Few figures in reggae and dancehall music command as much recognition as Chaka Demus. For over three decades, his distinctive voice and style have shaped an era of Jamaican music that has resonated globally. Now, the legendary artist is embarking on a new chapter, infusing the holiday season with the warmth of reggae through his latest release, *Christmas Time*. This track masterfully combines the festive joy of the holidays with the unmistakable rhythm of Jamaican beats, creating a folksy yet contemporary anthem ideal for family gatherings, community festivities, and global holiday playlists. Born John Taylor, Chaka Demus emerged from Kingston’s vibrant sound system culture, quickly establishing himself as a deejay with a commanding stage presence and a knack for infectious rhythms. His early work with Roots Majestic and King Jammy’s sets laid the foundation for a career that would see him transition from selector to artiste. Hits like *Everybody Loves Chaka*, *Young Gal Business*, and *Gal Wine* solidified his status in Jamaican music, with the latter remaining a fan favorite at live performances. His breakout single, *Original Kuff*, became a defining track of the digital dancehall era, earning him widespread acclaim both locally and internationally. Collaborating with top producers such as Bobby Digital and Winston Riley, Chaka Demus secured his place as one of Jamaica’s most versatile musicians by the 1990s. His partnership with singer Pliers marked a historic milestone, as the duo Chaka Demus & Pliers became household names with hits like *Murder She Wrote*, *Tease Me*, and their chart-topping rendition of *Twist and Shout*. They made history as the first Jamaican act to achieve five consecutive UK Top 20 singles, paving the way for dancehall and reggae to flourish in mainstream pop markets. Their music, celebrated for its feel-good vibes and Caribbean soul, continues to dominate global playlists, with *Murder She Wrote* remaining one of the most sampled and revered reggae tracks worldwide. Beyond his success with Pliers, Chaka Demus has continued to innovate and perform, cementing his legacy as a cultural ambassador for Jamaican music. Earlier this year, he released the single *Mi Love You*, showcasing his enduring creativity and reaffirming his artistic prowess. *Christmas Time* is now available worldwide on major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and Audiomack. With his unmistakable voice, timeless charisma, and global influence, Chaka Demus once again demonstrates that great artistry transcends time.
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BANKS PUSH BACK AGAINST REGULATORY ONSLAUGHT
Jamaican financial institutions are pressing regulators to synchronize the implementation of new capital and liquidity regulations, citing the rapid pace of reforms as a significant compliance burden that could erode profitability. Keith Duncan, CEO of JMMB Group Ltd, one of Jamaica’s largest financial entities, emphasized this concern during the company’s 12th annual general meeting (AGM) on Friday. Duncan highlighted that over 100 policy reforms have been introduced in the past decade, creating substantial operational challenges for the sector. While these measures aim to enhance financial stability, their accelerated rollout has strained resources, particularly for smaller institutions. The Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) is currently advancing a series of reforms, including Basel III capital standards, a ‘twin peaks’ regulatory model, and new liquidity requirements for financial holding companies (FHCs). These changes, though beneficial in the long term, are driving up costs and limiting capital deployment flexibility. Duncan urged regulators to adopt a collaborative approach, ensuring reforms are sequenced to minimize the burden on the industry. The BOJ is also developing a special resolution regime (SRR) to address failing financial institutions, though its funding mechanism remains contentious. Additionally, the Financial Services Commission (FSC) has introduced reforms to exposure limits for collective investment schemes and dividend declarations by securities dealers. While these measures aim to strengthen the financial system, they may lead to higher compliance costs, potentially passed on to consumers. The JMMB Group CEO called for a balanced regulatory framework to safeguard profitability and shareholder returns.
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JMMB real estate arm turns profit
JMMB Real Estate Holdings Limited, the property development subsidiary of the JMMB Group, is forging ahead with two significant commercial projects in Kingston, marking a strategic expansion into the non-financial sector. The developments, located on Harbour Street in downtown Kingston and Haughton Avenue in New Kingston, are currently in the tender phase, with contractors being selected. While the company has not disclosed the exact costs, it confirmed that construction is slated to begin in the fourth quarter of the 2025/26 financial year. The Harbour Street project is expected to take 18 to 20 months, while the Haughton Avenue development will require 22 to 24 months to complete. Both projects received statutory approvals earlier this year and are part of JMMB’s broader strategy to monetize its $4-billion land bank through high-value commercial real estate. The Harbour Street development will renovate 35,000 square feet of office space, while the Haughton Avenue project will feature a 10-storey building with parking and 45,000 square feet of modern offices. The latter currently houses JMMB’s head office, JMMB Bank (Jamaica) Limited, and JMMB Investments. JMMB has set a profit hurdle rate of 15% for each project, reflecting its focus on market-based returns rather than passive asset appreciation. The company plans to finance the projects independently, seeking partnerships and funding on favorable terms. Upon completion, the properties will either be sold floor-by-floor or leased on medium-term agreements, aligning with JMMB’s long-term investment strategy. This approach has already proven successful at the company’s first completed project at 102 Hope Road and 1 Liguanea Avenue, which began generating rental income last financial year. JMMB Real Estate reported a net profit of $332 million for the 2024/25 financial year, contributing $760 million in income to the group through rental earnings, property sales, and revaluation gains. Group CEO Keith Duncan highlighted the subsidiary’s self-sufficiency, emphasizing its role as a growth engine for the JMMB Group. With design work underway for additional projects in Mandeville and Montego Bay, JMMB Real Estate is poised to play a pivotal role in the group’s diversification strategy.
