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  • Toll revenues reach RD$5.78 billion between January and May

    Toll revenues reach RD$5.78 billion between January and May

    In the Dominican Republic’s capital of Santo Domingo, the RD Vial Trust has released new revenue data showing strong growth in toll collections through the first five months of 2026, marking a steady stream of funding for the nation’s ongoing road infrastructure overhaul. The trust announced that total toll revenue hit RD$5.78 billion between January and May, generated by more than 42.3 million vehicle passages across the country’s 17 active toll stations.

    Hostos Rizik, the director of RD Vial, shared that monthly averages for both revenue and traffic have held consistent through the opening months of the year. Average monthly toll collections come out to more than RD$1.15 billion, while the network sees an average of 8.4 million vehicle crossings each month. Rizik emphasized that the vast majority of these toll funds are earmarked for financing, expanding, and building critical roadway projects managed by the Dominican Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MOPC).

    From January to April 2026 alone, total infrastructure investments drawn from RD Vial toll collections topped RD$3.08 billion. Looking back to 2021, cumulative infrastructure investments funded by the trust have reached approximately RD$59.3 billion, supporting major roadway upgrades and new constructions in every region of the country. Current active projects receiving funding include the Navarrete Bypass, which has secured RD$1.57 billion in allocations, a comprehensive improvement plan for Ecological Avenue with RD$777.2 million in funding, and upgrades to the Las Américas Highway with RD$560.2 million. Additional ongoing works are the La Otra Banda Bypass in the La Altagracia region and the Azua Bypass.

    Overall, the full portfolio of upcoming and active infrastructure projects overseen by RD Vial carries a total valuation of RD$38.7 billion. Flagship projects in the pipeline include the large-scale Amber Highway, which has an allocated budget of RD$32 billion, alongside plans for new overpasses along the busy Duarte Highway and the expansion of Sánchez Avenue. When breaking down revenue by individual toll plazas, the Duarte Highway facility outperformed all others in the five-month period, pulling in RD$784.2 million from more than six million vehicle crossings. It was followed in revenue by the Las Américas toll plaza and Section I of the Santo Domingo Ring Road.

    For the Dominican Republic, the national toll network remains a foundational, reliable source of funding for the ongoing modernization and expansion of the country’s road system, supporting long-term connectivity and economic development across the nation.

  • President says Iran still at negotiating table after attacks on Israel halted

    President says Iran still at negotiating table after attacks on Israel halted

    TEHRAN, Iran – In a public statement posted to the social media platform X on Monday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has clarified Tehran’s position following a recent flare-up of cross-border hostilities with Israel, the first armed exchange between the two adversaries since a truce was reached back in April. After Iran halted its targeted attacks on Israel, Pezeshkian emphasized that the country maintains a balanced approach to national security, framing diplomacy and defensive readiness as two complementary pillars of Iranian state power. “Diplomacy and defence are the two wings of national power; we have neither left the battlefield nor the negotiating table,” the president wrote in his post. He added that Tehran will stand firm against all external pressure, stressing that the Iranian government will not back down in the face of any threat to the country’s national interests. The statement comes amid heightened regional tensions that have reignited international calls for renewed diplomatic efforts to prevent a wider escalation of conflict across the Middle East. By publicly committing to both continued dialogue and unwavering defensive preparedness, Pezeshkian’s administration has signaled it intends to pursue a dual strategy that preserves the option for negotiation while rejecting any attempts at intimidation from regional rivals.

  • Abinader guarantees support for flour industry to help stabilize bread costs

    Abinader guarantees support for flour industry to help stabilize bread costs

    On the occasion of the 37th Ordinary General Assembly of the Union of Medium and Small Flour Industries (UMPIH) held in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader stood before industry stakeholders to restate his administration’s unwavering backing for the nation’s flour-processing industry. In his address, he outlined a continued package of government assistance, encompassing upgraded equipment access, targeted technical guidance, and coordinated public-private collaboration—all designed to preserve accessible bread prices for households across the country.

    Abinader emphasized that the domestic flour sector holds significant weight in the Dominican Republic’s broader economic ecosystem, noting that its stable operation directly impacts the food security and cost of living for millions of citizens. He committed to ongoing joint problem-solving between the government and flour producers, working collectively to navigate emerging industry challenges and guarantee a consistent, reliable supply of this staple food product. Beyond the flour sector, the president also expressed guarded optimism about the country’s overall economic trajectory, highlighting sustained expansion across key growth drivers including international tourism, export-focused free trade zones, and incoming foreign direct investment.

