For Maryland-based Jamaican artist Tony Roy, 2025 is poised to be remembered as the year of his monumental career breakthrough. This milestone was achieved through his reggae cover of “I’d Love You to Want Me,” a reinterpretation of American singer Lobo’s 1972 hit, which has dominated reggae charts across key markets. Roy’s version ascended to the number one position on both the South Florida Reggae Chart and the Foundation Radio Network Chart in July and August, as officially compiled by esteemed broadcaster Clinton Lindsay. Adding to this achievement, the track secured a placement on the prestigious Jamaica Music Countdown Chart—a particularly meaningful accomplishment for the overseas-based artist. Roy expressed profound satisfaction with this recognition from his homeland, noting the significance of maintaining a musical impact in Jamaica despite his base in the United States. The journey to this hit began in 2021 during a Las Vegas vacation, where Roy first encountered a reggae version by the legendary John Holt. Captivated by the rendition, he later explored Lobo’s original, which had peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100. Roy collaborated with co-producer Wayne Holness, who contributed bass guitar and keyboards, to create his distinctive version. A native of St. Thomas parish in eastern Jamaica, Roy immigrated to the U.S. in the 1990s and has been a stalwart of the Baltimore/Washington DC reggae circuit for three decades. He has already followed this success with a new single, “On My Mind,” released on his Whylas Records label.
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St Elizabeth residents receive land titles
In a landmark development for rural Jamaica, more than 700 residents across 34 communities in St Elizabeth parish have attained formal land ownership through the government’s Systematic Land Registration (SLR) Programme. The transformative initiative reached its latest milestone during a ceremonial distribution event at Lacovia Community Center, where 50 recipients received official property titles.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness emphasized the profound socioeconomic implications of land formalization, declaring property titles “instruments of economic empowerment and building blocks of a safer and more prosperous Jamaica.” Official data reveals significant program success, with the National Land Agency distributing 9,577 certificates of title nationwide as of December 1, nearly 6,000 of which were concentrated in St Elizabeth alone.
The program specifically targets long-term occupants who have maintained open, undisturbed possession of land for twelve or more years. By assuming legal surveying costs and streamlining administrative processing, the government has removed traditional barriers to property formalization. Holness noted that for many families, these documents represent the first official recognition of generational land ownership, effectively transforming ancestral sacrifices into legally recognized assets.
Robert Montague, Minister responsible for Land Titling and Settlements, characterized the event as historic, highlighting widespread benefits across communities including Lacovia, Essex Valley, and Flagaman. The initiative fundamentally redefines relationships between citizens and property, enabling agriculturalists and families to secure rights to lands they have historically inhabited and cultivated without formal documentation.
This comprehensive regularization effort represents a crucial step toward enhanced socioeconomic security, stability, and wealth creation opportunities for traditionally underserved Jamaican communities.
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JPS advises of temporary road closures in St James
Residents and motorists in Jamaica’s St James parish are being notified of significant transportation disruptions this Sunday as the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) implements essential infrastructure maintenance. The national energy provider has announced coordinated road closures scheduled for December 14th between 7:00 AM and 10:00 PM to facilitate crucial electricity grid restoration operations.
The transportation modifications will affect multiple key routes throughout the district. The thoroughfare from Cotton Tree to Mt Carey Health Centre will experience complete closure to all vehicular traffic. Adjacent corridors including the stretch between Mt Carey Health Centre and Montpelier will operate under single-lane conditions, as will the route connecting Montpelier to Bickersteth.
Additional access restrictions will be implemented along the Bickersteth to Cambridge pathway and within the Cambridge Square vicinity, where limited passage will be permitted. JPS officials strongly recommend that drivers seek alternative routes whenever possible to minimize congestion and ensure timely completion of the vital electrical infrastructure upgrades.
The planned grid enhancement initiative represents part of Jamaica’s ongoing efforts to modernize and strengthen its national power distribution network against increasing energy demands and environmental challenges. Utility authorities emphasize that these temporary inconveniences will contribute to long-term service reliability for thousands of households and businesses throughout the region.
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Trump vows to ‘retaliate’ after IS attack kills US troops in Syria
WASHINGTON, United States — In a decisive response to a lethal assault in central Syria, former President Donald Trump declared that the United States would execute retaliatory measures. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, resulted in the deaths of two American military personnel and a civilian interpreter, with an alleged Islamic State (IS) militant identified as the perpetrator.
