On Sunday, August 31, Hope Botanical Gardens in Jamaica became the epicenter of automotive enthusiasm as Velocity Jamaica hosted its much-anticipated event, Beasts & BBQ. This free car show brought together car enthusiasts, families, and food lovers for an afternoon of high-octane entertainment and community bonding. The event featured an impressive array of vehicles, ranging from modified classics to high-performance machines, all showcased against the lush backdrop of the gardens. Attendees were treated to a dynamic display of automotive artistry, with cars constantly rotating in and out of the venue, creating a visual spectacle that kept the crowd engaged throughout the day. The event’s unique setting, combined with its creative execution, set it apart from traditional car meets, earning widespread acclaim from participants and spectators alike. Raheem Hall, director of Velocity Jamaica, expressed his pride in the team’s efforts, emphasizing their dedication to delivering unparalleled entertainment. Co-directors Daniel Fraser and Justin Campbell highlighted the event’s success in fostering a sense of community among car enthusiasts while offering a platform for creativity and shared passion. The overwhelming positive feedback has already sparked anticipation for future events, solidifying Velocity Jamaica’s reputation as a leader in the automotive entertainment scene. Sponsors such as VM, Porsche, Red Bull, and All Power played a crucial role in bringing the vision to life, earning gratitude from the organizers and attendees. Beasts & BBQ not only celebrated Jamaica’s vibrant car culture but also demonstrated the power of community-driven events to inspire and unite.
作者： admin
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Holness doubles down on plan to transform Jamaica
Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has reaffirmed his commitment to transforming Jamaica into a nation characterized by sustained economic growth, reduced crime rates, affordable housing, and world-class infrastructure. Addressing the newly sworn-in Parliament, Holness emphasized that his focus is not on his personal legacy but on Jamaica’s destiny. This follows his historic third consecutive victory in the September 3 General Election, where his Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) triumphed over the People’s National Party.
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House warming
The opening of Jamaica’s highly anticipated legislative session on Thursday set the stage for a dynamic and contentious political landscape. The Opposition made it clear that it intends to rigorously hold the Government accountable for the pledges made during the general election campaign. This declaration underscores the heightened scrutiny expected in the coming term.
However, the reappointment of Juliet Holness as Speaker of the House, a decision opposed by the Opposition, sparked immediate criticism. Opposition Leader Mark Golding expressed concerns, suggesting that the Parliament’s commencement was marred by discord and a lack of consensus.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness reaffirmed his administration’s ambitious vision for Jamaica’s future. He emphasized the Government’s commitment to achieving sustained economic growth, reducing crime rates, providing affordable housing, and developing First World infrastructure. Holness stressed that this third term is not about personal legacy but rather about elevating Jamaica to a position of greatness on the global stage.
The contrasting perspectives of the Government and Opposition highlight the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Jamaica’s political and socio-economic development. For more detailed coverage, refer to Pages 4 and 5.
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MEN IN LOCKS
In a groundbreaking moment for Jamaica, four male parliamentarians are now proudly wearing dreadlocks, marking a significant shift in the acceptance of Afro-centric identity and Rastafarian culture within the nation’s political landscape. This historic development includes first-time Member of Parliament (MP) Isat Buchanan and Damion Crawford from the Opposition benches, along with Allan Bernard in the Senate. On the Government side, Alando Terrelonge retained his dreadlocks as he was sworn in for his third consecutive term.
Speaking to the Jamaica Observer outside Gordon House, Buchanan, the new MP for Portland Eastern, emphasized the symbolic importance of this milestone. He highlighted the long-standing discrimination and stereotypes faced by individuals with dreadlocks, particularly within Jamaican society. Buchanan, who previously challenged the government in court over Rastafarian hair and Afro-identity rights, described this moment as a major step forward in the country’s journey toward inclusivity and cultural acceptance.
