作者: admin

  • Natesha defends wifeys with ‘Louis V’

    Natesha defends wifeys with ‘Louis V’

    Emerging dancehall artist Natesha is challenging industry norms with her latest single, ‘Louis V,’ demonstrating that female artists can achieve success without resorting to sexualized imagery. The track, which debuted on December 5th under the production of renowned beatmaker Black Spyda, has generated significant international buzz for its unconventional messaging.

    Natesha characterizes the composition as an anthem for committed women, celebrating monogamy and self-assured partnership. ‘I created this for the boss ladies who maintain exclusive relationships—women who radiate confidence without compromising their values,’ the New Jersey-based artist explained. Her dynamic vocal delivery and clever wordplay transform themes often considered mundane into a compelling musical statement.

    The single’s reception has exceeded expectations, garnering substantial engagement across digital platforms. Natesha reported enthusiastic responses from diverse territories including Brazil, Mexico, India, Ghana, Jamaica, Morocco, and several European nations. The organic popularity surge prompted accelerated production of a music video, scheduled for release this month after hundreds of TikTok users incorporated the sound into their content.

    With musical influences ranging from Toni Braxton to Beyoncé, Natesha has cultivated a distinctive sound blending pop, R&B, and reggae elements. She attributes her vocal prowess and stage presence to genetic inheritance from her father and late grandfather, both recognized within family circles for their musical abilities. The artist, known for previous singles like ‘Reasons’ and ‘Body,’ maintains that her differentiation lies in authentic self-expression: ‘Music chose me—my distinctive style separates me from contemporaries.’

    Natesha’s upcoming schedule includes performances alongside Mad Stunt (formerly known as ‘Real to Real’) as she continues promoting her message of empowerment through artistic integrity.

  • St Catherine taxi operator charged with murder

    St Catherine taxi operator charged with murder

    PORTMORE, Jamaica – A tragic altercation between two taxi operators has resulted in homicide charges after a fatal stabbing incident in the St Catherine parish. Lloyd Armstrong, a 33-year-old resident of Gregory Park known locally as ‘Juju Frass,’ now faces murder charges for the death of fellow driver Damion Lawrence.

    The violent encounter occurred on the evening of July 25, 2025, when what began as a verbal dispute escalated dramatically. According to official reports from the Portmore Police Division, the confrontation turned physical approximately at 6:15 p.m., culminating in Armstrong allegedly producing a knife and delivering multiple stab wounds to Lawrence’s upper torso.

    Emergency services transported the critically injured 45-year-old victim, who was colloquially known as ‘Trainer’ within the Spanish Town community, to the nearest medical facility. Despite immediate intervention by healthcare professionals, Lawrence succumbed to his injuries during treatment.

    In a significant development following the incident, Armstrong voluntarily surrendered to authorities accompanied by legal representation. His attorney facilitated the coordinated surrender with law enforcement officials, after which formal murder charges were filed against the suspect.

    The Homicide Unit of the Jamaica Constabulary Force has confirmed the ongoing judicial process, with court proceedings currently being scheduled. The case has drawn attention to tensions within the transportation sector and prompted discussions about conflict resolution mechanisms among professional drivers.

    Community leaders in Portmore have expressed concern over the incident, emphasizing the need for peaceful dispute resolution while awaiting justice through the formal legal system.

  • Three children among four killed in St Elizabeth/ Westmoreland border crash

    Three children among four killed in St Elizabeth/ Westmoreland border crash

    A devastating high-speed collision between a passenger vehicle and a utility truck resulted in four fatalities Saturday evening near the St Elizabeth-Westmoreland parish boundary. The catastrophic incident occurred approximately at 5:27 PM along the Crawford-Font Hill thoroughfare, according to official police reports.

    Law enforcement authorities have identified three of the deceased: 30-year-old Jeneen Dawkins, who operated the 2011 black Toyota Voxy; 10-year-old Antwasia Ledgister; and a 17-year-old female known only as Ashley. A fourth victim, a 12-year-old child, remains unidentified pending formal notification of relatives.

