This December, The Lydian Singers, a renowned choir, will captivate audiences with their 2025 Christmas musical production, ‘De Chile Faddah – The Nativity: Joseph’s Story.’ Scheduled for December 13 and 14 at Queen’s Hall in Port of Spain, this production offers a bold and moving perspective on the birth of Christ, seen through the eyes of Joseph in a contemporary Trinidad and Tobago setting. Written by Bernard Shepherd SC, ‘De Chile Faddah’ breathes new life into the familiar nativity story with a uniquely Caribbean voice. It delves into Joseph’s emotional and spiritual journey as he embraces his role as the father of a child not biologically his. The production features original music, inspiring choral performances, and powerful storytelling, blending cultural authenticity with timeless themes of love, faith, and fatherhood. Directed by the acclaimed Davlin Thomas, the show boasts a stellar cast, including Kareem Forde as Joseph, Curtis Gross as Nick, Antonio Modeste as Gabriel, and Uchena Mayers as Mary, with cameo appearances by Jean, Dina, Rosita, and Clementina. Audiences can also look forward to stirring dance performances by the North West Laventille Cultural Movement. ‘De Chile Faddah’ is more than just a Christmas concert; it’s a heartfelt celebration of hope, responsibility, and divine purpose, brought to life through the music and drama that only The Lydians can deliver. Showtimes are 7 pm on December 13 and 6 pm on December 14. Tickets are available from Lydian Members, at the Queen’s Hall Box Office, online at IslandE tickets and Queen’s Hall online platform, or by reservation via messaging at 253-7464.
作者： admin
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Roach returns
ST JOHN’S, Antigua — The West Indies cricket team has unveiled its 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match Test series against New Zealand, set to commence next month. Veteran fast bowler Kemar Roach, a stalwart of West Indies cricket, has been included in the lineup, a decision that aligns with expectations following his participation in a high-performance preparation camp organized by Cricket West Indies (CWI) earlier this month. Roach, the fifth-highest wicket-taker in West Indies Test history with 285 scalps, will spearhead the pace attack alongside Jayden Seales. The squad, however, will be without the injured Alzarri Joseph and Shamar Joseph, who are sidelined for the remainder of the year. The series, part of the 2025-2027 ICC World Test Championship, marks the West Indies’ final fixture for 2025. CWI’s Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, emphasized the meticulous preparation undertaken to ensure the team is well-equipped for the challenging conditions in New Zealand. “New Zealand has traditionally been one of the toughest places for any touring side, which is why strong emphasis has been placed on targeted preparation,” Bascombe stated. The squad, which includes debutant Ojay Shields and recalled middle-order batsman Kavem Hodge, arrived in New Zealand on November 20, allowing ample time for acclimatization and a warm-up match against a New Zealand XI in Christchurch.
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Tourism bounceback
As Jamaica prepares for the winter tourist season, Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett has announced a phased reopening strategy to recover from the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. During a tour of hotels and attractions in Ocho Rios, Bartlett emphasized the sector’s resilience and determination to rebound, signaling to the world that Jamaica remains open for business.
Bartlett acknowledged that the industry cannot operate at full capacity by December 15 but stressed the importance of a gradual recovery. ‘We will open — not as we originally anticipated, but in a manner that allows us to recover together and move forward,’ he stated during his visit to Sandals Dunn’s River.
The hurricane’s impact has been far-reaching, disrupting Jamaica’s tourism sector, which contributes over 50% of the country’s foreign exchange earnings and supports more than 300,000 jobs. Bartlett highlighted the ripple effects of hotel closures, which have left entertainers, taxi operators, farmers, and craftsmen without work. ‘Every closure affects not only the workers in hotels but entire communities,’ he explained.
The minister praised private sector partners, particularly Sandals Resorts International, for their efforts in restoring facilities and supporting staff. Sandals is expected to operate at 70% capacity during the winter season, with the remaining rooms reopening in phases.
