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KINGSTON, Jamaica — A comprehensive perception survey conducted by the Downtown Kingston Redevelopment Initiative (DKRI) reveals significant progress in urban revitalization efforts, with measurable improvements in cleanliness, safety, and business confidence across key downtown sectors. The six-month assessment, covering areas from Orange Street to East Street and Ocean Boulevard to Tower Street, demonstrates the tangible impact of targeted interventions in transforming the city’s commercial core.

Michael McMorris, DKRI Committee Chair and former Jamaica Chamber of Commerce President, characterized the findings as a definitive turning point for downtown Kingston. “The empirical data validates our on-ground observations: enhanced urban cleanliness directly influences public perception, mobility patterns, and commercial vitality. Environmental improvements catalyze economic confidence, which remains fundamental to revitalizing Kingston’s historic business district,” McMorris stated.

The dual-survey methodology captured perspectives from both business leaders and community stakeholders—including shoppers, residents, vendors, and workers—providing a holistic view of the initiative’s impact. Key metrics demonstrate remarkable progress: public cleanliness ratings surged from 39.6% to 58% within six months, while reports of environmental challenges plummeted from 48.6% to 23.3%.

Infrastructure and safety indicators showed equally promising trends. Business approvals of street lighting improved dramatically from 28.6% to 53.3%, while public safety confidence jumped from 49.5% to 73%. Confidence in policing effectiveness reached 81%, up from 72.3%, and positive perceptions of the overall business environment climbed from 45.5% to 61%.

Although the survey identified persistent sanitation issues, including localized sewage overflows, the report interprets these findings as evidence of heightened public expectations amid overall conditions improvement. McMorris emphasized that such feedback provides actionable intelligence for phase-two interventions.

The DKRI—a collaborative partnership between the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce and Kingston Restoration Company, with funding from VM Building Society, Pan Jamaica, Scotiabank, and GraceKennedy—has launched the ‘Keep It Clean’ campaign to sustain momentum. This corporate citizenship initiative recognizes businesses demonstrating exceptional environmental stewardship through maintained shopfronts and sidewalks.

Approximately 30 enterprises have joined the campaign, including Broadbent’s Duke Street branch. Manager Karine Chuck noted, “Our participation reflects our corporate responsibility to enhance Kingston’s aesthetic appeal. The new receptacles and murals already create a more inviting atmosphere that attracts visitors and customers.”

Sherina Whyte, co-founder of Waah Gwaan Café, echoed this sentiment: “Community improvement directly benefits business vitality. We encourage broader participation—a superior environment advantages commerce, community, and national development alike.”

South Florida’s vibrant Jamaican community has produced another distinguished figure recognized for his cultural contributions. Audley Rollen, a multifaceted artist, broadcaster, and spiritual leader, was recently celebrated by the City of Tamarac as one of its five 2026 Black History Month honorees. The ceremony, held at Tamarac City Hall on February 11, featured Mayor Michelle J. Gomez presenting the award to Rollen in recognition of his lifelong dedication to cultural preservation and community leadership.

Rollen’s journey to South Florida began over two decades ago when he relocated from Philadelphia, bringing with him an established musical career that originated in Jamaica. His artistic roots trace back to September 3, 1959, when he and his brother achieved national recognition as All Island Champions on the prestigious Vere Johns Opportunity Hour. This early success laid the foundation for a career that would span continents and decades.

Since settling in South Florida, Rollen has maintained his musical pursuits while expanding his influence through multiple channels. He operated a record store in Miami, continued recording music, and evolved into broadcasting and spiritual leadership. Today, he co-pastors Wisdom Sabbath Ministry in Plantation with his wife Dawn Marie Wisdom, while simultaneously hosting several programs on WAVS 1170 AM radio.

The Tamarac award holds particular significance given Rollen’s cultural background as a former committed Rastafarian whose early music included tracks like ‘Repatriation is A Must’ and ‘Hallelujah.’ This acknowledgment represents an international appreciation of his work that began on Jamaican soil 67 years ago. Rollen expressed feeling ‘deeply honored and humbled’ by the recognition, noting that it validates his decades of commitment to cultural preservation, mentorship, and spiritual leadership.

The 2026 Tamarac Black History Month recipients cohort includes other distinguished community figures such as attorney Kaysia Earley, Cheryl Holtz, choreographer Jimmy Locust, and entrepreneur Jimmy Pinchinat, collectively representing the diverse contributions of Black leaders in the South Florida community.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant courtroom development, prominent music producer Linval ‘Shab Don’ Thompson Jr. has been acquitted of all charges under the Corruption Prevention Act. The verdict, delivered on Monday by Presiding Judge Alwayne Smith, concluded a legal proceeding that commenced on February 19, 2026.

The court’s decision stemmed from substantial inconsistencies identified within the prosecution’s evidentiary presentation. Throughout the trial, the credibility of key witnesses was successfully challenged by the defense, ultimately undermining the case against Thompson.

The allegations centered on an October 2021 incident in Old Harbour, St. Catherine, where prosecutors claimed Thompson attempted to bribe a police officer with $2 million Jamaican dollars. The purported offer was made to persuade the officer to remove an illegal firearm from Thompson’s Mercedes-Benz vehicle prior to an official search by members of the specialized police SWAT team.

Defense attorney Donahue Martin, representing Thompson, confirmed the acquittal following the ruling. “I can confirm that my client Mr. Linval Thompson was found not guilty for breaches of the Corruption Prevention Act. In relation to this matter, he’s a free man,” Martin stated.

While Thompson resolves this corruption case, he remains involved in separate legal proceedings. He and co-accused Tajay Clark are currently remanded in custody awaiting trial in the St. James Circuit Court concerning a triple homicide. That case involves the fatal shooting of three individuals at a Rose Heights birthday party on May 25, 2022.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant boost for educational innovation, the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) Foundation has contributed $500,000 to Christel House Jamaica (CHJ) to procure seven advanced robotics STEM kits. This strategic investment was formally announced through an official press release issued this Monday.

The contribution represents a foundational enhancement for the school’s pioneering IDEA Lab initiative, creating transformative pathways for hands-on technological education. These state-of-the-art kits are designed to serve as catalytic tools in democratizing access to innovation-driven learning experiences for young Jamaicans.

JPS elaborated on the lab’s mission, describing it as a dynamic, fully-equipped studio environment where students engage deeply with STEM disciplines through experimental exploration and collaborative projects. The integration of robotics technology is expected to significantly elevate interactive curriculum delivery while fostering essential capabilities in technical proficiency, analytical reasoning, and creative problem-solving.

Christel House Jamaica, operating from Spanish Town as a donor-supported nonprofit institution, maintains a core mission of disrupting intergenerational poverty through tuition-free education spanning primary and secondary levels. Beyond academic instruction, the organization delivers holistic student support encompassing nutritional services, healthcare provisions, leadership training, character development, and career preparedness programs. Community engagement remains integral to the school’s operational philosophy, reinforcing its commitment to societal advancement.