    Eduardo “Yayo” Sanz Lovatón, the nation’s Minister of Industry, Commerce and Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs), expanded on the administration’s collaborative approach with the flour industry. He detailed that more than 500 targeted training programs focused on business automation have already been rolled out to small and medium flour producers, equipping them with tools to modernize operations and boost long-term competitiveness. Sanz Lovatón framed the domestic flour-processing sector as a strategically critical component of national development, noting that intentional government support will allow firms to scale their output while keeping bread prices fair and sustainable for consumers.

    During the course of the general assembly, UMPIH President José Radhamés Bruno extended public gratitude to the administration for its consistent backing of the sector. He also announced that this year’s gathering is dedicated to Rafael Sánchez, the organization’s pioneering historic leader. Fernando Pinales, president of the Dominican Confederation of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (CODOPYME), further commended Abinader for maintaining an open, transparent channel of dialogue between the government and small-scale food producers. In a closing recognition ceremony, President Abinader, Minister Sanz Lovatón, and National Institute of School Meals (INABIE) Executive Director Rafael Adolfo Pérez all received honorary plaques in acknowledgment of their key contributions to the growth and development of the Dominican flour industry.

  • U.S. Ambassador hosts Dominican delegation aboard USS Nimitz

    U.S. Ambassador hosts Dominican delegation aboard USS Nimitz

    A senior cross-government delegation from the Dominican Republic has conducted an official visit to the USS Nimitz (CVN-68), the U.S. Navy’s iconic nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, during the vessel’s 2026 Southern Seas deployment in the Caribbean. The trip marks a clear step forward in deepening longstanding bilateral cooperation and strategic security links between the Dominican Republic and the United States.

    The visit was jointly organized by Leah Campos, the U.S. Ambassador to the Dominican Republic, and senior leadership from U.S. Southern Command. The Dominican delegation brought together top civilian and military officials from across the country’s security and economic agencies, including Tourism Minister David Collado, Defense Minister Lieutenant General Carlos Antonio Fernández Onofre, National Drug Control Directorate President Vice Admiral José Manuel Cabrera Ulloa, and National Intelligence Directorate Executive Director Luis Soto, alongside senior members of the Dominican Armed Forces General Staff.

    The official program launched at San Isidro Air Base in the Dominican Republic, where the delegation gathered before being transferred by air to the anchored Nimitz. On arrival, the group was formally greeted by Captain Joseph J. Furco, the commanding officer of one of the U.S. Navy’s most strategically critical capital ships. Over the course of a comprehensive guided tour of the 100,000-ton vessel, Dominican officials held closed-door working meetings with senior U.S. naval commanders, and gained first-hand insight into the carrier’s advanced operational capabilities, day-to-day deployment protocols, and core strategic role within the broader U.S. Atlantic fleet.

    In remarks delivered during the tour, Ambassador Campos underscored the depth of the bilateral relationship between the two nations, stressing that ongoing collaboration across priority areas remains central to shared regional goals. “The bond between the United States and the Dominican Republic is unshakable,” Campos stated. “Our aligned work on security, cross-border trade, inclusive economic development, and people-to-people exchange lays the groundwork for a safer, more prosperous future for the citizens of both our countries.”

    She further noted that the high-profile visit to the Nimitz is a tangible demonstration of the United States’ sustained commitment to partnering closely with Dominican counterparts to tackle transnational shared challenges, from irregular migration to drug trafficking, and advance broader stability across the Caribbean and Latin American region.

    According to senior officials from both sides who participated in the event, the entire visit unfolded in an atmosphere of open goodwill and mutual cooperation. The engagement is expected to further solidify the decades-long friendship and strategic partnership that has defined relations between the United States and the Dominican Republic for generations.

  • Yadier Molina reveals crashed jet in La Romana was en route to pick him up in Texas

    Yadier Molina reveals crashed jet in La Romana was en route to pick him up in Texas

    A deadly plane crash at the Dominican Republic’s La Romana International Airport has sent ripples of grief through the global baseball community, after former St. Louis Cardinals All-Star catcher Yadier Molina revealed the aircraft was traveling to Texas to collect him, his family, and friends before the group’s return flight to Puerto Rico.