    Preliminary investigation indicates the Toyota Voxy, transporting all four victims, was traveling at excessive velocity when it deviated from its proper lane. The vehicle crossed into the opposing traffic path, directly confronting a 2013 white Freightliner M2 160 utility truck operated by a Canadian national working in infrastructure services.

    The force of the head-on impact catastrophically deformed the passenger vehicle, requiring emergency extraction of all occupants. Despite rapid medical response, all four individuals were declared deceased upon arrival at a nearby medical facility. The truck driver emerged physically unharmed from the incident but received psychological trauma support.

    Jamaican Constabulary Force has launched a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances precipitating the tragedy, examining road conditions, vehicle mechanical status, and potential contributing factors to the lane violation. This incident marks one of the most severe road accidents in the parish this year, highlighting ongoing concerns about road safety practices in rural Jamaican thoroughfares.

  • Trump tells Cuba to ‘make a deal, before it is too late’

    Trump tells Cuba to ‘make a deal, before it is too late’

    WASHINGTON, United States — In a stark warning delivered via his Truth Social platform, former U.S. President Donald Trump demanded that Cuban leadership negotiate an agreement with the United States or confront severe repercussions. He declared an immediate and complete cessation of Venezuelan oil and financial resources destined for Havana.

    “THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA – ZERO!” Trump stated emphatically. “I strongly suggest they make a deal, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE.”

    This ultimatum follows a dramatic military operation one week prior, where U.S. forces reportedly captured Venezuela’s authoritarian leader Nicolas Maduro in Caracas. The nighttime raid resulted in significant casualties, with dozens of Venezuelan and Cuban security personnel killed.

    Earlier that Sunday, Trump amplified a speculative post proposing that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio could assume a leadership role in Cuba. Trump endorsed the idea with a succinct comment: “Sounds good to me!”

    In a subsequent detailed post, Trump outlined the historical economic dependency, noting, “Cuba lived, for many years, on large amounts of OIL and MONEY from Venezuela. In return, Cuba provided ‘Security Services’ for the last two Venezuelan dictators, BUT NOT ANYMORE!” He asserted that the recent U.S. action had neutralized this arrangement, stating, “Most of those Cubans are DEAD from last week’s U.S.A. attack, and Venezuela doesn’t need protection anymore.”

    This dynamic has been central to Cuba’s economy since 2000. Operating under a stringent U.S. trade embargo, Havana became increasingly reliant on oil shipments from Venezuela, an arrangement originally solidified with the late Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez and continued under Maduro.

  • Transport Authority commences motor vehicle examinations January 12 for 2026/27 licencing period

    Transport Authority commences motor vehicle examinations January 12 for 2026/27 licencing period

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s Transport Authority has announced it will initiate comprehensive motor vehicle inspections starting Monday, January 12th, initiating an extended preparation period for road license renewals that expire March 31, 2026. This strategic early launch aims to streamline the application process for the 2026/2027 licensing period, which officially opens February 1, 2026.

    The authority characterizes this proactive measure as part of its commitment to delivering more efficient and accessible services to vehicle operators. In parallel, Transport Authority Managing Director Ralston Smith is advocating for the adoption of the streamlined digital application system, which supports payments through bank transfers, VISA debit, and credit cards for enhanced convenience.

    Smith emphasized that both existing public passenger vehicle (PPV) operators and new applicants must comply with all established regulatory standards to qualify for licensing. Mandatory requirements include proper vehicle color coding, exterior markings, and updated documentation verifiable through the Island Traffic Authority and Tax Administration Jamaica’s online portals.

    Officials are urging early compliance to prevent potential legal penalties for operating with expired licenses. The Authority has confirmed that applications submitted after the March 31, 2026 deadline will be subject to additional late fees.

