In case you missed it here are the OBSERVER ONLINE’s top 10 stories for today: 

1. Gov’t to invite Thai boys and coach to Jamaica vacation

The Government of Jamaica will be inviting the 12 boys from a youth soccer team in Thailand and their coach, who were recently rescued from a flooded cave, to vacation in the island, all expenses paid.

2. Kartel appeal: Sentences were excessive, argues attorney

One of the lawyers in the appeal case for Vybz Karel and his co-appellants this morning argued that the sentences that were handed down were excessive. Robert Fletcher, who is representing Kahira Jones, said that the trial judge Justice Lennox Campbell, besides sentencing the men without a social enquiry report, also failed to consider the time already spent in custody.

3. WPM apologises to St James residents affected by smok

Western Parks and Markets (WPM) Waste Management Limited has apologised to the residents of Granville, Pitfour, Estuary, Retirement, Westgate Hills, Bogue Village and its environs in St James who have been affected by the smoke resulting from the fire at the Retirement Disposal Site.

 4. State of emergency reducing national murder rate — PM

The Government says the state of public emergency that was declared on January 18 in the parish of St James has resulted in an “obvious downward trend in the national daily murder rate”.

 5. Court freezes attorney-at-law Messado’s assets

The Court has frozen over $28 million in assets belonging to embattled attorney-at-law, Jennifer Messado until July 26.

 6. Petrojam HR manager defends her reputation

PetroJam Human Resources Manager Yolande Ramharrack, whose name has been embroiled in allegations of nepotism at the State-owned oil refinery, yesterday took a firm stance before the Public Administration and Appropriations Committee (PAAC) as she continued to defend her reputation.

  7. Brexit, trade war pose risk to eurozone, IMF warns

The International Monetary Fund on Thursday warned of a number of potential risks to economic growth in the euro area, such as the trade war with the United States, as well as a “lack of progress” in Brexit negotiations.

 8. Cop reports to station in stolen vehicle

A district constable, who police investigators summoned over a stolen motor vehicle, yesterday reported to the station in another motor car that was also reported stolen.

 9. NWC imposes water restrictions in St Mary as drought persists

Worsening drought conditions have resulted in water restrictions in some sections of St Mary. The National Water Commission (NWC) says the measure is due to low inflows to the Hunts Town and Sand Hill facilities.

As such, some areas will now be receiving water on a scheduled basis.

 10. Coleman eyes chance to shine in post-Bolt era

World indoor 60 metre champion Christian Coleman has a chance to establish his credentials as the leader of the sprint pack in the post-Usain Bolt era on the opening day of the London Diamond League meeting on Saturday.