    The crash unfolded on Sunday afternoon at the La Romana airport, when the Gulfstream G200 private jet, registered as N318JF, went down during operations at the facility, killing both pilots on board. Molina, who also served as manager of the Dominican Winter League’s Águilas Cibaeñas for the 2024-2025 season, broke his silence on the tragedy via an Instagram post shared with his hundreds of thousands of followers, confirming the jet’s intended mission and expressing profound sorrow over the loss of life.

    “My condolences to the pilots and their families. This plane was on its way to pick me, my family, and friends up in Texas to bring us back to Puerto Rico. Very sad about everything,” Molina wrote in the post. He added an expression of solidarity with the grieving families and loved ones left behind by the two crew members.

    Official investigations into the crash are still ongoing, and local authorities have not yet formally verified the jet’s planned route or released any detailed findings on what caused the accident. The incident has sparked widespread shock across international aviation circles, with tributes and condolences flooding social media platforms from members of both the aviation and baseball communities in the days since the crash.

    As the probe continues, unanswered questions remain about the technical or environmental factors that contributed to the fatal incident, which has struck a heavy chord among baseball fans across the Caribbean and the United States. The tragedy has underscored the sudden, unforeseen nature of aviation accidents, even as the baseball community rallies around the families affected by the loss.

  • Hunt on for new NWA head

    Hunt on for new NWA head

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — A major leadership transition is underway at Jamaica’s National Works Agency (NWA), the government body tasked with overseeing the island’s critical road network and flood management systems. Officials have formally launched a search for a new chief executive officer, bringing a close to the 14-year tenure of longtime incumbent Everton “EG” Hunter.

    The vacancy announcement, published this past Sunday, outlines the core responsibilities that will fall to the successful applicant: setting strategic direction for the 1,000-plus person agency, supervising large-scale public infrastructure projects, managing the island’s sprawling road network, leading investments in climate-resilient infrastructure upgrades, and upholding full compliance with central government procurement and financial rules. The role comes with a competitive starting annual compensation package of roughly JMD $17 million.

    The timing of the leadership change is not accidental: the NWA has faced escalating public backlash in recent months from across Jamaican society, with residents, motorists, local business owners, and elected officials all voicing frustration over persistent poor road conditions and slow, inconsistent responses to infrastructure complaints across multiple parishes.

    One of the most high-profile critics in recent weeks is Delano Seiveright, Member of Parliament for St Andrew North Central, who has publicly lambasted the agency for what he calls unacceptably slow, disjointed, and in some cases completely absent action on road issues affecting his constituents. Speaking at a recent Constituency Development Fund community consultation, Seiveright noted that crumbling road infrastructure has become the top complaint from residents in his area, with widespread grievances over unaddressed potholes, months-long delays for critical repairs, accelerating erosion of the Sandy Gully infrastructure, and roads left damaged and unrepaired after utility companies complete underground work.

    Seiveright also called out the NWA for snubbing the public consultation, despite receiving a formal invitation to attend and answer resident questions. While he acknowledged that managing Jamaica’s extensive 27,000-kilometre national road network presents enormous logistical and financial challenges, he stressed that Jamaican voters now demand far greater responsiveness, transparency, accountability, and delivery from the agency charged with maintaining this critical public asset.

    Seiveright’s criticisms echo widespread frustration among road users across the country, who regularly report deteriorating pavement on major travel corridors, including many high-traffic routes throughout the densely populated Kingston Metropolitan Area.

    The CEO recruitment also coincides with ongoing government discussions over a sweeping road management reform: the proposed creation of a One Road Authority, an initiative championed by Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness designed to cut through coordination gaps, improve accountability, and strengthen long-term strategic management of Jamaica’s entire road infrastructure network.

    For policy analysts and Jamaican residents alike, the selection of a new NWA CEO will be closely watched as a key test of the government’s commitment to fixing longstanding problems in infrastructure delivery, rebuilding public trust, and delivering tangible improvements to road conditions across the island. Applications for the position will remain open until June 19, 2026.

  • Right Move

    Right Move

    Even as the early favorite to land the permanent head coaching role for Jamaica’s senior men’s national football team, the Reggae Boyz, interim boss Rudolph Speid has openly thrown his support behind the Jamaica Football Federation’s (JFF) decision to open a broad, extended search for the full-time position. Speaking after Jamaica’s 1-1 draw with South Africa in a recent international friendly held in Pachuca, Mexico, Speid emphasized that casting a wide net for candidates is the correct approach to finding the best fit for the program.

