Carib Scope

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  • Sunday Chilling with Fete Isidore in Grand Bay this weekend

    Sunday Chilling with Fete Isidore in Grand Bay this weekend

    As the annual Fête Isidore celebrations kick into full swing this weekend, one of the most anticipated new additions to the calendar – Isidore Sunday Chill – is set to welcome hundreds of attendees to Dominica’s Grand Bay district for a day of cross-community connection and family-friendly fun.

    Scheduled to launch at 12 PM on Sunday, May 24 at the Geneva Playing Field, the event is the product of a collaborative partnership between four key stakeholders: the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (CDPF), the national Government of Dominica, the Grand Bay Village Council, and local events promoter Cool Vibes Entertainment.

    In an official statement shared across the CDPF’s social media channels, event organizers outlined the core mission behind the community gathering: to strengthen interpersonal bonds between different groups in the area, foster broad social unity, and create space for all residents of Dominica to celebrate their shared culture and community.

    “Get ready for an unforgettable day of fun, culture, sports, and family vibes at Isidore Sunday Chill – Grand Bay Fête Isidore Celebration,” the statement read.

    To deliver on that promise, organizers have curated a full lineup of activities tailored to guests of all ages, spanning competitive sports, casual recreation, and live entertainment. The sports schedule is headlined by a friendly exhibition football match between the CDPF team and local side South City FC, alongside a rounders tournament and a high-stakes domino competition pitting Grand Bay Best against a police representative team. For guests seeking lower-key recreation, the day will also include open bingo sessions and casual card game areas.

    Young attendees will have their own dedicated space at the event’s children’s zone, which will feature popular play attractions including a bouncing castle, recreational slides, and interactive appearances by themed costumed characters. Throughout the entire day, local entertainment outfit T Rental Sound will oversee the event’s music programming, with scheduled DJs set to provide continuous, crowd-pleasing tracks to keep energy high.

    Organizers have extended an open invitation to all members of the public, encouraging attendees to bring along their children, friends, and extended family members to join in the day’s celebrations and connect with fellow community members.

  • Southeast US Consul General Oliver Mair to be conferred with honorary doctorate

    Southeast US Consul General Oliver Mair to be conferred with honorary doctorate

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Longstanding Jamaican diplomat Oliver Mair, who serves as the island’s Consul General to the Southeast United States, is set to add another prestigious honor to his growing collection of accolades: an honorary Doctor of Ministry degree from the University of Fort Lauderdale, conferred in recognition of his extraordinary public service and lifelong dedication to lifting up Jamaican communities at home and abroad.

    The honorary degree, awarded honoris causa, will be officially presented during a ceremony on May 22 at Faith Centre Ministries in Sunrise, Florida. University officials selected Mair for the distinction citing his exemplary leadership, unwavering personal integrity, and consistent commitment to service that has left a deep, enduring mark on both the Jamaican diaspora and communities across the Southeast U.S.

    In a statement announcing the honor, the university highlighted that Mair’s decades of public service embody a living demonstration of active ministry: one centered on advancing equal justice, uplifting marginalized and underserved communities, and fostering hope for those facing adversity. His work aligns perfectly with the core mission and values the institution strives to instill in every graduate, rooted in the principle of servant leadership, the university added.

    This honorary doctorate is the latest in a series of recognitions for Mair’s innovative, impact-focused community work. Most recently, he led the highly successful Jamaica Hi-5k Reggae Run/Walk, a fundraising event that drew a record-breaking turnout of nearly 2,000 participants to generate critical support for public healthcare facilities across Jamaica. Prior to that, the Louise Bennett-Coverley Heritage Council, one of the most prominent organizations serving the Jamaican diaspora in the U.S., named Mair its “Cultural Man of the Decade” for his work connecting diaspora communities to their Jamaican heritage.

    Dona-Lee Raymond, president of the Louise Bennett-Coverley Heritage Council, praised Mair for his unique approach to community building, noting that he has leveraged culture, sports, and business development to energize, unify, and integrate the Jamaican diaspora across the Southeast. Former Jamaican Diaspora Advisory Board member Marlon Hill echoed that praise, emphasizing that Mair has been a constant, tireless presence across every type of community initiative, from interfaith church services to cultural music concerts to coordinated disaster response activations following regional emergencies.

