Port under probe - Billion-dollar cocaine bust triggers lockdown at wharf in Kingston The Kingston Freeport Terminal Limited (KFTL) was under a virtual lockdown for several hours until late Friday as security forces continued a high-level operation into a major cocaine bust that the police have estimated at approximately J$1 billion. The operation reportedly began Thursday morning and remained active late Friday as police, the Jamaica Customs Agency and other members of the security forces restricted movement in and around the port while pursuing leads into the shipment and persons who may have been involved.
Brazil pushing for poultry, pork access - South American nation eyes Jamaican market São Paulo, Brazil: Brazil is awaiting Jamaica’s response to a proposed sanitary agreement that would clear the way for poultry and pork exports to the island. Although Brazil is one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of animal protein, it is currently not authorised to export poultry or pork to Jamaica because no bilateral sanitary certification agreement is in place. Brazilian beef exports to Jamaica are also limited to processed or canned products.
IC bolsters arsenal in corruption fight Experienced attorney-at-law Kelly-Ann Murdock has officially been installed as the country’s chief corruption prosecutor, about four months after acting in that role at the Integrity Commission (IC). Murdock, who is the director of corruption prosecution at the IC, has the task of prosecuting acts of corruption and related offences, including illicit enrichment, bribery, and failing to file or filing false statutory declarations. At the same time, Sashein Wright-Chin has been appointed director of corruption prevention, stakeholder engagement and anti-corruption strategy.
Knockalva racing against time - Principal laments lack of post-Melissa repair ahead of new school year, says warp-speed operation ‘won’t be fast enough’ WESTERN BUREAU: Gregory Brown, principal of Knockalva Technical High School in Hanover, says the institution will not be able to properly welcome incoming students for the approaching September term, as the school, which was badly damaged during the passage of Hurricane Melissa, remains in a significant state of disrepair. In an interview with The Gleaner on Wednesday, Brown said four start dates for the school’s restoration have been missed, even as registration for the school’s expected population of 750 students is now under way.
Four Georgians to enter Hall of Fame Four of the island’s top leaders and alumni of St George’s College are to be inducted into the 2026 St George’s College Hall of Fame during a ceremony to be held at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel on November 1. In addition, the inaugural Special Recognition segment will pay tribute to two sports groups and two outstanding sportsmen. The Hall of Fame inductees this year will be Frank ‘Frankie’ Lewis, Dr Francis Barnett (posthumous), Ian Wong and Donovan Chen See, representing the areas of management, medicine and manufacturing.
Black River hurricane command shift - Resilient STETHS named new emergency operations centre for St Elizabeth capital WESTERN BUREAU: With Hurricane Melissa compromising Black River’s capacity to host the parish’s Emergency Operations Command Centre (EOCC), St Elizabeth Technical High School in Santa Cruz has been designated the new hub of operations as the parish moves deeper into the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season. Before Hurricane Melissa, the parish’s EOCC was housed at the Black River Fire Station. However, the facility took a battering from the hurricane and could not meet its emergency obligations to residents.
Mayor fully on board for Black River reset WESTERN BUREAU: Black River Mayor Richard Solomon is embracing the idea of rebuilding the town, which was all but wiped out by Hurricane Melissa, into a stronger, smarter and more resilient town. Solomon is therefore pledging his full support to the National Reconstruction and Recovery Authority (NaRRA), which will be undertaking the project.
Bowen bound for Japan - Career diplomat appointed Jamaica’s next ambassador in Tokyo Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Senator Kamina Johnson Smith has announced the appointment of Ariel Bowen as Jamaica’s next ambassador to Japan. She is expected to take up her new appointment in the next few weeks. Bowen currently serves as the officer in charge of the Jamaican Consulate in Manhattan, a position she has held since November last year following the death of Consul General Alsion Wilson. She is expected to vacate the position sometime next week following the appointment of Oliver Mair as the new consul general to New York.
MoBay rolls out red carpet for historic Special Olympics Caribbean Beach Games WESTERN BUREAU Montego Bay is preparing to welcome hundreds of athletes and officials from across the Caribbean this November as Jamaica hosts the inaugural Special Olympics Caribbean Beach Games, with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) pledging comprehensive security for the landmark regional event. Speaking at Tuesday’s official launch of the Games, Montego Bay’s Deputy Mayor Dwight Crawford said the city is honoured to host an event that goes beyond sport, celebrating inclusion, resilience and Caribbean unity.
NEVER FORGET - Low turnout for Independence ceremony disappoints Black River mayor WESTERN BUREAU: Disappointment over low public turnout overshadowed St Elizabeth’s Independence Day observance on Thursday, as civic and municipal leaders gathered with only a handful of residents to mark Jamaica’s 64th year of Independence. The flag-raising ceremony, a symbolic display of resilience and national pride, was held against the backdrop of the parish’s ongoing recovery from Hurricane Melissa, which destroyed homes, public facilities and the municipal offices.