KINGSTON, Jamaica — Amid a concerning surge in suicide cases across the nation, Dr. Alfred Dawes, the Opposition Spokesperson on Health and Wellness, has urged a collective effort to tackle Jamaica’s deepening mental health crisis. The call comes as the country recorded its highest suicide rate in 23 years in 2024, with alarming statistics highlighting the urgent need for intervention.
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UK police probe fire at mosque as ‘hate crime’
Authorities in the United Kingdom are probing a suspected arson attack at a mosque in Peacehaven, southern England, as a hate crime. The incident occurred late Saturday, causing damage to the mosque’s front entrance and a nearby vehicle, though no injuries were reported. Sussex Police have released images of two masked individuals dressed in dark clothing, urging the public to assist in identifying them. Detective Inspector Gavin Patch described the act as an “appalling and reckless attack,” emphasizing its potential to endanger lives and undermine community safety. The investigation is ongoing, with multiple lines of inquiry being pursued. This incident follows a deadly attack on a synagogue in Manchester last Thursday, which left two dead and three seriously injured, with authorities exploring potential links to Islamist extremism. A spokesperson for the Peacehaven mosque expressed gratitude that no one was harmed and called for unity and compassion in response to hate. Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood labeled the attack “deeply concerning,” stating that assaults on British Muslims are attacks on the nation itself. Phil Rosenberg, president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, condemned the arson and appealed for solidarity, emphasizing the right of all faith communities to worship without fear. He urged the nation to unite against hate, rejecting the notion of a divided kingdom.
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Photographer accused of assaulting woman in studio bathroom
In a disturbing incident in St James, Jamaica, a local photographer has been formally charged with attempted rape and grievous sexual assault. The accused, 55-year-old Wellesley Morrison from Main Street, Mount Salem, allegedly attacked a woman at his photo studio on the morning of Wednesday, October 1. The victim, who had visited the studio, was reportedly confronted by Morrison after using the bathroom. He is accused of preventing her from leaving and subsequently sexually assaulting her. The incident was reported to the authorities, leading to Morrison’s arrest on Thursday. Charges were filed the following day, and his court appearance is currently being scheduled. This case has sparked outrage and raised concerns about safety in public spaces.
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Mikey Spice reflects on first breakthrough cover
In 1994, Barry White’s sultry hit ‘Practice What You Preach’ dominated the U.S. pop charts, marking a significant comeback for the legendary artist. A year later, a reggae rendition of the song introduced Mikey Spice, then an unknown singer, to the dancehall scene. Now, three decades later, Spice credits the Barry O’Hare-produced track for sustaining his career and livelihood. In a recent interview with Observer Online, Spice humorously remarked, ‘It’s done a lot. I have frequent meals, I live somewhere, I have clothes on my back, my kids are fed.’ He added, ‘It was a good one, I didn’t expect it, as a matter of fact, but it came and we accepted it.’ Known for his distinctive baritone, Spice is set to perform on October 11 at the Crown Hill Theatre in Brooklyn, New York, followed by a gig at the Prestige Palace in Freeport, Long Island, the next day. Before ‘Practice What You Preach,’ Spice gained recognition as a singer and multi-instrumentalist on the North Coast hotel circuit, a hub for emerging talents like Benjy Myaz and Paul Kastick. His collaboration with O’Hare, a renowned studio engineer in Ocho Rios who worked with artists such as Burning Spear and Buju Banton, proved pivotal. The song marked O’Hare’s first major success as a producer before his passing in 2020. Spice continued his rise with the 1995 hit ‘Born Again,’ produced by Bobby Digital, and has since consistently charted with tracks like ‘Grab yu Lass’ and a cover of Neil Diamond’s ‘I Am I Said.’
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PNP’s Gordon calls for urgent action to address Sandy Gully
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Dennis Gordon, the People’s National Party (PNP) spokesperson on Urban Renewal and Redevelopment, has issued a pressing appeal to the Jamaican Government to address the deteriorating state of the Sandy Gully, a critical drainage channel in the Corporate Area. Gordon emphasized that years of underinvestment have left the gully in a state of neglect, posing a significant threat to both lives and property.
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Man charged after allegedly pulling gun on pump attendant and security guard
A 53-year-old construction worker from Ocho Rios, Jamaica, has been formally charged with possession of a prohibited weapon and assault at common law following a tense altercation at a gas station in Discovery Bay, St Ann. Gary Ferguson, a resident of Great Pond, allegedly brandished a firearm during a dispute with a pump attendant on September 15. The incident occurred around 11:50 am when Ferguson parked his vehicle at the gas station and engaged in a heated argument with the attendant. Witnesses claim Ferguson pulled a gun from his pocket, pointed it at the attendant, and issued threats, prompting the attendant to flee to a nearby store for safety. There, she alerted the store supervisor and an on-duty security guard. Ferguson reportedly confronted the guard, accusing him of recording the incident. He allegedly drew his firearm again, pointed it at the guard’s face, and seized his phone while issuing further threats. After the confrontation, Ferguson fled the scene in his vehicle but was later intercepted by law enforcement. Police seized a 45mm pistol and took Ferguson into custody. On October 3, Ferguson was formally charged based on collected statements. A court date is currently being finalized.