    John T Hodgson, a veteran radio broadcaster and Lauderhill City Commissioner, added that Mair has fundamentally redefined the role of a diplomatic consul. Since Mair took up his post in 2018, Hodgson explained, he has transformed the Jamaican Consulate from an office focused solely on administrative paperwork and formal diplomatic protocol into an embedded community hub rooted in the daily lives of Jamaican-Americans across the region.

    For his part, Mair emphasized that his work is centered on lifting up the Jamaican diaspora, a community he describes as an extension of Jamaica itself that expands the nation’s global influence far beyond the island’s borders. “Everywhere we go, doors are opened because a Jamaican is there, working to ensure Jamaica’s interests are honoured and respected,” Mair explained, noting that the diaspora offers far more than just remittance income to the home island: it also provides invaluable expertise, professional advice, and technical support that drives national development.

    Mair pointed to the Southeast U.S. as a particularly vibrant hub of diaspora activity, noting that South Florida alone is home to 27 elected officials of Jamaican heritage, who have opened pathways for future generations of Jamaican-American leaders. The region’s diaspora community is deeply engaged year-round, consistently giving back to both their adopted homes and their country of origin, he added.

    Beyond traditional diplomatic and fundraising work, Mair founded and hosts a weekly virtual gathering that serves as a centralized community update for the 13 states that fall under his consular remit. The weekly series highlights the latest developments for diaspora communities and shares updates on progress and opportunities in Jamaica, functioning as a hub for information, connection, and investment that empowers community members to engage with Jamaica’s growth.

    Looking ahead, Mair says he remains committed to his work, emphasizing, “I want to keep being a pulsebeat of the best we can be.”

  • VP Records, Zojak Worldwide and cop write support letters for gun-smuggling producer ‘Countree Hype’

    VP Records, Zojak Worldwide and cop write support letters for gun-smuggling producer ‘Countree Hype’

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — A high-profile federal weapons smuggling case involving well-known Jamaican dancehall producer Taugea “Countree Hype” Dayes has drawn public attention after prominent figures from the Caribbean music industry and even a sitting Jamaican law enforcement officer submitted formal letters of support to the U.S. court handling his sentencing.

    Dayes, who entered a guilty plea earlier this year to federal charges stemming from a large intercepted weapons shipment, is now awaiting his final sentencing before U.S. District Court Judge Roy Altman, where he faces a possible maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. The case traces back to March 2025, when Jamaican border security officials intercepted a suspicious shipment hidden inside hollowed office furniture. A subsequent inspection revealed the cargo held 30 illegal firearms, 32 weapon magazines, and more than 100 rounds of ammunition, destined for distribution in Jamaica. The interception triggered a cross-border investigation that ultimately led to federal charges against Dayes in the U.S.

    Among the most high-profile supporters backing Dayes for a more lenient sentence is Stephen Chin, a leader at global reggae and dancehall record label VP Records. Chin’s letter, which draws on a six-year professional working relationship with the producer, paints a positive portrait of Dayes’ personal and professional character. “Over the years, I have come to know Mr Dayes as a respectful, hardworking and dependable person. In both professional and personal interactions, he has always conducted himself with professionalism and kindness towards others,” Chin wrote in his formal submission to the court.

    In an unexpected show of support from within Jamaica’s law enforcement community, Corporal Jason Bennett of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) also submitted a sentencing support letter on Dayes’ behalf. Bennett, who interacts with diverse groups of people through his daily law enforcement work, argued that Dayes has consistently demonstrated strong personal values. “As someone who works in law enforcement and interacts with many different individuals in both personal and professional settings, I can honestly say Mr Dayes has always presented himself respectfully,” Bennett wrote, adding that Dayes has “shown qualities of leadership, responsibility and compassion towards others.” Bennett urged Judge Altman to weigh Dayes’ positive community contributions alongside his guilty plea when determining an appropriate sentence, requesting the court account for “the good he has done within the community and the positive influence he has had on others when determining sentencing.”

    Additional letters of support have also been submitted by leadership from Zojak Worldwide LLC, a major music distribution firm, as well as multiple private individuals. All the supporters are jointly asking the court to grant Dayes a downward variance, a legal ruling that would result in a lighter sentence than the default range recommended under federal sentencing guidelines.