  • Part 2 of ‘Kevin Smith: Cult Pastor’ documentary premieres on YouTube

    Part 2 of ‘Kevin Smith: Cult Pastor’ documentary premieres on YouTube

    Jamaica confronts profound questions of faith and accountability as a shocking documentary concludes its investigation into the Kevin Smith cult phenomenon. The final installment of ‘Kevin Smith: Cult Pastor — Dead or Alive? The Story that Shook Jamaica’ premieres on YouTube, presenting new eyewitness testimonies and disturbing details about fatal rituals that transformed the once-revered spiritual leader into a posthumously charged criminal.

    The documentary meticulously examines how Smith’s influence escalated into deadly manipulation, resulting in multiple fatalities during extreme religious ceremonies. Jamaican authorities have brought unprecedented posthumous charges against Smith, including murder, conspiracy, and firearm offenses, creating legal history while reopening emotional wounds for victims’ families.

    Beyond the true-crime narrative, the investigation delves into systemic failures within religious and governmental institutions that allowed dangerous practices to flourish unchecked. The production team gathered extensive testimonies from survivors and experts analyzing the psychological mechanisms of control within closed communities.

    Most provocatively, the documentary presents evidence and expert commentary addressing persistent rumors that Smith may have fabricated his own death, leaving open the possibility that the cult leader could still be alive. This central question fuels an exploration of how charismatic authority can persist beyond physical presence and how communities struggle to heal from collective trauma.

    The case has sparked national conversations about regulating religious organizations and improving mental health support systems to prevent similar tragedies, making this documentary both a historical record and catalyst for institutional reform.

  • Grange mourns passing of pioneering women’s cricketer, Dorothy Hobson

    Grange mourns passing of pioneering women’s cricketer, Dorothy Hobson

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—The Jamaican sporting community mourns the loss of Dorothy Hobson, a transformative figure in women’s athletics whose multidimensional career spanned over four decades. Sports Minister Olivia Grange issued an official statement extending profound condolences to Hobson’s family, friends, and the extensive network of athletes she influenced nationwide.

    Hobson’s legacy is marked by groundbreaking achievements across multiple roles in cricket. She earned historic distinction as an inaugural member of the first West Indies women’s cricket team, competing in the landmark 1973 Women’s Cricket World Cup. Her career evolved from elite athlete to captain, coach, selector, and administrator, creating an enduring impact on sports development throughout the Caribbean and internationally.

    In 2013, Hobson shattered gender barriers by becoming the first female coach at Melbourne Cricket Club’s Camp—a significant milestone in a traditionally male-dominated institution. This appointment established her as a pioneering force for women in coaching and sports leadership.

    Beyond cricket, Hobson contributed substantially to netball and community sports initiatives, designing programs that enhanced female participation and leadership development. She later served as coach of the West Indies women’s team during the 1993 World Cup and ascended to chief selector, influencing regional talent development strategies.

    Her enduring legacy includes the critical revitalization of the Jamaica Women’s Cricket League in 2015, where she spearheaded efforts to resurrect the competition after years of inactivity. Minister Grange emphasized that Hobson’s lifelong dedication fundamentally shaped generations of women athletes and administrators, establishing foundational systems that continue to support women’s sports advancement across the Caribbean.

  • St James Municipal Corporation ramps up earthquake preparedness activities

    St James Municipal Corporation ramps up earthquake preparedness activities

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The St. James Municipal Corporation has launched an extensive month-long initiative to bolster earthquake preparedness throughout the parish, designating January as Earthquake Awareness Month. This comprehensive program features enhanced public education sessions across educational institutions, commercial enterprises, and local communities, alongside realistic simulation drills and a coordinated media campaign to maximize public engagement.

    Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon, addressed constituents during the January 8 municipal meeting, emphasizing the critical importance of community participation. “I urge all residents to actively engage in preparedness drills and assume personal responsibility for their safety,” Vernon stated. “Heeding official advisories from the Municipal Corporation is particularly crucial this year, more than ever before.”

    Trevion Manning, the Corporation’s Director of Planning, provided crucial context regarding the distinct nature of earthquake emergencies compared to other disasters. “Public awareness regarding appropriate actions during and after seismic events requires specialized attention, as these situations differ fundamentally from hurricane protocols,” Manning explained.

