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  • Tributes paid at funeral to Romona Farquharson-Seymour

    Tributes paid at funeral to Romona Farquharson-Seymour

    The Bahamian legal profession gathered in solemn tribute on Saturday to honor the life and legacy of Romona Farquharson Seymour, a formidable attorney remembered for her unwavering dedication to justice and fearless courtroom presence. Her funeral service at Salem Union Baptist Church became a platform for colleagues, family, and political figures to celebrate her profound impact on the legal landscape.

    Opposition Leader Dr. Michael Pintard characterized Farquharson Seymour as a powerful voice within the legal community, emphasizing her commitment to accountability and truth. “She possessed an exceptional ability to ask difficult questions and challenge conventional thinking without compromise,” Pintard noted during his tribute.

    Personal recollections painted a portrait of a multifaceted individual. Family friend and attorney Cathleen Hassan described her as a “ferocious warrior” for clients, frequently accepting cases others avoided. Beyond her professional tenacity, Hassan highlighted Farquharson Seymour’s capacity for unconditional love and her dedication as a mother who seamlessly integrated her young daughters into her demanding career.

    Reverend Heuter Rolle’s sermon emphasized her deep religious convictions and steadfast devotion to both church and family. The sudden nature of her passing at age 49 left many, including Reverend Cedric Farquharson, expressing shock at her departure during what they described as the prime of her life.

    With over two decades of legal practice since being called to the Bar in 2001, Farquharson Seymour built a reputation through high-profile cases. Her recent representation included former Prison Commissioner Charles Murphy in his ongoing litigation against the government and her initial defense work for Long Island MP Adrian Gibson during his 2022 investigation.

    Her ambitions extended beyond courtroom advocacy. In 2023, she publicly declared her intention to run for presidency of the Bahamas Bar Association, advocating for new vision and leadership. She had also briefly explored political candidacy with the Free National Movement before withdrawing her application.

    Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis, upon her passing last month, recognized her as a significant force within the legal field whose name carried substantial weight among peers. She is survived by her husband, prominent attorney Calvin Seymour, and their two young daughters, Victoria and Sienna.

  • US attorneys general sue Trump over latest ‘illegal’ tariffs

    US attorneys general sue Trump over latest ‘illegal’ tariffs

    A multistate coalition spearheaded by New York Attorney General Letitia James has initiated legal action against former President Donald Trump’s administration over controversial tariffs targeting Caribbean nations and other countries. The lawsuit, joined by 21 attorneys general alongside the governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania, contends that these sweeping trade measures exceed presidential authority and violate constitutional principles.

    The legal challenge emerges shortly after the US Supreme Court ruled against Trump’s previous tariff imposition under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). In response to that defeat, the former president invoked Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 to enact new tariffs affecting Caribbean economies.

    The coalition’s central argument maintains that the presidential administration lacks legal standing to implement such comprehensive tariffs under this legislation. They assert that the measures fail to meet Section 122’s specific requirements while simultaneously infringing upon constitutional separation of powers protections.

    Attorney General James characterized the move as another example of Trump disregarding legal boundaries to effectively tax consumers and small businesses. ‘These tariffs will only drive up the cost of living,’ James stated in comments to Caribbean Media Corporation, ‘and I will continue to uphold the rule of law to protect New Yorkers.’

    New York Governor Kathy Hochul supported the legal action, noting that ‘illegal and reckless tariff policies continue to weigh on businesses, farmers and consumers across New York State.’ Hochul emphasized the state’s pursuit of recovering $13.5 billion in tariff costs from federal collections.

    The legal filing highlights that no previous administration has attempted to utilize Section 122 for broad tariff implementation. The statute was specifically designed to address monetary crises within fixed-rate exchange systems like the gold standard—a financial framework abandoned by the United States fifty years ago.

    Furthermore, the coalition challenges the administration’s justification based on trade deficits, arguing that such economic conditions are conceptually distinct from the balance of payments deficits that Section 122 was intended to address. The lawsuit also notes discriminatory application, as the tariffs exempt numerous goods from Canada, Mexico, and several Central American nations while including 84 pages of specific product exceptions.