    Despite the gravity of his conviction and upcoming sentencing, Dayes has maintained a public-facing optimistic attitude, addressing his situation and the widespread media coverage in a video shared to social media platforms. In the video, he acknowledged the public attention around his guilty plea, saying: “I know some of you may have seen the headlines, some of it may be true… but we positive, big up the people them that reach out to me.” Reaffirming his composure amid ongoing legal uncertainty, Dayes added that “God knows best” as he navigates the aftermath of his conviction. To push back against widespread online backlash and critical commentary about his case, Dayes closed his video by reciting the well-known Bible verse John 8:7: “Let he without sin cast the first stone.”

  • Belgian mother-daughter DJ duo Brooke x Taliyah set for Jamaica debut at club MECA

    Belgian mother-daughter DJ duo Brooke x Taliyah set for Jamaica debut at club MECA

    Kingston, Jamaica’s vibrant nightlife is preparing to welcome a groundbreaking cross-cultural musical experience this Thursday, as international Belgian DJ pair Brooke x Taliyah take the stage for their first-ever live performance in Jamaica at the iconic Club MECA.

    Titled *International Night: Europe Meets Jamaica*, the one-of-a-kind event is a collaborative production between the Marketplace Entertainment Centre for the Arts (MECA) and Main Event Entertainment Group Limited, hosted at MECA’s venue located at 67 Constant Spring Road, Kingston.

    Made up of mother-daughter pair Brooke Bailey and Taliyah Ayana, Brooke x Taliyah have already carved out a formidable reputation across the European entertainment circuit. Their electrifying stage energy and rare cross-generational appeal have earned them a loyal global fanbase, with tour stops spanning more than 50 countries and sets at some of the world’s biggest outdoor music festivals. This upcoming show marks the first time Jamaican music lovers will get to experience the duo’s signature sound live on local ground, a milestone event organizers call a transformative moment for both the venue and Jamaica’s broader entertainment ecosystem.

    In a statement shared ahead of the performance, event organizers emphasized the significance of the night beyond just a single concert: “This performance marks a significant moment not only for MECA as it launches its international campaign ahead of a major cultural showcase in Portugal this summer, but also for Jamaica’s entertainment scene.”

    The lineup balances international talent with homegrown and Jamaican-connected artists: popular local selectors Chiney K and Vinci will share the bill alongside Japanese-Jamaican DJ Bad Gyal Marie, creating a truly global exchange of musical styles that aligns perfectly with the event’s core theme.

    Attendees can look forward to a dynamic, high-energy set blending dancehall, Afrobeats, and a wide range of global popular sounds, centered on Brooke x Taliyah’s popular overseas concept: the playful “friendly clash of the eras” that highlights the musical connections across different generations. The Jamaican DJs will bring their own signature competitive energy to the night, which will close with a crowd-favorite dance-off pitting Afrobeats against Jamaican dancehall.

    Main Event Entertainment Group Limited joined the partnership to leverage its extensive industry experience, ensuring the event delivers the polished, high-production quality both organizations have built their reputations on. To accommodate multi-generational attendance, organizers have intentionally scheduled an early 9:00 pm kickoff, allowing fans of all age groups to enjoy the full experience together. For attendees looking for special deals, a limited free entry list is available for women, and college students with valid IDs can access exclusive discounted admission offers.

  • UNICEF and Dominican authorities address growing risks of online sexual violence

    UNICEF and Dominican authorities address growing risks of online sexual violence

    In the wake of troubling new research showing less than 40 percent of Dominican teenagers feel secure navigating digital spaces, the country’s top justice official has called for urgent, systemic upgrades to how the nation prevents, investigates and prosecutes online sexual violence against children and adolescents.

    Justice Minister Antoliano Peralta outlined the government’s priority during a landmark national consultation hosted by UNICEF, in partnership with global child protection bodies ECPAT International, Interpol, Safe Online and the Dominican Ministry of Justice. The cross-sector gathering brought together key stakeholders from across the Dominican government, including the National Council for Children and Adolescents (CONANI), the Attorney General’s Office, the national judiciary, the Ministry of Interior and Police, the Dominican Institute of Telecommunications (INDOTEL), and the Government Office of Information and Communication Technologies, to assess the growing harm of online violence and sexual abuse against minors.

