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  • Fuel Tax Cuts Drain $80M from Belize Revenues

    Fuel Tax Cuts Drain $80M from Belize Revenues

    BELIZE CITY – May 20, 2026 – Sustained fuel tax cuts implemented by Belize’s ruling administration to buffer households from skyrocketing global fuel prices have already stripped $80 million from the national treasury, Prime Minister John Briceño has confirmed. Speaking to media this Wednesday morning, Briceño made clear that the government has no plans to reverse the policy, arguing that passing the full weight of global price volatility onto ordinary citizens is economically and politically untenable.

    “We simply cannot transfer the entire cost burden to Belizean families. That is why this government made a deliberate choice to cut the fuel taxes we collect,” Briceño stated. The most recent round of cuts shaved approximately one dollar off the per-gallon cost of fuel, taking effect at midnight this Wednesday. Even with these reductions, official price adjustments released overnight show that overall fuel market trends remain upward: regular gasoline has jumped by more than one dollar per gallon, though the adjustment brought unexpected drops for premium gasoline and diesel, leaving premium fuel actually cheaper than regular at retail pumps. Kerosene prices also declined in the latest adjustment.

    Current tax and government levies still account for roughly 25 percent of the average price motorists pay per gallon of fuel, even after the multiple rounds of cuts implemented by Briceño’s government. As the government continues absorbing massive revenue losses to keep fuel costs manageable, the parliamentary opposition has ramped up pressure on the administration over the growing cost of living crisis.

    United Democratic Party (UDP) Leader Tracy Panton framed the current crisis of soaring fuel and living costs as “COVID 2.0” during an appearance on the popular *Open Your Eyes* morning talk show Wednesday. Panton echoed the prime minister’s own framing of imported inflation, noting that just like the COVID-19 pandemic originated outside Belize’s borders, the current fuel price surge is driven by the volatile ongoing conflict in the Middle East that pushes up global crude acquisition costs.

    But Panton emphasized that regardless of the external root of the crisis, the Belizean government bears a clear responsibility to protect working people and vulnerable communities from the fallout. “Inflation may be imported, but we have a responsibility as a government to mitigate the impact on Belizeans, the working class, the vulnerable,” Panton said.

    Briceño pushed back against criticism Wednesday, defending his administration’s actions by noting the government is already doing everything possible to cap fuel costs for consumers. To offset the $80 million in lost revenue and balance the national budget, Briceño confirmed the government is targeting cuts to non-essential spending on goods and services, but drew a line at slashing critical social support programs, which will remain fully protected from budget trimming.

    “Even as fuel prices continue to climb, we are keeping taxes cut because we are committed to finding a sustainable balance between the global market cost of fuel and the tax burden our people face,” Briceño added. Full coverage of the ongoing fuel price crisis and government response will air this evening on News 5 Live at 6 p.m.

  • COFCOR-voorzitter Bouva wil sterkere positie CARICOM op wereldtoneel

    COFCOR-voorzitter Bouva wil sterkere positie CARICOM op wereldtoneel

    On May 20, Suriname officially took over the rotating chairmanship of the Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR), the key ministerial coordination body for foreign affairs of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), at the opening of the body’s 29th plenary session held in Paramaribo. The gathering, hosted at Paramaribo’s Yogh Hospitality, brought together top foreign affairs officials from across the Caribbean bloc to align shared positions on pressing cross-regional and global challenges.

    In his keynote opening address, incoming chairman Melvin Bouva, Suriname’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, outlined a clear priority agenda for his tenure, emphasizing that the Caribbean bloc must amplify its collective profile on the global stage. Bouva argued that CARICOM, as a region rich in natural resources, holds unique strategic importance for the entire world. He called on member states to not only deepen existing partnerships with major international actors, but also conduct rigorous reviews of current cooperation frameworks to ensure they deliver tangible, equitable benefits to all Caribbean nations.

    Bouva also noted that Suriname’s leadership of COFCOR lays critical groundwork for the country’s upcoming assumption of the overall CARICOM presidency, which President Jennifer Simons will take over in July this year. During Suriname’s COFCOR chairmanship, top policy priorities will include advancing coordinated action on climate change adaptation, strengthening regional energy and food security, and expanding cross-regional connectivity infrastructure. Expanding strategic cooperation with partner nations across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East also sits high on the agenda. Beyond these new priorities, the ongoing humanitarian and political crisis in Haiti remains a core ongoing focus for the bloc, while discussions will also cover shifting global geopolitical dynamics and the potential expansion of CARICOM’s membership.