    The legal action seeks judicial intervention from the United States Court of International Trade to declare the tariffs unlawful, prevent their implementation, and secure refunds for states that have already incurred costs under the proclamation.

  • Church members watched as elderly deacon mowed down by motorcycle

    Church members watched as elderly deacon mowed down by motorcycle

    The Wakefield Seventh-day Baptist Church community in Trelawny is grappling with profound grief following the tragic death of 70-year-old deacon Oscar Russell, who was struck by a motorcycle while departing church services late Saturday afternoon. The incident occurred directly outside the church premises, witnessed by several congregation members who were present at the entrance at the time of the collision.

    According to eyewitness accounts, the violent impact threw Russell between the church wall and a utility pole, requiring emergency responders to extract him from the narrow space. The motorcycle operator also sustained severe injuries, particularly to the head, and was transported to medical facilities in critical condition.

    Both individuals were rushed to Falmouth Public General Hospital, where Russell unfortunately succumbed to his injuries. The motorcyclist remains hospitalized under intensive care.

    Pastor Ronald Blissett, head of the Wakefield Seventh-day Baptist Church, was ministering at another location when notified of the catastrophic event. He described the congregation as ‘shell-shocked’ by the sudden loss and the traumatic nature of the incident. The church has implemented emergency counseling services and additional support systems to help members process the emotional trauma.

    Russell, a resident of Montego Bay, St. James, was characterized as a devout member who regularly traveled to Wakefield for Sabbath worship services. Preliminary investigations suggest he was returning to the church building after crossing the road when the collision occurred.

    The tragedy has evoked painful memories for Trelawny residents, recalling a similar incident in April 2019 when 55-year-old Montego Bay Red Cap porter Romeal Wilson was fatally struck by a motorcycle in the adjacent community of Bounty Hall. Wilson had been attending his mother’s wake at the time of that previous accident.

    Local authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the latest incident while the community mourns the loss of a respected religious leader and supports those affected by the traumatic event.

  • Marley family unveils upgraded Tuff Gong Int’l Studios

    Marley family unveils upgraded Tuff Gong Int’l Studios

    Kingston’s historic Tuff Gong International Studios inaugurated its newly transformed facilities with an exclusive relaunch event on Thursday, marking a significant evolution for one of the Caribbean’s most iconic music production hubs. The invite-only gathering brought together politicians, musicians, and media figures within the storied Marcus Garvey Drive compound for a firsthand experience of the modernized creative space.

    The evening unfolded with a celebratory yet reflective atmosphere as guests explored the comprehensively upgraded studios, featuring cutting-edge production suites and acoustically enhanced recording environments. The redesign carefully balances state-of-the-art technology with conscious preservation of the location’s profound musical heritage, creating what the Marley family describes as a nurturing ground for both established and emerging Jamaican talent.

    Entertainment professional Empress framed the historical significance of the venue, tracing its origins to the pioneering Federal Records establishment founded by Ken Khouri in 1957. As Jamaica’s first fully integrated music production complex, Federal revolutionized the local industry by combining recording, mastering, and vinyl pressing operations under one roof—a rare capability that Tuff Gong has maintained and enhanced through its latest renovations.

    The narrative of Bob Marley’s early rejection at these same gates, followed by his prophetic vow to one day own the property, resonated throughout the evening. This vision materialized in 1981 when Rita Marley acquired the compound, transforming it into both a tribute to the reggae legend and a functional creative ecosystem.

    The ceremonial highlight occurred when siblings Cedella and Stephen Marley struck a massive metal Gong, symbolically inaugurating the new chapter. Guests then toured the facilities, including a thoughtfully designed artist lounge equipped with recreational amenities and decorated with archival photography documenting the studio’s storied history.

    The experiential journey concluded in the vinyl pressing area, where attendees observed the complete production process from recording to physical record creation. The evening culminated with musical performances by third-generation Marley artists Yohan and Mystic Marley, who delivered selections from their grandfather’s legendary catalog to an appreciative audience.

