Carib Scope

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  • FID strengthens capacity to trace, seize cryptocurrency with access to global enforcement platform

    FID strengthens capacity to trace, seize cryptocurrency with access to global enforcement platform

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — As transnational financial criminals increasingly leverage digital tools to hide illicit proceeds, Jamaica’s law enforcement community has announced a landmark upgrade to its anti-crime infrastructure. The island nation’s Financial Investigations Division (FID) has formalized a partnership to gain full access to Asset Reality, a world-leading digital platform designed to assist global law enforcement and public agencies in recovering and managing illegally obtained assets, with specialized capabilities for virtual and crypto-based holdings.

    The operational agreement, which launched on April 27, 2026, grants FID authorized access to the full Asset Reality platform, alongside comprehensive onboarding support and specialized user training for core investigative functions. Beyond basic tracing capabilities, the system streamlines end-to-end workflows for holding, selling off, and reclaiming virtual assets that are tied to open criminal probes and official asset recovery cases.

    According to FID leadership, the integration of this new platform is a core component of the division’s long-term capacity building strategy. For years, Jamaican authorities have focused overwhelmingly on tracking illicit funds moving through traditional formal banking channels, but the growth of decentralized blockchain networks and unregulated cryptocurrency markets has created new blind spots for enforcement. This new tool closes that gap, enabling investigators to follow illicit money across both conventional and digital transaction ledgers.

    “Financial criminals are constantly evolving their tactics to stay one step ahead of law enforcement, and our response has to evolve even faster to outpace them,” stated Dennis Chung, Chief Technical Director of the FID. “This platform drastically improves our ability to identify, secure, manage, and recover illicit assets of all kinds—both tangible physical holdings and intangible virtual assets. This upgrade will strengthen our ongoing investigations, safeguard the stability and integrity of Jamaica’s entire financial system, and cement our standing on the global stage as a reliable, committed partner in the international fight against transnational financial crime.”

  • Maradona was ‘bipolar’, had ‘narcissistic’ disorder, psychologist tells death trial

    Maradona was ‘bipolar’, had ‘narcissistic’ disorder, psychologist tells death trial

    In a high-profile courtroom proceeding in San Isidro, Argentina, a key witness and defendant — Diego Maradona’s personal psychologist Carlos Diaz — has revealed three previously undisclosed long-term mental health conditions affecting the late Argentine football icon, offering new context for the defense argument in the negligence trial over the 2020 death of the global sports legend. Diaz, who stands among seven medical professionals accused of negligent homicide in Maradona’s death, told the court this Thursday that the celebrated athlete lived with three chronic, lifelong conditions: substance addiction, bipolar disorder, and narcissistic personality disorder. While Maradona’s well-documented struggles with cocaine and alcohol addiction have been public knowledge for decades, the formal dual diagnoses of bipolar disorder and narcissistic personality disorder had never been shared with the public prior to this court testimony.

    As a core member of the defense team, Diaz’s disclosures are framed to support the broader legal argument that Maradona was an especially challenging patient to treat, and that his death in 2020 at age 60 was ultimately a result of natural causes, not inadequate medical care. Diaz told the court that close associates of Maradona confided in him that the footballer’s substance use was intrinsically linked to his extraordinary career in professional football: when he encountered setbacks or frustration on or off the pitch, he lacked healthy coping mechanisms to manage his emotions, turning to alcohol and drugs as a crutch. Diaz also shared a personal anecdote of his first meeting with Maradona in October 2020, just one month before the star’s death: he recalled finding Maradona seated in an armchair drinking wine, a sight that stirred personal memory of his own father, an alcoholic who had passed away just months prior to that meeting. Despite the clear struggles, Diaz added that he believed Maradona had a genuine, sincere desire to adjust his behavior and commit to recovery at that time.