Addressing journalists outside the White House, Trump unequivocally stated, “We will retaliate.” He further elaborated on his Truth Social platform, noting that Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa had been rendered “extremely angry and disturbed by this attack.” The statement underscores the complex geopolitical tensions in the region, where multiple factions, including remnants of IS and various state actors, continue to operate.
The attack highlights the persistent threat posed by insurgent groups in Syria, despite significant territorial losses suffered by IS in recent years. US forces remain deployed in the area primarily to conduct counterterrorism operations and support local partner forces. This incident represents one of the most serious confrontations involving American troops in the region in recent months, raising concerns about a potential escalation in hostilities.
Analysts suggest that the promised retaliation could involve targeted airstrikes against IS positions or affiliated militant hideouts. The US military has previously conducted such operations in response to attacks on its personnel. The situation also implicates broader international relations, given the involvement of Syrian government forces and other foreign powers active in the country’s ongoing conflict.
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Indonesia flood death toll passes 1,000 as authorities ramp up aid
ACEH TAMIANG, Indonesia — Indonesia confronts one of its most severe natural disasters in recent history as catastrophic flooding and landslides across Sumatra Island have resulted in 1,006 confirmed fatalities, rescue authorities reported Saturday. The National Disaster Mitigation Agency further indicated over 5,400 individuals have sustained injuries during the two-week deluge.
This tragedy ranks among Sumatra’s deadliest calamities since the devastating 2004 tsunami, with torrential rains triggering widespread destruction across northwestern regions. Official projections suggest the death toll may climb further, with disaster agency spokesman Abdul Muhari confirming 217 persons remain unaccounted for as emergency teams escalate assistance to the most severely impacted zones.
The cataclysmic weather events have displaced approximately 1.2 million residents, forcing survivors into temporary shelters amid vast landscapes transformed by mudflows, debris, and fallen timber. Personal accounts reveal the human dimension of the catastrophe, with 50-year-old Sri Lestari and her family now occupying emergency tents after their home sustained critical damage from flood-driven tree impacts.
Despite governmental assurances that relief operations are progressing, frustration mounts among affected communities regarding the pace of aid distribution. President Prabowo Subianto asserted during a Saturday assessment tour that connectivity to previously isolated areas had been restored and evacuation centers maintained adequate provisions.
Eyewitness observations along Aceh Tamiang’s primary transportation corridor revealed extensive civilian-led assistance efforts, with convoys of private vehicles and trucks delivering essential supplies. Numerous survivors continue residing in makeshift outdoor accommodations, their homes rendered uninhabitable by mud infiltration.
Disaster management officials confirmed the coordinated delivery of 11.7 tonnes of humanitarian aid via maritime, terrestrial, and aerial routes Saturday, alongside initiated construction of transitional housing for displaced populations. Preliminary rebuilding cost estimates approach 51.82 trillion rupiah ($3.1 billion), with Indonesian authorities presently declining international assistance offers.
The nation’s meteorological agency issued continued severe weather advisories, forecasting persistent heavy rainfall across Sumatra that may exacerbate existing challenges.
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NUGFW seeks early meeting with CPO
The National Union of Government and Federated Workers (NUGFW) has formally initiated steps to secure a substantial wage adjustment for Trinidad and Tobago’s daily-paid public sector employees. Union leadership is pushing for immediate negotiations with government officials to achieve a ten per cent salary increase for this vulnerable workforce segment.
NUGFW President-General Christopher Streete announced the union’s strategy through a social media address on December 13, revealing that formal correspondence had been dispatched to Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo. The communication specifically requests an early January meeting with Chief Personnel Officer Lt Cmdr Dr Daryl Dindial, who operates under the Finance Minister’s directives.
Mr. Streete expressed measured optimism regarding the proposed dialogue, emphasizing the union’s commitment to rapid resolution. “We are pursuing an early settlement,” he stated, “and upon successful negotiation, our members will become entitled to retroactive compensation.”
The NUGFW represents daily-wage employees across multiple critical public institutions, including the Tobago House of Assembly, regional health authorities, and twelve of fourteen municipal corporations throughout Trinidad (excluding only San Fernando and Port of Spain city corporations). Streete highlighted that these workers rank among the nation’s lowest-paid laborers and have compelling economic justification for enhanced compensation.
