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Banks to pocket billions from NHT mortgage outsourcing
April 04, 2026
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The National Housing Trust (NHT) has funnelled $1.1 billion to private banks to subsidise its External Financing Mortgage Programme (EFMP), a move that effectively outsources its mortgage book to protect a multibillion-dollar housing construction budget. The contributor-funded state-run entity is projected to pay a further $1.3 billion in interest to financial institutions for the 2025-26 fiscal year, it disclosed, following a Sunday Gleaner query.
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Don Kwesi makes light work of Linval McFarlane team
DON KWESI made light work of fellow non-winners-of-an-overnight, beating last year’s Jamaica Oaks winner, LINGUIST, by seven lengths in the restricted event for the Linval McFarlane Trophy at six and a half furlongs. Beaten by overnight-allowance winners in consecutive races, WALL STREET TRADER and NEO STAR, DON KWESI reported in unbeatable form for his down-in-class assignment with claiming rider Demar Williams replacing Dane Dawkins, giving the four-year-old colt a five-pound allowance at the scale.
Douglas leads strong day one at Carifta
The outstanding Shanoya Douglas stayed on course to retain her double sprint titles on yesterday’s opening day of the three-day Carifta Games in St George’s, Grenada, after winning the Girls’ Under-20 100 metres. Coming off a personal best 10.98 seconds at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Athletics Championships, all eyes were on Douglas in the blue-riband event.
Cole’s strike lifts Cavalier over Real Mona
Deshanna Cole scored the all-important goal for Cavalier yesterday to edge Real Mona 1-0 in Zone A action of the Jamaica Women’s Premier League (JWPL) at the Alpha Institute field. Cole secured all three points for last year’s beaten finalists with her strike in the 68th minute of the contest. It was an even opening stanza as both teams carved out opportunities at goal, but neither could find the back of the net by the half-time whistle. Cavalier came close after the restart but Tatyana Polack could not direct her header on target from a corner.
Updated 8 hours ago
Easter hope
On the most important weekend in Christianity, which should have been filled with polished pews, floral arrangements, and the echo of choirs beneath sturdy rooftops, many Jamaicans are instead gathering under tarpaulins, in classrooms, or beneath the open skies. And still, they will worship. Months after Hurricane Melissa tore across sections of the island, the damage still feels like a raw, open wound, visible in the twisted zinc, shattered walls, and sanctuaries reduced to memory. But this Easter, something else is just as visible: a stubborn, unyielding faith.
Published 8 hours ago
‘Build your own road’
Updated 7 hours ago
Banks to pocket billions from NHT mortgage outsourcing
April 4, 2026
Douglas in spotlight at Carifta Games
Jamaica’s dominance at the Carifta Games looks set to continue when the 53rd staging gets under way this morning at the Kirani James Athletic Centre in St George’s, Grenada. Just a week after strong performances at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Athletics Championships (Champs), Jamaica’s primary objective at the three-day meet is to exceed last year’s medal tally of 78, which included 30 gold, 27 silver and 21 bronze.
Published 8 hours ago
CHAMPS ON THE DECLINE?
April 4, 2026
Aaliyah Edwards: ‘You got Knext’
Updated 7 hours ago
100 years of pioneering Rasta drummer Count Ossie
In the history of Jamaican music, there have been some outstanding counts, among them Count Matuchie, Count Shelly, Count C, and Oswald ‘Count Ossie’ Williams. A seminal figure in the development of Rasta drumming, Count Ossie blended African-influenced Burru drumming with the Kumina rhythms of his youth in St Thomas and incorporated it into reggae. He made an indelible mark when he played the Nyabinghi drums on the Folkes Brothers 1958 song Oh Carolina, which was produced by Prince Buster.
Published 8 hours ago
WiFete returns with Machel Montano as headliner
Published 8 hours ago
Kaya posts J$550m sales from ganja, mushrooms and pizza in 2025
Ganja company NUGL, which trades as Kaya, reported higher revenues and also narrowed its losses for its financial year despite disruptions from Hurricane Melissa.
Published 8 hours ago
Jamaica ranks 13th in regional AI index, UN body reports
Published 8 hours ago
Mayberry Investments taps bond market to refinance $2b
Updated 7 hours ago
Something Extra | Monday
Celebrating the start of spring in style, Trendzy by Ackeilia debuted its latest collection, Island in Bloom, at Rhythm Sundays at Ahmeraki Café. The poolside venue buzzed with activity as attendees turned out in strong numbers for the showcase of fashion, art, and music. Adding to the fashion, the night featured live portraits by Artrich Studios’ live portrait artist Richard Smith and live music from Dub Squad. Something Extra has the social highlights.
Published 8 hours ago
Editorial | Name criteria for the new coach
Despite his parsing of the issue, there seems little doubt that Rudolph Speid harbours the ambition of a permanent appointment as Jamaica’s national football coach. This newspaper makes no judgement on that matter and is not in a position to judge Mr Speid’s skill or competence for the job despite failing to take Jamaica over the line at the continental playoffs in Mexico for the final three spots at the World Cup in the summer.
Published 8 hours ago
Editorial | Listen to Richard Byles
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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.