    Widely regarded as one of the most talented and influential football players in the history of the sport, Maradona died in November 2020, just two weeks after undergoing a routine surgical procedure to remove a blood clot in his brain, while he was recovering in his private home. An official autopsy confirmed the cause of death as heart failure combined with acute pulmonary edema, a dangerous condition that causes excess fluid to build up in the lungs. The seven defendants on trial — which include a lead neurosurgeon, a psychiatrist, a nurse, and other medical members of Maradona’s care team — face steep prison sentences ranging from 8 to 25 years if convicted of intentional homicide, a charge that alleges they continued with their planned care plan despite knowing it put Maradona’s life at severe risk. All seven accused have repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that the 1986 FIFA World Cup champion died of pre-existing natural causes unrelated to the medical care he received in his final days.

    This current proceeding is actually the second trial held over Maradona’s death. The first trial was annulled entirely last year, after investigators uncovered that one of the presiding judges had secretly participated in filming an unauthorized clandestine documentary about the high-profile case, creating an unacceptable conflict of interest. The retrial, overseen by a completely new panel of independent judges, formally kicked off earlier this month, and is expected to draw global attention from football fans and legal observers alike as new details of Maradona’s final days emerge.

  • World Singer J drops sexy ‘Into You’ single for the ladies

    World Singer J drops sexy ‘Into You’ single for the ladies

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Decades into his professional recording career, Jamaican music stalwart World Singer J has crafted one of the most compelling releases of his career with his latest single, *Into You* — a silky, groove-driven romantic track that has quickly become a fan favorite across the Caribbean and global streaming markets.

    Blending the rhythmic punch of traditional Jamaican dancehall with the warm, infectious melodies of Afrobeats, the new release dropped via the Control Tower Squad label, packing memorable lyrics and delivered with raw, authentic passion. The track’s smooth, intimate tone shines through in its core refrain, where Singer J croons, “I pour into you, my baby, this love I have for you, it’s not crazy, I pour into you…” — a line that has quickly become a viral favorite with listeners.

    In a recent interview about the project, Singer J opened up about the creative vision behind the track, noting that producer Boko B pushed him to experiment outside his usual sonic comfort zone. “The song was designed to be short and spicy,” he explained. “Producer Boko B wanted me to do a different kind of song — dancehall but with an Afro crossover energy to it, and this song is straight fire.”

    The track’s lyrics came together through a collaborative writing process with Craig, one half of the iconic Jamaican duo Voicemail. Singer J recalled the easy, organic energy of the writing session: “Craig Voicemail loved the beat and we wrote it together, that’s how we created the vibration of the song. A great vocalist and two inspired people coming together made for such a great vibe, and it came out exceptional.”

    Since its release alongside an official music video more than a month ago, *Into You* has seen steadily growing momentum, racking up spins on regional radio, climbing streaming charts, and gaining widespread traction across social media platforms. Singer J says the outpouring of fan support has exceeded his expectations, noting that timeless music does not need a specific seasonal window to resonate. “The fans really love this song. Great music like this doesn’t carry a special time, the momentum just start build, the whole vibe will really take off right now, especially with the energy and the vocals for the ladies. This is just our time musically,” he shared.

    The hit single is also expected to appear on Singer J’s upcoming extended play (EP), which is scheduled to drop before the end of the year. For long-time fans of the artist, the new hit adds another milestone to a decades-long career in reggae and dancehall.

    A native of Kingston’s iconic Waterhouse neighborhood, World Singer J carries deep roots in Jamaican music as the nephew of legendary singer-songwriter Bob Andy. He first stepped into the recording studio in 1991, but his first commercial release, *Hot Gal*, dropped nearly a decade later in 2000. Just one year after his commercial debut, Singer J became a household name across Jamaica when his 2001 single *Buss Your Gun*, featured on Black Shadow Records’ iconic Buzz Riddim, topped regional music charts.

    In the years following his breakthrough, Singer J has built an extensive catalog of commercially successful tracks, including fan favorites *Can’t Stop Me Now*, *Where Would I Be Without You Lord?*, *Everything Me Do*, *Mi Put Jah First*, *Anything Can Happen*, and the massive hit *Wave Yu Hand*, a collaboration with iconic dancehall artist Elephant Man.