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A win against period poverty
The 2025 national budget marks a historic milestone by addressing period poverty, a critical issue that has long been overlooked. This groundbreaking inclusion is the culmination of relentless global and local feminist activism, which has successfully framed menstruation as a matter of public health, human rights, and gender equity. Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo emphasized that period poverty severely impacts the health and educational opportunities of individuals who cannot afford menstrual hygiene products, thereby denying them equitable access to empowerment and confidence in daily activities such as attending school or participating in sports. Recognizing this, St Lucia has taken a pioneering step by allocating US$250,000 to support students struggling with the cost of feminine hygiene products. In his October 13 presentation, Minister Tancoo proposed the establishment of a Women’s Health Fund with an initial capital of $5 million, aimed at sustaining initiatives through tax-incentivized individual and corporate contributions. This fund will launch a pilot program to distribute free menstrual kits in educational institutions and provide comprehensive menstrual health education, targeting various groups including men and boys to foster inclusivity and dismantle stigma. The removal of VAT on pads and tampons in 2001 was a significant step, acknowledging these products as basic necessities for approximately half the population. However, period poverty extends beyond the cost of menstrual products; it encompasses the need for menstrual health education, safe and accessible sanitation facilities, and the elimination of stigma. The issue is particularly acute in disaster-affected areas, where the spectrum of sexual and reproductive health and rights must be integrated into disaster management. Addressing period poverty also requires robust health and family life education in schools, enabling adolescents to ask questions about their bodies, reproduction, and anxieties. Organizations like Feminitt have been at the forefront of this movement, advocating for legislative changes, increased research, and gender-responsive solutions that acknowledge the LGBTQIA+ community and people with disabilities. Crown Her TT, founded by medical and legal professionals, has amplified these efforts through a national campaign. The 2025 budget represents a significant victory for people who menstruate, girls, and women, and underscores the importance of mentoring and supporting youth-led peer activism.
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AI can helptackle crime
Artificial intelligence (AI) holds transformative potential in the realm of crime prevention, offering tools for predictive policing and more efficient identification of illicit activities. However, the financial burden of developing and implementing such advanced technology, particularly in smaller economies like Trinidad and Tobago (TT), raises significant concerns. Issues of affordability, transparency, and the risk of misuse or overreach must be carefully weighed against the potential benefits.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been exploited by various sectors, including food, freight, and utilities, as a pretext for unjustified price hikes. These practices, often shrouded in opacity, manipulate public perception and exacerbate economic hardship by eroding purchasing power. This tactic mirrors the dismissive stance of former US President Donald Trump, who famously labeled climate change as a ‘con job,’ highlighting a broader pattern of leveraging crises for economic gain.
Environmental policies present a stark dichotomy. While some global leaders advocate for green energy initiatives, major economies such as China, Iran, Russia, and Iraq continue to rely heavily on coal and fossil fuels, perpetuating the climate crisis. This inconsistency underscores the intricate interplay between economic interests and environmental sustainability, revealing the complexities of global energy politics.
In conclusion, whether addressing AI in crime prevention, economic manipulation, or climate policy, the necessity for transparency, responsible leadership, and strategic planning is paramount. Misinformation and diversionary tactics only hinder genuine progress, benefiting a select few while imposing significant burdens on the majority. The call for clarity and actionable solutions has never been more urgent.
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Budget a blueprint of hope, accountability and inclusion
The 2025-2026 national budget, titled “T&T First: Building Economic Fairness through Accountable Fiscal Policies,” presented by Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo and the United National Congress (UNC) government, has garnered widespread acclaim for its bold and people-centric approach. The budget strikes a balance between fiscal discipline and compassionate governance, focusing on restoring public confidence, rebuilding institutions, and safeguarding citizens through strategic social investments. Within just 150 days, the government has taken decisive steps, including justice for former Caroni workers, the revival of the Couva Children’s Hospital, and reducing the price of super gas, alongside modernising key agencies like the Inland Revenue Division and Customs and Excise Division. These initiatives underscore a commitment to transparent governance and sound economic management. The budget also emphasises diversification in agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, and renewable energy, paving the way for a more resilient economy. Additionally, measures to protect the elderly, youth, and vulnerable populations, coupled with modernising healthcare, infrastructure, and digital services, reflect a holistic vision for national development. However, the writer proposes regularising Venezuelan migrants as a strategic move to transform a humanitarian challenge into an economic opportunity. Granting legal work status would expand the tax base, increase national insurance contributions, and formalise informal jobs, benefiting both local and migrant workers. This approach could stimulate consumer spending, support small businesses, and inject new skills into critical industries like agriculture, construction, and hospitality. Drawing inspiration from countries like Colombia and Costa Rica, which have successfully integrated migrant workers into their formal economies, Trinidad and Tobago has the opportunity to strengthen its economy while upholding its tradition of compassion and regional solidarity. The budget is not merely a financial plan but a blueprint for hope, accountability, inclusion, and transformation.