    The top job has sat vacant for seven months, ever since former England manager Steve McClaren stepped down last November. McClaren’s departure came after a 0-0 draw against Curacao left Jamaica unable to secure automatic qualification for the 2025 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Speid, who also serves as head coach of domestic side Cavalier, stepped into the interim role immediately after McClaren’s exit. He led the Reggae Boyz through the final interconfederation playoff round last March, but a defeat to DR Congo in the playoff final extended Jamaica’s 28-year drought without a World Cup appearance.

    JFF officially opened applications for the permanent position last Thursday, laying out clear criteria for candidates: applicants must hold a Concacaf A coaching license or its global equivalent, have elite-level coaching experience at either the club or international level, and demonstrate a proven ability to perform in high-pressure competitive environments. The JFF aims to appoint a new permanent head coach before August, giving the successful candidate ample time to build tactics and squad cohesion ahead of the Concacaf Nations League A campaign, which kicks off on September 21.

    Speid was widely regarded as the front-runner for the role after turning in solid interim performances, even earning a public endorsement from JFF President Michael Ricketts, who named Speid and assistant coach Miguel Coley as ideal candidates to lead the program moving forward. A final decision on the appointment was originally scheduled for the end of April, but the process stalled when the JFF board failed to reach a unanimous agreement on hiring Speid permanently. The federation’s technical committee subsequently recommended extending the search through the summer, asking Speid to remain in the interim post for the recently concluded Unity Cup in London and last Saturday’s friendly against South Africa.

    To date, early applicants include former Reggae Boyz players Darren Moore and Michael Johnson, both born in England, alongside Speid and Coley. In recent weeks, the applicant pool has grown to include multiple international coaches from Europe and North America, expanding the range of options for the JFF selection body.

    Despite being the presumed leading candidate, Speid says he holds no resentment over the extended search process. “I don’t know if I’ll be the person — if I’m selected I’ll continue. But it’s the right way to go about it, get other people to apply and see if they can get the person that fits what they’re trying to do,” he said.

    In the friendly against South Africa, a warm-up match for the World Cup-bound South Africans ahead of their opening clash with tournament hosts Mexico, Speid’s young Jamaican side earned a credible 1-1 draw. Winger Dwayne Atkinson scored a stoppage-time equalizer in the second half to cancel out a first-half goal from South Africa’s Oswin Appolis.

    With Jamaica entering a new rebuilding phase following their March World Cup qualification failure, Speid noted that the recent friendly and Unity Cup fixtures have served as critical development time for a young, emerging squad. Both rosters for the recent matches carried an average age of under 22, with a large contingent of homegrown Jamaican-based players getting valuable senior international minutes. “We have the Nations League coming up in September, so this was a good way for us to get some games,” Speid explained. “Clearly we have to rebuild the team after failing to go to the World Cup last March. We have carried a lot of young players, this is probably the youngest national team ever, and we are trying to see what these players are made of.”

  • Gin N Juice kicks off summer on June 20

    Gin N Juice kicks off summer on June 20

    Summer party season in Jamaica is about to get a heavy dose of nostalgia, as one of the island’s most beloved retro social gatherings, Gin N Juice, is preparing to make its highly anticipated comeback on June 20. This year’s edition will be hosted at the stunning, scenic Cherry Garden Great House in St Andrew, a venue that organizers say sets the perfect stage for a night of throwback fun and warm connection that harkens back to the golden era of Caribbean nightlife.

    At its core, Gin N Juice is built around celebrating the unmistakeable vibrant energy of three decades that shaped modern social culture: the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s. These eras were defined by spontaneous, in-person gatherings that brought whole communities together, where memories were forged over infectious music, energetic dance floors, and shared moments that strengthened lifelong bonds. In an age of increasing digital connection, the event aims to recreate that authentic, face-to-face magic that made retro social events so special.

    Gregg Smith, co-promoter of Gin N Juice, shared that the event’s core mission goes far beyond just throwing a party: it’s about creating space for people to reconnect. “We’ve always called Gin N Juice the party of friends,” Smith explained in an interview with the Jamaica Observer. “So many of us have friendships that get stretched thin by distance, busy schedules, and life changes. This event gives people a reason to carve out time to meet face to face, something we only get to do a few times a year for many groups. It’s a platform to reignite old friendships that may have faded and build on the bonds that already exist, cutting through the barriers of time and distance to create real, meaningful interactions.”