The union leader simultaneously issued a caution against misinformation circulating among workers, noting, “Certain disruptive elements are attempting to mislead membership regarding negotiation proceedings. Our exclusive focus remains on delivering concrete results.”
Streete offered pragmatic financial advice to members, reminding them that “monetary compensation carries no expiration date” and urging prudent management of anticipated back payments. The union’s current position follows their previous rejection of a four per cent increase proposed under the former administration, a decision Streete believes will yield superior outcomes for workers.
This development occurs against the backdrop of recent successful negotiations between the Public Services Association and government representatives, which resulted in a ten per cent wage increase covering 2014-2019 with implementation beginning January 2026 and partial retroactive payments expected before Christmas.
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Padarath knocks Young over Xmas party expenses claims
A political dispute has emerged in Trinidad and Tobago regarding government Christmas celebrations, with Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister Barry Padarath revealing that cabinet ministers are personally subsidizing year-end staff functions. This disclosure comes in response to criticism from opposition MP Stuart Young, who accused the ruling UNC government of extravagance while implementing austerity measures.
Young, the former energy minister and prime minister, had condemned what he characterized as ‘vulgar and expensive’ government parties in a social media post on December 13th. He asserted that the administration had terminated approximately 11,000 vulnerable workers from various public service programs while simultaneously authorizing lavish celebrations.
The controversy specifically references Christmas events hosted by the Office of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Public Utilities. Photographs from these gatherings circulated online, showing Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar socializing with guests including musical performer Yung Bredda (Akhenaton Lewis).
In his rebuttal, Padarath clarified that performing artists at these functions were previously contracted brand ambassadors for state-owned telecommunications provider TSTT, arranged under the previous PNM administration. No government funds were allocated for their performances, with artists participating voluntarily. More significantly, Padarath revealed that ministers contributed personal finances to cover food and beverage costs for both events.
This situation unfolds against the backdrop of significant workforce reductions within public service programs following the UNC’s electoral victory on April 28th. The government has simultaneously instructed ministries and state companies to reduce expenditures, resulting in canceled year-end activities at numerous organizations, including profitable state enterprises.
The Minister of Rural Development and Local Government, Khadijah Ameen, has addressed reports of a new pilot program for public space maintenance running from December 2025 through March 2026, emphasizing that it does not represent a rebranding of the terminated CEPEP initiative.
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PNP caretaker demands answers after student allegedly falls from overcrowded school bus
PORTLAND, Jamaica — A distressing incident involving a school bus has prompted serious safety concerns and official demands for accountability from Jamaican authorities. Doreen Campbell, Caretaker for Portland Western representing the People’s National Party (PNP), is seeking urgent explanations following what she characterized as a nearly catastrophic event earlier this December.
The incident occurred on December 1 when a 14-year-old student from Marymount High School in Buff Bay was reportedly ejected from a moving yellow school bus under alarming circumstances. According to Campbell’s official statement released Saturday, the vehicle was severely overcrowded at the time of the incident, with numerous children forced to stand on the steps due to insufficient seating.
Preliminary reports indicate that another student aboard the bus inadvertently activated the emergency door release mechanism, causing the door to swing open suddenly. This resulted in the teenage girl being thrown from the moving vehicle onto the roadway. Miraculously, the victim narrowly avoided being crushed by the rear wheel of the bus, escaping what could have been a fatal outcome.
The young victim sustained significant soft tissue injuries to both her knees and face, requiring immediate hospital treatment. Medical assessments confirmed the injuries were severe enough to render her unable to walk for approximately two weeks following the incident.
Campbell has raised pressing questions regarding institutional responsibility: ‘This alarming situation raises grave concerns about operational oversight. Which ministry ultimately operates these buses—Transport or Education? Who bears the fundamental duty of care? Most concerningly, why has no representative from either ministry initiated contact with the traumatized family?’
The PNP representative also highlighted the absence of onboard supervision, noting that Minister Daryl Vaz’s previous commitments regarding bus monitors had apparently not been implemented. Campbell revealed that despite the matter being formally referred to Minister Vaz’s office, the affected family has received no communication or support from government representatives.
Campbell concluded with an urgent appeal: ‘I emphatically call on the relevant authorities to provide this child with necessary psychological and physical support to prevent future medical complications. We must ensure our children’s safety is never compromised by bureaucratic failure or institutional neglect.’
