In case you missed you missed it, here are OBSERVER ONLINE’s top stories for today:

1. Ex-student who put body fluids in J’can roommate’s belongings gets probation

A white former Connecticut university student accused of smearing body fluids on her black roommate’s belongings has been allowed into a probation programme that could result in criminal charges being erased from her record.

2. Cayman men charged with smuggling J’can

Two men from The Cayman Islands have been charged with human smuggling and assisting with the illegal departure of a Jamaican.

3. Jamaica intends to continue to build on strong ties with US — Johnson Smith

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade said it has taken note of recent changes announced within the administration of the United States of America, after President Donald Trump this morning announced that Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson has been sacked.

4. PNP Women’s Movement encourages teachers to be courageous

The PNP Women’s Movement is encouraging teachers who are staging a supposed three-day islandwide sickout to be courageous in their fight for justice and to be strengthened by the fact that they have been, are and will continue to be the source of Jamaica’s advancement.

5.  Emergency conciliation meeting called to restore normalcy in schools

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has called an emergency conciliation meeting between the Jamaica Teacher’s Association (JTA), Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, and the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service.

6. JTA unable to meet with Gov’t

The Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) say it is unable to meet with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security after an emergency conciliation meeting was scheduled for this afternoon.

7. Shaw’s ‘no new taxes’ three budgets late, says Golding

Opposition Spokesman on Finance Mark Golding, in his contribution to the 2018/19 budget debate, has described Finance Minister Audley Shaw’s promise of no new taxes as “three budgets late” and that the Government is fully responsible for this delay.

8. Bartlett to host tourism pension scheme sensitisation seminars

Tourism Minister, Edmund Bartlett and other ministry officials will be meeting with individuals employed in the tourism sector, to discuss plans for the introduction of the much-anticipated Tourism Workers’ Pension Scheme.

9. BPO a key pillar of growth agenda —Vaz

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Daryl Vaz, says outsourcing services remain a key pillar of the country’s economic growth and job creation strategy, and the Government has been proactive in promoting, engaging and securing investments in the sector.

10. ‘Don’t be wrong and strong,’ Golding tells Shaw

In the midst of the current impasse between public-sector workers and the government, Opposition Spokesman on Finance Mark Golding is advising Finance Minister Audley Shaw – “don’t be wrong and strong”.