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THURSDAY JUNE 26, 2025
Pay Over Patriotism Star athletes leave Jamaica, citing money, support and stability Would you turn down half a million US dollars to compete for another country? Would you stick with the flag you grew up under—or go where your talent is truly valued? These are the questions now swirling around Jamaica’s athletic community after a stunning triple blow: Jaydon Hibbert, the world-record-holding triple jump star, is the third Jamaican Olympian confirmed to be switching allegiance to Turkey, joining fellow field event medalists Roje Stona and Rajindra Campbell. At just 20, Hibbert has already made history with the World U20 triple jump record (17.87m) and a fourth-place finish at the Paris Olympics. Now, like Stona and Campbell, he’s reportedly accepted an offer from Turkey’s Sports Ministry that includes a US$500,000 signing bonus, monthly stipends, and six-figure podium incentives — part of an aggressive strategy to boost Turkey’s medal
Medalists Jaydon Hibbert, Roje Stona and Rajindra Campbell switch allegiance to Turkey with six-figure signing bonus and a monthly stipend of $30,000 over a 8-year period.
continues on B7 – Pay Over Patriotism
60 missing children rescued in Florida’s largest-ever child recovery operation Led by the U.S. Marshal’s Office and coordinated with 20 agencies across Central Florida, the operation targeted the recovery of critically missing children in the Tampa Bay area. The children, aged 9 to 17, were provided with immediate care, support services, and safe housing upon rescue. “This operation further included follow-up assistance in hopes that these youth will not return to the streets to be further victimized,” said U.S. Marshal William Berger. At a press conference on Monday, Florida
In what authorities are calling the largest child recovery operation in Florida history — and possibly the nation’s — law enforcement officials rescued 60 missing children and arrested eight suspects in a sweeping two-week initiative dubbed Operation Dragon Eye.
Attorney General James Uthmeier praised the collaborative effort. “The real heroes behind this operation are the law enforcement who built and executed this mission,” Uthmeier said. “If you victimize children, you’re going to prison, end of story.” Uthmeier, a father of three, added, “Protecting children is my top priority.” The eight defendants arrested during the operation face a range of charges, including human trafficking, child endangerment, drug possession, and drug trafficking. continues on B3 – 60 children rescued
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