Blame game over church killing
Defence attorney Anthony Williams yesterday sought to shift blame for the 2021 alleged religious killing from his client, Andre Ruddock, to late church leader Dr Kevin Smith, while challenging the credibility of a former Pathways International Kingdom Restoration Ministries church member. “I am suggesting that the person who cut Taneka Gardner’s throat was your pastor and not Mr Ruddock,” Williams said, in reference to a bizarre series of events that unfolded at the church on October 17 in St James and left three people dead.
PM declares all cop-involved fatal shootings properly investigated, questions why protests only held over police killings
Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness is insisting that the “State is not above the law”, amid growing concerns about an increase in the number of fatal police shootings across the island. Speaking yesterday during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Housing Agency of Jamaica’s (HAJ) Luana Phase Four in St Elizabeth, Holness emphasised that independent institutions are in place to hold security forces accountable.
Kenya destroys US$63 million meth haul intercepted at sea
MOMBASA, Kenya (AP) – Kenyan authorities on Thursday destroyed a massive haul of methamphetamine worth an estimated US$63 million, nearly a year after the drugs were intercepted in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Mombasa. The consignment, weighing 1,024 kilograms (about 2,257 pounds), was placed in a high-temperature kiln and destroyed as government officials watched. Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen oversaw the destruction and warned drug traffickers that authorities would step up efforts to disrupt the illicit trade.
Hydel-Cumberland principal eyes sporting hub
Principal of Hydel-Cumberland High School Carlon Pitt says plans are being developed to transform the institution’s sporting facilities into a centre of excellence, not only for its athletes, but also for the wider community. Hydel, a two-time ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships winner, was merged with Cumberland High by the Ministry of Education at the start of the new school year earlier this month. Pitt said the institution intends to upgrade facilities across several sporting disciplines for its student-athletes.
Colombia’s Josseidy Escalona wins Miss Global International, celebrates J’can roots
WESTERN BUREAU: Colombia’s Josseidy Escalona came to Jamaica determined to take home the Miss Global International crown. But beyond her pursuit of the title, the 31-year-old lawyer from the tiny island of San Andrés also found a connection to her Jamaican roots and family members waiting to meet her.
Melania Trump rings New York Stock Exchange opening bell to launch new women’s initiative, Imperia
Melania Trump rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on Wednesday to promote her new initiative to help women become leaders and achieve economic power. It’s called Imperia, and its members include CEOs, founders, innovators, entrepreneurs and others. A lot of the first lady’s attention has been on children, but, with Imperia, she is leaning on her business skills to encourage women to harness their economic power and help others understand women’s role in a global economy.
Videos
Something Extra | Thursday
Tom Cruise’s dark comedy Digger had its world premiere at ODEON Luxe Leicester Square in London on Tuesday, drawing a stylish red-carpet crowd, including British Jamaican actress Jodie Turner-Smith, who made a striking appearance in custom Louis Vuitton and MIKIMOTO jewellery.
Editorial | Building an export economy
Jamaica’s latest export figures tell a sobering story. During the first five months of 2026, merchandise exports declined by 12.5 per cent to US$674.7 million. This occurred despite a welcome 22.5 per cent rebound in manufacturing exports, which generated US$407.6 million, approximately US$75 million more than in the corresponding period of 2025.
Recognising the warning signs of a stroke and acting quickly can save a life
“Time is brain when it comes to stroke treatment,” says Josephine Huang MD, a neurologist at Mayo Clinic in Florida. “The sooner a person receives medical care, the greater the chance of reducing long-term disability and improving recovery.” Stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted, either by a blockage in an artery or by bleeding in the brain. Mayo Clinic experts say both types of stroke require immediate medical evaluation, because prompt treatment can significantly improve recovery and reduce long-term disability.
Photo Gallery
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Pearl Harbor survivors watch a vintage WWII airplane fly over Pearl Harbor at the ceremony commemorating the 72nd anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, in 2013, in Honolulu.
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Members and volunteers of the Ananda Marga pose for a photograph as they prepare to head out to distribute relief supplies to people affected by Hurricane Melissa in western Jamaica.
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West Indies’ Shimron Hetmyer celebrates scoring a half century during the T20 World Cup cricket match against Zimbabwe on Monday.
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Glenmuir High School players in a celebratory mood.