    Outgoing chairman Denzil Douglas, who led COFCOR through the 2025-2026 term, opened the session with a retrospective of his tenure, marked by rising global tensions and growing instability in the international rules-based order. Douglas pointed to ongoing armed conflicts in Eastern Europe and the Middle East as key sources of spillover risk for small island and coastal Caribbean states, noting that small nations increasingly face challenges navigating a global order where narrow national interests often override agreed international norms.

    Douglas stressed that sustained unity among CARICOM member states remains non-negotiable to protect regional stability, pointing to ongoing crises in Haiti, Cuba and Venezuela, alongside recurring global public health threats including hantavirus and Ebola, as clear examples of challenges that demand a coordinated collective response. He concluded his address by formally congratulating Bouva and the Suriname delegation on assuming the COFCOR chairmanship, expressing his confidence that the incoming leadership will successfully strengthen CARICOM’s collective voice in global affairs.

  • Govia Welcomes New Senate, Praises Youth and Female Representation

    Govia Welcomes New Senate, Praises Youth and Female Representation

    In the ceremonial opening of Antigua and Barbuda’s Senate this Wednesday, held weeks after the April 30 general election reshaped the nation’s legislative bodies, Leader of Government Business in the Senate Shenella Govia opened proceedings with warm welcomes, reflective praise, and a forward-looking call for collaborative governance.

    First, Govia extended her congratulations to Alincia Williams-Grant and Philip Shoul, who secured re-election to the top leadership roles of the Upper House. Addressing Williams-Grant directly, Govia expressed full confidence in the pair’s leadership, saying, “I know that you’re more than capable to lead this honorable house.”

    Beyond leadership appointments, Govia centered much of her address on the shifting demographic makeup of the government’s Senate caucus, celebrating what she framed as meaningful progress toward inclusive governance. She highlighted that five members of the government bloc are women, a milestone that transformed the chamber into what she called “an institution of empowerment and an institution of opportunity.” Reflecting on the shift, she added, “How refreshing it is specifically to see five of us on this side as women.”

    Govia also turned attention to the growing inclusion of young people in the nation’s legislative landscape, pointing to a clear pipeline of young political talent nurtured through Senate service. She noted that multiple young former senators from the previous term have now advanced to take up seats in the lower House of Representatives, a progression she credited to the intentional work of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party. “We have seen it from the last Senate … and now they are in the lower house. This is the type of institution that the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party continues to build,” she explained.

    Extending her welcome across the aisle, Govia extended greetings to newly appointed opposition senators, sharing her hope that the incoming parliamentary term would be defined by rigorous, productive debate that serves the best interests of the nation. “We look forward to a very interesting debate in this house,” she said. “May our discussions be very fruitful.”

    Closing her address, Govia offered gratitude to Prime Minister Gaston Browne for the trust he placed in all government-appointed senators, and confirmed she was eager to continue her own service in the role of Leader of Government Business in the Senate for the new term.

  • Mayor Lendor-Gabriel shares journey raising autistic son

    Mayor Lendor-Gabriel shares journey raising autistic son

    In a vulnerable, insightful conversation with St Lucia Times, Castries Mayor Geraldine Lendor-Gabriel has pulled back the curtain on her years-long journey raising Kyan Gabriel, her autistic son, walking readers through the unique hurdles, unexpected life lessons, and hard-won victories that have reshaped her family’s perspective and fueled her child’s extraordinary growth. For Lendor-Gabriel, parenting a neurodivergent child begins with a core shift in mindset: every child is an unplanned gift, and it is a parent’s duty to nurture that gift exactly as it is, rather than trying to force it to fit preconceived expectations.

    “You cannot determine what child that you have, but once you are gifted with that child, you have a responsibility to ensure that you will nurture that child in the best way that you can,” she explained, adding that meaningful development rests on three non-negotiable pillars: a child must feel unconditionally loved, gain the skills to function confidently in broader society, and access a consistent, high-quality education that meets their needs.

    Lendor-Gabriel identifies wholehearted parental acceptance as the foundational first step for any family navigating an autism diagnosis, paired with intentional outreach to qualified support systems. She specifically credits Saint Lucia’s Child Development and Guidance Centre for the transformative impact it had on Kyan’s early development. When he was young, Kyan was completely non-verbal, but targeted support from the centre helped him make the dramatic transition to communicating verbally – a leap that changed the trajectory of his life.