Buchanan stressed the importance of representation, noting that Jamaica’s progress in embracing its Afro-centric roots and Rastafarian heritage is a testament to the nation’s evolving identity. He also underscored the need for unity and equality, asserting that cultural background or personal preferences should not hinder anyone’s opportunities in life.
Crawford, the new MP for St Catherine North Western, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the presence of dreadlocked MPs reflects the true essence of Jamaican identity. He pointed out that the acceptance of dreadlocks in political spaces signals a broader shift toward embracing “Jamaicaness” as a unifying cultural force.
However, Steven Golding, president of the Universal Negro Improvement Association and African Communities League, cautioned against conflating dreadlocks as a hairstyle with the Rastafarian faith. He emphasized that Rastafari is a religion rooted in the divinity of Haile Selassie, and not all individuals who wear dreadlocks adhere to this belief. While acknowledging the positive impact of increased acceptance, Golding called for clearer distinctions between cultural expression and religious identity.
This historic moment in Jamaica’s Parliament not only celebrates the growing acceptance of dreadlocks but also highlights the ongoing dialogue about identity, representation, and cultural heritage in the nation.
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DOMLEC says outages due to fault on ITS north feeder
Dominica Electricity Services Ltd (DOMLEC) has issued a formal apology to residents in several communities following an unexpected power outage on Thursday, September 18, 2025. The disruption, which affected areas including Fond Canie, Louisville, Silver Lake, and Bath Estate, among others, was attributed to a fault on the company’s north feeder. DOMLEC has assured customers that its technical team is actively investigating the issue and working diligently to restore electricity. Updates on the restoration timeline will be provided as soon as they become available. The company expressed regret for the inconvenience caused and urged affected residents to remain patient while repairs are underway. The outage has impacted key locations such as schools, residential areas, and major streets, highlighting the importance of reliable power infrastructure in the region.
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DBS Head at readers’ prize-giving ceremony: Time to renew initiative regionally for ‘better Caribbean’
Cecil Joseph, Manager of State-Owned Radio DBS, has proposed a revival of the station’s reading initiative across the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and the broader Caribbean region. Speaking at the 2025 DBS Radio National Reading Competition prize-giving ceremony, held at the Dominica-China Friendship Hospital (DCFH) conference centre, Joseph emphasized the need for collaboration with regional education ministries to reintroduce the program. He highlighted the importance of evaluating children’s progress rather than fostering a purely competitive spirit. ‘If we can compare and learn from each other, we can build a better Caribbean and OECS,’ Joseph remarked. He pledged persistent advocacy, stating that DBS Radio would actively engage with education officials to ensure the initiative’s success. The competition crowned Kierra John of Sineku Primary School as the top reader, with Amelia Desbonne and Kyra David securing second and third places, respectively. The event also featured a segment sponsored by the National Co-operative Credit Union Limited (NCCU), where Nicole George emerged as the best reader. Dragon Windows served as the headline sponsor, underscoring the community’s commitment to fostering literacy and educational excellence.
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Thea does it again! LaFond secures silver in World Championships in Tokyo
Thea Lafond-Gadson, representing the Commonwealth of Dominica, has once again made her nation proud with an outstanding performance at the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 2025. On September 12, 2025, Lafond-Gadson clinched a silver medal in the women’s triple jump final held at the National Stadium in Tokyo, Japan. Competing against a fiercely talented field, the Olympian and gold medalist achieved a season-best jump of 14.89 meters, securing her place on the podium. This remarkable feat adds another accolade to Dominica’s growing collection of international sports achievements. The Dominica News Online (DNO) extended heartfelt congratulations to Lafond-Gadson for her exceptional performance and dedication to the sport.