    Peralta emphasized that the Dominican state bears a fundamental legal and ethical obligation to both prevent and penalize all forms of digital sexual violence targeting young people. To meet this obligation, he said authorities are advancing three core priorities: improving inter-agency coordination to eliminate response gaps, strengthening support and protection frameworks for survivors of abuse, and updating national legal frameworks to keep pace with rapidly evolving digital threats.

    New data presented at the consultation laid bare the stark disparities in online safety facing different groups of young Dominicans. While just 37 percent of all teenagers report feeling safe online, the share drops sharply for adolescent girls, with only one in four saying they feel secure in digital environments.

    Two major studies — the Kids Online survey and Adolescents and Internet Use report — were presented during the event, highlighting deep structural inequalities that exacerbate risk for vulnerable youth. The research found that internet access for Dominican teenagers remains shaped by gaps in connectivity, device access and digital literacy, with half of all adolescents relying solely on mobile phones to go online. This overreliance on mobile-only access is most pronounced in low-income households, putting already marginalized young people at greater risk of exploitation.

    Even for adolescents who have grown up immersed in digital culture, the research revealed a widespread lack of skills to identify and avoid online risks, leaving many exposed to grooming, abuse and exploitation.

    Carlos Carrera, a participating child protection leader, warned that online sexual violence is a fast-growing threat that demands unified action from both public sector institutions and specialized global and local agencies. Attendees also raised particular alarm about emerging technologies, specifically generative artificial intelligence, noting that new tools lower barriers for bad actors to create non-consensual explicit content and facilitate the online exploitation of minors.

    Despite the pressing challenges highlighted, the consultation also noted ongoing progress on both national and international fronts. The Dominican Republic is an active participant in the global Disrupting Harm initiative, a multinational effort designed to crack down on online child sexual exploitation. UNICEF also reported that it is working alongside the Dominican Ministry of Education to roll out targeted safety resources, including the E-mentors and E-pana platforms, to help adolescents and their families build skills for safer, more responsible internet use.

  • Dominican Republic surpasses 1.1 million Canadian tourists

    Dominican Republic surpasses 1.1 million Canadian tourists

    The Caribbean nation of the Dominican Republic has cemented its standing as one of the most sought-after getaways for Canadian travelers, officially crossing the milestone of 1.1 million annual visitors from Canada, new government data confirms. The figures were unveiled by the Dominican Ministry of Tourism during a high-profile tourism promotional roadshow hosted recently in Montreal, Canada.

    Speaking at the industry gathering, Dominican Tourism Minister David Collado outlined the outsized importance of the Canadian market to the country’s $10-billion-plus tourism economy, noting that just two Canadian provinces – Ontario and Quebec – account for the vast majority of northern American travelers, generating nearly 1 million combined visits in the latest reporting period. Breakdown data shows Ontario led with more than 544,000 tourist arrivals, while Quebec contributed over 446,000 travelers to the Caribbean destination.

    Collado emphasized that Quebec alone makes up 39% of all Canadian tourist arrivals to the Dominican Republic, ranking it among the country’s most valuable and consistent international tourism source markets. Beyond strong visitor demand, the minister highlighted the robust air connectivity that underpins the growing travel relationship between the two nations. He revealed that by 2025, more than 6,700 flights will operate between Canada and the Dominican Republic across 29 non-stop routes, with flights maintaining an impressive average occupancy rate of 83% – a figure that signals strong, sustained consumer demand for travel between the two regions.

    At the Montreal promotional event, held May 13 at the city’s Four Seasons Hotel, senior Dominican tourism officials showcased the country’s diverse portfolio of top travel destinations, from the iconic palm-fringed shores of Punta Cana and the lush whale-watching hubs of Samaná to the emerging surf and eco-tourism destination of Miches, the historic capital city of Santo Domingo, the golden coastlines of Puerto Plata, and the golf and resort hub of La Romana. Officials also highlighted a pipeline of new hotel development projects designed to expand accommodation options and attract a broader range of Canadian travelers, from budget-friendly family groups to high-end luxury seekers.

    One of the most striking insights shared at the roadshow came from visitor satisfaction data: 92% of Canadian tourists surveyed after their trips said they intend to return to the Dominican Republic for future vacations, while more than half confirmed they would actively recommend the country to friends and family as a top vacation spot. When asked what draws them to the Caribbean nation, Canadian travelers consistently cited its world-class white-sand beaches, year-round warm tropical climate, widely popular all-inclusive resort model, and convenient non-stop flight access from Canadian cities as core factors driving their travel decisions.