  • Chaka Demus & Pliers hit platinum in New Zealand with She Don’t Let Nobody

    Chaka Demus & Pliers hit platinum in New Zealand with She Don’t Let Nobody

    Three decades ago, in a late-night recording session at Kingston’s iconic Aquarius Recording Studio in Half Way Tree, Jamaican reggae artist Pliers teamed up with collaborator Chaka Demus to cut a track that neither could have predicted would resonate across generations and continents. That track, *She Don’t Let Nobody*, just added a major new milestone to its decades-long legacy: last week, it earned platinum certification from music regulators in New Zealand, marking another global accolade for the track that already holds a silver certification from the United Kingdom.

    In a recent conversation with *Observer Online*, Pliers opened up about the unexpected and enduring success of the 1993 recording. “I tried to lay down the track the best way I possibly could,” he said. “I never really expected it would get that big.”

    Unlike many of the duo’s original hits, *She Don’t Let Nobody* is a reimagined cover of a 1981 track from legendary American soul singer-songwriter Curtis Mayfield. Mayfield’s original version climbed to number 15 on Billboard’s R&B Singles chart and served as the lead single for his 1982 studio album *Love is the Place*. For Pliers, covering the track was a personal project decades in the making.

    “Growing up, that song always stuck with me, I loved it,” Pliers recalled. When the duo signed a deal with Island Records, he immediately brought the idea of recording a reggae-infused take to Sly Dunbar, the track’s lead producer. The idea quickly got the green light, and the finished track was co-produced by Dunbar, his frequent production partner Robbie Shakespeare, Lloyd “Gitsy” Willis, and Island Records’ Trish Farrell. At the time, Chaka Demus & Pliers were signed to Mango Records, Island Records’ reggae-focused subsidiary.

    Between 1993 and 1997, Chaka Demus & Pliers notched seven charting hits on the UK Singles Chart, and *She Don’t Let Nobody* was one of their most successful. The track peaked at number four on the UK chart, and also earned top 20 placements across Europe and Oceania: it hit number nine in Ireland, 17 in the Netherlands, 20 in New Zealand, and 19 in France. That initial chart success laid the groundwork for the track’s ongoing popularity, which led to the new platinum certification three decades after its release.

    For the duo, the long-running success of the track did more than just boost record sales — it cemented their status as a globally relevant reggae act. “It impacted our lives in a very positive way,” Pliers said. “We toured the world and it is a song that is included in our catalogue that the fans love. Those were good times.”

  • Antiguans voting for a new government

    Antiguans voting for a new government

    Residents across Antigua and Barbuda have turned out to 190 polling stations nationwide on Thursday for a snap general election, called nearly two years ahead of its constitutionally mandated schedule by sitting Prime Minister Gaston Browne. Polling got underway at 6:00 a.m. local time, with voting scheduled to wrap up 12 hours later at 6:00 p.m. the same day.

    According to the Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission (ABEC), a total of 63,330 eligible voters are registered to select representatives for 17 contested parliamentary seats – marking an increase of nearly 3,000 eligible voters from the previous election cycle. The electoral body has publicly committed to running a fully transparent, smoothly coordinated voting process for all participants.

    To address common last-minute administrative issues, ABEC announced that eligible voters needing to replace expired voter identification cards will be able to obtain a temporary Special Identification Card at on-site constituency registration units open throughout election day, from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ABEC Public Relations Officer Elisa Graham urged all qualified residents to exercise their democratic right to vote, while noting that no voter will be permitted to cast a ballot without valid official identification. Voters applying for the temporary special ID are required to bring one passport-sized photograph to complete their application on site.

    The election is being overseen by independent international observer delegations from three major regional and global bodies: the Caribbean Community (Caricom), the Organization of American States (OAS), and the Commonwealth. These observers will monitor the voting process to assess its compliance with international democratic standards.

    Prime Minister Browne, who leads the incumbent Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP), is campaigning to secure an unprecedented fourth consecutive term in office – a milestone no other prime minister in the nation’s history has achieved. Framing his party’s platform as a “renaissance in changing times,” Browne urged voters to stick with the incumbent administration, warning against supporting an opposition that he claims is unprepared to govern. “On election day, do not take a risk on a leader and a team that’s just not ready. Let’s keep Antigua and Barbuda in strong and safe hands,” Browne said.