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Procope continues marathon swim, thanks supporters during break
John Procope, a determined long-distance swimmer, is currently undertaking an extraordinary challenge: swimming 100 kilometers around the island of Tobago. This ambitious endeavor began on October 13 at Pigeon Point and is expected to conclude on the morning of October 15. Procope’s journey is divided into two distinct phases: the first half in the relatively calm Caribbean Sea and the second half in the more turbulent Atlantic Ocean, which poses significant physical and mental challenges. On October 14, Procope took a brief pause at Blue Waters Inn in Speyside to express his gratitude to his supporters. Treading water, he thanked his family, friends, and crew for their unwavering encouragement and assistance. His support team includes two fellow swimmers, Jacob Cox and William Carr, who accompany him for portions of the swim, as well as a support vessel and a kayaker providing essential supplies. This is not Procope’s first attempt at such a daunting feat. In October 2024, he successfully swam from Tobago to Trinidad in approximately 25 hours, showcasing his remarkable endurance and commitment to pushing the boundaries of human capability.
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Women Warriors open Concacaf W Qualifiers vs Barbados on Nov. 30
The Trinidad and Tobago (TT) senior women’s football team is set to begin their 2025/26 Concacaf Women’s Qualifiers campaign with an away match against Barbados on November 30. The schedule was officially confirmed by Concacaf on October 14, marking the start of a challenging journey for the Women Warriors. TT has been placed in Group F alongside Barbados, El Salvador, and Honduras. Following their opener, the team will face Honduras on March 4, 2026, and then host El Salvador in a crucial home fixture. The squad is under the leadership of newly appointed head coach Angus Eve, who previously coached the senior men’s team, with Densill Theobald, a successful TT Premier Football League coach, serving as his assistant. With six weeks remaining before their first match, the team is intensifying training and preparation to ensure a strong start. The Concacaf Women’s Qualifiers, spanning from November 2025 to April 2026, will determine the six group winners who will join the USA and Canada in the 2026 Concacaf W Championship. This championship is a pivotal qualifier for both the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil and the 2028 LA Summer Olympics, marking a significant milestone in Concacaf’s revamped women’s national team calendar.
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US strike kills 6 more, off Venezuelan coast
In a significant escalation of efforts to combat narcotrafficking, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a military strike in international waters off the coast of Venezuela on October 14, resulting in the deaths of six individuals. The operation, carried out under Trump’s authority as commander-in-chief, targeted a vessel linked to a Designated Terrorist Organization (DTO) involved in drug trafficking. U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth confirmed the strike, which occurred within the U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) operational area. Trump described the deceased as ‘narcoterrorists’ and emphasized that no U.S. personnel were harmed. This marks the fifth such strike in the past month, bringing the total death toll to 27. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro condemned the U.S. military presence, accusing Washington of attempting to orchestrate regime change. Maduro has vowed to protect Venezuela’s sovereignty, launching nationwide military exercises like ‘Independence 200’ to bolster defense against external threats. Venezuelan officials, including Delta Amacuro State Governor Loa Tamaronis, have reaffirmed their commitment to national independence, rejecting foreign intervention. The U.S. has long accused Maduro of facilitating narcoterrorism, a claim he denies, further straining bilateral relations.
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Israel Kills Nine Palestinians Despite Gaza Ceasefire
In a significant violation of the recently brokered ceasefire, Israeli forces have reportedly killed at least nine Palestinians in Gaza, as reported by Aljazeera. The truce, mediated by the United States with the involvement of Qatar, Egypt, and Türkiye, was intended to bring an end to two years of intense conflict in the region. However, the fragile peace was shattered as the victims, attempting to return to their homes in northern Gaza City and southern Khan Younis, were met with deadly force. CNN News confirmed the tragic incident, highlighting the ongoing volatility in the area. Humanitarian conditions in Gaza remain critical, with aid organizations sounding the alarm over the dire situation. UNICEF’s Joe English described Gaza as a “skeleton of a city,” emphasizing the extensive devastation. He further noted the profound impact of the conflict on Palestinian children, stating, “Children in Gaza have spent the last two years deprived of their childhood.” Despite Israel’s allowance of 600 aid trucks daily, English expressed skepticism about the sufficiency of current efforts, citing challenges such as insecurity, damaged infrastructure, and the urgent needs of a desperate population. The breach of the ceasefire underscores the persistent tensions and the long road ahead for achieving lasting peace in the region.