Aaron Silk, the seasoned roots reggae artist, recently shared his profound emotional connection to the song ‘Painful Birth (A Mother’s Cry)’, penned and produced by Michael Orrett. Released on September 8, the song delves into the heart-wrenching experiences of mothers who have lost their children, often to senseless urban violence. Silk, who has personally witnessed such tragedies, expressed deep empathy for these women, many of whom grapple with grief and a crisis of faith in the aftermath of their loss. The song’s poignant message is further amplified by a compelling music video featuring actress Audrey Reid, directed by Fareye Productions and released on September 18, 2025. Orrett praised Silk’s heartfelt delivery, stating that the artist ‘owned’ the song, transforming it into a powerful anthem for the voiceless and a source of comfort for grieving hearts. Silk, whose own brother Garnet Silk tragically passed away in 1994, emphasized the song’s broader call to action, urging parents, communities, and leaders to unite in protecting children from violence. ‘Painful Birth (A Mother’s Cry)’ is now available on major streaming platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon Music, marking another milestone in Silk’s three-decade-long career, which includes the 1999 album ‘Bless I Oh Jah’.
作者： admin
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Maitland uttered ‘Jah Jah’ on being arrested, court told
In a high-profile murder trial unfolding at the Home Circuit Court in Kingston, Constable Noel Maitland faces charges related to the disappearance and alleged murder of his girlfriend, Donna-Lee Donaldson, a social media influencer. The case has drawn significant attention due to the dramatic circumstances surrounding Maitland’s arrest on July 27, 2022. During the arrest, Maitland reportedly uttered the phrase “Jah Jah,” a common Jamaican expression of disillusionment, which has since become a focal point in the trial. A detective sergeant from the Counter Terrorism and Organised Crime (C-TOC) branch provided detailed testimony about the arrest, describing how Maitland was apprehended at a law office on Duke Street. The detective recounted that Maitland was in conversation with his attorney, Christopher Townsend, when he was formally arrested for murder. Maitland was cautioned, and his response of “Jah, Jah” was noted. The detective also testified about the seizure of Maitland’s cellphone, which was later submitted to the Communication, Forensics and Cybercrime Division (CFCD) for analysis. During cross-examination, Townsend challenged the detective’s account, suggesting that Maitland neither made the “Jah, Jah” remark nor claimed ownership of the confiscated phone. Maitland, visibly disagreeing with the detective’s testimony, shook his head in the prisoner’s dock. The trial continues as the court examines the evidence and testimonies surrounding this complex case.
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After the I Do’s: What Happens to All That Wedding Décor?
Modern couples are increasingly taking charge of their wedding aesthetics, from selecting vases and candleholders to designing signage and table numbers. The DIY approach to wedding décor has surged in popularity, particularly among budget-conscious couples. However, the aftermath of the wedding raises a critical question: What becomes of the décor?
**The True Cost of ‘Saving’**
At first glance, purchasing your own wedding décor appears to be a cost-effective strategy. However, the initial savings can be deceptive. Hidden expenses such as shipping, customs duties, local delivery, and insurance can inflate the budget significantly. For instance, importing items into Jamaica can add up to 30% in additional costs due to taxes and brokerage fees. When all these factors are considered, the supposed savings may vanish.
**Décor as an Investment**
Viewing wedding décor as an investment can provide a different perspective. For couples hosting large weddings, the need for 20 identical table centerpieces may never arise again. However, for those planning smaller, intimate gatherings or who frequently entertain at home, repurposing items like vases and candles can justify the initial expenditure. Alternatively, some couples opt to resell their décor, though this requires planning and effort.
**Storage & Sentimentality**
Storage is often an overlooked aspect. Finding space for oversized lanterns or numerous glass chargers can be challenging, especially in smaller living spaces. Some couples choose to gift their décor to friends or family, while others find sentimental value in items like monogrammed signs or custom table numbers, which can be repurposed as home décor.
**Practical Tips Before You Purchase**
1. **Estimate Shipping Costs**: Use online calculators from FedEx, UPS, or your shipping provider to avoid surprise fees.
2. **Know the Customs Rules**: Research Jamaica’s duties and taxes before ordering, and consider working with a customs broker for larger shipments.
3. **Budget for Insurance**: Protect fragile items during shipping to prevent breakage.
4. **Plan for Storage**: Decide beforehand whether you’ll keep, resell, or donate items, and be realistic about the space you’re willing to sacrifice.
