EXTORTION FEARS WANE - Chinese ambassador reports drop in blackmail, stronger business confidence as Jamaica records crime gains Wang Jinfeng, China’s ambassador to Jamaica, says the island’s improving crime rate is having a positive impact on the Chinese business community, with reports of declining demands for extortion payments. Wang made the disclosure during a media briefing at his St Andrew residence on Thursday. China’s top diplomat said he has noted the decrease since his arrival in Jamaica in August 2025. “I have met with a lot of Chinese communities, and they are generally satisfied with the security situation in Jamaica,” Wang said.
US applauds Jamaica for UN Cuba vote abstention The United States has praised Jamaica for its decision to abstain from voting on an October 28 United Nations resolution calling for an end to its decades-old embargo against Cuba. US Department of State Deputy Spokesman Luke Ortega told The Gleaner that Jamaica is a partner and that Washington recognises the value of the country’s position.
2027 Rhodes Scholar hopes to transform healthcare through tech For Somesh Sharma, being named Jamaica’s 2027 Rhodes Scholar is more than a dream fulfilled. It is a chance to turn opportunity into lasting impact and give back to the country that shaped him. “I am feeling very happy, elated. [I] can’t believe it. I’m very thankful to receive this award. it’s been an incredible journey,” the 22-year-old said after the announcement was made on Thursday at King’s House in St Andrew.
Cops accused of Acadia triple murder seek acquittal as defence opens case Defence lawyers for six policemen accused of murdering three men in St Andrew in 2013 have begun no-case submissions in the Home Circuit Court, after the prosecution closed its case on Wednesday. The defence is seeking to have the case dismissed and their clients acquitted. Attorney-at-law Hugh Wildman began his submission on Thursday and is scheduled to continue on Monday before Justice Sonia Bertram-Linton, in the absence of the seven-member jury. Other defence attorneys expected to make submissions are John Jacobs and Althea Grant-Coppins.
StEMC halts 120 building projects in Sept, Oct WESTERN BUREAU: The St Elizabeth Municipal Corporation (StEMC) has served 120 stop notices on illegal building projects in the parish during September and October, stepping up enforcement activities amid concerns about unauthorised construction in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. Black River Mayor Richard Solomon, who is also the chairman of the StEMC, told Thursday’s monthly meeting of the corporation that the scale of illegal construction activities is a major concern.
China vows to deepen Caribbean ties despite US push for influence China says it intends to continue with “high-quality” Belt and Road cooperation in the region even as the United States shifts its focus back to the Western Hemisphere, stressing that countries reserve the right to choose their global partners. Chinese Ambassador Wang Jinfeng, who was speaking to journalists at a media briefing at his residence on Thursday, declined to comment on the North American country’s latest investment of US$340 million in the region but said his government’s partnerships would continue.
DNA links slain sex offender to murdered Trelawny girl WESTERN BUREAU: DNA evidence recovered from the body of 10-year-old Shani Coke has been matched to Delroy Coke, the convicted sexual offender killed by a mob following the discovery of the child’s body in Troy, Trelawny, in July. Superintendent Germaine Anglin, crime officer for the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Area One, confirmed to The Gleaner that forensic tests have established a DNA match between Coke and samples collected from the child.
No reset for Caribbean - Tapia sees little change in US policy despite Democratic gains in mid-term elections Former United States (US) Ambassador to Jamaica Donald Tapia has described the recent US midterm election results as a vote against President Donald Trump and his policies, rather than the Republican Party. In a wide-ranging telephone interview with The Gleaner, Tapia discussed several issues, including the fate of Kari Lake’s nomination as US ambassador to Jamaica, the need for Jamaica’s political leadership to be bold in its dealings with the US, and the need for comprehensive reform of the US immigration system.
‘A lot of chatter’ - Former US ambassador to Ja urges island to make more forceful demands for productive deals with northern neighbour Former United States (US) Ambassador to Jamaica Donald Tapia says the Jamaican Government needs to be more forceful in negotiating deals with the US, arguing that it must do more to secure economic opportunities for the country. In an interview with The Gleaner, Tapia urged the Government should develop programmes and present them to the US administration to help Jamaica secure better deals. “There is a lot of chatter. A lot of noise but no follow-up,” he told The Gleaner.