Despite the challenges, Bartlett reported a faster-than-expected recovery in bookings, with some properties forecasting up to 90% occupancy by Christmas. He attributed this to modern travel trends, where tourists make last-minute decisions. ‘Today’s traveler is booking today and flying tomorrow,’ he noted.
Starting next week, Bartlett will lead an international outreach campaign across the U.S., Canada, South America, and Europe to reassure partners of Jamaica’s recovery. He described the post-Melissa period as a new chapter in the country’s history, marked by resilience and renewal.
Bartlett expressed gratitude to hospitality workers, many of whom are balancing their jobs with personal recovery efforts. ‘If you don’t move, the economy does not move. So fresh up, dress up, and show up — because Jamaica needs you,’ he urged.
Concluding with a rallying call, Bartlett vowed, ‘We are all in this together. We will recover together, grow together, and make Jamaica the best country on planet Earth — together.’
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Classics on show for Melissa
The Jamaica Classic Car Club (JCCC) marked a triumphant return to the spotlight with its first car show in seven years, held at the Jamaica Horticultural Society in Hope Pastures, St Andrew, on Sunday, November 16. The event, initially planned to support the club’s initiatives, took on a new purpose in the wake of Hurricane Melissa, redirecting its focus to hurricane relief efforts. Naresh Potopsingh, president of the JCCC, expressed his satisfaction with the turnout, estimating over 500 attendees based on ticket sales, though final numbers are still being audited. The show featured an impressive array of classic cars, ranging from modern exotics to rare local treasures, complemented by live music, a fashion show by Phusion Models International, and various prizes. Patrons reveled in the nostalgia and camaraderie, with many expressing delight at the variety and arrangement of vehicles. Potopsingh highlighted the seamless synergy between the cars, attendees, sponsors, and participants, including DJ Audley and the fashion models. Among the standout vehicles was Kevin Murray’s meticulously restored 1995 Toyota LandCruiser, a project that spanned several years and involved extensive bodywork, mechanical upgrades, and interior refurbishment. The event not only celebrated automotive history but also demonstrated the club’s commitment to community support, with proceeds set to aid those affected by the recent hurricane.
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SECOND BITE OF THE CHERRY
Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) President Michael Ricketts remains cautiously optimistic as the Reggae Boyz prepare for their FIFA World Cup 2026 play-off campaign. Following a 0-0 draw with Curaçao, which resulted in Jamaica missing automatic qualification and the resignation of Head Coach Steve McClaren, Ricketts emphasized the need for collective effort and strategic planning. The JFF is set to appoint a new head coach, with an announcement expected after a meeting with the executive committee.
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Ricketts shocked at damage to Montego Bay Sports Complex
The Montego Bay Sports Complex, a key venue for Jamaica Premier League matches, has suffered extensive damage due to Hurricane Melissa, leaving officials scrambling to address the aftermath. Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) President Michael Ricketts expressed deep concern after inspecting the facility alongside FIFA representative Malaika Church. The playing surface was submerged under inches of mud following days of torrential rainfall, rendering it unusable for the foreseeable future. Ricketts remarked, ‘I never thought it was that bad,’ highlighting the severity of the situation. The Category 5 hurricane caused the Barnett and Pye rivers to overflow, flooding the complex and leaving water marks up to five feet high in some areas. Montego Bay United (MBU) Chairman Yoni Epstein estimated repair costs at approximately $300 million and stated that the team would be unable to host home games at the venue for several months. MBU has temporarily relocated its local players to Kingston, where they played a 2-2 draw against Portmore United in a friendly match. However, Epstein emphasized that the club remains committed to playing in Montego Bay, with plans to finalize alternative arrangements soon. Initial cleanup efforts have focused on removing thick clay soil from the running track, but restoring the pitch will require delicate handling to avoid damaging the turf and underground sprinkler system. The electrical system, including floodlights, has also been compromised, with some bulbs blown out of alignment. Ricketts noted that FIFA has recommended seeking a memorandum of understanding with the St James Municipal Council to expedite repairs, as neither JFF nor MBU owns the facility. A detailed inspection revealed structural damage, further complicating restoration efforts. The JFF is now working to fast-track repairs to ensure the venue can host matches as soon as possible.