5. **Think Long-Term**: Consider whether the items will be reused, add value to your home, or simply become clutter.**Conclusion**
While buying your own wedding décor can be a sensible choice for some couples, particularly those with smaller weddings or frequent entertaining plans, the hidden costs and logistical challenges often outweigh the savings. Whether you choose to repurpose, resell, or create a memory box with keepsakes, planning for the post-wedding phase is crucial.
Shikima Hinds
Managing Director
Shikima Hinds Events Concierge
Tel. 876-925-4285 or 876-361-0910
Email: shikima@shikimahinds.com
www.shikimahinds.comWhen purchasing wedding décor online, consider hidden costs like shipping, customs duties, taxes, and brokerage fees. (Photo: amazon.com)
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Coach Daley praises players’ growth post-World Netball Youth Cup
The Young Sunshine Girls, Jamaica’s national youth netball team, are returning home after a commendable performance at the World Netball Youth Cup 2025 in Gibraltar. Despite falling short of their goal to secure a top-four finish, the team’s resilience and growth throughout the tournament have earned them widespread praise. Head Coach Annett Daley expressed immense pride in her squad, highlighting their potential and the valuable experience gained from competing against more seasoned teams. The tournament, held from September 23 to 28, saw the Young Sunshine Girls finish in fifth place after a series of spirited matches. Their journey began with a dominant 66-43 victory over Tonga, followed by a default win against Sri Lanka, who withdrew from the competition. They continued their strong form with a 61-43 triumph over Wales. However, their momentum was halted by a tough 33-64 loss to England in the group stage. Despite the setback, the team regrouped but faced another challenge in the quarter-finals, losing 33-85 to eventual champions Australia. The Young Sunshine Girls bounced back in the consolation rounds, defeating Cook Islands 57-47 and Scotland 53-44 to secure fifth place. Australia claimed the title with a 63-48 victory over New Zealand, while England took third place. Reflecting on the tournament, Daley emphasized the need for strategic changes before future competitions to enhance the team’s performance. She also praised Gibraltar’s welcoming atmosphere and weather, drawing parallels to Jamaica’s midland regions. The Young Sunshine Girls’ journey, marked by determination and improvement, has laid a strong foundation for their future in international netball.
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Groundbreaking consultation to explore elevating the Creole language beyond informal use
The Creole Language National Consultation 2025, themed ‘Legitimizing Creole: From Vernacular to Vehicle of Identity, Education, and Development,’ is set to take place on October 16, 2025, at the UWI Open Campus in Roseau, Dominica. Organized by Creole Heartbeat in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, KEK, the University of the West Indies (UWI) Open Campus, and Alliance Française, the event will run from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. This groundbreaking consultation aims to unite key stakeholders from Creole-speaking regions such as Haiti, Martinique, Trinidad, Dominica, Guadeloupe, and St. Lucia to discuss the future of Creole languages. The event will focus on transforming Creole from a vernacular language into a recognized and respected medium integral to regional identity, cultural pride, and socio-economic advancement. Attendees, including linguists, educators, policymakers, cultural figures, and community representatives, will explore strategies to integrate Creole into educational systems, government policies, and broader societal development. Creole Heartbeat emphasizes that while Creole has historically been the language of families and local communities, it is now time to position it as a language of progress—essential in classrooms, boardrooms, and national development strategies. This consultation is part of a broader initiative by Creole Heartbeat to preserve and promote Creole as a cornerstone of Caribbean heritage, advocating for its vital role in shaping progress and empowering Caribbean nations. Supporting partners include the Ministry of Education, KEK, UWI Open Campus, and Alliance Française, with media coverage provided by Q95, Multisolutions, and Dominica News Online to highlight the event’s significance.
