and looks to venture into more markets in the coming years. Managing Director Allan McDaniel, in an interview with Observer Online, said the company exported approximately 12 containers regionally last year and is now targeting 20 containers annually as it seeks to strengthen its Caribbean footprint. “If we can get...

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, United States (AFP) — Elon Musk's SpaceX will attempt another launch of its mammoth Starship rocket Friday, after the previous evening's try was called off over technical issues. "Counting down to our second launch attempt," the company posted on X, adding that the weather was 85 per cent favourable for flight during the 90-minute test window that kicks off at 5:30 pm local time (2230 GMT). The highly...

Like many children of entertainers, Richie Malvo was expected to follow in his parents’ footsteps into that industry. It took him some time before he decided to take the plunge and become a recording artiste. Son of singer Anthony Malvo, he made his debut last year with Yes I Love You. The follow-up to that song is Remember Mama, which was released in early May for Mother’s Day. “It’s my...

As anticipation builds around one of dancehall’s most talked-about reunions, Zimi Entertainment has secured a key role in what is expected to be a landmark moment for Jamaican music culture. The entertainment brand has partnered with Reggae Sumfest to stage the official after-party following A Taste of Sumfest, the showcase headlined by dancehall heavyweights Vybz Kartel and Mavado. Set for Sunday, July 19, the premium Zimi Seh Brunch event will...

LONDON, United Kingdom (AFP) — Cole Palmer and Phil Foden were among a number of high-profile players left out of Thomas Tuchel's World Cup squad announced on Friday. Real Madrid's Trent Alexander-Arnold was also omitted, with Saudi-based Al-Ahli striker Ivan Toney the surprise inclusion. Tuchel, a Champions League winner during his time at Chelsea, was hired to end England's 60-year wait to win a major international tournament. The German former Paris...

MANCHESTER, United Kingdom (AFP) — Pep Guardiola announced on Friday that he will leave Manchester City at the end of the season after a trophy-laden decade that transformed English football. Guardiola guided City to 20 trophies, including six Premier League titles, and won the Champions League for the first time in the club's history. Aston Villa's visit to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday will be his final match in charge, although...