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Acting PM meets with British High Commissioner to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean
On Friday, September 12, Acting Prime Minister of Dominica, Hon. Dr. Irving McIntyre, hosted a significant meeting with His Excellency Simon Mustard, the British High Commissioner to the Commonwealth of Dominica. The discussions took place at the Prime Minister’s Office in Roseau, marking a pivotal moment in the diplomatic relations between the two nations. Earlier in the day, Mustard formally presented his Letter of Credence to Her Excellency Sylvanie Burton, the President of Dominica, solidifying his official role in the region. The bilateral talks centered on reinforcing mutual commitments to enhance cooperation and explore shared interests across multiple sectors, including trade, climate resilience, and regional security. Simon Mustard, who assumed his position as British High Commissioner to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean in May 2025, brings over two decades of experience in policy, crisis management, and consular affairs. His previous roles include serving as Special Envoy to Africa’s Great Lakes region and British High Commissioner to Sierra Leone. Currently based in Barbados, Mustard’s appointment underscores the UK’s strategic focus on strengthening ties with Caribbean nations. This meeting highlights the ongoing efforts to foster a robust partnership between Dominica and the United Kingdom, with both sides expressing optimism about future collaborations.
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WEATHER (6:00 AM, Sept 18): Scattered showers, thunderstorm activity expected today; residents advised to continue monitoring for TS Gabrielle updates
Unsettled weather patterns, driven by an upper-level trough, are expected to bring intermittent cloud cover, scattered showers, and isolated thunderstorms across the island today. Light winds and elevated daytime temperatures may intensify cloud formation, leading to localized afternoon downpours, particularly in western and northern regions. Residents in vulnerable areas, as well as motorists and pedestrians navigating flood-prone zones, landslide risks, and areas susceptible to falling rocks, are urged to remain vigilant. Additionally, a slight increase in Saharan dust is anticipated overnight, potentially persisting through Friday. Individuals with respiratory conditions are advised to take necessary precautions. Marine conditions are forecasted to remain slight to moderate, with wave heights reaching up to 3 feet along the west coast and 5 feet along the east coast within the next 24 hours. However, wave heights along the East Coast are expected to rise to nearly 7 feet overnight into Friday, accompanied by longer wave periods likely to generate ground swells. Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Gabrielle, located approximately 845 miles east of the northern Leeward Islands at 5 a.m., is moving west-northwest at 15 mph. With maximum sustained winds near 50 mph and higher gusts, the storm is projected to pass north of the northern Leeward Islands over the weekend. Residents are encouraged to stay updated on further developments.
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Gender inequality persists despite decades of progress
Barbadian women continue to shoulder the majority of caregiving, work, and social responsibilities, despite decades of advancements in gender equality, Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs Kirk Humphrey stated on Tuesday. Speaking at the 30th anniversary commemoration of the Beijing Declaration at United Nations House in Christ Church, Humphrey highlighted the enduring gender disparities in Barbados. Between July 1 and September 15, the Welfare Department issued 2,478 back-to-school cheques totaling $1.62 million to assist children, with over 95% of applications submitted by women. These figures underscore not only financial needs but also the persistent imbalance in responsibilities between men and women. “Women bear a disproportionate share of daily burdens, especially during crises,” Humphrey emphasized. He stressed the necessity of data-driven solutions to address these inequities, referencing the ongoing country assessment of living conditions, which will inform a new poverty line by early 2026, and the planned establishment of the Social Empowerment Agency to enhance social service delivery. Humphrey also linked gender inequality to climate challenges, noting that women are disproportionately affected by climate disasters. “Eighty percent of those displaced by climate disasters are women and girls,” he said, warning that the climate crisis exacerbates existing inequities. Isiuwa Iyahen, head of UN Women’s Multi-Country Office for the Caribbean, echoed the call for action, recalling Caribbean women’s historical struggles against systemic barriers. Despite significant progress, disparities persist. Barbadian women earn 86-87% of men’s wages, and up to half of women with partners experience intimate-partner violence. Women also perform two to three times more unpaid care work than men, limiting their economic opportunities. “Laws alone are insufficient—financing, implementation, and cultural change are urgently needed,” Iyahen concluded.