    The ABLP’s hold on power is being challenged by the nation’s main opposition bloc, the United Progressive Party (UPP), led by first-time election candidate Jamale Pringle. Pringle has campaigned on widespread discontent with the current administration, arguing that Antiguans and Barbudans have endured too many hardships under Browne’s government. “No longer will the people be subjected to the whims and fancy of a political party or a candidate or political person,” Pringle said. He pledged that a UPP government would implement inclusive policies that benefit all citizens, free of partisan political interference.

    For this election cycle, the incumbent ABLP is fielding candidates in all 17 parliamentary seats. The UPP is running candidates for the 16 seats located on Antigua, while its political affiliate, the Barbuda People’s Movement (BPM), contests the single seat allocated to the island of Barbuda. Three independent candidates are also running for office across multiple constituencies.

    The 2026 snap election comes three years after the 2023 general election, where the ABLP secured a narrow majority, winning 9 of the 17 available seats. The UPP won the majority of the remaining seats, with one seat going to an independent candidate. All eyes are now on the final vote count, which will determine whether Browne makes history as the first prime minister to win four consecutive terms, or if the opposition UPP will unseat the incumbent after three terms in power.

  • Man accused of fatally stabbing woman over ‘ice’ killed by cops

    Man accused of fatally stabbing woman over ‘ice’ killed by cops

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — What began as a trivial disagreement over a block of ice devolved into a double fatal tragedy on the streets of downtown Kingston this Wednesday, leaving one woman dead at the hands of her accused attacker, who was himself shot and killed by police hours later.

    Local law enforcement has identified the suspect as 35-year-old Davar Dacres, who went by the street name “Davy” and maintained a residence on King Street in central Kingston. His alleged victim was 50-year-old Katherine Wallace, widely known as “Kathy” from the nearby Fleet Street neighborhood. Surveillance camera footage from the area captured the entire stabbing incident, according to initial police reports.

    Authorities have reconstructed the timeline of the confrontation: shortly after 5:20 p.m., Dacres and Wallace were both drinking at a small, unlicensed corner bar near Love Lane, where the argument over ice first broke out. What started as a verbal shouting match quickly escalated into a violent physical clash, during which Dacres pulled a 6-inch ratchet knife and stabbed Wallace multiple times in her chest and upper torso. Bystanders rushed the injured woman to the nearest public hospital, but medical teams were unable to save her, and she was pronounced dead less than an hour after arrival.

    By 11:25 p.m. the same evening, law enforcement had tracked Dacres to Hanover Street, just a 10-minute walk from the scene of the stabbing, and moved to intercept him. Police accounts confirm that Dacres, still carrying the same ratchet knife used in the attack, charged at responding officers when they ordered him to surrender and drop the weapon. After repeated warnings went unheeded, officers opened fire, striking Dacres multiple times. He was transported to the same hospital where Wallace had been pronounced dead, and he also succumbed to his injuries before emergency treatment could begin.

    Superintendent Mischka Forbes, head of the Kingston Central Police Division, told reporters that the incident underscores a worrying shift in violent crime patterns across central Kingston this year. So far in 2025, this killing marks the third homicide recorded in the division, and the second to involve a knife as the murder weapon.

    Forbes voiced growing concern over the changing face of violence in the area. “What we are seeing is a reduction in gang-related conflicts and a rise in domestic and interpersonal disputes since 2025,” she explained. While long-standing gang violence has dropped thanks to targeted enforcement operations, petty disagreements that turn deadly now account for a growing share of homicides, a trend police say they are working to counter.

    In response to the uptick in knife-related violence, the Kingston Central Police Division has ramped up “Operation Blade”, a aggressive zero-tolerance initiative focused on rooting out illegal possession and use of offensive weapons across the district. “We will continue this operation alongside our community engagement efforts in partnership with key stakeholders aimed at promoting conflict resolution and discouraging violence,” Forbes said. The division is working with local churches, community groups, and mediation nonprofits to host public workshops on de-escalation and peaceful dispute resolution.