    This reimagined Tuff Gong International Studios now stands as both a memorial to Jamaican music’s golden era and a forward-looking creative incubator designed to serve the entire island’s artistic community.

  • Damaged but determined

    Damaged but determined

    In the devastating wake of Hurricane Melissa, the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation (WCJF) has demonstrated extraordinary resilience by maintaining its essential services for vulnerable adolescent mothers. Despite severe infrastructure damage across multiple parishes, the foundation received crucial support from both partner organizations and former beneficiaries—embodying the 2024 International Women’s Day theme ‘Give to Gain’ through powerful displays of mutual aid during crisis.

    Established to address Jamaica’s persistently high teenage pregnancy rates, the WCJF provides continuing education and support for pregnant girls under 19 who are excluded from the regular school system. The hurricane inflicted substantial damage to facilities in Savanna-la-Mar, Santa Cruz, Montego Bay, St Ann’s Bay, Morant Bay, and Junction. The Savanna-la-Mar centre suffered critical roof displacement, Santa Cruz lost its water storage tanks, Montego Bay’s pre-school roof was partially torn away, and multiple locations experienced structural collapses and security breaches.

    Executive Director Novlette Howell emphasized that despite these physical damages, the foundation’s primary concern remained its human resources—both the staff and beneficiaries. Through coordinated efforts with the Jamaican Government, WCJF personnel distributed care packages and financial assistance to affected women and girls in the hardest-hit parishes of St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, and St James.

    The foundation secured significant overseas donor grants, distributing amounts ranging from $20,000 to $210,000 to 22 staff members for various recovery needs including roof repairs, structural rebuilding, and complete home replacements. Additionally, WCJF centers served as temporary shelter for both staff and beneficiaries displaced by the hurricane.

    A particularly inspiring aspect of the recovery effort emerged from the foundation’s alumni network. Former beneficiaries across the globe—now working as police inspectors, teachers, nurses, and business owners—mobilized support through material donations and mentorship. Howell noted that barrels of supplies from past students were delivered to the Savannah-la-Mar centre, demonstrating the powerful cycle of empowerment that defines the organization’s mission.

    The WCJF maintains long-term commitment to its beneficiaries, providing ongoing counseling through university and professional integration via mentorship programs. This sustained support system exemplifies how investing in women creates ripple effects that strengthen entire communities, transforming personal achievement into collective advancement—the very essence of ‘Give to Gain’ in practice.

  • RACQUET DREAMS

    RACQUET DREAMS

    Tennis Jamaica is advancing plans for a transformative multimillion-dollar national tennis facility, signaling a new era for the sport’s development across the island. President John Azar confirmed the association is in advanced negotiations to establish a modern complex that would replace its current headquarters at the Eric Bell Tennis Centre in Kingston.

    While acknowledging the project remains a long-term initiative, Azar revealed that funding has already been secured through private sponsorships and support from the International Tennis Federation. The primary challenge lies not in financing but in finalizing land acquisition details for the proposed facility, which aims to be situated in a more centralized location to better serve Jamaica’s tennis community.

    The association’s vision extends beyond the capital city. Tennis Jamaica is actively pursuing partnerships with schools island-wide to construct additional courts, addressing what Azar identifies as the fundamental constraint to tennis development: limited playing infrastructure. ‘Unlike football where any open space suffices, tennis is limited by the number of courts,’ Azar noted, emphasizing the need to expand facilities to make the sport more accessible.

    Complementing this infrastructure expansion, Tennis Jamaica is working with institutions like G.C. Foster College to certify physical education teachers as tennis instructors, creating a sustainable pipeline of qualified coaches. This initiative forms part of a broader strategy to dismantle historical perceptions of tennis as an elitist sport. The association now provides racquets, balls, and complimentary coaching to remove financial barriers to participation.

    Despite recent high-profile tournaments including the Davis Cup matches hosted at Eric Bell Centre in 2023-2025, some events have migrated to alternative venues like the Liguanea Club, underscoring the need for enhanced facilities. Azar, who will not seek re-election in 2028 after three terms leading the association, anticipates the transition to a new national tennis center will occur ‘sooner than later,’ marking a significant milestone in Jamaica’s tennis evolution.