    The invitation-only roadshow brought together key stakeholders from across North America’s travel ecosystem, including senior leaders from Canadian travel agencies, major commercial airlines, international tour operators, and tourism industry associations. The core goals of the event were to strengthen existing commercial partnerships, align on collaborative marketing strategies, and lay the groundwork for continued sustainable growth in two-way travel between Canada and the Dominican Republic.

    Looking ahead, industry analysts expect the Dominican Republic to retain its position as one of the top Caribbean destinations for Canadian travelers for the foreseeable future, driven by consistent investments in new hotel infrastructure, industry-leading air connectivity, and growing consumer demand for sun-and-sea beach vacations and luxury all-inclusive resort experiences.

  • Six people sentenced to life in prison for gun-related charges in first quarter of 2026

    Six people sentenced to life in prison for gun-related charges in first quarter of 2026

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s national law enforcement body, the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), has published a comprehensive breakdown of its crackdown on illegal firearms activity across the island for the first quarter of 2026, revealing stiff penalties for dozens of offenders and large-scale seizures of unregistered weapons.

    Between January 1 and March 31 of this year, the agency recovered a total of 175 illegal firearms distributed across a range of enforcement operations. Thirty-two of these weapons were intercepted at Jamaican ports by the specialized Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division (FNID), stopping untracked weapons from entering the country before they could reach communities. Another 99 firearms were seized during 93 separate active incidents that involved 140 identified suspects, while the remaining 44 weapons were recovered in circumstances that did not result in any criminal charges being filed.

    In total, authorities brought 595 formal charges against suspects under Jamaica’s Firearms (Prohibition, Restriction and Regulation) Act over the three-month period. Charges covered a broad spectrum of firearm-related violations, including stockpiling banned weapons, unauthorised possession of ammunition, and the use of prohibited weapons to commit serious felonies. A total of 80 individuals faced criminal prosecution for firearm possession offences: the defendant pool was overwhelmingly male, with 63 men between the ages of 17 and 75 charged, compared to 17 women aged 19 to 58.

    Geographically, St Andrew South logged the highest volume of firearm-related arrests and charges, with 60 open cases recorded in the district. It was followed by St James with 54 cases and Hanover with 45 cases, marking the three regions with the most intense illegal weapons activity in the first quarter.

    Six of the most high-risk offenders received life sentences for their violations, with several other defendants receiving decades-long prison terms. Among the key convictions highlighted by JCF was that of 23-year-old Romani Lugg, who was arrested in Spanish Town, St Catherine, in January 2025 while carrying an unregistered firearm. Convicted of stockpiling prohibited weapons, Lugg was sentenced to life imprisonment and will not be eligible for parole until he has served 21 years of his sentence.

    A second defendant from St Catherine North, 27-year-old Ronaldo Forbes, also received a life sentence for unauthorised ammunition possession, alongside a concurrent 13-year-11-month term for possession of a prohibited weapon, after police found an unregistered gun during a community operation in March 2025. Fifty-four-year-old Nigel Bailey received a life sentence for stockpiling prohibited weapons with parole eligibility after 20 years, plus an additional 15 years of hard labour for a separate weapons possession charge.

    Andre Jennings of St Andrew South was handed a life sentence for prohibited weapon possession with 20 years before parole eligibility, plus an extra 22 years and 11 months for unauthorised ammunition possession. In Manchester, 48-year-old Matthew Smith was sentenced to a cumulative 40 years in prison after pleading guilty to a string of violent offences including illegal firearm possession, burglary, aggravated robbery, and rape, all committed across a 21-day period in 2023. Ricardo Downer and Timoy Bingham each received life sentences for unauthorised ammunition possession, with additional 14-year terms for prohibited weapon possession. Three other convicted offenders, Nickrane Mighty, Ricardo Kerr and Jamoy Chusney, received fixed sentences ranging from 14 to 15 years for their respective firearm-related convictions.

    JCF officials confirmed that the aggressive enforcement against illegal firearms has continued into the second quarter of 2026, with two additional high-profile convictions secured in April alone. Prosecuted by St Catherine South police, Jerome Wilson received a life sentence for prohibited weapon possession plus 16 years for unauthorised ammunition possession, while co-defendant Marvin Bailey was sentenced to more than 30 years for wounding with intent and over 25 years for illegal firearm possession. Overall, the 17 sentenced offenders from the first quarter received a combined total of more than 250 years in prison, marking one of the toughest three-month periods for weapons-related convictions in recent Jamaican history.