    Forbes is urging all local residents to avoid resorting to violence when disagreements arise, and to reach out to trained community mediators or police to resolve conflicts before they turn deadly. In line with standard protocol for police-involved fatalities, the Independent Commission of Investigations (Indecom) and the Inspectorate and Professional Standards Oversight Bureau (IPROB) have launched independent probes into the shooting of Dacres to determine whether the use of force complied with national policing guidelines.

  • Keywee tackles the vicious cycle of ‘9 to 5’

    Keywee tackles the vicious cycle of ‘9 to 5’

    Rising Jamaican dancehall creative Keywee has tapped into universal working-class frustration with his latest infectious release, 9 to 5 — a track that pulls back the curtain on the exhausting, repetitive grind that defines traditional full-time employment for millions around the world.

    In discussing the creative inspiration behind the single, Keywee explained that the concept grew directly from observing the inherent contradictions of modern conventional work. In his view, the existing employment system is structured to trap working people in an unforgiving loop: the more hours and effort they put into their jobs, the more taxes they are required to pay, leaving them with less take-home pay even as household costs and bills continue to climb steadily. For many ambitious people chasing personal and financial dreams, this endless cycle acts as an unexpected dream killer, turning daily work into a soul-draining routine rather than a path to progress. The track’s core refrain — “9 to 5 ah kill we, ah beat we / man affi work so hard to make ends meet” — distills this widespread exhaustion into a memorable, relatable hook that resonates with listeners across demographic lines.

    Far from landing with a thud, the single has already generated a groundswell of positive organic engagement on social media. Keywee confirmed that user-generated videos featuring the track have racked up thousands of likes and shares across platforms, with TikTok users in particular quickly embracing the song’s catchy beat and on-the-nose lyrics. This outpouring of fan enthusiasm has moved up the timeline for the project’s next step: Keywee and his team are now fast-tracking plans to film an official music video for 9 to 5 to capitalize on its growing momentum.

    9 to 5 is featured as part of the new Jamtor riddim compilation, a collective project that also includes contributions from a roster of fellow dancehall talent: Semojrah Naki (a collaborative duo made up of Nature Ellis and Keywee himself), Empress Leh Leh, Planky Don, Izrel Di Cotton Pikka, and Kae Music.

    This latest release marks another milestone in Keywee’s steady decade-plus career building his brand and refining his craft. He dropped his debut single, Blessings a Pour, back in 2010, and spent the next nine years honing his signature raw, hard-hitting dancehall sound that often centers themes of love, women, and everyday life. In 2019, he locked in a production and management deal with Canadian-based independent label Seven Gate Record, which has supported his output in the years since. Some of his most well-received previous tracks include 2020’s Melanin Pop and Clean Like Skeleton, as well as 2021’s Nuh Use to Gyal, all of which have helped grow his global fanbase ahead of 9 to 5’s breakout success.

  • Man shot and killed in Mount Pleasant ambush

    Man shot and killed in Mount Pleasant ambush

    A shocking act of gun violence has shaken the close-knit Mount Pleasant neighborhood, after a middle-aged man was killed in an ambush attack directly outside his residence on Monday evening. Local law enforcement confirmed that the victim, believed to be in his 40s, was gunned down by unidentified attackers who waited for him to leave his property.

    Emergency radio dispatches brought police cruisers to the Hamilton Road location within minutes of the first 911 calls placed shortly after 7 p.m. When first responding officers reached the scene, they discovered the victim unresponsive on the ground, with clear visible wounds from multiple gunshots. Emergency medical teams pronounced the man dead at the scene not long after their arrival.

    Early investigative findings paint a clear picture of the pre-planned attack: as the victim stepped out of his home, a small Japanese-made vehicle carrying the gunmen pulled up alongside the curb. The attackers immediately opened fire on the target before fleeing the area, leaving the man fatally wounded. No suspects have been named or arrested as of the latest update.

