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KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica qualified for the 2026 Concacaf Under-20 Boys Championships after edging Puerto Rico 1-0 in their Qualifiers - Round 1 Group B top of the zone clash at Stadion Rignaal ‘Jean’ Francisca in Willemstad, Curacao on Tuesday. The championships will be held July 25-August 9  at a venue to be confirmed and Jamaica must finish in the top four in order to qualify for the 2027 U-20...

ST ELIZABETH, Jamaica — A nine-decade resident of New Town known locally as “Mass Joe” has been given a new lease on life after Hurricane Melissa left his home with a severely damaged roof and exposed him to the elements. When the storm tore off the entire roof of the 90‑year‑old’s house, neighbours initially covered the home with a tarpaulin. The temporary measure, however, proved inadequate: heavy rains continued to...

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Libraries and Information Network (JAMLIN) has launched a phased Jamaican Sign Language (JSL) training programme aimed at eliminating communication barriers within the nation’s public library system and promoting greater inclusion for members of the deaf community. The initiative, titled ‘Bridging the Gap: One Sign at a Time’, was officially launched on Monday, at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, St Andrew. The programme...

As more countries mull social media bans for children of certain ages and a landmark trial unfolds in the United States over use of the platforms, local experts say the Government of Jamaica must at least consider restrictions locally. President of the Jamaica Teachers Association (JTA) and longtime educator Mark Malabver told Observer Online he is seriously concerned about the dependence students display on electronics and social media. “I have...

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican coaching staff have named an unchanged team for Tuesday’s critical Concacaf Boys U-20 Qualifiers - Round 1 Group B top of the zone clash against Puerto Rico at Stadion Rignaal ‘Jean’ Francisca in Willemstad, Curacao. They have named the same team that beat St Kitts/Nevis 8-0 on Sunday for the winner takes all match up against Puerto Rico. Both teams are level on 12 points...

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Bail was extended for dancehall artiste Lisa Hyper, whose given name is Felicia Gooden, when she appeared in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Tuesday. The Soul Cry singer is facing multiple charges, including the use of indecent language, disorderly conduct and the use of abusive and threatening language. The charges stem from an incident at the Norman Manley International Airport in February last year...

MANCHESTER, Jamaica — Among the many students demonstrating commitment to their craft at Winston Jones High School is fifth-form student Jaydon Morgan, whose outstanding performance in the housekeeping programme reflects both professionalism and purpose. Educators at the institution say Morgan has distinguished himself through exceptional dedication, a strong work ethic, and a clear passion for the hospitality field. In a press release on Tuesday, the school said he consistently demonstrates...

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The United States (US) dollar on Tuesday, March 3, ended trading at $157.20, up 8 cents according to Bank of Jamaica’s daily exchange trading summary. Meanwhile, the Canadian dollar ended trading at $114.46 down from  $114.62 and the British pound at $209.01 down from $211.08 .

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Generation 2000 (G2K) has slammed the People National Party (PNP) for what it says is  the party's silence on Jolyan Silvera's admission that he gunned his wife down and the party's failure to expel the former West St Mary Member of Parliament. In a statement issued on Tuesday afternoon, the young professional affiliate of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) said it is heartbroken at the death of Silvera's wife...

MANCHESTER, Jamaica — A two-month-old baby reportedly died in a case of infanticide in Top Hill, Manchester on Tuesday morning. Police confirmed the incident and said the child’s mother is suspected to have drowned the infant in a bucket of water. Residents expressed shock at the incident which has left the community of Top Hill in mourning. — Kasey Williams

GENEVA, Switzerland (AFP) — The United States (US) made a "totally stupid decision" to attack Iran while in negotiations, and betrayed Gulf nations by trashing their diplomatic efforts, Tehran's UN ambassador said Tuesday. Ali Bahreini, Iran's ambassador in Geneva, insisted Tehran had no problem with its neighbours, but could not let US bases in the Gulf be used as launchpads for attacks on Iran. "War was not our option. War...

KINGSTON, Jamaica — With ongoing war in the Middle East, reggae artiste Ras Zukes believes that music has the power to help solve conflicts. He made the assertion in an interview with the Observer Online on Tuesday. “The United Nations generally condemns one country bombing another, viewing it as a violation of the United Nation (UN) Charter (specifically Article 2(4)) which prohibits the threat or use of force against territorial integrity, urging...