  • Fans to be allowed to create AI music remixes following Spotify, Universal deal

    Fans to be allowed to create AI music remixes following Spotify, Universal deal

    Global music streaming leader Spotify has announced a groundbreaking collaboration with major record label Universal Music Group (UMG) that will open the door to legal, AI-generated song covers and remixes for users, in a move that reshapes the intersection of artificial intelligence and the music industry. Unveiled during the platform’s investor day on Thursday, the new tool will require an additional fee on top of Spotify’s standard subscription pricing, marking a new revenue stream for both the company and participating rights holders.

    Unlike unregulated AI music tools that have sparked industry-wide controversy over intellectual property rights, this new initiative will only operate with the explicit consent of featured artists. Any revenue generated from the feature will be split between the original performing artists and songwriters, ensuring that all creators benefit from user-generated AI content. Spotify Global Head of Music Charlie Hellman emphasized the historic nature of the launch, noting that it marks the first time fans have been able to legally create derivative works from authorized artist catalogues, with all original creators sharing in the new value created.

    Prior to this partnership, Spotify enforced a ban on AI-generated music that draws directly from a specific artist’s work without formal approval, even as the platform continues to allow the upload of general AI-created music, including tracks linked to AI-generated artist identities. The new deal places Spotify in direct competition with two of the fastest-growing players in the consumer AI music space: Suno and Udio, which have collectively amassed millions of active users in the past year.

    Interestingly, the two startups have followed a similar trajectory to Spotify’s new offering: after launching with little to no formal agreements with major labels or artists, both have pivoted to strike licensing deals with major industry players in recent months. Udio has already secured partnerships with both UMG and Warner Music Group, while Warner has also reached a separate agreement with Suno. Even so, UMG and Sony Music Entertainment remain locked in federal litigation against Suno over copyright infringement, with the case currently pending before a U.S. District Court in Massachusetts.

    For creators, the new AI feature is framed as an opportunity to expand their income beyond traditional streaming royalties. Hellman emphasized that the tool will deliver “a brand new source of income on top of what they already earn on Spotify.” UMG CEO Lucian Grainge echoed that positive framing, noting that the partnership prioritizes creator interests while adhering to responsible AI development principles. “This initiative is firmly artist-centric, rooted in responsible AI,” Grainge said, adding that it will “drive growth for the entire music ecosystem.”

    Alongside the AI collaboration, Spotify used its investor day to announce a second major update for paying subscribers: early access to concert tickets through a new program called Reserved. Launching in the United States this summer before rolling out to international markets, the program will allow eligible subscribers to buy tickets for shows from their favorite artists roughly 24 hours before tickets go on sale to the general public.

    Eligibility for the early access program will be determined by Spotify user listening data. The platform will prioritize fans who stream an artist’s music frequently, listen to a wide range of tracks from the artist’s catalogue, and have saved the artist’s work to their personal libraries. Eligible users will be able to purchase up to two tickets per show through Spotify’s integrated partner ticketing platform. The company says the program is designed to combat the longstanding problem of scalper bots, which buy up large blocks of concert tickets immediately after they go on sale to resell at inflated prices, a practice that has frustrated both fans and artists for decades. By restricting early access to verified, highly engaged fans, Spotify aims to ensure more tickets end up in the hands of genuine concertgoers rather than resellers.

  • Ginjah spreads faith and encouragement with ‘God Is Good’

    Ginjah spreads faith and encouragement with ‘God Is Good’

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Veteran Jamaican reggae performer Ginjah is bringing a powerful, soul-stirring message of faith, resilience, and quiet hope to global audiences through his newest release, *God Is Good*. The track is a featured offering on the *Kiss Of Judas Riddim* compilation, a production helmed by celebrated reggae producer Kemar “Flava” McGregor.

    Far more than a standard musical release, the inspiring composition finds Ginjah reflecting on the inevitable challenges and obstacles that shape human life, while gently urging listeners to hold fast to their spiritual beliefs even when circumstances feel overwhelming. In a conversation about the track, the singer emphasized that its core message extends well beyond its name.

