作者: admin

  • Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore was ‘The Reggae Ambassador’ — Grange

    Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore was ‘The Reggae Ambassador’ — Grange

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican cultural landscape is in mourning following the passing of renowned musician Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore, celebrated by the nation’s Ministry of Culture as an irreplaceable talent and genuine ‘Reggae Ambassador.’ Minister Olivia Grange, overseeing Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, issued an official statement honoring Coore’s extraordinary contributions to music both locally and internationally.

    Coore, who co-founded the legendary Third World Band, was remembered as a pioneering force in reggae music whose influence transcended generations. Minister Grange emphasized the profound sense of loss felt across Jamaica, extending heartfelt condolences to his wife Lisa, children Shiah, Kanna, Stephen, and Ashley, along with his grandchildren and wide circle of friends and collaborators.

    The government officially acknowledged the Coore family’s generosity in sharing the musician’s exceptional talents with the world. Grange specifically highlighted Coore’s musical journey, noting his early involvement with the successful group Inner Circle before establishing Third World Band, which produced iconic hits including ‘Now That We Found Love,’ ’96 Degrees in the Shade,’ and the fitting anthem ‘Reggae Ambassador.’

    His artistic excellence earned him national recognition, including the prestigious Order of Distinction. While his physical presence will be deeply missed, Minister Grange affirmed that Coore’s enduring legacy would continue to inspire both contemporary and future musicians. The statement concluded with a poignant farewell: ‘Rest well, reggae ambassador.’

  • McKenzie hails Adam Stewart, private sector support for Trelawny Infirmary temporary facility

    McKenzie hails Adam Stewart, private sector support for Trelawny Infirmary temporary facility

    Jamaica’s innovative approach to relocating vulnerable citizens has received significant private-sector backing, with corporate leaders stepping forward to provide essential infrastructure. Desmond McKenzie, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, has publicly acknowledged substantial contributions from Sandals Resorts International Executive Chairman Adam Stewart and Geddes Refrigeration’s Roy Lafayette toward the Trelawny Infirmary temporary relocation project.

    The groundbreaking initiative represents the Jamaican government’s first implementation of prefabricated container units to house infirmary residents during transitional periods. Stewart’s donation of four specialized air-conditioning units will ensure climate-controlled environments within the temporary structures, while Lafayette has committed additional cooling systems for all ward areas in the new facility.

    During an onsite inspection tour, Minister McKenzie emphasized the critical partnership between government and private entities in addressing public welfare challenges. “Several private-sector interests have helped make this possible,” McKenzie stated, specifically recognizing both corporate contributors for their rapid response to infrastructure needs.

    The container-based solution currently under construction marks a significant advancement in Jamaica’s emergency housing capabilities for institutional care settings. Government officials have committed to ongoing monitoring of construction progress ahead of the facility’s formal commissioning, with McKenzie expressing optimism about the project’s timeline and eventual operational status.

  • Jamaica qualifies for three bobsled spots at 2026 Winter Olympics

    Jamaica qualifies for three bobsled spots at 2026 Winter Olympics

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a landmark achievement for tropical nations in winter sports, Jamaica has officially qualified three teams for the upcoming 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. The Jamaica Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation announced this historic milestone through an official Instagram post, highlighting the nation’s consistent performance on icy international circuits.

    The qualified teams include Mica Moore, who will compete as a solo athlete in the Monobob event. The two-man bobsleigh team will feature Shane Pitter alongside a rotating crew of Nimroy Turgott, Joel Fearon, and Junior Harris. Additionally, Jamaica’s four-man bobsleigh team, also led by Shane Pitter, will include Andrae Dacres, Junior Harris, Tyquendo Tracey, and Joel Fearon.

    This triple qualification matches Jamaica’s participation level from the 2022 Beijing Winter Games, demonstrating sustained competitive excellence. The federation emphasized that these spots were earned through season-long performances in International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (IBSF) ranking events, reflecting the athletes’ dedication and world-stage competitiveness.

    In further promising news, Jamaica’s women’s two-woman team has achieved first alternate status, positioning them to compete should any nation withdraw from the Games.

    The 2026 Winter Olympics, hosted by the Italian cities of Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, are scheduled to run from February 6 to February 22, continuing the legendary story of Jamaican winter athletes that began with the celebrated 1988 Calgary Olympic team.

  • Delroy Lindo to make feature directorial debut with Jamaica-set film — reports

    Delroy Lindo to make feature directorial debut with Jamaica-set film — reports

    Acclaimed actor Delroy Lindo, renowned for his powerful performances in films like ‘Sinners’ and ‘The Harder They Fall,’ is channeling his heritage into a new cinematic venture. Following his recent role in a vampire-themed horror movie, Lindo is now developing a profoundly personal film set within a Jamaican community.

    In an exclusive interview with Deadline, Lindo revealed the project’s core themes will explore power dynamics, spirituality, and the transformative, healing power of community bonds. The actor, who was born in the UK to Jamaican parents, expressed a deep, long-standing commitment to bringing this story to the screen, having first become aware of the material in 2015. He formally secured the rights to the project in 2021 and has since been dedicated to assembling the necessary funding.