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Haitians dance with joy over UNESCO musical listing
Across Haiti’s vibrant landscape—from the bustling capital of Port-au-Prince to its most secluded villages and throughout its global diaspora—the sensual rhythms of compas music provide a unifying cultural heartbeat. This cherished musical tradition, known locally as konpa or kompa in Creole, achieved international recognition on Wednesday when UNESCO added it to its prestigious Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
Frantz Duval, director of Haiti’s premier cultural magazine Ticket, emphasized that “compas now stands as Haiti’s primary artistic and musical representation on the global stage.” This cultural milestone arrives as a profound source of national pride for the Caribbean nation, complementing its recent qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup amid ongoing challenges of poverty and gang-related instability.
According to UNESCO nomination documents, compas represents “a defining creation of the Haitian people” that transcends social divisions while forging a unique characteristic within national identity. The genre typically blends percussion, guitars, and keyboard instruments with distinctive syncopated drumming that drives its irresistible rhythm.
Deeply embedded in Haitian society, compas serves as an essential element of both festive occasions and ritual life, playing pivotal roles in significant moments for individuals, families, and communities. The music resonates daily across the nation—in dance restaurants, public transportation, town squares, and radio broadcasts—with Haitians universally responding to its rhythms through spontaneous head-nodding and dance movements.
Emmelie Prophete, Haiti’s former culture minister who spearheaded the UNESCO application, described compas as “the collective memory of the nation.” She expressed particular satisfaction that “this recognition comes at a time when we need to discuss Haiti through perspectives beyond political and security challenges.”
The musical genre traces its origins to a historic July 1955 concert in Port-au-Prince by legendary Haitian saxophonist Nemours Jean-Baptiste. Musician Yves Joseph (known professionally as Fanfan Tibot) explained that compas incorporates African and French influences while drawing inspiration from “Cuban and Dominican songs that Haitians listened to on shortwave radio broadcasts.”
Pioneering bands like Tabou Combo helped internationalize the genre, with their 1975 track “New York City” achieving success across the Caribbean and in France. This breakthrough prompted strategic shifts toward multilingual performances in English and Spanish, enabling compas to continue crossing borders and winning international admirers.
Despite Haiti’s status as the Americas’ poorest nation—currently grappling with political instability and gang violence that controls much of the capital—compas demonstrates remarkable resilience. As Duval noted, “It resists crises because everyone listens and dances even during emergencies. If we can’t organize shows in Port-au-Prince, we perform in the regions or within overseas Haitian communities.”
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Colombian guerrillas place communities in lockdown citing Trump ‘intervention’ threats
BOGOTA, Colombia – Colombia’s National Liberation Army (ELN), the continent’s longest-standing active guerrilla organization, has mandated a 72-hour civilian lockdown across its territorial strongholds in response to perceived interventionist threats from the United States. The directive, effective Sunday at 6:00 AM local time, instructs residents to remain indoors and avoid primary transportation routes while the group conducts military exercises.
The ELN’s statement characterized these maneuvers as defensive preparations against what it termed ‘imperialist intervention threats’ from U.S. leadership. This development follows recent remarks by former President Donald Trump suggesting Colombian President Gustavo Petro could ‘be next’ in American pressure campaigns due to the nation’s significant cocaine production.
President Petro swiftly condemned the ELN’s actions through social media platform X, asserting that ‘one doesn’t protest against anyone by killing peasants and taking away their freedom.’ He directly accused the guerrilla group of supporting drug trafficking interests rather than genuinely opposing U.S. policies.
Colombian Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez dismissed the armed strike as ‘criminal coercion’ and pledged comprehensive military deployment to counter the threat. According to Insight Crime research data, the ELN maintains approximately 5,800 combatants and exerts influence across more than 20% of Colombia’s municipalities.
The group, which has participated in unsuccessful peace negotiations with five consecutive Colombian administrations, operates primarily in strategic drug-producing regions. Despite its professed leftist ideological foundations, the ELN has evolved into one of Latin America’s most potent criminal organizations, controlling substantial coca cultivation territories and trafficking corridors—particularly in the Catatumbo border region with Venezuela.
This escalation occurs against the backdrop of Colombia’s status as the world’s leading cocaine producer, as confirmed by United Nations reports, and ongoing regional tensions regarding U.S. foreign policy approaches to Venezuela’s political situation.