  • New Diaspora battle heading for US court over GJDC elections

    New Diaspora battle heading for US court over GJDC elections

    A significant legal challenge has emerged within the Jamaican diaspora community in the United States following recent elections for the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council (GJDC). Attorney Wilfred Rattigan, a retired FBI special agent and former candidate for the Northeast US representative position, has filed a defamation lawsuit in Queens Supreme Court, New York, alleging wrongful disqualification from the electoral process.

    The lawsuit targets both the GJDC electoral committee and The Gleaner newspaper, claiming they disseminated false information implying Rattigan had criminal convictions and questionable character. According to court documents, Rattigan asserts these allegations caused substantial reputational damage, professional harm to his legal practice, and economic injury.

    The controversy stems from the February 20, 2026 elections that selected new leadership for both the GJDC and Global Jamaica Diaspora Youth Council across six international regions. The Jamaican foreign ministry described the process as “the most competitive and participatory contest in the councils’ history,” with 52 candidates and approximately 1,700 voters participating globally.

    Committee chairman Donovan Wilson defended the disqualification decisions, explaining that two candidates were excluded—one for late filing and another under section 5.2 of election rules, which prohibits individuals with criminal convictions or bankruptcy filings from representing the diaspora. Wilson emphasized the committee deliberately avoided specifying which subsection applied to Rattigan to prevent further controversy.

    This legal action represents the latest in a series of challenges facing the GJDC and its predecessor organization. Earlier this year, former Jamaica Advisory Board member Patrick Beckford called for an election boycott advocating for greater council autonomy, a position echoed by outgoing Southern US representative Peter Gracey following the elections.

    Despite the controversy, newly elected representatives including Janice McIntosh (Southern US), Dr. Binzie R. Davidson (West-Midwest US), and returning Northeast US representative Michelle Tulloch-Neil are now preparing for the 11th GJDC Biennial Conference scheduled for June 14-18 in Montego Bay, St. James.

  • Remembering Michael Manley and the legacy of the NHT

    Remembering Michael Manley and the legacy of the NHT

    The Jamaican political landscape paused to commemorate the enduring legacy of former Prime Minister Michael Manley on the anniversary of his passing, March 6, 2026. The Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) spearheaded reflections highlighting one of Manley’s most transformative achievements—the National Housing Trust (NHT)—which simultaneously celebrates its golden jubilee this year.

    Hailed as one of Jamaica’s most visionary statesmen, Manley’s governance philosophy centered on elevating ordinary citizens through progressive social policies. The PNP, in an official statement, characterized the NHT as a revolutionary institution founded on the radical principle that adequate housing constitutes a fundamental right rather than a privileged commodity. “Conceived as a bold and people-centered intervention,” the party noted, “the NHT operationalized Manley’s conviction that national development must be measured by tangible improvements in citizens’ daily lives.

    Opposition housing spokesperson Professor Senator Floyd Morris and Michael Manley Foundation Chairperson Senator Donna Scott Mottley jointly celebrated Manley’s multifaceted contributions to Jamaican society. They documented his administration’s sweeping reforms initiated upon taking office in 1972, including groundbreaking labor legislation, the creation of the National Youth Service, the Jamaica Movement for Advancement of Literacy, the abolition of the ‘Bastardy Act,’ and the implementation of universal free education.

    The senators emphasized that the NHT transcends its physical infrastructure achievements, catalyzing profound social mobility, strengthening family stability, and fostering inclusive economic participation. By enabling generational wealth transfer through homeownership, the institution has systematically reduced inequality and fortified the nation’s social fabric. “Entire towns and housing schemes across Jamaica stand as living testaments to this initiative,” they observed.

    Morris and Scott Mottley articulated Manley’s governing philosophy that true independence necessitates economic empowerment, with the state bearing responsibility for innovative public interventions. The NHT embodies this ideology through its practical, sustainable, and human-centered approach to national development.