    The narrative centers on a young man grappling with profound loss. As Lindo detailed, ‘The story is about a young man who has lost his mother. His parents are both doctors. We meet him on the day it is discovered that his mother has been tragically killed.’ The plot then advances six years, revealing that neither the young man nor his father have healthily processed their grief. In an attempt to find healing, the son is sent to his maternal homeland in Jamaica’s Blue Mountains.

    Lindo confirmed the film will incorporate an element of magical realism, promising a visually and emotionally rich tapestry that blends the real with the mystical. This passion project arrives nearly five decades into his distinguished acting career. Prior to its production, audiences will next see Lindo in the upcoming monster blockbuster ‘Godzilla vs Kong: Supernova,’ slated for a 2027 release.

  • YARD Empire mentee cops Oliver Samuels Foundation scholarship

    YARD Empire mentee cops Oliver Samuels Foundation scholarship

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a landmark event for Jamaica’s cultural education, 18-year-old Dante Saunders has become the inaugural recipient of the Oliver Samuels Foundation scholarship. The ceremony, held at the prestigious Edna Manley School for the Visual and Performing Arts on January 14, marked a significant milestone in supporting emerging artistic talent from underserved communities.

    Saunders, an Arts Management student from Kingston’s inner city, credits community organization YARD Empire for transforming his educational trajectory. ‘My journey began when I attended musical classes offered by YARD Empire,’ Saunders revealed during his acceptance speech. ‘It became both an escape and an opportunity to transcend my environment while connecting with diverse individuals.’

    The young scholar specifically acknowledged mentor Terri Salmon (‘Aunty Terri’) for her persistent encouragement. ‘She consistently reinforced that higher education was accessible to me, even when completing high school seemed unimaginable,’ Saunders recounted.

    Beyond academic support, YARD Empire’s mentorship program provided performance opportunities that exposed Saunders to various arts careers and professional pathways. This comprehensive support system ultimately enabled his transition to formal arts education.

    Representing Minister of Gender, Culture, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange, Permanent Secretary Deanroy Bernard praised the foundation’s vision. ‘This initiative demonstrates commitment to nurturing Jamaica’s next generation of cultural leaders and strengthening our creative future,’ Bernard stated. He emphasized that the scholarship represents more than financial support—it constitutes ‘a national declaration that arts education matters and young creatives deserve investment.’

    Foundation namesake Oliver Samuels expressed profound satisfaction with the rapid impact of the initiative, launched merely months earlier in November 2025 with Chairman Jeff Browne. ‘This foundation embodies my dedication to giving back to Jamaica,’ Samuels declared. ‘We plan to award four annual scholarships, recognizing the arts as vital for national progress.’

    The foundation’s primary mission remains dismantling financial barriers to arts education, ensuring artistic careers become accessible to all Jamaicans regardless of socioeconomic background.

  • JC’s Joseph Salmon committed to University of Nebraska

    JC’s Joseph Salmon committed to University of Nebraska

    Jamaican athletic sensation Joseph Salmon, the standout discus thrower from Jamaica College, has officially declared his commitment to join the University of Nebraska’s prestigious track and field program. The 18-year-old throwing specialist, who turns 19 on September 22, selected Nebraska after careful consideration of the program’s exceptional athletic environment and academic offerings.

    Salmon expressed strong confidence in his decision, highlighting Nebraska’s roster of elite throwers as a decisive factor. ‘The program features exceptional athletes like Axelina Johansson, who recently shattered indoor shot put records, and Cade Moran, who opened his season with a 20-meter throw,’ Salmon noted. ‘Being surrounded by competitors performing at the highest level creates a driving force that pushes me toward excellence.’

    The young athlete’s remarkable potential became undeniable when he launched a massive 66.32-meter throw at the Purewater/RDannyWilliams/JC meet on January 10, 2026—his very first attempt of the season. This phenomenal performance not only set a new meet record but positioned him within striking distance of the longstanding Boys and Girls Athletics Championship record of 66.88 meters, held by Olympian Travis Smikle since 2011.

    Salmon, who previously claimed the Class One discus title at the 2025 Championships with a 62.14-meter throw, has significantly surpassed that mark early in the season. Reflecting on his development, the athlete acknowledged that his transfer from Clarendon College to Jamaica College proved instrumental in his rapid advancement. At Nebraska, Salmon will pursue academic studies in Construction Management while continuing to develop his athletic career under top-tier coaching and competition.

  • Jamaica to take full advantage of UN High Seas Treaty, says gov’t

    Jamaica to take full advantage of UN High Seas Treaty, says gov’t

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica has strategically positioned itself to leverage the groundbreaking UN High Seas Treaty that became effective on January 17, ushering in a transformative era for international marine conservation. Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson Smith emphasized that this development creates unprecedented opportunities to synchronize global legal frameworks with national environmental initiatives.

    The BBNJ Agreement (Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction) represents a milestone in oceanic governance, particularly regarding scientific collaboration and fair distribution of marine resource benefits. Minister Johnson Smith highlighted Jamaica’s progressive environmental commitments, including territorial water protection and blue economy development through sustainable fisheries and coastal ecosystem rehabilitation.