    No retro party would be complete without a standout lineup of skilled selectors, and this year’s Gin N Juice is no exception. Headlining the musical offerings will be three well-regarded Jamaican DJs: Bambino, Gabby, and Narity, who will take turns spinning the iconic hits that defined the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s, keeping the dance floor packed from start to finish.

    Smith noted that music is the backbone of the entire Gin N Juice experience, so the team only brings in DJs with a proven track record of keeping crowds moving. “We’ve worked with Bambino and Narity many times over the years, so we know exactly the high-energy, crowd-pleasing sets they’re going to deliver,” Smith said. “This year, we’re really excited to have Gabby joining the lineup – she’s the wild card that I think is going to steal the entire show. She’s more than proven she can hold her own alongside any established selector, and this event is going to be her big moment where everyone sees what we already know: a new superstar is emerging. Don’t miss it.”

    To make the event even more accessible and enjoyable for groups of friends coming together to celebrate, organizers are rolling out a brand new ticketing option this year: the crew deal. Designed specifically for long-time friend groups looking for a hassle-free, value-packed experience, the new package caters to the current economic climate where guests are looking to maximize their spending without sacrificing fun.

    “The new crew deal is built for groups who want to enjoy the night together, with everything taken care of up front,” Smith explained. “For one price, you get five entry tickets, a choice of liquor that can be upgraded to a 750ml bottle, a dedicated bistro table for your group, and VIP parking. It’s the best value for money on the market right now, at a time when every dollar counts for people. We wanted to make it easier than ever for friend groups to come together and have a great night without breaking the bank.”

  • Prod.LoudSpeakr plans 1876 Riddim compilation drop for June 26

    Prod.LoudSpeakr plans 1876 Riddim compilation drop for June 26

    Jamaica-based music producer Prod.LoudSpeakr is gearing up to drop his much-awaited 1876 Riddim compilation, a collaborative project designed to lift up rising musical creators from Jamaica and across the globe, when it launches globally on June 26.

    The 9-track collection brings together a diverse roster of fresh talent spanning multiple regions, with each artist bringing their unique creative vision to the shared rhythmic foundation. Featured tracks include Vybrid’s *Grip*, Di Versatile One’s *Real Good*, DejaMck’s *Love Yuh Body*, J Mari’s *My Love*, Trogad’s *Bubble Fi Me*, Sleepy Landell’s *Life*, Briggy Benz’s *Brawling*, Jayidudu’s *Pressure*, and the project’s namesake original 1876 Riddim instrumental, crafted by Prod.LoudSpeakr himself.

    For the producer, the project grew out of a lifelong passion for rhythm-driven compilation projects, which he says offer a one-of-a-kind space for new artists to showcase their craft alongside their peers. “As a lifelong fan of this style of music, I’ve always had a deep appreciation for well-crafted rhythms,” Prod.LoudSpeakr shared in an interview ahead of the release. “But as a producer, I also know just how much work goes into pulling together a full rhythm compilation from start to finish.”

    The project traces its inspiration back to the hit WFYL rhythm from DJ Mac and CrashDummy, whose work motivated Prod.LoudSpeakr to build his own version of the collaborative format. He added that the compilation also grew out of his own goal to expand his production portfolio and connect with emerging creators he had never collaborated with before.

    To build the project’s diverse lineup, Prod.LoudSpeakr launched the 1876 Riddim Challenge, an open call that invited aspiring artists to showcase their skills for a spot on the compilation and a chance to win a grand prize. The challenge was promoted across major social platforms including TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, which helped the producer attract talent from a wide range of musical and geographic backgrounds. Nigerian artist Jayidudu, for example, secured his place on the lineup through the open challenge.

    Prod.LoudSpeakr also partnered with Di Versatile One, a member of the Future Squad Music collective who hosts the popular TikTok series *High Voltage Wednesdays*—a program dedicated to highlighting underrated emerging artists. Di Versatile One leveraged his extensive industry network to connect the producer with a cohort of Jamaican talents, including Briggy Benz, Sleepy Landell, DejaMck, Trogad, and J Mari, all of whom wound up featured on the final tracklist. An additional introduction through industry connection Toya Famous brought Vybrid of 1neMission onto the project.

    Every track on the compilation was mixed and mastered by CheekyDon Music, whose work helped pull the diverse collection of songs into a cohesive, polished final project. All in all, the entire process from initial concept to final master took roughly four months to complete, and Prod.LoudSpeakr says the June 26 launch date lines up perfectly with the project’s energetic, warm sound. “This felt like the perfect time to drop it, because the whole compilation has such a strong summer vibe,” he explained. “It’s a well-rounded project with a track that every listener can connect with.”