    Despite the earthquake preparedness focus, Manning clarified that post-hurricane recovery operations remain an ongoing priority for the municipality. “We continue to support displaced residents through shelter accommodations, meal provisions, and permanent housing solutions,” he noted. “Both the Council and national government maintain recovery operations throughout the parish, with our primary objective being the restoration of normalcy for affected citizens and businesses.”

    The dual-focused approach demonstrates the municipality’s commitment to both immediate disaster recovery and long-term resilience building against future seismic events.

  • Jamaica enters over 1,300 candidates for CXC’s CTEC pilot

    Jamaica enters over 1,300 candidates for CXC’s CTEC pilot

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) has launched an innovative educational initiative that is transforming regional learning approaches. The newly introduced Caribbean Targeted Education Certificate (CTEC) program, currently in its pilot phase for the May/June examinations, has demonstrated remarkable demand across member states.

    CXC Registrar and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Wayne Wesley revealed during a recent press conference in Kingston that the pilot program has been substantially oversubscribed. While initial projections anticipated 3,000 participants, actual registrations have surged to 6,453 candidates across 13 Caribbean nations utilizing 48 examination centers. Jamaica alone accounts for 1,334 of these registrations.

    The CTEC framework represents a paradigm shift in educational delivery, structured around three distinct learning tracks designed to accommodate diverse student needs. These include an advanced accelerated track with compressed programming, a standard two-year general track, and an individualized flexible track with extended programming options.

    Dr. Wesley emphasized the program’s student-centric philosophy: ‘Within this construct, the learner is at the focus of what we are treating with. We’ll be dealing with the learning style of the individual, the learning rate and the learning depth—how students learn, the pace at which they learn and the amount of content that they can absorb.’

    A significant innovation within CTEC is its modular approach to subject completion. Senior Manager for Examinations Development and Production Alton McPherson explained that CXC will pilot CSEC mathematics module 1 within the CTEC framework during the upcoming examinations. This modular structure allows students who exit the system to re-engage at their point of departure rather than restarting entire syllabi.

    The council has implemented comprehensive stakeholder engagement strategies across all participating territories. These initiatives include orientation sessions, practice examinations, and familiarization with new digital registration and examination platforms leading up to the formal assessments.

    Maintaining rigorous academic standards, CTEC qualifications are administered at equivalent levels to the established Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE), utilizing identical syllabi to ensure educational consistency across the region’s certification frameworks.

  • Gospel singer Donnie McClurkin denies sexual assault allegations

    Gospel singer Donnie McClurkin denies sexual assault allegations

    Renowned gospel musician and pastor Donnie McClurkin has publicly refuted sexual assault accusations leveled by his former assistant, Giuseppe Corletto, in a recently filed lawsuit. Addressing his followers via a Facebook Live session, McClurkin characterized the claims as entirely baseless and motivated by financial gain.

    The artist expressed bewilderment at the allegations, noting he had neither seen nor spoken to Corletto since 2015. McClurkin emphasized the eleven-year gap since their last contact, questioning the timing and authenticity of the accusations. He suggested such false claims ultimately harm genuine victims of sexual violence while expressing confidence that truth would ultimately prevail.

    Despite acknowledging the controversy generated by the lawsuit, McClurkin maintained his commitment to transparency and Christian principles. The Grammy-winning singer stated he remains prayerful for his accuser’s spiritual reconciliation, asserting the allegations contradict his moral character and ministry work.

    According to legal documents obtained by NBC News, Corletto’s suit presents a different narrative. The former assistant claims he sought McClurkin’s spiritual guidance in 2003 while struggling to reconcile his faith with his sexuality. Then 21 years old, Corletto allegedly approached McClurkin after reading the pastor’s autobiographical book detailing how he overcame homosexuality through divine intervention.

    The lawsuit contends that spiritual sessions intended to ‘pray away’ same-sex attraction escalated into sexual molestation. These allegations emerge against the backdrop of ongoing discussions about accountability within religious institutions and the controversial history of conversion therapy practices.