    Chief Superintendent Sheria King, the lead law enforcement official on the case, told reporters that investigators have not yet confirmed whether the victim had prior ties or interactions with police. She confirmed that the active investigation remains ongoing, with detectives working to trace the vehicle, identify the gunmen, and uncover a potential motive for the killing.

    The violence drew a prominent local political figure to the scene: Shanendon Cartwright, Deputy Leader of the Free National Movement and the party’s candidate for the St James constituency, arrived to speak with investigators and extend his sympathy to the victim’s grieving family. Cartwright, who has personal ties to the community and the victim, noted that the killing had deeply affected the entire area.

    “I grew up out here in Mount Pleasant. I knew the family personally and the person who was killed tonight, I knew him personally,” Cartwright told assembled reporters at the scene. “This really hit home tonight. This does not happen in a small community like Mount Pleasant village so this is something that has really touched the heart of every community and it is felt by every home here in Mount Pleasant.”

    According to ongoing murder tracking maintained by the Tribune, this fatal shooting marks the 22nd homicide recorded in the country so far this year, bringing the national violence toll to a new milestone that will likely reignite conversations about public safety and gun control in the region.

  • 30+ Fashion Show and Expo 2026 delivers style, empowerment and vision for the future

    30+ Fashion Show and Expo 2026 delivers style, empowerment and vision for the future

    On April 25, 2026, Portmore, Jamaica played host to a dynamic, sold-out celebration of style, empowerment and community at the 30+ Fashion Show and Expo, held this year at Club ALIV in Naggo Head. The multi-faceted event, which merged runway fashion, industry networking, motivational speaking and live entertainment, drew rave reviews from attendees, designers and participants alike, marking a major milestone for its founder and cementing its place as a signature cultural gathering for the Jamaican municipality.

    Stephanie Elliott-Gunning, the creative mind and promoter behind the 30+ concept, opened up about her excitement surrounding the 2026 staging, which marked the third iteration of her event. After hosting the first two editions in other Portmore venues, she said the team has finally found their permanent home at Club ALIV, pointing to the space’s energy and accessibility as a perfect fit for the event’s growing audience.

    A core mission of the 30+ Fashion Show and Expo has always been centred on celebrating body diversity, a value that shaped every element of the 2026 programming. Elliott-Gunning explained that Portmore was selected as the long-term base for the event as part of a larger vision to support the municipality’s goal of becoming the “Miami of the Caribbean” — a vibrant regional hub for tourism, culture and commerce. “You cannot build a world-class city without a thriving fashion scene,” she noted, hinting at the organizers’ next ambitious step: launching the first-ever Portmore Fashion Week, a regional gathering that will bring together designers from across the Caribbean. Early planning and discussions with regional design talent are already underway, she confirmed.

    This year’s event raised the bar with a star-studded lineup of emerging and established Caribbean designers, including Bebie Powell Designs, Yanique Designs, Kool Klothes, Vashmar’s, and Tweedle Teews. Attendees got an exclusive first look at Bebie Powell’s upcoming summer bikini collection, while Tweedle Teews’ handcrafted swimwear designs stole the show, earning enthusiastic applause from the crowd for their unique craftsmanship and bold aesthetic. The runway also featured a roster of experienced, high-profile models, including current and former titleholders and contestants from major pageantry circuits such as Mrs Universe, Miss Universe and Miss Cosmos, bringing professional polish and diverse representation to the event.

    Beyond the runway, the expo offered attendees meaningful programming that blended inspiration and entertainment. Renowned motivational speaker Patrice “Big and Boasty” Pinkney took the stage to deliver an empowering talk centered on “Becoming the Modern, Mature Woman”, resonating with the event’s focus on uplifting women over 30. Guests were also treated to show-stopping live performances from recording artist Delano McFarlane and beloved Jamaican reggae artist Lady Jo, keeping the energy high throughout the evening.

    Participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with both first-time and returning designers highlighting the event’s supportive community and unmatched exposure opportunities. Nadine Pennicooke, founder of Montego Bay-based Rocking Kool Klothes, described her first experience at the 30+ show as transformative: “I was nervous at first, as this was my first fashion show, but I’m good now. 30+ was a hit. The exposure has been tremendous. I’ll be back and look forward to working again with these amazing designers and models.” Tashalee Richards Cooper, of Old Harbour-based Vashmar’s Designs, echoed that praise, noting that the event’s organized structure and professional, friendly models made for a seamless, rewarding experience. “I thank Mrs Elliott-Gunning for the opportunity and will definitely return,” she said. One attendee, Jody, summed up the guest experience, saying she left the event with a new perspective on maturity, a deeper appreciation for Caribbean fashion, and was already planning to share the word about the show with friends and colleagues.

    As the 30+ Fashion Show and Expo continues to grow in profile and influence, it has secured key corporate backing to support its expansion plans. Elliott-Gunning announced that JN Small Business, Compass Communication, and FESCO have already committed to partnering with the event moving forward, with all three organizations prioritizing support for local and regional female entrepreneurs. With solid community support and growing industry backing, organizers are optimistic about the event’s future as a cornerstone of Portmore’s cultural calendar and a launchpad for Caribbean fashion talent.

  • G Cole salutes Ernie Smith on new track, ‘There Goes That Man’

    G Cole salutes Ernie Smith on new track, ‘There Goes That Man’

    For two decades, emerging Jamaican singer-songwriters have looked to one iconic figure as the gold standard of the craft: Ernie Smith, who passed away on April 16 at the age of 80 at Miami’s University of Miami Hospital, leaving behind an enduring mark on reggae and Caribbean music. The legendary performer, who defined Jamaican singer-songwriter culture in the 1970s as Federal Records’ leading artist in Kingston, had been admitted to the hospital two weeks prior for surgery, and his death has prompted an outpouring of respect from peers and the next generation of musical talent he inspired.

    Smith’s decades-long catalog features some of reggae’s most beloved tracks, including chart-topping hits like *Pitta Patta*, Life is Just For Living, and *I For Jesus*, alongside fan favorites such as Sunday Morning Coming Down and *Duppy Gunman*. His signature folksy style carved out a unique space for him during the golden age of roots-reggae, earning him a broad, loyal cross-regional following that endures to this day. For newer artists like Jamaican performer G Cole, who also grew up in St Ann alongside Smith, the late legend was more than an icon — he was a close friend and lifelong inspiration.

    Within days of Smith’s passing, G Cole teamed up with producer Ed Robinson to release *There Goes That Man*, a heartfelt tribute honoring Smith’s unparalleled talent and influence. The track dropped on April 28, and it comes on the heels of a years-long friendship between the two St Ann-born musicians. “I first met Ernie in 2023, and you’d swear we’ve known each other for years. That was one of his great attributes,” G Cole shared in an interview, reflecting on their instant bond.

    The pair shared the stage most recently last December, performing together at a fundraising concert in Riviera Beach, located in southeastern Florida. G Cole was able to connect with Smith one final time before his death: he spoke to the legend by phone after the December show, and visited him just 24 hours before he passed at the Miami hospital. During that final visit, G Cole fulfilled an unmet promise to Smith: the late singer was a fan of G Cole’s track *Old Days*, which G Cole was supposed to perform at Smith’s birthday party before the event was canceled. Sitting by Smith’s hospital bed, G Cole sang the song for him one last time.

    Beyond music, G Cole’s admiration for Smith extended to his character and lifelong dedication to his craft. “As an artiste, he was an enigma. Big voice, awesome storyteller, his smile was as big as his voice, and he lived for that stage. No doctor, no management could keep him off it,” G Cole recalled. “A true showman, and he loved his fans as much as they loved him.”

    A longtime resident of South Florida, G Cole has already dropped three full-length albums, with his fourth collection scheduled to hit streaming services and record shelves this summer. For fans of Ernie Smith, a public thanksgiving service to honor his life and legacy will be held on May 16 at Metropolitan Baptist Church in Davie, South Florida, bringing together loved ones, fans, and fellow artists to celebrate the decades of joy and music he brought to the world.