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Groundbreaking event will explore Creole’s elevation beyond informal use
The Creole Language National Consultation 2025, themed “Legitimizing Creole: From Vernacular to Vehicle of Identity, Education, and Development,” is set to take place on October 16, 2025, at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Open Campus in Roseau, Dominica. Organized by Creole Heartbeat in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, KEK, UWI Open Campus, and Alliance Française, the event will convene from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. This groundbreaking forum will bring together key stakeholders from Creole-speaking regions such as Haiti, Martinique, Trinidad, Dominica, Guadeloupe, and St. Lucia to discuss the future of Creole languages. The consultation aims to shift the perception of Creole from a vernacular dialect to a respected language that plays a central role in regional identity, cultural pride, and socio-economic advancement. Attendees will include linguists, educators, policymakers, cultural leaders, and community representatives, who will explore strategies for integrating Creole into educational systems, government policies, and broader societal frameworks. Creole Heartbeat emphasizes that while Creole has long been the language of families, storytelling, and local communities, it is now time to position it as a language of progress—one that belongs in classrooms, boardrooms, and national development strategies. This event is part of a broader initiative by Creole Heartbeat to preserve and promote Creole as a cornerstone of Caribbean heritage. Supporting partners include the Ministry of Education, KEK, UWI Open Campus, and Alliance Française, with media coverage provided by Q95, Multisolutions, and Dominica News Online to amplify the consultation’s significance.
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LIVE: Press Conference with Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit September 29th 2025
In a recent surge of online activity, a multimedia post featuring an image and a live YouTube link has captured significant attention across various social media platforms. The post, which includes a visually striking image and a live-streaming video, has been widely shared, tweeted, and pinned by users. The image, hosted on a news platform, showcases a moment of high interest, while the YouTube link directs viewers to a live event that has been generating buzz. This combination of visual and interactive content has proven to be a powerful tool for engaging audiences, highlighting the growing importance of multimedia in digital communication. The post’s widespread dissemination underscores the effectiveness of integrating different media formats to enhance user engagement and reach a broader audience.
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Grenada dominates CAC Bodybuilding & Fitness Championship
Grenada has etched its name in the annals of bodybuilding history with a stellar performance at the 2025 Central American & Caribbean (CAC) Bodybuilding & Fitness Championship, held in St Lucia from September 24 to 28. The Spice Isle secured an impressive haul of 2 Pro Cards and 4 gold medals, showcasing its growing dominance in the sport. Andrew Hyacinth, Grenada’s 2024 Bodybuilder of the Year, emerged as the star of the event, clinching the Overall Bodybuilding Title and earning his Pro Card. His victory solidifies his reputation as one of the region’s elite athletes. Joining him in the spotlight was Odel Cato, who dominated the Men’s Physique Category, securing his Pro Card and the Overall Title. Together, their achievements mark a monumental milestone for Grenada on the international stage. The championship also saw exceptional performances from newcomers Keron Collier and Javon Joseph, who claimed first place in the Men’s Bodybuilding Junior and Men’s Physique Junior categories, respectively. Their debut victories highlight Grenada’s promising future in the sport. Guided by coach and IFBB Pro Elite Damion Daniel and IFBB Pro Grantley Charles, Team Grenada demonstrated unparalleled determination and discipline, further cementing the island’s status as a regional powerhouse. The Grenada National Lotteries Authority, Country Cold Store, Earnest Mitchell’s Poultry Farm, Total Extreme Fitness, Mitchell’s Health and Wellness, Fit for Life, Emporio Grenada, and George F Huggins were acknowledged for their invaluable support. With 2 new Pro Cards and a growing medal tally, Grenada’s bodybuilding future shines brighter than ever.
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Guyana-born U.S. public schools superintendent license revoked, remains in ICE custody
In a significant development, Dr. Ian Roberts, the former superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, has had his professional license revoked by the Iowa Department of Education. This decision follows his detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on allegations of being in the country illegally. The Bureau of Educational Examiners confirmed the revocation on Monday, effectively ending his tenure as superintendent. Dr. Roberts, who was born in Guyana and raised in Brooklyn, New York, had been placed on administrative leave by the Des Moines Public School board just one day prior. ICE officials claim that Roberts entered the U.S. on a student visa in 1999 but was subject to a final removal order issued in 2024. The case has sparked widespread attention, raising questions about immigration policies and their impact on public sector professionals.
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VIDEO: Man Apprehended After Alleged Early Morning Attack on Woman
A disturbing incident unfolded early this morning when a woman was reportedly attacked by her former partner. According to local sources, the altercation began when the suspect confronted the woman over personal messages, escalating into a physical assault. Neighbors reported hearing loud screams and witnessing the man violently attacking the woman. The incident has sparked concern in the community, highlighting the ongoing issue of domestic violence. Authorities have been notified, and an investigation is underway to address the situation and ensure the safety of the victim. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of addressing interpersonal conflicts through non-violent means and the need for robust support systems for victims of abuse.