    Jamaica’s diplomatic engagement with the treaty has been substantial, having ratified the agreement during the third UN Oceans Conference in Europe last June, following its initial endorsement at the 79th UN General Assembly in September 2024. The nation maintains its influential role in multilateral ocean governance as headquarters of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) and through Prime Minister Andrew Holness’ participation in the High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy.

    The minister further noted that Jamaica’s re-election to category ‘C’ of the International Maritime Organisation reinforces its credibility as an advocate for equitable marine resource distribution. The 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, originally signed in Montego Bay, continues to serve as the foundational legal instrument for global ocean governance, with the new BBNJ Agreement representing its natural evolution.

  • Trinidad and Tobago Newsday – Monday January 19th 2026

    Trinidad and Tobago Newsday – Monday January 19th 2026

    The academic publishing landscape is undergoing a revolutionary transformation with the emergence of a groundbreaking digital platform dubbed ‘Special Publications.’ This AI-powered system, which processes new research submissions in approximately seven minutes, represents a seismic shift from traditional peer-review models that often take months.

    Developed by an anonymous team of digital archivists and AI specialists, the platform utilizes advanced machine learning algorithms to analyze, categorize, and validate scientific submissions. The system’s ‘webmaster’ functionality autonomously handles everything from initial manuscript screening to final publication readiness, dramatically accelerating the dissemination of knowledge.

    This innovation addresses critical inefficiencies in academic publishing, where valuable research frequently faces prolonged delays before reaching the scientific community. The platform’s seven-minute processing capability—signified by the ‘7 Minutes Ago’ timestamp—ensures near-instantaneous publication while maintaining rigorous academic standards through algorithmic validation protocols.

    The implications for research communities are substantial, particularly for time-sensitive fields where rapid knowledge sharing can accelerate discoveries. The platform’s architecture also promises to reduce administrative burdens on researchers and institutions while potentially democratizing access to cutting-edge findings across global scientific networks.

  • Turbulence promises even more in 2026

    Turbulence promises even more in 2026

    Jamaican entertainer Turbulence is channeling his energy from international stages into creative pursuits for 2026, following a year of extensive global touring throughout 2025. The artist, who describes his travels as a form of “musical ambassadorship,” visited multiple continents including Africa and the Caribbean, performing in locations from the Bahamas to Guadeloupe.

    The upcoming year marks a strategic pivot toward studio production with several new singles already released and additional projects in development. His recent track “Fancy Suit” signals the beginning of what promises to be a prolific period of musical creativity. Fans can anticipate a series of visual accompaniments and a full-length album scheduled for release in the near future.

    Turbulence emphasizes the critical balance between performance commitments and creative development, noting that artists must carefully manage both aspects to maintain career sustainability. While preparing for an upcoming European tour, he acknowledges that periods of reduced public visibility often indicate intensified behind-the-scenes creative work.

    The artist articulates a philosophical approach to music creation that prioritizes meaningful messaging over commercial success. Drawing inspiration from reggae legends including Beres Hammond, Cocoa Tea, and Sizzla Kalonji, Turbulence emphasizes the importance of creating music with enduring social value. His artistic mission focuses on promoting themes of love, unity, and moral consciousness through lyrics that encourage self-awareness and positive action.

    For emerging artists, Turbulence offers counsel rooted in artistic integrity: “Love your craft, respect your craft, and don’t just come hustle. Know that you’re not singing just for yourself, and know whatever you say or sing might haunt you 10 years from now.” This perspective informs his commitment to creating positive content that reflects his values and provides a meaningful legacy for future generations.

  • MG Liz’s Love Up getting love

    MG Liz’s Love Up getting love

    Emerging Jamaican vocalist MG Liz has officially launched her musical career with the release of her debut single ‘Love Up,’ marking a significant milestone shared by countless artists. The roots-reggae track, developed in collaboration with seasoned artist Derajah and Brazilian multi-instrumentalist Bruno Dupre, represents the culmination of a year’s creative effort.

    In an exclusive interview with the Jamaica Observer, MG Liz described experiencing a whirlwind of emotions surrounding her official entry into the music industry. ‘It’s really something. I’m beyond excited, but I’m also nervous because this takes everything to another level. At the same time, I feel so grateful, there’s just so much happening all at once,’ the artist confessed.

    The collaborative single emerged from Derajah’s extensive international connections, leveraging his performance experience throughout Europe and Brazil. This network facilitated the involvement of Dupre, who contributed guitar, bass, drums, and horns to the production, creating a rich musical backdrop for MG Liz’s vocal talents.

    Hailing from Kingston and raised in Redwood, St. Catherine, the newcomer cites legendary influences including Marcia Griffiths, Gladys Knight, Celine Dion, and Mariah Carey. Her artistic journey accelerated in early 2025 when she began developing original material with recording aspirations.

    MG Liz revealed that approximately 90 percent of her recently recorded work features Derajah as producer, with additional collaborations including a Swedish producer and another American producer. The initial industry response has been notably positive, with professionals showing genuine interest in her distinctive sound and artistic direction.