    Musically, Prod.LoudSpeakr describes the core 1876 Riddim as energetic, melodic, and versatile, clocking in at 95 BPM and composed in the key of E.

    DejaMck, a Jamaican artist originally from Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland who has pursued music professionally since 2020, called the 1876 Riddim an exciting opportunity for all the artists involved. He was introduced to the project through Di Versatile One, and immediately jumped at the chance to contribute his track *Love Yuh Body*, which adds a distinct new layer to the compilation. “When I heard the rhythm, I knew it was fire right away,” DejaMck said. “My track fit perfectly, and the engineer did such an amazing job with the mastering. The whole project is really promising, full of quality content. The biggest strength of this whole thing is just how much team work went into it.” As release day approaches, DejaMck says he’s optimistic the project will get the recognition it deserves from listeners and industry alike.

    Even as he wraps up work on the 1876 Riddim, Prod.LoudSpeakr is already looking ahead to upcoming projects, including a full EP for featured artist Vybrid expected to drop later in 2024. For now, though, his core goal for the compilation is simple: to create lasting, meaningful opportunities for every artist involved.

    “Our ultimate hope is that the 1876 Riddim becomes a launchpad that lifts up every artist on the project, and introduces their work to whole new audiences,” he explained. “Beyond streams and chart numbers, we want this project to create new opportunities, spark genuine connections between creators and fans, and show what collaboration can do. If listeners walk away finding a new favorite artist, feeling inspired by the music, or gaining a deeper appreciation for Caribbean culture, then this project has accomplished everything we set out to do.”

  • Hopeton Lindo, Hawkeye join Favorite

    Hopeton Lindo, Hawkeye join Favorite

    Two iconic 1990s-born reggae talents, Hopeton Lindo and Hawkeye, have officially unveiled their much-anticipated collaborative single *Favorite*, which dropped globally on all major streaming platforms May 29 via independent music distributor Zojak Worldwide.

    Produced by Lindo under his own Irie Pen Records label, *Favorite* falls into the beloved lovers’ rock reggae subgenre, crafted atop the eponymous Favorite rhythm. Lyrically, the track finds each artist opening up about their deep admiration and affectionate attachment to their romantic partners, breaking down the unique qualities that make each woman one-of-a-kind in their eyes.

    Decades after both broke into the mainstream reggae landscape in the 1990s, the pair brings an unmistakable classic reggae warmth to the new release. Lindo’s velvety, polished vocal delivery pairs flawlessly with Hawkeye’s signature deejay styling, resulting in a seamless cross-style blend that underscores the enduring, cross-generational appeal of vintage Jamaican reggae.

    The collaboration came to fruition after the two veteran entertainers reconnected in Kingston, Jamaica this past March. Though they had been casual acquaintances for decades, their professional and personal bond deepened while working extensively alongside the legendary Jamaican production duo Sly and Robbie at the pair’s iconic Kingston recording studio.

    Hawkeye shared genuine excitement about the project, saying he holds immense respect for Lindo’s decades-long career. “Working with Hopeton Lindo is legendary, I would say. You’re talking about a legend with hit songs and exceptional lyrical delivery joining forces with Hawkeye…” he shared in a statement.

    Lindo, who first made a name for himself as a solo artist with fan-favorite tracks including *Territory*, *Silent Consent*, and *Lonely Night*, has built an equally impressive reputation beyond his own recording career as a go-to hit songwriter. Over decades in the industry, he has penned or co-penned some of reggae’s most enduring classics, from Maxi Priest’s *Temptress* to Gregory Isaacs’ *Red Rose for Gregory*, J C Lodge’s *Telephone Love*, Brian & Tony Gold’s *Can You*, and Buju Banton’s *Wanna Be Loved*.

    The new single is not an isolated project: it acts as a standout addition to the larger *Favorite* rhythm compilation, which also features vocal contributions from a slate of top reggae talent including Sanchez, Anthony Malvo, Peter G, Novel T, Inique, and Lindo on a separate solo cut. The full compilation also includes a special juggling mix from King Waggy T, a foundational pioneer in the South Florida sound system scene.

    Critics and early listeners have already highlighted *Favorite* for its raw, authentic reggae energy and standout performances from two of the genre’s most respected long-time artists. The single firmly cements itself as a memorable new chapter in the broader cross-artist *Favorite* rhythm project.