    As Jamaica celebrates both Manley’s legacy and the NHT’s five decades of service, the senators urged the current government to officially recognize the institution’s anniversary and honor its visionary founder. They concluded with a powerful testament: “Brilliant ideas will last for a while but legendary actions last for generations.”

  • Mother-daughter duo shines with natural hair products

    Mother-daughter duo shines with natural hair products

    THREE HILLS, ST MARY — A resilient entrepreneurial team comprising 44-year-old Simone Davis and her daughter Kezia Barnes is achieving remarkable success with their homegrown enterprise, NKB Collections, specializing in natural hair care solutions. Originating from the eastern parish of St. Mary, their business narrative exemplifies innovation and tenacity.

    The venture commenced in 2021 when Davis, a professionally certified tour guide, initially operated as a sales representative for another company’s products. Her personal experimentation with natural herbal formulations sparked the inspiration to develop a proprietary product line. She subsequently entrusted her daughter with comprehensive research and development responsibilities to create their unique offerings.

    Their entrepreneurial path encountered significant obstacles, including the economic disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic and the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa. Demonstrating exceptional adaptability, the母女搭档 pivoted their business strategy by expanding into complementary products including hair bonnets and natural juices to maintain operational continuity. They strategically leveraged every opportunity to promote NKB Collections through medical outreach programs, local fairs, and regional expos, establishing direct customer relationships and enhancing brand visibility.

    “Our unwavering faith has ultimately yielded dividends,” Davis affirmed regarding their perseverance.

    The enterprise has successfully cultivated both domestic and international clientele through strategic social media engagement on their Instagram platform. Davis expressed profound appreciation for her daughter’s multifaceted contributions to their business success, acknowledging her roles as research specialist, strategic planner, organizational manager, and emotional pillar during challenging periods when operational stagnation and financial pressures seemed overwhelming.

    With demonstrated resilience against pandemic and natural disaster challenges, the entrepreneurs maintain confident optimism about their future prospects. “We possess absolute certainty in our capacity to overcome any forthcoming obstacles,” the younger Barnes asserted. Davis added with conviction: “Our product line ensures a radiant future, and I am confident in our continuous progression from achievement to greater accomplishment.”

  • Dance it out of your system!

    Dance it out of your system!

    MONTEAGO BAY, Jamaica – In an innovative approach to community mental health recovery, this western Jamaican city has embraced salsa dancing as therapeutic intervention for residents grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation.

    British expatriate Jermaine Allison-Sheriff, a qualified dance coach and mental health promotion specialist, has launched ‘Salsa North Jamaica’ – a three-week program offering structured dance sessions every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at the Montego Bay Cultural Centre. The initiative specifically addresses the psychological trauma inflicted by last October’s Category 5 hurricane, which claimed 45 lives and caused billions in damage across Jamaica’s hardest-hit parishes.

    “The physical remnants of destruction—damaged roofs and roadside debris—serve as constant traumatic reminders five months post-disaster,” Allison-Sheriff explained. “While structural repairs require time, we can immediately build psychological resilience through communal activity and joyful movement.”

    Neuroscientific research underpins the methodology: physical exertion coupled with emotional expression stimulates endorphin production—including dopamine and serotonin—that effectively manages stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms. Multiple international studies suggest dance therapy may surpass antidepressant efficacy in treating trauma.

    The program accommodates diverse demographics: Tuesday sessions target young adults after school hours; Wednesday mornings feature slower-paced classes for seniors over 50; Thursday evenings welcome all enthusiasts aged 16+. Each two-hour session costs JMD$1,000 (approximately USD$6.50).

    Beyond psychological benefits, participants develop improved flexibility, posture, and balance—particularly valuable for older adults avoiding conventional gym routines. The partner-based format also rejuvenates relationships through shared experiential learning while fostering social connectivity among isolated community members.

    Allison-Sheriff, despite retirement, contributes her specialized expertise in health-related physical activity to cultivate a sustainable dancing community. Her vision includes developing local musical accompaniment for regular live-music events, ultimately creating a self-sustaining ecosystem supporting ongoing mental wellness.