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Twenty wounded in Sydney shooting
A 60-year-old man is now in police custody following a shocking mass shooting in Sydney’s Inner West suburb, which left 20 people injured. The incident occurred on Sunday evening when the suspect allegedly fired between 50 to 100 bullets indiscriminately at passing vehicles, including police cars, according to authorities. New South Wales Police Acting Superintendent Stephen Parry described the scene as chaotic, with the gunman’s actions posing a significant threat to public safety. After a two-hour standoff, police successfully apprehended the suspect in a unit above a local business. The man sustained injuries during his arrest and was subsequently hospitalized. Among the victims, one man is in serious condition after being shot, while 19 others suffered injuries from shrapnel or shattered glass. Witnesses described the scene as surreal, with one individual comparing it to a movie due to the loud gunshots, flashes, and smoke. Authorities have launched a full investigation into the incident. Mass shootings remain rare in Australia, a country that implemented strict gun control measures following the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, which claimed 35 lives.
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Ethan Mbappe returns to haunt PSG as Lille force draw with Ligue 1 leaders
In a dramatic Ligue 1 showdown on Sunday, Ethan Mbappe, younger brother of Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe, emerged as the hero for Lille by scoring a late equalizer against his former club Paris Saint-Germain. The 1-1 draw at Stade Pierre-Mauroy allowed injury-plagued PSG to maintain a one-point lead at the top of the league, but the spotlight was firmly on the 18-year-old substitute. PSG had taken the lead through a stunning free-kick by Nuno Mendes in the second half, but Ethan Mbappe’s composed finish in the 85th minute ensured the spoils were shared. PSG coach Luis Enrique admitted fatigue played a role, saying, ‘We prioritized the players’ health after a tough week.’ Meanwhile, Lyon suffered a shocking 2-1 defeat at home to Toulouse, with new signing Emersonn scoring a brace, including a dramatic 96th-minute winner. The result saw Lyon drop to fourth in the table. Elsewhere, Monaco and Nice played out a thrilling 2-2 draw, while Strasbourg climbed to third with a dominant 5-0 victory over Angers.
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Future Fambo suffers ‘mild heart attack’
Renowned dancehall artist Future Fambo, born Warren Gladstone Williams, experienced a mild heart attack in New York on Sunday, prompting an urgent response from FDNY medical personnel. The incident occurred after the artist, who has been diagnosed with diabetes, consumed cornmeal porridge following a period of fasting due to extensive travel. Fambo shared a 28-second video on Instagram, showing himself on a sofa, clad in underpants, connected to medical equipment as paramedics worked to stabilize his condition. He described feeling cold sweats and blurred vision, which led his friend to call for emergency assistance. Fambo attributed the episode to a sudden drop in blood sugar exacerbated by the porridge. Despite the scare, he opted to recover at home rather than go to the hospital, reassuring fans that he is now “alright.” The artist revealed that he received concerned calls from fellow dancehall stars, including Sean Paul, Flexx, and Mavado. Reflecting on the incident, Fambo expressed his intention to embrace Christianity in January 2024, citing disillusionment with the music industry’s hypocrisy. He recently released a gospel-inspired single, “Amazing Song,” on World Blast Records, emphasizing his spiritual journey. Fambo also shared that he had prayed for half an hour before the heart attack, viewing it as a pivotal moment in his life.
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Don Yute teams up with Half Pint for ‘Beautiful Girls’
Dancehall icon Don Yute has joined forces with reggae legend Half Pint to create the Afrobeats-infused track ‘Beautiful Girls,’ which has been dominating the airwaves since its recent release. The single, produced under the Manatee Records-Golden Child Records labels, has garnered significant attention, particularly on platforms like Spotify in Europe and Boomplay in Africa.
Don Yute shared the spontaneous creative process behind the song, recalling how Half Pint effortlessly contributed to the track during a studio session. ‘We just started cooking it up on the spot,’ he said, praising Half Pint’s legendary vocal prowess and adaptability to the uptempo rhythm. The collaboration has been described as a dream come true for Don Yute, who admires Half Pint’s contributions to reggae music.
Plans for a music video are already in motion, with fans eagerly anticipating its release. The track has resonated particularly well with female listeners, who appreciate its unique sound. ‘Beautiful Girls’ is one of the lead singles from Don Yute’s upcoming album, ‘Butterflies and Daisies,’ which will be celebrated with a release party in Miami on October 26. The event promises a nostalgic house party vibe, with the first 50 attendees receiving a free thumb drive of the album.
The album features other tracks such as ‘Live Life,’ ‘Pop It Like a Bottle,’ ‘Diamonds and Pearls,’ and the title track ‘Butterflies and Daisies.’ Don Yute, known for his 1993 hit ‘Loving Excess’ with Wayne Wonder, has solidified his place in dancehall history as a pioneer of the 1990s era. His career has spanned decades, with collaborations with artists like Akon, Pitbull, and Jermaine Dupri, as well as placements in NBA games, movies, and TV series.
Despite his extensive achievements, Don Yute remains passionate about creating music that transcends cultural boundaries. ‘What’s next for me is just to keep dropping different sounds on digital platforms,’ he said, encouraging fans to follow his work across all digital channels.