    Developing mutual understanding with an autistic child, she notes, demands intentional patience and sharp attentiveness. Parents must carve out consistent time to learn their child’s unique mode of expression, prioritize adapting communication strategies to fit the child’s needs, and pay close attention to how their child responds to different environments and interactions.

    In Kyan’s case, early exposure to learning materials unlocked abilities that many would have never expected. Even when he was still non-verbal, he demonstrated striking cognitive skill: he taught himself to read and write independently, and by 3 and a half years old, he could spell complex words like “xylophone” with ease. Lendor-Gabriel emphasizes that this breakthrough teaches a critical lesson: parents must provide early, consistent exposure to new experiences and learning tools, because it is impossible to know what potential a child holds until they are given that chance. Most importantly, she stresses, a lack of verbal communication does not equal a lack of cognitive function.

    Of course, the journey has not been without challenges. Lendor-Gabriel openly shares that Kyan has often faced misunderstanding and judgment from the general public, with members of the community frequently reacting negatively to his behavior and approaching the mayor to criticize her parenting. She reminds other parents going through similar experiences that these harsh reactions almost always stem from ignorance, not malice: “the person does not understand that child,” she explains. She also counsels families to teach neurotypical siblings to practice empathy and patience, encouraging them to respond with compassion rather than frustration when others misunderstand their brother or sister.

    One of the most critical pieces of advice Lendor-Gabriel offers to parents of autistic children is to avoid isolating their kids from the broader community. “One of the things you should not do is hide the child,” she says, pushing back against the social pressure that many families feel to keep neurodivergent children out of public life. Instead, she argues, integration is key: autistic children deserve the same chances to interact and grow in mainstream society, because there is no separate “special world” that can meet their need for connection and growth.

    Community and institutional support remain non-negotiable for meaningful integration, she adds. Lendor-Gabriel expressed deep gratitude to the educators and institutions that supported Kyan’s journey, particularly those who made his inclusion in the mainstream public education system possible. She describes mainstream education as a core component of success for neurodivergent young people, while acknowledging that accommodations like full-time learning aides are often necessary during a child’s early school years.

    Kyan’s journey has culminated in remarkable academic success: he graduated from the public education system with seven O-Levels and took home four subject-specific academic prizes. Lendor-Gabriel attributes this achievement not just to Kyan’s natural ability, but to the consistent, coordinated support between school faculty and family that created the conditions for him to thrive.

    Beyond academics, Kyan is a multi-talented musician with a passion for guitar, inspired by iconic Saint Lucian musician Ronald “Boo” Hinkson. Lendor-Gabriel advocated for Kyan to be accepted into a community music program where his talent could be nurtured, opening the door to mentorship and public performance opportunities. Kyan has even written his own song, titled “This Is Me,” which carries a powerful, unapologetic message for autistic people and their advocates: “I’m not broken, I’m just unique.” The song stands as a broader rallying cry for widespread acceptance of all children on the autism spectrum.

    Through sharing her family’s story, Lendor-Gabriel hopes to shift public perspective on autism, empower other parents to embrace their children fully, and build a more inclusive society that meets the needs of neurodivergent people across the island.

  • St Kitts receives Caribbean nationals, including from Jamaica, deported from US

    St Kitts receives Caribbean nationals, including from Jamaica, deported from US

    BASSETERRE, St Kitts — On May 20, 2026, the government of St Kitts and Nevis confirmed the arrival of three Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nationals — one Jamaican and two Belizeans — transferred to the federation after being deported from the United States, under a pre-existing bilateral memorandum of understanding (MOU) covering third-country national transfers.

    In an official public statement addressing the transfer, the St Kitts and Nevis government clarified that the movement of the three individuals was carried out strictly in line with the terms of the agreement between the twin-island federation and the U.S. government, which applies specifically to CARICOM citizens that are third-country nationals in U.S. migration custody. Importantly, the entire processing and transfer process incurs no financial cost to the St Kitts and Nevis government.

    Per the arrangements laid out in the MOU, the three arrivals will go through the federation’s standard immigration and national security vetting procedures, after which they will receive the immigration status and legal residency that CARICOM citizens are routinely entitled to under St Kitts and Nevis law.