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Olympian Sanjay Ayre provides Hurricane Melissa relief
Former Jamaican Olympian Sanjay Ayre, through his non-profit organization Premier Health Foundation, has spearheaded a significant relief initiative in western Jamaica following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. Ayre, a celebrated athlete who represented Jamaica in the 400m and won accolades including World Indoor gold and Olympic silver, personally visited affected communities to deliver essential supplies. The relief efforts spanned multiple locations, including St Elizabeth Technical High School in Santa Cruz, shelters in Whitehouse, Westmoreland, and Petersfield Primary School and Lighthouse Church. Ayre’s foundation distributed food packages, multipurpose storm radios, Starlink devices, care packages, and other critical equipment. Reflecting on the disaster, Ayre expressed deep empathy for the victims, emphasizing his connection to Jamaica as both a native and a former national representative. He highlighted the resilience of the affected communities and the importance of collective action in rebuilding efforts. Ayre also acknowledged the invaluable support of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, particularly Sergeant Reid and his team, who ensured the safety of the relief mission. The initiative was further bolstered by contributions from dancehall veterans Goofy and Pinchers, as well as numerous donors. Ayre’s emotional visit to St Elizabeth Technical High School, where student-athletes had lost homes, underscored the profound impact of the hurricane. He stressed that beyond material aid, the reassurance of solidarity and remembrance was equally vital. Ayre’s efforts reflect his enduring commitment to Jamaica, a nation that shaped his journey from athlete to humanitarian.
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Chase Harding and coach take tennis to the inner city
Tennis player and philanthropist Chase Harding, alongside his coach Kashwayne Nelson, recently introduced the sport of tennis to children in the Payne Land community of Kingston, Jamaica. The initiative aimed to expose the youngsters to tennis, a sport not widely known in the area. Harding and Nelson not only taught the children the basics of the game but also provided refreshments and donated two dozen tennis rackets to support their development.
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Heavy grief
The tight-knit community of Vineyard Town, St Andrew, was engulfed in sorrow on Thursday as residents grappled with the tragic death of 10-year-old Shamaire Sharpe. The young boy was struck by a Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) bus on Fourth Avenue early that morning, shortly after accompanying his younger sister to school. The news of his untimely demise sent shockwaves through the neighborhood, leaving friends and neighbors in mourning. Described as a cheerful and helpful child, Shamaire was remembered fondly by those who knew him. ‘He was always playful and full of life, never causing any trouble,’ shared one resident, who witnessed the aftermath of the accident. Another neighbor recalled how Shamaire would visit his yard daily to play with his grandsons, highlighting the boy’s vibrant spirit. Shamaire’s mother, Theresa Hopkins, bravely spoke to the Jamaica Observer despite her overwhelming grief. She shared her son’s dreams of becoming a professional footballer and his academic excellence at Mountain View Primary School. Hopkins expressed her anguish and directed her anger toward the bus driver, Shamaire’s father, and other family members. Meanwhile, residents defended the bus driver, noting her typically cautious driving habits. The JUTC issued a statement expressing deep regret and extending condolences to the family. The company pledged full cooperation with the ongoing police investigation, including a breathalyser test for the driver and a thorough examination of the bus. The community was urged to remain calm and empathetic during this difficult time.
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Holness says ODPEM shift to his office temporary
Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has addressed concerns regarding his decision to temporarily place the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) under his direct oversight. The move, announced in the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s impact on October 28, aims to bolster operational efficiency and coordination in disaster management efforts. Holness emphasized that the reassignment is not permanent but crucial for accelerating response mechanisms during critical times.