CUBA PIVOT Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness has signalled a pivot in Jamaica’s diplomatic stance toward Cuba, calling for a “principled realism” that balances traditional regional solidarity with a demand for democratic reform and open-market transitions. Holness also warned that the growing humanitarian crisis in the Spanish-speaking nation could develop into a regional problem, pointing to a possible immigration threat.
DIVERSITY FILLIP Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness has called on CARICOM leaders to abandon the “unrealistic” idea of political uniformity and to reframe national differences as strategic assets that drive regional problem-solving rather than a signal of weakness within the regional bloc.
Court awards pillion $6.5m for injuries after crash A pillion passenger left permanently impaired after a motorcycle collided with a truck transporting an excavator along the Bog Walk main road in St Catherine 12 years ago has been awarded approximately $6.5 million in damages by the Supreme Court. Justice Sonya Wint-Blair, in her judgment last month, ordered $5,900,000 in general damages with interest at three per cent per annum from September 29, 2017, and $565,568 for special damages covering travel and medical expenses with three per cent interest from December 22, 2014, until the date of judgment.
KC principal describes killing of former student athlete as ‘madness’ Administrators at Kingston College (KC) spent yesterday mourning the loss of former student athlete Kevaughn Goldson, who was stabbed to death, reportedly by a woman with whom he was involved, in Jefferson City, Missouri, in the United States, on Monday. Reports are that Goldson, 23, was involved in a domestic altercation when a knife was used to stab him in the back and chest. The sprinter died while undergoing surgery at hospital.
Rotary Club of Sav targets education in post-storm recovery WESTERN BUREAU: In a major effort to boost education recovery in Westmoreland amid the lingering effects of Hurricane Melissa, the Rotary Club of Savanna-la-Mar, in partnership with the Rotary Foundation and Rotary District 7020, has distributed 18 Starlink Internet systems to schools across the parish.
Janet Richards Foundation brings relief to Chatham WESTERN BUREAU: Residents of Chatham and surrounding communities in St James, who are still recovering from the impact of Hurricane Melissa, were the recipients of much-needed supplies from the Janet Richards Foundation, which donated care packages, clothing, shoes, and toiletries to them last Saturday. The items were handed out at the Bethtephil Baptist Church in the community, where more than 50 recipients were also treated to ice cream, cake, and other refreshments. Petunia Williams-Kerr expressed gratitude for the kind gesture.
GRIEF DOUBLES Children mourned openly at the Edward Seaga Infant School in Kingston on Monday following the death of three-year-old student Jace Pinnock, who was murdered in Denham Town last Saturday. Jace was shot dead by gunmen who attacked his home on Nelson Street, also injuring his eight-year-old brother. Their 31-year-old father, Keiro Pinnock, who was also injured in the attack, died on Monday. The deadly shooting took place as the community slept around 1:40 a.m .Saturday, and according to sleuths, it was the latest result of a bloody gang feud.
Golding seeks probe into $1.4b school bus deal Opposition Leader Mark Golding has written to three of the country’s anti-corruption bodies requesting an investigation into the transport ministry’s procurement of 110 used school buses brought in from the United States. Golding’s July 2025 letters, copies of which The Gleaner received on Sunday, said “apparent irregularities and other suspicious aspects relating to the procurement” of the buses had been brought to his attention.
From Hanover to US military: Sutherland siblings united in service WESTERN BUREAU: From the tranquil coastal town of Lucea, Hanover, to the exacting corridors of American military academies, siblings Se’rena and David Sutherland are emerging as proud standard-bearers of Jamaican excellence, shaping their journey with discipline, faith, and an unyielding commitment to service. Though separated by age and rank, the Sutherland siblings share a common mission: service, excellence, and national pride.
Campbell hails ROOFS grants, urges stronger housing in Westmoreland Eastern WESTERN BUREAU: Dr Dayton Campbell, the member of parliament (MP) for Westmoreland Eastern, says the Government’s Restoration of Owners or Occupants of Family Shelter (ROOFS) Programme represents the most significant support yet for residents whose homes were damaged by Hurricane Melissa.