    The government moved quickly to reassure the local public that all relevant national security, immigration, and law enforcement agencies have been fully involved at every stage of the transfer. Ahead of the individuals’ arrival, U.S. authorities shared all available biographical, medical, and criminal background information on the three transferees with local officials.

    Crucially, the statement emphasized that none of the three individuals were transferred due to criminal convictions. Their removal from the United States stems exclusively from immigration violations committed on U.S. soil. Under the terms of the arrangement, the three Caribbean nationals are free to return to their respective countries of citizenship at any time, should they choose to do so, provided they meet the immigration and legal requirements of Jamaica and Belize.

    St Kitts and Nevis reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to the responsible management of migration issues, full compliance with its international agreements, and the ongoing protection of public safety and national sovereignty. The government urged local residents to only rely on official government channels for accurate updates and information related to this transfer, to avoid the spread of misinformation.

    St Kitts and Nevis is not the only CARICOM member state to enter into this type of migration transfer agreement with the United States. Other regional nations including Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda have signed similar arrangements. Speaking to journalists on the “Roundtable” program in January 2026, Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew explained that the U.S. reached out to St Kitts and Nevis alongside other CARICOM members, and the federation opted to take a proactive approach in negotiations to reach a mutually acceptable arrangement that aligns with regional and national interests.

  • Employers urged to prioritise worker wellbeing as sickness claims rise

    Employers urged to prioritise worker wellbeing as sickness claims rise

    Across Saint Lucia, rising rates of employee burnout, increased sick leave usage, and the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are pushing the island’s human resource industry to call for urgent action from local employers to elevate workforce wellbeing as a core business priority.

    The official appeal from The Association of Human Resource Management Professionals (Saint Lucia) Ltd. (AHRMP) arrives as the National Insurance Corporation (NIC) has documented a steady uptick in sickness benefit claims. Projections from the NIC warn that if current public health trends remain unchanged, this number will continue to climb in coming months and years.

    In a public statement issued Wednesday, AHRMP framed the crisis as far more than a standalone public health issue. It has evolved into a systemic workforce challenge and economic headwind that threatens both individual business success and the broader national development of Saint Lucia.

    “A healthy workforce is no longer simply a wellness issue – it is a business imperative,” stated AHRMP President Goretti Paul in the address.

    Paul explained that poor employee health directly manifests in costly operational outcomes: higher rates of unplanned absenteeism, persistent on-the-job fatigue, lower team engagement, reduced output per worker, and increased strain on daily organizational operations. Businesses that choose not to invest in building healthier work environments, she warned, put their long-term performance, operational resilience, and overall sustainability at serious risk.

    The association also emphasized that modern workplace health challenges extend far beyond physical illness. Mental and emotional wellbeing have emerged as equally critical factors that can shape employee performance and overall workplace effectiveness, with unaddressed mental health issues creating hidden costs for businesses of all sizes.

    To contextualize the global scale of the issue, AHRMP cited recent data from the World Health Organisation (WHO), which estimates that 12 billion working days are lost to depression and anxiety across the globe every year. That lost workforce capacity translates to roughly $1 trillion USD in global productivity losses annually.

    In Saint Lucia, the same patterns hold: chronic stress, occupational burnout, long-term physical illness, and untreated mental health challenges are all dragging down workforce engagement and weakening organizational bottom lines.

    To reverse these trends, AHRMP is encouraging local employers to expand existing workplace wellness programs and scale up preventative health initiatives. It specifically called for increased focus on mental health awareness, the creation of healthier physical and cultural work environments, proactive workload management, and intentional support for employee work-life balance.

    “Employees are navigating increasingly demanding realities both inside and outside of the workplace,” Paul noted, adding that modern work and life pressures have created new expectations for employer support that many organizations have yet to meet.

    “Organisations must therefore become more intentional about how work is structured, how people are managed, and how supportive workplace practices are integrated into daily operations. Investing in workforce wellbeing strengthens performance, retention, resilience, and overall business sustainability,” Paul explained.

    The association also expressed support for the growing national focus on occupational safety, health, and wellness across Saint Lucia. It called for sustained cross-sector collaboration between employers, labor groups, government agencies, and other key stakeholders to drive systemic improvements to workforce health across the island.

    At its core, AHRMP’s message urges all local organizations to reposition employee wellbeing as a strategic business priority, one that is directly tied to organizational productivity, business resilience, and long-term inclusive economic growth for the entire nation.

  • 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.