    “It’s more than just a song title, it’s a reminder that even through struggle, pain and uncertainty, there’s still hope, purpose and a higher calling,” Ginjah shared. “I wanted listeners to feel encouraged and spiritually uplifted.”

    While the original lyrics for the track were written by producer McGregor, Ginjah infused the final recording with his distinct artistic flair and deeply personal emotional weight. He added original creative elements to shape the song into what fans hear today: “This song was written by Kemar McGregor, I only added some spice to it, like the intro and the last verse. I think it’s a beautiful and inspiring song, reminding people that God is everywhere and he’s truly amazing.”

    The path to recording the track was not immediate, Ginjah revealed. After McGregor first sent him the riddim in late 2023, the track slipped Ginjah’s mind for months, until a chance moment brought its lyrics back into his life in an unexpectedly impactful way. “In March, while clearing messages from my phone, I stumbled upon the words of the song and kept reading them because they were speaking directly to my life,” he recalled. “That’s when I decided to voice the song.”

    The collaboration on *God Is Good* marks just the latest chapter in a creative partnership that spans more than 20 years, tying Ginjah and McGregor together through a shared commitment to thoughtful, well-crafted reggae. The singer noted that their long-running connection has fostered a natural creative rhythm: “Me and Flava have been working together for over 20 years now, so from time to time he links me to voice on his projects. He has a strong vision when it comes to quality music and meaningful productions.”

    As the full *Kiss Of Judas Riddim* project grows in popularity across international reggae circuits, Ginjah says the widespread connection fans feel to the work stems from its raw authenticity and unflinching emotional honesty. The project explores universal themes that resonate with listeners across borders and backgrounds: “The music is real, emotional and relatable. The themes on the project — loyalty, betrayal, faith, struggle and perseverance — are things people everywhere can understand,” he explained.

    For Ginjah, the growing global success of the project carries a larger meaning for the future of reggae music. It proves that conscious, roots-focused reggae still holds massive appeal for global audiences, even amid shifting trends in popular music. “It reminds artistes and producers that staying true to the roots and delivering genuine messages can still reach people worldwide,” he said.

    Most importantly, the singer says the greatest reward for releasing the track has come from the countless fans who have reached out to share that *God Is Good* has supported them through their own personal hard times. That kind of connection, he notes, is the greatest outcome of creating music rooted in purpose.

  • ProDominicana highlights growth of tobacco and rum exports as symbols of national identity

    ProDominicana highlights growth of tobacco and rum exports as symbols of national identity

    In the capital city of Santo Domingo, ProDominicana, the Dominican Republic’s trade promotion agency, marked a major milestone with the fifth iteration of its signature “Tobacco and Rum Night” — a high-profile networking and showcase event designed to lift up two of the Caribbean nation’s most culturally iconic and economically vital export goods. Against a backdrop of growing global demand for artisanal Dominican goods, the gathering assembled a cross-section of key stakeholders: top business executives, leading export operators, foreign diplomatic representatives, and core industry partners from around the world. Attendees gathered not only to celebrate the legacy of these two sectors but also to underscore their outsized role in shaping the Dominican Republic’s national identity and global brand recognition.

    Opening the event, Biviana Riveiro, Executive Director of ProDominicana, delivered opening remarks reaffirming the agency’s ongoing commitment to traditional high-value export sectors. Riveiro stressed that sustained investment and targeted promotion of tobacco and rum remain core priorities for the nation, as these industries help solidify the Dominican Republic’s competitive standing in crowded global consumer markets.

    Official trade data released at the celebration revealed strong, consistent growth across both sectors in recent months. For the tobacco industry, total exports of tobacco and related products hit approximately $1.36 billion USD in 2025, with top international markets including the United States, Germany, China, Puerto Rico, and Spain. That positive momentum carried into the new year: between January and March 2026, tobacco exports topped $364 million USD, marking a robust 19% year-over-year increase compared to the first quarter of 2025.

    The Dominican rum sector posted even stronger growth figures, continuing its steady expansion into new and existing international markets. In 2025, total rum exports crossed the $116 million USD threshold, with primary buyers concentrated in Spain, the United States, Cyprus, Haiti, the Netherlands, and Germany. In the opening months of 2026, the sector extended that upward trajectory: exports reached more than $29 million USD, representing a 26% year-over-year growth rate when compared to the same period in 2025.